Newest articles and comments on The Sacramento Press written by Michael Zwahlen

Downtown Sacramento Christmas Lights Photos

2011-12-23T20:57:51Z

It’s that special time of year on Capitol Mall and Old Sacramento, Christmas lights are up inviting people to walk a few blocks and the Capitol Christmas Trees decked out in all its splendor. Over the last several years, it appears as if more lights have gone up to enrich the overall experience as an inviting destination to visit and enjoy. The Wells Fargo Center has done a fantastic job with a beautiful tree in the lobby and twinkling lights inside and out.

Merry Christmas!

Disclosure: Read more at: http://livinginurbansac.blogspot.com/ or http://zwahlenimages.com/blog/

Downtown Construction Photo Update Fall 2011

2011-12-20T04:33:41Z

“Seventh & H" SRO - 7th & H Street, $47.4 million project.
Expected completion date, Spring 2013

626 I Street Rehabilitation Project - $19.4 million.
Expected completion date, Sept. 2012

La Valentina Station - 12th Street between D and E streets, $27 million project.
Expected completion date, summer 2012.

Sutter Medical Center - L & 29th Street, $600 million project.
Expected completion date, late 2012.

Read more at: http://livinginurbansac.blogspot.com/

Michael Zwahlen on "Capitol Mall design competition winners announced"

2011-11-10T18:36:55Z

This ideas great but the urban forest on Capitol Mall will violate The Capitol View protection ordinance established in 1992, which is both a state law and zoning ordinance. Growing trees down the middle of Capitol Mall will obstruct the view of the Capitol from the Tower bridge, which is what the state law and ordinance was designed to protect. The winner has the most affordable proposal with very few structures, but it goes against the Capitol View protection ordinance.

Michael Zwahlen on "Judge upholds city ordinance in Occupy Sacramento case"

2011-11-04T23:13:32Z

So not being able to sleep in the park for weeks on end is unjust? What about everyone else right to enjoy the park? Wouldn't you then be infringing on my right to enjoy the park because you never leave? Take this movement to the State Capitol, persuading legislator to see thing your way will result in real change.

Michael Zwahlen on "Local workers join nationwide movement with Occupy Sacramento"

2011-10-07T18:25:51Z

Have you seen the list of demands? 12 of the 13 are not even realistic. Another local news network asked these guys why they were there and they could not even answer that... I quote "“So you guys are in the process of forming the reasons why you are here?” asked CBS13 reporter Tony Lopez. “Exactly correct,” Bondi said. This is an Astroturf protest if I ever saw one and who's backing it with $$$? http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2011/10/07/some-%E2%80%98occupy-sacramento%E2%80%99-protesters-lash-out-at-questions/

Summer Construction Rundown

2011-08-29T19:59:57Z

Sutter Medical Center
L & 29th Street, $600 million project.
Expected completion date, late 2012.

La Valentina Station
12th Street between D and E streets.
$27 million project. Expected completion date, summer 2012.

Maydestone Apartments
Corner of J & 15th Street.
$7.2 million renovation.
Expected completion date, February 1, 2012.

“Seventh & H" SRO
7th & H Street.
$47.4 million project.
Expected completion date, Spring 2013.

DMV Headquarters Upgrade
2415 1st Avenue
$127 million renovation, 13-year renovation so far.
Expected completion date, who knows???

626 I Street Rehabilitation Project
$19.4 million. Expected completion date, Sept. 2012

Disclosure: http://livinginurbansac.blogspot.com/

Michael Zwahlen on "Basketball is a sport not a solution"

2011-02-28T23:53:40Z

You got it right Steve. Rhonda seems to of the view that only basketball will leave the city if the Kings leave but that is far from the truth. With out the Kings as a major tenant the arena will close, the Kings make it so the arena breaks even and able to stay open and without them it will close. Say good-bye tax revenue to the City if the Kings leave and the cutting of even more social services. Another lame article that looks like something I would be reading in the SacBee comment section.

7th & H SRO Project Groundbreaking Soon

2011-02-22T04:22:30Z

This $47 million projects planned for the northwest corner of 7th & H Street has now received all needed entitlements and necessary financing to move forward with construction anticipated for March 2011. The project will be funded with $25 million in 9 percent Low Income Housing Tax Credits, $8,200,000 loan funded by Home Investment Partnership Program, a $6,859,695 capitol grant and $3,750,000 operating grant funded by Downtown Low Moderate Tax Increment Funds, and a land grant for the acquisition, construction and permanent financing of the 7th & H Project.

Developer and owner Mercy Housing California is a non-profit corporation dedicated to providing quality affordable housing with supportive programs to low-income persons in California. Together, Mercy Housing California and Rural California Housing Corporation have been responsible for the construction of more than 2,900 affordable single-family self-help homeownership units and 124 multifamily rental properties with a total of more than 7000 units. Their portfolio includes 18 properties in Sacramento County alone.

This 7th & H Street project will include 122 studios (325sf) and 28 one bed room (500sf) units as well as sixteen parking spaces, retail and health clinic on the ground floor. This eight story 102 foot tall building’s designed to replace other single room occupancy (SRO) units in downtown that are going to be replaced with other developments in the future.

http://livinginurbansac.blogspot.com/

Michael Zwahlen on "B Street caters to children with theater expansion"

2010-10-21T05:54:14Z

This is free land given by Sutter General Hospital, this gives them more money to actually build the new theater with. If you Rhya02 can think of a way to raise more than $15 million to pay for a bigger complex I'm sure Busfield would love to hear about it... so far they have only raised $2 million of the $15 million needed to build this scaled down version from what was proposed three years ago.

Michael Zwahlen on "Railyards set for Friday auction"

2010-10-21T05:43:20Z

The group photo of the men shows one guy giving the finger.

Maydestone Renovation

2010-10-19T02:05:12Z

The Maydestone apartments are finally getting the rehab that we have been hearing about since 2006. Built in 1912 and continually having tenants until 2003 because of a fire, in 2009 Sacramento developer D&S Development took over an option to purchase the historic 34 room building. On the southeast corner of 15th and J, the Maydestone apartments have been vacant for five years and underutilized for decades. The $7.2 million renovation should be finish in late 2011 and clean up a busy corner on J Street. SHRA will contribute $4.57 million of low-moderate housing set aside funds. $2.29 million in the form of a 30-year forgivable loan (loan forgiveness based on performance) for seismic and historic renovations. Additionally, SHRA will provide a hard loan of $2.28 million for 40 years at 4 percent interest. Brief Project Overview

Michael Zwahlen on "Splash park's opening stalled"

2010-08-12T21:46:53Z

What a sad story. Portland can do it, Boston can do it, San Francisco, San Jose and hundreds of other cities around the nation can build functional “splash parks” but Sacramento can't. I just don't get it. Regulations until it becomes to cost prohibitive? Even the big fountain at CalExpo is fenced off; I remember not that long ago watching people play in the fountain during the hot days of summer.

Michael Zwahlen on "La Raza Galeria Posada brings "Celebrations of Home""

2010-08-12T15:49:05Z

It sounds like there is a cover-up that should be looked into further... a better story than this one.

Sacramento Zoo Feasibility Study

2010-07-16T21:08:06Z

This Tuesday the City Council will look over a two year study by the Community Development Department Zoo feasibility study. The Sacramento Zoological Society Long Range Planning Committee had identified Sutter's Landing Regional Park as their preferred site for a modest expansion of the zoo, but alternative sites have also been located for a future zoo.

Cost Premium of Construction on former landfill:
Construction costs will be significantly higher (to account for ground settling and special drainage treatment); thus, it is expected that construction of a zoo on this site would cost $625K/acre ($30 million total for a 50 acre zoo) above the "normal" costs of constructing a zoo on a site without landfill issues.

In addition to Sutter's Landing Regional Park, the consultant conducted preliminary evaluations of other potential sites:
• Natomas Joint Vision: This land area has no land use entitlements or habitat conservation permits.
• Arco Arena area: This site is part of the Convergence proposal
• Job Corps / Delta Shores Regional Park: The southern portion of the Job Corps site has not yet been surplused by the federal government
• North Natomas Regional Park: Already programmed for other uses
• Haggin Oaks Golf Course: This would require reconfiguration of the existing golf course and there may be competition from other potential users
• Cal Expo: This site is part of the Convergence proposal
• Granite Regional Park - east basin: This site is.difficult to evacuate in the event of drainage pump failure
• Bartley Cavanaugh Golf Course: This site would require reconfiguration or elimination of the existing golf course.

The study emphasized that:
• The decision and actions to move forward with a zoo of the future are long range planning activities (a 20 year timeframe).
• There are no imminent plans to move or expand the zoo; options are provided for preliminary consideration.
• The community and PRC workshops are an important step in exploring those options for the long term future of the zoo.

The Feasibility Study concluded that:
• The current 14 acre site of the Land Park zoo is not sustainable for the future. The changing exhibit requirements, increasing operating costs, and stagnant revenues, are resulting in a zoo that offers fewer exhibits. Parking is limited and cannot fully accommodate visitors on weekends or during busy seasons.
• Sutter's Landing Regional Park is not well suited for a zoo. The site poses a number of tough challenges (e.g., building new access roads and constructing zoo facilities on a former landfill).
• Initial findings are that other sites are potentially better suited for a future zoo.
• Physically, Land Park could potentially accommodate a modest expansion.

Michael Zwahlen on "HOW I HOAXED THE SACRAMENTO BEE"

2010-06-07T21:39:50Z

I get jokes... good one Burt.

Michael Zwahlen on "Strategic Defaulters"

2010-06-03T19:52:39Z

Right now is the time to walk away from an upside down home, only till the end of 2012 will you have protection from taxes that you would other wise have to pay in a foreclosure. To protect those who lost their house to foreclosure or walked away, a Bill was passed in April by the State to ban state taxes on forgiven mortgage debt like for closer till 2012 (SB 401 by Sen. Lois Wolk, D-Davis). The federal government has also banned the IRS from taxing forgiven mortgage debt through the end of 2012 which is foreclosure. Currently the State is considering voting on a bill that would be and Anti-Deficiency Protection for former Homeowners who were foreclosed on. SB 1178 (Corbett) to extend anti-deficiency protections to homeowners who have refinanced “purchase money” loans and are now facing foreclosure. Most homeowners didn't know that when they refinanced they lost their legal protections, and now may be personally liable for the difference between the value of the foreclosed property and the amount owed to the lender.

Michael Zwahlen on "7th & H Street SRO Proposal "

2010-04-16T04:20:22Z

Housing is considered affordable when rent and utility costs are no more than 30% of a household's income. A family of four with two working parents earning minimum wage can only afford $700 in rent or mortgage payments and utilities. Housing costs are often much more than this. So it's based on income by the renter.

7th & H Street SRO Proposal

2010-04-16T03:45:51Z

Mercy Housing California of West Sacramento proposing affordable housing at the corner of 7th & H Street that will include 122 studios (325sf) and 28 one bed room (500sf) units as well as sixteen parking spaces, retail and health clinic on the ground floor. This eight story 102 foot tall building’s designed to replace other single room occupancy (SRO) units in downtown that are going to be replaced with other developments in the future.

There will be 3,900sf of retail space as well as 3,750sf health clinic, residential lobby, and a structured parking garage. 7th & H will also be designed to have a LEED-Silver standard and registered with the US Green Building Council. This project is the first mid-rise residential tower in the newly redefined Central Core District, and the first project to use the new Urban Design Guidelines. It located across the street from the County Jail and on an existing RT light rail line located along the north side of H Street, and a future RT line proposed on the east side of the 7th Street.

The project will require the Planning Commission approval of entitlements and to combine 5 existing parcels into one lot for the commercial condominium purposed. The Planning Commission is scheduled to hear this project on April 21st and then again on May 6, 2010 for Final action.

Restoration of Historic Mayes Jewelers' Street Clock

2010-03-08T19:44:46Z

This Tuesday the City Council will recommend the preservation and restoration of the Fred Mayes Jewelers' Street Clock at the corner of 10th and J Street. With the efforts of both Greig Best (an interested citizen), the City's Historic Places Grant Program, Council Member Tretheway's office, and the Redevelopment Agency, designated funds will be used to restore this City designated Landmark. Its ownership will also be formally transferred to the City through the Department of Transportation since the street clock is located within the public right-of-way.

The clock will be restored to the style as modified while at its' original K Street location by Tom Monk (the neon ring addition) before the clock was moved to its current location in front of the former Fred Mayes Jewelers store on J Street and then designated as a City historic Landmark. Mr.Best of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors have committed to assist in the project and to install the new timepiece (the"movement"). The Department of Transportation will contract for the clock removal and repair work, and will extend an electrical line so that the clock face and neon lights can be illuminated at night.

It’s estimated that the removal, repair and reinstallation of the Clock could be completed in the amount of $24,000. The restoration of the clock would be funded with $12,000 from the Historic Places Grant Program, $6,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds (per recommendation from Council Member Tretheway, District 1), and $6,000 from Merged Downtown Redevelopment Project tax increment funds (from funds allocated for J,K, and L Street Enhancements). The Clock was originally manufactured in Seattle, likely in the early 1900s and was once owned by a former Mayor of Sacramento, Tom Monk, and was located in front of 1009 K Street near the current site of the Crest Theater.

Michael Zwahlen on "Students and professors rally for education"

2010-03-07T05:18:47Z

I hear a lot of complaining here from people in a State that has affordable collage education when compared to the rest of the country.

Michael Zwahlen on "NBA consultant presses council on Kamilos arena plan"

2010-02-13T04:20:14Z

In theory it has financial backing but there are many holes in this plan that no one has addressed. Who's gonna pay for building the new State Fair grounds next to Arco? That alone will cost more than a hundred million dollars. Will the Maloof's pay the city back the $70 million they owe them? That's just two sticking points that together will cost over $200 million.

Michael Zwahlen on "Utilities director comments on rates, proposed ballot measure"

2010-02-12T03:29:21Z

Hanneman must think he can still fool all of the people all of the time... well the gig is up. That Grand Jury report has put an end to the department’s sneaky ways.

Sutter Medical Center – Update

2010-02-09T18:34:42Z

Later this month the next milestone in the expansion of the Sutter Medical Center in midtown will be the switchover from the existing Energy Center off of 29th Street to the new Energy Center in the basement of Sutter Capitol Pavilion on 28th Street. Demolition of the existing Energy Center is slated to begin later that month with steel expected to rise up for the Anderson Lucchetti Center site later this year

Michael Zwahlen on "Councilwoman Lauren Hammond outlines goals for the city"

2010-01-10T17:40:37Z

After dealing with her on several occasions concerning development in Sacramento I more than agree with all the posts above of how disrespectful she is to her constituents and arrogant in her reasoning. She seeds to go.

Michael Zwahlen on "Sacramento River Crossing Study"

2010-01-07T17:48:17Z

The City had spent over a decade studying the idea of putting a deck over I-5 in downtown and late last year they abandon the whole idea. They spent millions on all the studing and found after every study it would cost more to deck I-5 than it did the last time they had a study. The conclusion was always that it was getting more and more expensive to build. The arena has also been studied to death and the cost to build become greater every year nothing is done. Ten years ago an arena would have cost around $250 million and now it's twice that.

Sacramento River Crossing Study

2010-01-07T02:42:10Z

The new City of Sacramento General Plan includes additional Sacramento River crossings without specifying the location or number of crossings or the transportation modes served by new crossings. The cost of the study will be $260,000 with both The City of Sacramento and the City of West Sacramento sharing the costs for the planning study with West Sacramento contributing $60,000 to that total. The study is expected to be completed in one year, starting in January and ending in December 2010.

The study will include:
• A transparent and proactive public outreach process;
• A purpose and need statement which is grounded in the community values stated in the two cities' General Plan policies and expressed by stakeholders;
• Development of alternatives to include build and no-build scenarios that consider various bridge cross sections types (i.e. types of travel modes that are served), various locations, and number of crossings;
• Planning level analysis of opportunities, constraints, land use implications, impact assessments, travel demand modeling, and costs estimates to inform the process.

8th & K Street Hotel Proposal Update

2009-12-04T03:15:04Z

A revised proposal by USA Hospitality, Inc. and their equity partners Consus Asset Management and Industrial General has been submitted for building a Marriott Renaissance Hotel at the corner of 8th & K Street. The new proposal includes a decrease in the number of hotel rooms from 409 to 300, and a decrease in the number of parking spaces from 372 to 350 while adding 100 condominiums on top of the parking garage as a second phase of the project. The total cost to build the project went up from $137 million to $162 million along with the needed city subsidy to build from $31.5 million to $33 million. The developer has asked that the city give them the land which is city-owned for free, and to forgive taxes on the hotel for the first few years of its operation as part of their needed subsidy deal.

The property has been tied up for 14 months in an "Exclusive Right to Negotiate" with USA Hospitality, Inc., but on December 8th the city staff will recommend releasing the Request for Qualifications for the 700 and 800 blocks of K Street with a due date of February 12, 2010. It’s anticipated that the city staff could return to the Redevelopment Agency by early April with several other proposals for the 8th & K Street site. In that time USA Hospitality must do three things.

1) Obtain stronger financial commitments from all equity financial partners.
2) Developer conduct an assessment of the Bel-Vue to determine the costs associated with preserving the façade.
3) Complete negotiated business terms for inclusion in Disposition and Development Agreement.

I still don’t see the value in the city giving away $33 million in land and future taxes when just two blocks up the street at 10th and K Street Toni Giannoni is asking for $10 million to build a 165-room hotel that better fits our market. Toni also has an excellent record of finishing projects downtown where there are more development regulations that can tie up a proposal. In the case of the 8th and K Street design, the developer has a half block to work with, so instead of a massive parking garage the parking should be spread out over the entire half block above the lobby and ground floor retail but below the hotel rooms like has been done with ten other high-rises in downtown. If the city can nudge the developer to do this sort of design instead, the proposal would actually be shorter but the curb appearance would be far nicer. We don’t need another 6 story car garage at the corner of 8th & L Street; car garages have a history of deadening side walk activity for entire blocks and devaluing distinctive corners in our city. I hope both our City Council and planners consider the consequences, there is no need to repeat mistakes of the past again.

(The photo above is a city owned parking garage across from City Hall at 10th & I Street)

Report to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Sacramento

Michael Zwahlen on "Ask Officer Michelle - New Gang Trend Has Neighbors Asking Questions"

2009-11-02T22:12:20Z

What's offensive? I see, this is your way to evade a discussion on the many points I made that poke giant holes in your weak argument. If my neighborhood working with Police to suppress gang violence offends you, you have your priorities mess up.

Michael Zwahlen on "Ask Officer Michelle - New Gang Trend Has Neighbors Asking Questions"

2009-11-02T18:06:11Z

Why Rhonda do you defend a group of people who have a history of gang association? I have also seen these groups of young people raise hell in my neighborhood and with months of Police surveillance and neighborhood help, gang activities have been suppressed. Rhonda, you seem vary eager to defend people who you don’t know and have turned good Sacramento neighborhoods bad. Like Trapper said, you don’t offer any evidence to support you assertion that these kids are just hanging out and not gang related? My neighborhood in City Farms has gone down hill since these white shirt thugs arrived about two years ago. My neighbors have ban together to help the Police get these white shirt thugs out of here. IMO, you sound ignorant in defending this behavior, what’s your education and background that makes yourself so knowledgeable?

Michael Zwahlen on "Dad's Notepad"

2009-10-25T03:11:02Z

I can relate Candace. My father passed 3 1/2 years ago and I still have his daily planner with all his notes and some of his thoughts. The last entry he put in there was for a steak dinner both of use were to have together. When we last spoke that Sunday, we planned to BBQ some steaks at his place on Wednesday. On Monday morning I got a call that my father was being rushed to the hospital where he passed before I could get there. So that final entry he made for us to have dinner still gives me a lump in my throat when I open his planner. Our plans have been delayed, but I’m certain will still meet up again in another life for that dinner we planned on having :)

Michael Zwahlen on "What Are the Police Doing?"

2009-10-23T01:06:27Z

Good to know, thanks Norm. With the Helicopter Notifications, when the Beat says "1A", where can I find out where that is in the city?

Michael Zwahlen on "Johny Cupcakes "

2009-10-22T07:26:53Z

Why did three people post the same thing on the SacPress on Cupcakes? And the same thing about Columbus Day twice?

Community Theater Renovation

2009-10-20T04:39:41Z

The Sacramento Community Theater has been in use for 35 years and has not upgraded since it’s opening in 1974. The Theater still hosts world-class events but a renovation is needed by adding additional restrooms, concessions, lobby space, and infrastructure to meet the needed of and expectations of today’s audiences and clients. On Tuesday the 20th, the City Council/Financing Authority will accept the current Community Center Theater Renovation Project conceptual design and issue a Request for Qualifications for architectural services to complete the design work. A contract for construction could begin as early as June 2011 and continue work through the summer. The Theater will remain open for each theatrical season (Sept. through June) but closed during the summer months with heavy construction taking place spreading construction over multiple years through the summer of 2014.

The Theater will be financed using bonds from future bonds issued by the City of Sacramento Financing Authority. Bond repayments will come from a $3.00 per ticket where approximately $1 million will go toward the bond payment of $3.7 million annually and the remaining $2.7 million coming from Transient Occupancy Tax and Convention Center User Fee proceeds.

The current renovation will re-configure some existing spaces and add approximately 15,000 new square feet to the building. The total costs of the project are estimated at $40 million with $34 million towards construction and $6 million for design costs.

Michael Zwahlen on "Rezoning the Docks Properties "

2009-10-06T19:42:41Z

I'm sorry Jim, but you’re clueless. Do you have any evidence to support your claim about a "Sacramento Insider"? Treasure Island is on the back burner just like hundreds of other projects because of the economic meltdown and credit crunch. Your posts sound so angry full of conspiracy theories but with NO evidence... where's your evidence to back up you assumptions?

Michael Zwahlen on "Rezoning the Docks Properties "

2009-10-05T17:13:40Z

The developers choosen for this venture is KSWM Docks Partners, LLC, which includes Kenwood Investments. They are the same group of people that redid the Ferry Building in SF and are redeveloping Treasure Island as well. Rodney: How would you keep costs down? There are a lot of developers who would like to know how.

Rezoning the Docks Properties

2009-10-05T05:33:00Z

The proposed Docks project nested between Interstate 5 and the Sacramento River, will be heard by the City Planning Commission on the 8th for a motion to pass the rezoning for future urban development consistent with the 2030 General Plan. City Staff will also recommend that Option B to be chosen in how the 29 acres are developed which including 1,000 residential units, 200,000 square feet of office space, and 43,300 square feet of retail space. A formal recommendation for Option B will be made the City Planning Commission next month and then the City Council for approval in December. Option B was determined to be the most cost effective plan to retain Pioneer Reservoir and build the park over the reconstructed roof. The plan proposes constructing a parking facilities underground and elevate the finished floor of the buildings to be level with the existing levee, so the natural feature of the Sacramento River will be visible to the tenants in the future buildings and to area visitors.

Water Meter Installation in Sacramento

2009-09-07T04:38:38Z

This Tuesday the Sacramento City Council will approve authorization for a $20 Million grant/loan funding the first phase of the Water Meter Retrofit Project. The Project will retrofit approximately 11,000 to 13,000 residential and commercial properties within the City of Sacramento with the first phase of the project retrofitting approximately 1,735 services with meters.

Back in 2005, Assembly Bill 2572 (AB 2572) requires the installation and use of water meters by 2025 across the state, including in the City of Sacramento. This law supersedes the City charter. Signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on September 29, 2004, the water meter retrofit program affects about 120,000 City of Sacramento residential customers.

All metered properties will receive one calendar year of comparative billing before being switched to a metered rate. The first phase will start in the south Sacramento west of Center Parkway and south of Cosumnes River Blvd.

Status Report: 800 K/L Hotel Proposal

2009-08-26T23:14:45Z

Last night the Sacramento City Council discussed the future of the proposed 23 story hotel and parking garage at 8th & K/L St. by developer Bob Leach/USA Hospitality. The last time Mr. Leach was to appear before the Council two weeks ago he asked for a delay because his proposal was going to be slammed over the financing for the proposal. This time they came back to the council offering 40% of cash flow instead of 10% over 10 years and asking for 50% of the Transient Occupancy Tax rebate over 14 years instead of 100% over 10 years. USA Hospitality’s now asking for $31.5 million subsidy from the city in an effort to make this project feasible. After a few council members made their opinions known about keeping the façade of the Bel-Vue by incorporating it into the hotel project, the council agreed to a 90 day extension to see if USA Hospitality can pull things together and make this project work.

It looks as though the 90 day extension may have ended Tony Giannoni hopes to also build a 165-room hotel at 10th & K Street. A spokesman on behalf of Mr. Giannoni told the council that if they gave a 90 day extension to the 8th & K St. hotel proposal, they would see that as a sign to drop their project because the market could not support both projects. If after 90 days the USA Hospitality’s bid get rejected by the council and the other proposal at 10th & K has already withdrawn their proposal… we could be left with no new hotels on K Street.

This project still has to go through the Design Review Commission and Planning Commission as a part of the entitlement process. If this current design with the separate parking garage manages to be approved by both the Planning Commission and Design Review Commission, it will demonstrate in my opinion that neither the Commissions or the City Council really understand their roll in helping both designers and developers comprehend the rich context of this unique place in our city.

Michael Zwahlen on "Benches at I Street Central Library removed"

2009-08-08T05:27:07Z

This is all about making it so the homeless can't camp out front all day. Why can't the library just be honest about their true goal here? I think it's a good idea myself, now Cesar Chavez Park will have a few more bums living there during the day than before.

Michael Zwahlen on "Relocating Downtown Greyhound "

2009-07-27T20:50:49Z

Light rail service is planned to extend from downtown to Richards Boulevard along 7th Street by 2014. When the Intermodal Transportation Facilities completed, Greyhound will be moved into the station. No time has been given yet for when that will happen; the concept is still in the design stages with track realignment in the works right now. http://livinginurbansac.blogspot.com/2009/04/sacramento-intermodel-transportation.html

Relocating Downtown Greyhound

2009-07-27T04:23:46Z

This Tuesday the 28th, City Council will vote to authorize construction of the new Greyhound Terminal Building on Richards Blvd. The plan is to have Greyhound terminal moved by April 1, 2012 when the lease at its current location (703 L Street) expires. There is also the possibility that relocation may need to occur sooner if the landlord at 703 L Street exercises its right to an early termination of the current lease. The City Council also plans to suspend the traditional process of competitive bidding for building design because it could extend the project completion time beyond Greyhound's lease expiration date.

Money to pay for this project will come from the cities General Fund (Fund 1001) when city staff return in the fall of 2009 with a recommendation to award the final professional services agreement for architectural design services. Staff will then proceed with the competitive process in selecting a qualified contractor to build the new terminal. The chosen contractor will assist the architect in scoping and designing a constructible facility within the project budget.

Background Information

On December 12, 2006, City Council authorized the purchase of 300 Richards Boulevard, which included several adjacent vacant parcels, City staff approached Greyhound to determine if the Richards Boulevard site was feasible for its needs until the Sacramento Intermodal Transportation Facility is ready for occupancy. Greyhound's review determined that the site would adequately accommodate its operations.

May 20, 2008, City Council committed $2 million for required site work including grading, utilities, sidewalks, curbs and gutters and the extension of the driveway off of Richards Boulevard to Bannon Street. The balance of the necessary funds ($4 million) will come from Sheraton Hotel sale proceeds earmarked for downtown redevelopment projects.

February 24, 2009, City Council approved the lease agreement with Greyhound and the Mitigation Monitoring Plan for the 420 Richards Boulevard site improvement.

Work is anticipated to begin on site during summer 2010 with completion at the end of 2011.

The River District Overview

2009-07-15T03:20:30Z

With 773 Gross Acres 675 Land Acres, the River District has a lot of room to develop it own identity becoming a mixed-use urban environment featuring residential, office and commercial services. Currently both Township 9 and the California Lottery Headquarters are breaking ground in an effort to revitalize the area. These major projects and others will serve as catalysts bring development, jobs, public transit and cultural amenities to District and paving the way from a primarily light-industrial commercial district to a distinctive, mixed-use neighborhood that will connect Sacramento to its rivers.

Process & Timeline
April – August 2009
Community Outreach
Chapter Writing for Specific Plan
Policy Development
Special Planning District Update
Historic Resources Survey
September 2009 - Infrastructure Finance Plan – Public Review
October 2009 - Public Draft EIR
January - 2010 Final EIR
Jan-Feb 2010 Public Hearings

Vision & Guiding Principles
- Maximize Connectivity –North/South and East/West.
- Create a Sense of Place.
- Encourage Sustainable Development.
- Build Infrastructure that Provides a Balanced Approach to Regional Traffic Issues.
- Stimulate Economic Growth.
- Provide a Variety of Urban Living Options.
- Support regional strategies that seek to improve social conditions
- Encourage Mixed-Use Development.
- Provide Enhanced Community Facilities and Amenities.
- Engage the Rivers and Foster Open Space Opportunities.
- Create a Walkable District.

Goals for the River District Specific Plan
- Specific Plan will include the following:
- Land Use Plan and Zoning with Heights
- Circulation Plan
- Infrastructure / Public Facilities
- Financing Plan
- Nexus Study (Downtown/Railyards/River District Costs)
- Program Level Environmental Impact Report Design Guidelines (Central City Urban Design Guidelines)

Michael Zwahlen on "Weapon wielding transient threatens kind hosts"

2009-07-07T02:10:43Z

Yup, that will teach them. The last time I gave a transient "bum" some food was an uneaten burger down the street from my place. They later showed up at my door the next day and then stocked me for several days asking if I had more left over’s. I've vowed to never offer anything to these people again.

Michael Zwahlen on "City To Demolish Landmark "Bel-Vue" Building"

2009-07-04T21:00:34Z

The city wants to destroy the building not a developer. WBurg said "No developer or investor has been named by the city to actually build this project or pay for it." This is all the cities doing right now.

Michael Zwahlen on "City To Demolish Landmark "Bel-Vue" Building"

2009-07-03T23:33:39Z

WOW! At least when the Renaissance Tower was approved to replace the old Clunie Hotel, they did not do the demolition till the plans and financing for the tower were in place. So now will have another empty plot of land downtown in exchange for the possibility of a six story parking garage, GREAT!

Michael Zwahlen on "Balancing the budget topples hopes"

2009-07-03T04:49:43Z

Right, if the government owned and controlled more of the private sector there would not have been a recession. Oh wait, they have started to doing that right now with banks, healthcare, automotives… lets see how that goes.

Michael Zwahlen on "In search of sleep"

2009-07-02T06:03:22Z

Who will pay for these fully fund low income housing units with on-site supportive care? The city and county are millions $$$ in debt. Services are being cut while fees are going up on those who do pay taxes, I really don't know what can be done at this point.

Concept for 8th & K Hotel Design

2009-06-12T02:03:53Z

There appears to be a proposal or two in the works for 8th & K Streets in downtown Sacramento for when the market starts to recover and developers have better access to financing. The architects of Fletcher Farr Ayotte of Portland has recently completed concept designs for a new 409-room Hilton hotel at 8th & K Street along with a seven-story parking garage for the corner of 8th & L Street in downtown Sacramento.

This current proposal really bugs me in that there’s a massive parking garage planned for the corner of 8th & L Street. The hotel tower portion of the proposals decent and it would be great to see Hilton on K Street, but the massive parking garage planned next to the tower would be a horrible mistake divesting another pedestrian friendly corner of the city. This is the same design flaw that was used when the Library Tower was built nearly twenty years at the corner of 8th & J Streets. The Library Tower included an eight story parking garage next to the office tower leaving much to be desired for what could have been an awesome block. This current parking garage proposal only two blocks away from the Library Tower garage and it would be a shame to see another corner in the central city wiped out and turned into another enormous parking structure. I would recommend that the developer somehow tuck the parking into the structure like what has been done with a majority of other high-rises in downtown Sacramento. Incorporating the parking into the structure or underground would make the street appearance of the project much more attractive and would also avoid making the same mistake that the Library Tower made which is now a daily reminder of what poor city planning can produce.

As of now, this is just a concept and has not been through any of the cities Planning or Design Committees where I would hope that they will also see this design error in wiping out another corner of the central city for a parking structure. If this current choice of design is acceptable and built as planned, downtown Sacramento will soon resemble downtown Phoenix where huge parking structures are prominent on every other block.

Michael Zwahlen on "Neighborhood feud turns to deadly gun battle in West Sacramento"

2009-05-21T22:51:40Z

The Broderick Boys have allot of history in the area, seems obvious to me.

Michael Zwahlen on "Renaissance Tower 20 Year Anniversary "

2009-05-15T21:45:44Z

Yes Jenn, I took the photos. The David Shore quote came from a August 6, 1986 Sacramento Bee article called "CITY OKS 25-STORY OFFICE PLAN" or go to this link: http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SB&p_theme=sb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB0D734289FF98C&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM City officials tend to say that about nearly every new development downtown... I don't think much will change until more people move downtown though.

Renaissance Tower 20 Year Anniversary

2009-05-14T21:25:40Z

Back in 1989 twenty years ago, Sacramento completed a landmark structure that engulfed many of the nondescript low-rises strung around downtown and became the first high-rise to reach past the 20th floor becoming the cities tallest. Many locals like to refer to the building as “Darth Vader” because of its menacing shape and dark color. This tinted-glass high-rise was originally proposed at 25 floors but was amended to be 28 floors, which put the tower 160 feet above the Capitol dome. With much applause and hope, city leaders at the time expected the Renaissance Tower to represent a rebirth of downtown and K Street. At 372ft tall, this was the cities tallest building constructed during the 1980's. This gem-shaped tower at the corner of 8th and K streets was counted upon to help revitalize the downtown mall and bring badly needed jobs and revenue to the central city.

In 1986 Mo Mohanna sold the old Clunie Hotel site to the Benvenutis (where the 28-story Renaissance Tower now stands) and after 60 years of use and being closed since March of 1980, the hotel was demolished to make way for the new high-rise. In 1987 developer Joe Benvenuti threatened to kill construction of the tower if the Sacramento City Council voted to impose stiff fees within the R Street corridor where several other proposals by Benvenuti were also on the drawing board. The council choose not to vote on its elaborate fee proposal that was an effort to raise money for downtowns revitalization. At the time, City Councilman David Shore was eager about the proposed tower saying “I think it's going to be of immense value in cleaning up the Downtown'' while at the same time city planning officials said that it could spark a revitalization of the city's central business district.

I personally love the tower. Its gemlike shape has a nice shimmer late in the day when the suns setting and looks really impressive when storm clouds are rolling through reflecting slivers of light off the dark glass.

Architect: Daniel, Mann, Johnson, & Mendenhall (DMJM).
Developers: Joseph and Richard Benvenuti.
372 Feet Tall
28 Stories
$45 million to build.
336,000 square feet.
Ground-breaking August 24, 1987 and finished in 1989.
23,467 square feet of lobby and retail space
Seven-story parking garage with 510 spaces.
Glass-and-Granite exterior.
Last sale of tower in Jan. 08’ was just below $90 million.
The towers also know as 801 K Street and "Darth Vader" for it's shape and color.

Since the Renaissance Tower was built, ten other high-rises over 300 feet have been erected in downtown Sacramento.

Michael Zwahlen on "Don't let rain fool you, summer is almost here "

2009-05-05T20:55:15Z

Seem like you guys are tallking about averages right?

Michael Zwahlen on "South Sacramento Mobile Home Fire"

2009-05-03T19:39:42Z

Beachdob, your way to cool to be posting here at the SacPress, why don't you give it a break and write a story yourself?

K Street Subsidies

2009-04-27T06:21:42Z

With a 45% ground floor vacancy rate, K Street’s health is currently struggling. In an effort to help the street improve the blocks between 7th and 13th streets, the city has been pumping million upon millions of dollars into projects to then watch little to no improvements in foot traffic, empty store fronts and public safety. The list of subsidized projects is getting longer every year and I am beginning to wonder if spending all this money to clean up J or L streets might give us more to be proud of.

Right now the city has loaned Crest Theater $413,839 for capital improvements but the loan won't have to be repaid if the theater makes structural, safety, and aesthetic improvements as part of scenic easement to the Crest Theater marquee by 2019. The IMAX theater is getting subsidized at the rate of $425,000 since 2006 to help pay the rent till 2010.*Correction: The IMAX theater has a reduced rent. The city subsidy is $75,000 a year until 2010.* When the theater was first built in 1999 the city gave $6 million to the Esquire Plaza's previous owners - led by developer David Taylor.

In the last 5 years the city has gave out millions in an effort to revitalize K Street Mall. To name a few, the Cosmopolitan received a $9.8 million subsidy, The Cathedral Building received a $3 million subsidy, Ella Restaurant received a $750,000 subsidy, Pyramid Alehouse received $650,000 subsidy, and 717 K Street with retail and a restaurant (3 Monkeys) that has gone out of business $594,000. Last month the city approved another subsidy of $5.4 million to rehab buildings at 1012–1022 K Street in a partnership between David S. Taylor Interests Inc. and CIM Group to bring a vintage Dive Bar, pizza restaurant and upscale night club to three building that have been vacant more than eight years.

With the K Street Streetscape improvement project just kicking off at $4 million and Westfield Mall expecting to begin renovations at $40 million, as well as a proposal to open up K Street to vehicle traffic again, you might think things are on the up swing. But if you look back at the history of the street over the last 40 years, expensive improvements to upgrade the street have done little to make it an achievement.

If the goal is to get more foot traffic downtown then the city should only subsidize projects that add housing downtown. It now seems like nothing can be built downtown unless subsidies are part of the deal while at the same time city staff are waiving fees... the call for subsidies has become more rapid and will only falsely create a market that can't support it's self.

Editor's Note: The Sacramento Press editorial department found an error regarding the amount of subsidy received by the IMAX theater on K street and has corrected this article.

Michael Zwahlen on "Tax Day Tea Party brewing"

2009-04-16T04:30:53Z

No, but until now there has not been a organized movement to change directions. The Democrats love this stuff and the Republicans have looked the other way for way to long. The bailouts I believe broke the camels back and as well as stimulus money that can't be accounted for. I believe its all part of a plan to make the value of the dollar worthless and a new global currency will then be created. If this happens, the dollar will be worthless and our ability to buy products from other counties will cost us dearly. You love this stuff Harry... didn't you vote for change? Watch out because here it comes.

Michael Zwahlen on "Tax Day Tea Party brewing"

2009-04-15T05:20:49Z

I believe tomorrow is about weather or not you agree with the current status quo of our State and Federal governments taxing and spending beyond what is sustainable while creating enormous deficits that will never be paid off. The days of hyperinflation aren’t far away, one way or another we will ALL pay for our governments reckless spending and bailouts.

Streetcars Proposed for Capitol Mall

2009-04-02T01:35:30Z

Today the Preservation Commission will meet to discuss a study of bringing Streetcars onto Capitol Mall and back to downtown Sacramento. Over the past 30 years, public and private interests have examined the feasibility of streetcars and other services that could travel between West Sacramento and downtown Sacramento, but in May 2007 West Sacramento became the lead agency to prepare a draft environmental impact report for the project in order to gain permits for the project.

With the partnership of West Sacramento, Sacramento, in cooperation with Sacramento Regional Transit (RT) and Yolo County Transportation District (YCTD), a partnership was formed to study the reintroduction of the streetcar and connect the cities and their shared riverfronts. The partnership was also aided by funding from the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) Community Design Program to perform a thorough analysis so elected officials, public agencies, citizens groups, and other stakeholders could make an informed decision on the proposed transportation investment.

The feasibility study includes a discussion of the technology, alignment, financing opportunities, and operating plans. The 2.2 mile proposed streetcar alignment would go from Washington/Triangle/Civic Center areas of West Sacramento and cross the Tower Bridge. From there the tracks would travel down Capitol Mall and cross over to K Street where it would then make a loop around the Convention Center heading back to West Sacramento.

The purpose of the proposed project is to improve transit service and local circulation by connecting both West Sacramento and downtown Sacramento with an alternative (non-auto) mode of transit in supporting existing and future development in the Cities of West Sacramento and downtown Sacramento. Approximate cost to build the Streetcar system is between $50 and $60 million.

Click here to see Video of Proposed Steetcars in action.

EEG Site One Developer Selected

2009-03-21T02:17:23Z

EM Johnson Interest and Nehemiah Community Reinvestment Fund Holdings (NCRFH), a member of the Nehemiah family of companies, has been selected as the developer for East End Gateway Site 1. Located on the northwest corner of 16th and N Streets, the site is currently occupied by a parking lot and a small apartment building.

The selected proposal identifies sources of equity and construction financing and emphasizes the development of mid-rise entry-level “workforce” housing. The structure was designed by Devrouax + Purnell Architects and will be 8 floors (7 floors over a concrete podium). The structure will contain 98 condominiums, 6,000 s.f. of retail and 120 parking spaces. Construction is scheduled to begin in October 2010 and be completed by January 2012. The total project development cost is estimated at $37 million.

Projects completed by Em Johnson Interest include the Fillmore Heritage Center and North Beach Place in San Francisco (in partnership with Bridge Housing), Richmond Village, and Palm Villas in Oakland. NCRFH was the joint venture partner in developing over 1,900 units of housing in California, is the developer of the Township 9 project in Sacramento's River District, and provides community lending throughout the United States to help revitalize economically stressed neighborhoods.

http://www.cadanet.org/eeg.php

100 Miles of Visibility Photos

2009-03-18T04:24:46Z

These are some photos I took last week when the skies were clear with 100 miles of visibility. It’s really stimulating to see the Sierra Mountains rise up behind the city creating a backdrop to the skyline.

Michael Zwahlen on "Gear up for rafting season"

2009-03-17T05:20:00Z

This good to hear, thanks Mark. I had not even started to think about it yet but I would have been by April. I've been going down the South Fork of the American River for 25 years and have been a guide for 10 on my own raft... good times :-)

More than just a sales tax increase

2009-03-13T00:53:40Z

Back in February Gov. Schwarzenegger and the legislature passed a state budget that included a temporary one-cent hike in the state sales tax, well now the time has come to pay up. On April 1st the one-cent-on-the-dollar increase will take effect and will expire on either July 1, 2011, or July 1, 2012 depending on voter’s approval of the proposed Budget Stabilization constitutional amendment in a statewide election to be held on May 19, 2009.

If Proposition 1A, also known as the Spending Cap Amendment passes on May 19th, more than sales taxes will be raised. Expect to see an additional 5% surcharge on state income taxes, an increase in the vehicle-license fee from 0.65% to 1.15%, $15 billion reduction in government spending, including $8.6 billion from education, and an elimination of two state holidays for state workers to enjoy. The deal also includes automatic spending restraints and new powers for governors to cut programs whenever the state falls into the red. If passed it would raise more than $5 billion per year. So far, no coordinated opposition has formed against 1A, but labor unions are discussing whether to mount an attack against the proposition.

Now we all get to pay for the mistakes our legislators have been making over the years. For years and years out state legislators have tried to fill budget gaps buy borrowing money in bonds, but now the state is in such a financial mess with lots of debt and a downgraded bond rating to the lowest in the nation that they have no choice but to get their house in order to attract investors.

Michael Zwahlen on "More layoffs at The Sacramento Bee "

2009-03-07T19:51:20Z

I bet the Bee will go out of business in two years.

Michael Zwahlen on "The NEW Cal Expo"

2009-02-28T22:10:23Z

I was not there so I could not tell you what happen Jonathan. I personally wish they offered two or three different ideas of how CalExpo could be remade.

Michael Zwahlen on "The NEW Cal Expo"

2009-02-28T14:57:05Z

I made a typo, it would be built over the next 27 years.

The NEW Cal Expo

2009-02-28T06:39:01Z

Today plans were submitted by the NBA to totally redo CalExpo and turn it into a mixed use, pedestrian-friendly, and transit oriented regional destination. The plan is to raze all 350 acres and over the next 27 years transform the CalExpo facilities into successful mixed –use development. No source of funding has been found to construct the new CalExpo and make infrastructure improvements for the entire site. There was also no cost given by the NBA as to how much the proposal will cost if the plans are well received and funding can found. Proposed changes to the Cal Expo programs would be ending live horse racing in 2012 and the water park would close in 2016.

http://www.calexpo.com/PDFs/nba/CalExpo%20Presentation.pdf

Swanston Station Transit Village

2009-02-28T05:30:59Z

The proposed Swanston Station Transit Village is a long-range urban design that would guide public and private improvements in the Swanston Station Transit Village Specific Plan area. Encompassing roughly a ½ mile radius around the Swanston Light Rail Station, the plan includes mixed use land that promotes a mixture of office, commercial, open space, and medium and high-density residential uses with 36 units per acre.

The Long-Term Plan includes approximately 213 acres of the Swanston project area and would result in approximately 2,596 new dwelling units and 505,515 sf of new commercial space. The project could increase the population within the City by up to 6,670 residents at buildout in 2030.

Last week a Draft Environmental Impact Report was submitted to the City for review.

http://www.cityofsacramento.org/dsd/planning/environmental-review/eirs/documents/Swanton-DEIR.pdf

$550 Million for New Sacramento County Courthouse

2009-02-26T07:03:22Z

Today on Ninth Street in front of the Gordon D. Schaber Courthouse, Assemblyman Dave Jones unveiled a new deal for Sacramento County to build a courthouse expected to cost $550 million. The new site of the building has not chosen yet but court officials would like it to be on the site of the two-story parking lot across Eight Street from the existing facility. It would house 35 to 49 new courtrooms for criminal proceedings. and funds to build the new court house will come out of the $5 billion lease revenue bond that was enacted buy the legislature last year.

$550 million is alot of money…here's the costs of some other local State projects and what we got for the money.

Federal Courthouse, 6th and I Streets
Project Description: Construction of a 16-story, 380,000 sf office building forthe United States Federal Courts. 19 courtrooms.
Total Project Cost: $134 million
Date of Completion: 1999

State of California East End Project, 15th and Capitol Mall
Project Description: Construction of 1,470,000 gross sf of office and retail.Approx. $4.2 million was allocated for housing, preservation, lighting and park enhancements.
Total Project Cost: $392 million
Date of Completion: 2003

Cal EPA Building, 10th and I Streets
Project Description: Construction of a 25-story, 765,000 sf office building forthe California Environmental Protection Agency. The building houses approximately 3,500 employees.
Total Project Cost: $170 million
Date of Completion: 2000

Michael Zwahlen on "Five Hundred Capitol Mall"

2009-02-23T23:44:20Z

Are you talking about the blue color above and below the windows? At first I was not sure about that part as well, but now that the towers basically done and I can see the final product, I think it works fine and is a nice accent color. The reflection of the sky off the windows is awesome but I'm not so hot on how there are no vertical lines when you look at it from the sides that are wide and fat.

Five Hundred Capitol Mall

2009-02-23T06:26:09Z

Last Friday I was invited to go up into 500 Capitol Mall (The Bank of the West Tower) and get a few photos of the 4-story lobby off Capitol Mall and the shared 25th and Penthouse windows at the top floors. The building is currently experimenting with interior lighting in the lobby and soon the pinnacle at the top of the tower. By mid-March exterior lighting facing Capitol Mall will be turned really making the building stand out.

I have attached 12 photos to view.

Michael Zwahlen on "Raley Field- The High Cost of a Name"

2009-02-19T05:25:55Z

Frank, what's the message in the article? You seem hell bent on saying the same thing over and over again without answering the question. Also, when you contacted Raley's did you ask about the name "Raley's Field"? That would have been the first question I had if I had asked if I had taken the time to call like you did.

Michael Zwahlen on "La Valentina Station "

2009-02-14T15:47:31Z

On 12th between D and E Streets.

La Valentina Station

2009-02-14T04:31:35Z

This project consists of developing several vacant lots into a four story structure, 63 apartments, 7 live/work apartments, 6 commercial spaces, and 63 parking spaces. The building is adjacent to the light rail station located along the north edge of the site. Contemporary in design the project uses a large amount of fiber cement board oriented as a horizontal rain screen along the façade of the North building and vertically as the main finish material. Cement plaster is proposed as a secondary material on the building. Fiberglass windows and doors have been proposed for durability and efficiency in lieu of vinyl. Water jet cut Corten steel railings are proposed at the south building as a decorative element. The project has been designed to incorporate sustainable design techniques including passive solar design, photovoltaic systems, a green roof area, and vegetated swales along the rear property line.

The project will require Planning Commission approval of entitlements for Environmental, Special Permit to allow reduction in required parking, Special Permit to allow building to exceed maximum height allowed by the zone, Special Permit to allow gated development, variance to reduce interior side setback, variance to allow compact stalls to exceed a maximum of 40%, variance to allow a roof structure to exceed the maximum allowable height. The Planning Commission is scheduled to hear this project on March 12, 2009 for final action.

Inclusionary Housing Workshop

2009-02-10T06:47:16Z

In updating the City of Sacramento’s Housing Element over the past year, inclusionary housing policies and practices have consistently risen to the top as needing additional analysis and broader, deeper conversation. Council members have expressed interest in modifying the City’s current inclusionary approach to meet City Housing Element goals, including:

• Expanding the application of inclusionary housing beyond the current “New Growth” boundaries;
• Encouraging inclusionary homeownership opportunities and increasing equity share for homeowners;
• Providing additional options for the development of inclusionary housing, especially for small developers and infill developers; and
• Diversifying inclusionary housing outcomes, such as promoting smaller, mixed-income rental developments.

This report builds on the May 2007 assessment that showed a highly productive inclusionary program that worked well for large developers in greenfield areas of the City during a period of strong and unique market conditions. It was less successful in producing affordable ownership units, or in providing meaningful options for smaller developments. This report presents additional information help inform the Council discussion on potential changes.

On Thursday February 12th the Planning Commission will discuss these issue and more at the New City Hall, 915 I Street, 1st Floor- Council Chambers at 5:30 P.M.

Planning Commission
Meeting Agenda
for February 12 , 2009

Michael Zwahlen on "Sacramento Asbestos Prevention & Removal Key to Healthy Home"

2009-02-06T23:33:18Z

Here's a link to a larger graphic: http://www.asbestos.com/images/asbestos_house_diagram.gif

Sacramento Asbestos Prevention & Removal Key to Healthy Home

2009-02-06T18:12:49Z

California is no stranger to asbestos problems. Since the late 1800’s until the early 1980’s, asbestos was regarded as the ideal method of insulation and piping in industrial applications throughout the world.

With its qualities as flame and heat resistant, it was not only versatile, but extremely durable. Although there is evidence showing that companies and manufacturers knew of asbestos’ health hazards, it wasn’t until 1990 when the California Air Resources Board began to regulate the amount used in surfacing applications.

In the Sacramento housing industry, there are many things to consider. Homes and buildings built prior to 1980 can potentially contain asbestos-materials. If you are a potential home buyer or are seeking to remodel an older home, you should be aware that frequent asbestos exposure can cause many serious health concerns.

Asbestos exposure can cause a debilitating lung ailment known as mesothelioma. This asbestos-related illness is one of the hardest for physicians to diagnose for a variety of reasons. Mesothelioma metastasis can occur when the illness spreads through the lymph nodes or the blood stream. This can occur in the disease later stages as it can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop, making it extremely difficult for physicians to accurately diagnose this disease.

The high number of asbestos-related incidents in the last century has lead to many mesothelioma attorney firms protecting and advocating victims’ rights. Manufacturers were clearly aware of the toxic qualities of asbestos, but continued shipping the substance anyways. Asbestos industries have been involved in a century old scandal, concealing information on the dangers associated with asbestos.

The California Department of Health Services has set standards and regulations in regards to asbestos use and abatement. Despite knowledge of the state’s asbestos problems, many communities throughout California still find themselves constructed atop asbestos deposits. The inspection and removal of toxic substances must be performed by licensed abatement contractors who are trained in handling dangerous materials.

Due to a steady progression of technology and green sustainable methods, there are many ways to ensure your home or property is free of harmful chemicals and materials. Once the area is asbestos free, environmentally sustainable materials should be considered including cotton fiber, cellulose and lcynene, water based spray polyurethane foam that can reduce energy costs annually. These new healthy options allow homeowners to live healthy and clear of health polluting substances.

Contents of article provided by Jesse Herman of the Mesothelioma Cancer Center

Michael Zwahlen on "AT&T"

2009-02-06T04:28:05Z

They are Sacramento Valley photos from the late 1800s and early 1900s showing phone company linemen and operators at work. The Memorial Auditorium pictures include a prize fight, a circus and a 1928 performance of The Messiah. It was only a $200,000 project for 22 photos.

Crest Theater Improvements Project

2009-01-27T21:10:01Z

The Sacramento City Council passed a motion on the 20th of last week to loan an additional $160,000 to the existing $253,839 loan principal to create a new loan to be used for capital improvements to the theater. The loan is forgivable in the year 2019 if the theater makes structural, safety, and aesthetic improvements as part of scenic easement to the Crest Theater marquee. An Owner Participation Agreement (OPA) with The Briggs Family Group (Owner) is to provide Downtown Redevelopment tax increment funds to the project. The loan would add $160,000 to the existing loan principal $253,839 and create a new loan of $413,839 to be used for capital improvements to the theater.

Minutes from Sacramento City Council Redevelopment Agency 1/20/2009

Crest Theater Loan Documents

Michael Zwahlen on "Should Our New Mayor be Granted More Power?"

2009-01-20T23:59:19Z

yes, the Mayor needs more power... the current way the city works is to string things out over long periods of time and studying it to death to then miss the boat to get anything done.