Angela Murray comment-8880 2009-06-05T07:50:48Z 2009-06-05T07:50:48Z Great article! Right before the recession hit, I took a job making half of what I was making previously, so we had to make some serious adjustments to accomodate that anyway. Now I am used to living with less, and plan to continue that trend - I like the idea of living below my means and keeping material things to a minimum - that gives me peace of mind. Angela Murray 2009-06-05T07:50:48Z Angela Murray comment-8565 2009-05-30T06:53:13Z 2009-05-30T06:53:13Z I'm so disappointed I missed it! It looks like fun! Angela Murray 2009-05-30T06:53:13Z Angela Murray comment-8564 2009-05-30T06:50:37Z 2009-05-30T06:50:37Z Thank you! I am headed there in the morning - the schedule is very helpful! Angela Murray 2009-05-30T06:50:37Z Angela Murray comment-8563 2009-05-30T06:40:38Z 2009-05-30T06:40:38Z Thank you for the insightful and objective article, as well as the link. Based on my experience riding RT the past two years, I believe the fares are well worth the cost - I just wish there was another way to fundraise or balance the budget. When fares increase too much, RT loses riders, and the fares do not generate as much renvenue as might be otherwise anticipated, and the cycle of falling shor tof budget and raising rates continues. Angela Murray 2009-05-30T06:40:38Z Angela Murray comment-6869 2009-04-29T02:12:45Z 2009-04-29T02:12:45Z This is an interesting history! I have long felt that this was an outdated stereotype, not a funny one at that, and it's great to see it addressed here. I see police at many of the places I frequent from coffee shops to sandwich shops - there's not one particular place or food they congregate around - they deserve a break and meal, coffee, or snack just like the rest of us, and the old stereotype just does not have a place in today's society. The analogy of cops and donuts is detrimental to their image, unrealistic, and does not allow for an officer to be an individual. I dislike stereotypes in general, and this is one I'd be especially happy to see become obsolete! Angela Murray 2009-04-29T02:12:45Z Angela Murray comment-6868 2009-04-29T02:01:53Z 2009-04-29T02:01:53Z I'm glad no one was hurt, and it is nice to see local news briefs on here. Angela Murray 2009-04-29T02:01:53Z Angela Murray comment-6867 2009-04-29T02:00:29Z 2009-04-29T02:00:29Z Is the seminar free of charge? If not this appears to be a sales pitch for the seminar, which would be concerning as I would hope we can keep this venue free of that. If it is a free seminar it is great to know about it but the pitch for it seems strong. Angela Murray 2009-04-29T02:00:29Z Angela Murray comment-6866 2009-04-29T01:57:38Z 2009-04-29T01:57:38Z I appreciate this issue being addressed on Sac Press - I have my concerns as well as my doubts in regards to what the media is reporting. The more accurate information I can obtain, the better I feel, though I am not overly worried yet. Angela Murray 2009-04-29T01:57:38Z Angela Murray comment-6686 2009-04-24T23:19:50Z 2009-04-24T23:19:50Z Thank you! The farmer's markets are truly a venue to be appreciated. The abundance, cost, and freshness of the food are not found in all parts of the world, and I believe there are few markets that can truly rival the Sacramento Farmer's Markets. Angela Murray 2009-04-24T23:19:50Z Angela Murray comment-6685 2009-04-24T23:09:42Z 2009-04-24T23:09:42Z This is great! It seems like I always learn something new each time I visit the Press! Angela Murray 2009-04-24T23:09:42Z Angela Murray comment-6333 2009-04-17T19:25:28Z 2009-04-17T19:25:28Z Thank you for allowing us such a terrific venue for our local news. I enjoy the active discussions and information provided here! Angela Murray 2009-04-17T19:25:28Z Angela Murray comment-6277 2009-04-16T23:49:27Z 2009-04-16T23:49:27Z Creating more dog parks could be a good solution - for me it is challenging, because we have had countless dogs run up to us unattended and we have no idea of their temperment. Once they approach, more of them are friendly than not, and that's fine - it's that initial concern of not knowing the temperment of a dog who is flying up to us and absolutely not responding to their owner's call backs. Our girl has been attacked unprovoked by a dog we were told was friendly, and it was truly an awful experience. As far as leashed dogs sniffing other leashed dogs - I honestly love for our dogs to meet other dogs - and I always ask if it is ok, some people say no, their dog isn't friendly, but most say sure and our dogs get a lot of socialization that way, as well as at the occassional dog park. My issue is not with unleashed dogs in general, it is with unleashed dogs that do not respond to owner's commands, and in dangerous places such as downtown, or even on the river trail with so many bikers and other dogs. I have known dogs that were trained impeccably, and still ran out into the street because of a momentary distraction and got hit and killed. We need to protect them, as well as others and ourselves. Angela Murray 2009-04-16T23:49:27Z Angela Murray comment-6264 2009-04-16T20:31:39Z 2009-04-16T20:31:39Z This article leaves me wanting more information, but I definitely disagree with the disbanding of tent city. Like Mark, I feel that the area is centrally located and allows them access to get to the programs and resources they need to survive. Moving them accomplishes nothing for either them or the city. Angela Murray 2009-04-16T20:31:39Z Angela Murray comment-6234 2009-04-16T17:45:47Z 2009-04-16T17:45:47Z Hi Geoff - honestly, I am not sure what Sacramento as a city can do to enforce it, I just think people overall need to be more repsectful of others and their dogs. I see many, many dogs off leash in downtown, and with the busy streets and many distractions, I am always worried about them. I wouldn't advocate citing peopl, necesarrily, I truly just wish people with off leash dogs would be more considerate about where they are kept off leash. I do not live downtown, I live in a gated community so my local neighborhood is definitely better than at the American River Trail, but we enjoy our walks on the trail and so do the dogs so we should be able to go there without fear of dogs running up to us all the time. Thanks for your reply - I know this won't be a popular stance with many... Angela Murray 2009-04-16T17:45:47Z Angela Murray comment-6212 2009-04-16T05:22:25Z 2009-04-16T05:22:25Z Welcome Kathleen! I look forward to meeting you sometime, hopefully soon! Angela Murray 2009-04-16T05:22:25Z Angela Murray comment-6165 2009-04-15T00:30:28Z 2009-04-15T00:30:28Z This is disappointing - I am a proponent of Regional Transit and the excellent job they do with the money they have, but can't make sense of this decision. Angela Murray 2009-04-15T00:30:28Z Angela Murray comment-6074 2009-04-14T03:23:24Z 2009-04-14T03:23:24Z I'd love to buy, but we are stuck in our house for a while. As places go, there are worse places to be stuck - I might write a story about our community here. I wish I'd appreciated downtown back when I purchased as much as I do now - I would have made different choices. Angela Murray 2009-04-14T03:23:24Z Angela Murray comment-6062 2009-04-13T23:14:01Z 2009-04-13T23:14:01Z An edit - my Bella was a stray who appears to have had some traumatic experiences in her life - yet she continues to love and trust people with no inhibition. It was a gift to watch her grow and emerge from her shell as we cared for her and she realized she was safe. To be entrusted to care for an animal is a privilege, and the three years we have had her have been the most joyous of my life. Angela Murray 2009-04-13T23:14:01Z Angela Murray comment-6061 2009-04-13T23:11:06Z 2009-04-13T23:11:06Z Thank you very much for your post and your concern for the animals. It's devastating to see this happening, and I support anything that can be done to stop animals from suffering! Angela Murray 2009-04-13T23:11:06Z Angela Murray comment-6060 2009-04-13T23:08:46Z 2009-04-13T23:08:46Z I contacted them via email regarding volunteering, and have not received a reply as of yet. Angela Murray 2009-04-13T23:08:46Z Angela Murray comment-6059 2009-04-13T23:06:53Z 2009-04-13T23:06:53Z I agree there are lessons to be learned from our beloved pets - in fact my avatar is a picture of, conincidentally, my own beautiful Bella, who holds my heart in her hands and has given me more joy than I could ever imagine. I too, believe life is too short to live without forgivenes. The difference is, most dogs misbehave, and some humans intentionally and consciously hurt others, which is harder to forgive - there's a huge difference between the two. A dog's misbehavior is not an intent to hurt its owner, while people's behavior can be selfish, inconsiderate, and intentionally hurtful. Dogs do not have the same ability as humans, and vice versa, but that does not mean we cannot learn lessons by their unconditional love, forgiveness, and absolutely resilient spirits. Angela Murray 2009-04-13T23:06:53Z Angela Murray comment-6058 2009-04-13T22:59:21Z 2009-04-13T22:59:21Z Clarification - my question does not indicate that I support graffiti on unapproved spaces, only that I wonder if part of the excitement of the expression of graffiti, to the artist, is that they are on an unapproved space. If the space is approved, will their expression be the same, or will they then be considered just another artist without the flair? I don't know the answer, it's just a thought, and is in no way an indication that I feel it is acceptable to deface - in whatever form - space that is not approved. Angela Murray 2009-04-13T22:59:21Z Angela Murray comment-6054 2009-04-13T22:31:22Z 2009-04-13T22:31:22Z This is great, thank you! I had forgotten about the book sale, and I do intend to go. Also, UC Davis picnic day is Saturday, April 18th for those that are interested - http://picnicday.ucdavis.edu/ Angela Murray 2009-04-13T22:31:22Z Angela Murray comment-6053 2009-04-13T22:27:26Z 2009-04-13T22:27:26Z Thank you! I am a new contributor, and had planned to clarify this agreement, but it appears you have already done so. I currently do not have any conflicts with others potentially wishing to publish my work, however, I certainly hope this changes in the future! Angela Murray 2009-04-13T22:27:26Z Angela Murray comment-5969 2009-04-12T07:55:16Z 2009-04-12T07:55:16Z Hi Templar - I am never offended by an opposing point of view, and in fact expected it when I wrote this piece. I know that many people have had bad experiences on RT (all my rides on RT have not been perfect, and some areas are very challenging to get to), so my story was an attempt to point out the finer attributes of the system rather than focusing on the problems. There's so much of that already, I thought I'd let people know that we actually do have a decent system here. My only concern was the word misleading, since that was never my intent, only to show people there's a different side to the system that doesn't receive enough appreciation for what it is. Thanks for clarifying, and for sharing your opinion - it's always welcome and as I understand it, that's what this venue is for! Angela Murray 2009-04-12T07:55:16Z Angela Murray comment-5968 2009-04-12T07:50:11Z 2009-04-12T07:50:11Z Thank you for this information - I am an avid fan of the American River Trail, but always looking for new places to go! Angela Murray 2009-04-12T07:50:11Z Angela Murray comment-5967 2009-04-12T07:48:10Z 2009-04-12T07:48:10Z I think this is an ingenious idea - I enjoy the history - and hope more people will take advantage of these cabs. Personally I walk and ride my bike to most places I cannot take transit to, so this wouldn't be a necessity for me but it would seem to be ideal, especially for those who might need a break from walking around midtown on a busy weekend! Personally, I hope the cabs replace the horse carriages simply from a humane perspective. Angela Murray 2009-04-12T07:48:10Z Angela Murray comment-5966 2009-04-12T07:42:20Z 2009-04-12T07:42:20Z I am an avid coffee drinker and am really excited about following your story. I frequent Peet's out of convenience, but I enjoy the atmosphere in Temple - despire slower service as someone mentioned, they are friendly and knowledgeable each time I've been there and I feel I can relax in there. I'll look around midtown and throw in a suggestion if I see a place that has not been mentioned! Angela Murray 2009-04-12T07:42:20Z Angela Murray comment-5965 2009-04-12T07:35:15Z 2009-04-12T07:35:15Z I like the distinction between graffiti and tagging - though society in general does tent to meld the two - they are seperate, and should be recognized and treated seperately. I don't consider tagging to be art - though it's a form of expression it is usually not pleasant for most people to look at anywhere. Graffiti can be artistic, but lacks a true venue, and as 54c refers to - it just is not the same experience when viewing it in a controlled environment. These days, however, what isn't a controlled environment - if someone paints graffiti on a space that isn't approved, it's considered tagging no matter how beautiful. If the space has been approved for graffiti art - is it as exciting to paint it? That's a question for the artists.... Angela Murray 2009-04-12T07:35:15Z Angela Murray comment-5922 2009-04-11T06:13:19Z 2009-04-11T06:13:19Z Templar - I don't feel I am misleading others in my analysis - it is my opinion of why I enjoy taking the bus and my attempt to dispell some of the negative steretypes RT and the drivers receive for circumstances over which they have no control - such as times and destinations. I have, in fact, experienced just the situation you described, and it was in February on a weekend, in fact, so RT is not without it's inconveniences, it's just that I choose to deal with the inconveniences because I feel that for me, the benefits outweigh them most of the time. I'm aware of the schedules and how long I will need to wait before I take a bus, and how long it is for a connecting bus if I miss a bus, so I come prepared - in fact I carry the timetable around with me - or I choose an alternate method of transportation. There are days when even my commute to work takes me at least 1/2 hour longer than it would have if I had driven, but again, it's a choice because in that 1/2 hour I might read, or meet someone new. William, very well stated - thank you! Angela Murray 2009-04-11T06:13:19Z Angela Murray comment-5839 2009-04-10T18:31:03Z 2009-04-10T18:31:03Z William - you and and I are on the same page. Thank you! Angela Murray 2009-04-10T18:31:03Z Angela Murray comment-5838 2009-04-10T18:30:41Z 2009-04-10T18:30:41Z Makiko, I've experienced these things too - I definitely received a great deal of sympathy when I mentioned I took the bus. Taking the bus is streotypically and inacurrately considered something only for people who do not have other means. Being the proponent of all the advantages of public transportation that I am, I would definitely encourage you to explore your options! Angela Murray 2009-04-10T18:30:41Z Angela Murray comment-5837 2009-04-10T18:27:31Z 2009-04-10T18:27:31Z Thank you John - waldorfandstatler, I haven't personally taken those buses, so I can't attest to these issues in those areas - and it sounds like you haven't taken them lately either (for good reason). I haven't addressed transportation or lack thereof to the outlying areas yet, though I plan to in a future story. I can attest to the fact the Regional Transit does an excellent job with the funding they are provided, and our community is fortunate to have an option. My experience is mostly in the Howe Avenue/Arden/CSUS/Downtown, and Folsom commutes. Angela Murray 2009-04-10T18:27:31Z Angela Murray comment-5818 2009-04-10T06:58:04Z 2009-04-10T06:58:04Z Sounds like a great place to try - I am always on the lookout for new restaurants in downtown! Angela Murray 2009-04-10T06:58:04Z Angela Murray comment-5817 2009-04-10T06:55:19Z 2009-04-10T06:55:19Z This is terrific! I hope to join in sometime! Angela Murray 2009-04-10T06:55:19Z Angela Murray comment-5814 2009-04-10T05:42:34Z 2009-04-10T05:42:34Z Thank you for this workshop! I truly enjoyed it, and I am looking forward to writing for the Sacramento Press! Angela Murray 2009-04-10T05:42:34Z