Hairwars comment-21882 2010-02-08T03:47:21Z 2010-02-08T03:47:21Z Hair Wars have been poppin' up all over the nation and we used to spend lots of time sending letters and calling letting productions know that we own this name - but now we just welcome everyone to our website and online store - thanks for all the support. Check out the 'Original' Hair Wars July 18, 2010 in Detroit at the Met Hotel (formerly the Hilton-Troy) as Hair Wars celebrates 25 years. Over 300 models and more than 40 Hair Entertainers will perform at the evening show (car show in the day). For more, visit the website: www.hairwarsustour.com Email us at: hairwars@yahoo.com Hairwars 2010-02-08T03:47:21Z SJFW comment-17835 2009-11-16T23:58:28Z 2009-11-16T23:58:28Z Great article Lexie... SJFW 2009-11-16T23:58:28Z rowenaandtakashi comment-13523 2009-09-10T05:49:45Z 2009-09-10T05:49:45Z Anyone saw this? http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rowena-Takashi/99425554295?ref=mf#/album.php?aid=107923&id=99425554295 rowenaandtakashi 2009-09-10T05:49:45Z Tina Armour comment-11625 2009-08-06T20:25:11Z 2009-08-06T20:25:11Z Great article. There are a lot of excellent designers that have gone virtually unnoticed because the fashion scene in Sacramento is so small. I am glad to see that it is growing! Tina Armour 2009-08-06T20:25:11Z Lexie Tiongson comment-11565 2009-08-04T18:27:44Z 2009-08-04T18:27:44Z Thanks! And what has been in the past decade as not only been indie fashion, it's been an array of different fashion perspectives. Such as: urban and couture. Coelho and Hemmenes truly made a big effort and big difference for Sacramento's recent fashion history! I'm glad to have seen a big hipster scene growing on indie fashion because of them! Lexie Tiongson 2009-08-04T18:27:44Z Lexie Tiongson comment-11564 2009-08-04T18:24:59Z 2009-08-04T18:24:59Z Fashion truly DID exist before the past recent decade. It dates way way back to when Sacramento first started becoming a town. Fashion has always been a part of Sacramento. As William said, the K Street area has been around for what it seems like almost "forever" and it's been the "fashion" street of Sacramento. Lexie Tiongson 2009-08-04T18:24:59Z William Burg comment-11563 2009-08-04T18:02:38Z 2009-08-04T18:02:38Z I'd recommend starting at the Sacramento Room. Midtown Sacramento had a lot of funky boutiques in the 1980s, many of which are long gone, and some places date back a lot farther than that-- "Cheap Thrills" on 21st Street got its start in 1969. Although I'd wager you can find fashion articles as far back as you care to go--the array of department stores along K Street certainly marketed to the local couture mavens of the late 19th century. William Burg 2009-08-04T18:02:38Z Lovelle Harris comment-11560 2009-08-04T17:05:09Z 2009-08-04T17:05:09Z Great article! The Sacramento fashion scene has been growing for several years now thanks to the likes of Coehlo and others who went out on their own and collectively put this city on the indie fashion map! Lovelle Harris 2009-08-04T17:05:09Z Hawa Arsala comment-11539 2009-08-04T16:57:11Z 2009-08-04T16:57:11Z Great article, Lexie. I thought I was familiar with the fashion scene in the midtown/downtown area, but it seems like there is more I need to check out! I'm curious, were you able to do more historical research about fashion before this decade in Sacramento? Was fashion always a part of Sacramento, or did it trickle in with the advent of boutiques etc.? It would be cool to see if seamstresses and tailors still exist amidst these young designers and entrepreneurs. Did you come across any? Hawa Arsala 2009-08-04T16:57:11Z protec comment-11469 2009-08-03T14:57:10Z 2009-08-03T14:57:10Z started late no sitting and had nothing to do with hair (1100 @ night ) very poor wast of time protec 2009-08-03T14:57:10Z Mathieu Über comment-11252 2009-07-30T06:22:54Z 2009-07-30T06:22:54Z It's no Hardware Wars. Mathieu Über 2009-07-30T06:22:54Z Phat comment-10694 2009-07-14T16:12:33Z 2009-07-14T16:12:33Z I meet them on 2nd Sat. The greats people I've meet. Love there goodies there selling also. Phat 2009-07-14T16:12:33Z Mathieu Über comment-10506 2009-07-09T23:46:57Z 2009-07-09T23:46:57Z Let's hope not. Maybe we can get together and plant even more trees to drown out the noise. Personally I like noise, but I think most people do not. Mathieu Über 2009-07-09T23:46:57Z Mathieu Über comment-10505 2009-07-09T23:44:48Z 2009-07-09T23:44:48Z Yeah. I'm sure they're trying to figure it out with a lack of experience. Hopefully next time they will take advice into consideration. I'm sure they figured the louder the sound the more people would come. This is not always the case as we've seen here some found it quite obnoxious. Hopefully we will all utilize the constructive criticism to be more considerate as well as tolerant in order to get along in a unique community. Mathieu Über 2009-07-09T23:44:48Z savemidtown comment-10436 2009-07-09T03:51:43Z 2009-07-09T03:51:43Z Neighbors demanding that everyone follow long-established rules and proprietors act reasonably and responsibly does not equal cranky residents. This is how we must live in cities. Living, working and being entertained in close quarters demands more of everyone involved in these areas. If you're fortunate enough to live in one of the few remaining parts of Midtown that isn't mayhem, you too will soon have your chance to experience this free for all attitude as the entire grid takes on the amuzement park style of 18th & Capitol / L Street. savemidtown 2009-07-09T03:51:43Z Marion Millin comment-10425 2009-07-08T23:20:16Z 2009-07-08T23:20:16Z Unfortunately, a lot of really great, talented local people with better things to do have been "spending their endless free time" at meetings for the past few decades, to maintain and protect Midtown's livability, without which it would not be the historic, attractive and trendy place it is now. If you'd like to help, there's plenty to do. Check out your neighborhood association for a start. And yes, as crazy as it seems, when you're dealing with the City or other agencies and people in positions of power, "trying to sound reasonable" is considered a good thing. Being miserable and hating has nothing to do with it. The whole concept of livability and sustainability is that a balanced mix of well integrated projects increase the quality of life for the whole community and for the long term. Marion Millin 2009-07-08T23:20:16Z Marion Millin comment-10424 2009-07-08T23:09:00Z 2009-07-08T23:09:00Z Mathieu, you used the magic word "balance" above. The problems being created in Midtown are due to an imbalance of certain types of business attracting disruptive clientele in overimpacted neighborhoods. 18th and Capitol is one of those neighborhoods. The St. John's staff has indicated they will follow local ordinances and adjust or mitigate the sound levels. That will help, if they can balance sound inside and not add to the oversaturation outside. That extra whatever percentage on TOP of a good, loud sound mix, is what I call "excessive." If it sounds like it's outside from a block away, that's definitely excessive. The bands playing are aspiring professionals with high quality equipment and a sound engineer. Having heard the sound from a block away and from inside The Refuge, it seems the levels can come down and still have plenty of room to please fans and not disrupt the neighborhood. :thumbsup: Marion Millin 2009-07-08T23:09:00Z Mathieu Über comment-10410 2009-07-08T20:49:32Z 2009-07-08T20:49:32Z whu? meh. Mathieu Über 2009-07-08T20:49:32Z Mathieu Über comment-10408 2009-07-08T20:36:46Z 2009-07-08T20:36:46Z Being a former teen I alone can say that many if not all teens like live music very loud. Are these shows going on everyday, once a week, once a month? I am close to saying, "Let the kids have their loud-ass show." However I don't want to negate the accumulation of noise, crime and general discord that it may give way to. Mathieu Über 2009-07-08T20:36:46Z midtownguy comment-10407 2009-07-08T20:32:02Z 2009-07-08T20:32:02Z WingNuts spending their endless free time trying to sound reasonable are still WingNut haters that hate everything, are miserable, and want all of us to be too. midtownguy 2009-07-08T20:32:02Z Mathieu Über comment-10406 2009-07-08T20:22:49Z 2009-07-08T20:22:49Z Teens generally don't have much money. Maybe in the early to mid-nineties kids were walking around with more of their parents extra cash, but not so much right now. Therefore there is not much interest in exploiting them and draining their miniscule funds. Acknowledging their boredom and harboring it in a safe environment definitely benefits the community. I agree that tolerance as well as courtesy are crucial. Finding a pleasant balance would be quite nice. Mathieu Über 2009-07-08T20:22:49Z Mathieu Über comment-10405 2009-07-08T20:08:19Z 2009-07-08T20:08:19Z Perhaps in such an environment the church should work at appealing to youth while setting a good example. Mathieu Über 2009-07-08T20:08:19Z Marion Millin comment-10402 2009-07-08T19:02:31Z 2009-07-08T19:02:31Z beerzie, thank you for rereading the comments. Since this is the first time I have commented on this issue on SacPress, I hope folks will read with an open mind. The residents and neighborhood associations have been blanketed with a lot of propaganda in the mainstream media, regarding -- actually minimizing and ridiculing -- the very real impacts of recent overconcentrated development on neighborhoods. That includes not reporting crimes and business compliance violations. If you perceive a "rhetoric" that you'd like "toned down" and less "self righteous," you may be reading the words of those who organize, become informed, participate in the process, work with The Powers That Be and try to find solutions that work for everyone. A certain tone and writing style -- maybe overly formal -- could come from that. You are welcome to be one of those who devotes the time and energy to maintain the livability of Midtown, working with neighborhoods, attending meetings, writing on SacPress, maybe even using your real name. Then this conversation might be more "fruitful." Marion Millin 2009-07-08T19:02:31Z beerzie comment-10392 2009-07-08T15:59:09Z 2009-07-08T15:59:09Z I have now REREAD the comments and have come to the same conclusion. I find that every time I read one of these discussions, their is a hostile tone that is tiresome. Perhaps if the cranky Midtown residents toned down their rhetoric, (less self-righteous, perhaps?) they would find the "spouting of the same old cliches about Midtown" less common, and the discussion would be more fruitful. beerzie 2009-07-08T15:59:09Z Marion Millin comment-10384 2009-07-08T09:32:27Z 2009-07-08T09:32:27Z Yes, the point that's overlooked here is how EXCESSIVE the noise levels were on Friday night. Whether it's from the sound engineer or the Youth Director who can shut the door, the impact on the neighborhood was excessive and unnecessary. The message sent, was as I said in my initial post. St. John's may have the best intentions. However, they have not represented that in the last two weeks' concert/nightclub events with their impacts on the neighborhood. The City requirement to lower noise levels after 10:00 was ignored (even after input from neighbors). The noise levels BEFORE 10:00 p.m. were unacceptable and UNNECESSARILY LOUD. Having been to plenty of shows and still having my hearing, I know that that level of EXCESSIVE volume isn't needed. Dialing it down, finding the balance, and/or shutting/baffling the entrance are all reasonable solutions. The reduction of that overkill level of outrageous noise doesn't affect the enjoyment of patrons at all. If it does and if mitigation isn't possible, then 1723 L Street is not the proper venue for The Refuge, St. John's has now expressed awareness of their impacts on the neighborhood and willingness to cooperate. If it were dialed down, the hearing of participants would be less damaged, the reported cadre of chaperons would be more comfortable and it would become possible for people at the ticket table to speak to someone, without having to go outside. There is a reasonable and peaceful solution here, but the need of people to choose sides and immediately start spouting the same old cliches about Midtown is discouraging. The truth is -- none of the residents want to waste their precious time trying to make the City and Developers and Businesses and Newcomers do what they are supposed to By Law. They want them to DO IT. For the benefit of all. Because it's The Law. That's NOT now how Midtown development is being orchestrated by The Powers The Be in the City of Sacramento. THAT is the environment The Refuge has opened in. Marion Millin 2009-07-08T09:32:27Z Marion Millin comment-10383 2009-07-08T04:34:46Z 2009-07-08T04:34:46Z Missing the point. You will find all of your concerns addressed in the previous comments from the neighbors and St. John's. Marion Millin 2009-07-08T04:34:46Z savemidtown comment-10382 2009-07-08T04:13:15Z 2009-07-08T04:13:15Z Agreed, there aren't enough non-alcohol serving establishments for people of all ages. However, a nightclub is a special circumstance (alcohol or not) due to its intensity of noise. It is much different than a restaurant or yogurt shop. That said, i go back to my prior comment about installing sound mitigation measures as others have done and being mindful of your presence on the larger neighborhood. Having lived in Midtown a long time, part of why I put down roots here is to be in a lively city center but mixed used does not mean an anything goes free for all - or no care at all for our neighbors - now that they know - they can take precautions to ensure peace and sanity in the surrounding area. savemidtown 2009-07-08T04:13:15Z hkn comment-10377 2009-07-08T01:27:38Z 2009-07-08T01:27:38Z I couldn't agree more that when living in a city center, tolerance and cooperation are crucial. If we can't be tolerant until 11 pm on a Friday night of teenagers enjoying themselves in a safe environment, I think we leave much to be desired on the tolerance front. People constantly complain about teens getting into trouble, but the fact of the matter is we do not provide many public venues that appropriately harness the boisterous energy of teenagers and young adults. I think that the void St. John's is stepping up and filling ultimately benefits our community; it treats teens as valuable members of our community rather than pushing them to the side and hoping for the best. As for cooperation, I will be very surprised if neighbors find St. John's uncooperative. hkn 2009-07-08T01:27:38Z Marion Millin comment-10375 2009-07-08T00:16:40Z 2009-07-08T00:16:40Z Sounds like you didn't actually read the comments, beerzie. Marion Millin 2009-07-08T00:16:40Z William Burg comment-10373 2009-07-07T22:45:41Z 2009-07-07T22:45:41Z Some people have differing ideas about what constitutes the up side vs. what constitutes the down side. Part of living in a city includes learning how to deal with a certain amount of noise and activity, but it shouldn't mean unlimited tolerance for racket and mayhem. The flip side of living in a city is learning some give and take in order for people to get along--in a city, you kind of have to learn how to deal with other people, as high density requries both more tolerance and more courtesy. Things like noise mitigation are LESS important in the suburbs, just because people are farther apart. You can blast your stereo and hoot & holler and people are less likely to object because they're too far away to care much. Music venues and dance clubs are located in retail areas surrounded by parking lots, separated from residential areas by great distances. For folks used to this kind of environment, being told to hold it down a bit might seem kind of alien. But in the city, we're a lot closer together and we all have to make some allowances if we're going to get along. In some ways, "if they don't like it they should move out" is more of a suburban attitude than a city attitude. This isn't just about noise, it is about public safety. Recently, Sacramento PD permanently transferred some of its POP officers from Oak Park to Midtown, because Midtown was becoming a bigger crime problem. That's a sign that this issue transcends volume. I am pretty glad to hear about The Refuge, and like the idea of a no-alcohol, all-ages music venue. I am also glad to hear that the people involved are so responsive to public concerns. One thing we definitely lack are more things to do late at night BESIDES drink. We have lots of bars and clubs, and a handful of restaurants open late, but where is our late-night donut shop, coffee shop, bookstore, laundromat, clothing boutique, etcetera? William Burg 2009-07-07T22:45:41Z beerzie comment-10371 2009-07-07T21:35:09Z 2009-07-07T21:35:09Z Sounds like some people want the upside of high-density urban living with none of the downside. beerzie 2009-07-07T21:35:09Z Marion Millin comment-10365 2009-07-07T19:43:16Z 2009-07-07T19:43:16Z Re: pdperry I'm sorry if my comment confused you. It did not refer to The Refuge as "A music venue for youth is a "mayhem magnet" " Please read the reply above reply addressed to Darren for clarification. "If someone lives in an urban area, there will be noise. Perhaps you may want to investigate the option of moving to the suburbs?" Thank you for providing a good example of the arrogance expressed toward Midtown residents and ignorance of what is really going on here. What is used against Midtowners -- who have valued and maintained this mixed used lifestyle long before it was trendy -- are repetitive cliches. The truth is we know where we live (that's why we live here, duh), we value our mixed use lifestyle and its livability, we support art/music/culture/local independent businesses and we endorse changes that improve the quality of life for everyone. We support well integrated mixed use projects that succeed in the sustainability and livability that the City of Sacramento states are its goals. We support a vibrant Midtown that is attractive to the whole community; neighborhoods that are not overrun with bars, noise, drunken behavior and crime, that destroy livability and waste police resources. We support the City following its own rules and requiring new developers and businesses to also follow rules and regulations; which are intended to provide that well integrated balance that works for all and succeeds in the long run. This is the environment that The Refuge opened in. I hope you will read the reply to Darren for a better picture of what is already going on here. Marion Millin 2009-07-07T19:43:16Z Dale Kooyman comment-10333 2009-07-07T15:40:01Z 2009-07-07T15:40:01Z Mr. Zinzer, are you aware of the hearing damage you are causing to those youth when you play music the volumes described? Did you do an inside decibel level measurement? "Ambient" noise is often used as a defense but the hearing damage depends (as you will read below) on the length of time exposed. Traffic , bad as it is, is usually intermittent. How long was your concert? Please heed for the health of your youth, the following which is an excerpt from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's educational paper: Noise Levels Both the amount of noise and the length of time you are exposed to the noise determine its ability to damage your hearing. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). The higher the decibel level, the louder the noise. Sounds louder than 80 decibels are considered potentially hazardous. The noise chart below gives an idea of average decibel levels for everyday sounds around you. PAINFUL 150 dB = rock music peak 140 dB = firearms, air raid siren, jet engine 130 dB = jackhammer 120 dB = jet plane take-off, amplified rock music at 4-6 ft., car stereo, band practice EXTREMELY LOUD 110 dB = rock music, model airplane 106 dB = timpani and bass drum rolls 100 dB = snowmobile, chain saw, pneumatic drill 90 dB = lawnmower, shop tools, truck traffic, subway VERY LOUD 80 dB = alarm clock, busy street 70 dB = busy traffic, vacuum cleaner 60 dB = conversation, dishwasher Warning Signs of Hazardous Noise * You must raise your voice to be heard * You can't hear someone two feet away from you * Speech around you sounds muffled or dull after leaving a noise area You can read the entire paper if you will google their organization. Dale Kooyman 2009-07-07T15:40:01Z Marion Millin comment-10327 2009-07-07T06:32:38Z 2009-07-07T06:32:38Z Thanks Darren. There is no disagreement, because the comment you quoted was not "being descriptive of "The Refuge." " It was descriptive of the City's policies and resulting impacts on Midtown neighborhoods, including and not limited to 18th and Capitol. You will see those discussions on SacPress, including on the recent street closures and parties for Cinco De Mayo and the events in Marshall Park. You noticed "the bar on the corner of 17th & Capitol was still playing loud music. The time was 11:54 p.m. Secondly, a group of about 15 very loud and inebriated twenty-somethings were making their way down Capitol coming from the higher numbered streets." From 18th at Capitol, you would have noticed the party and music still loud at Zocalo with the window/walls open. The mariachi trumpeting stopped not long before that. So yeah, you get the picture. That's why I wrote, "The area around 18th and L Streets is already so inundated with "nightlife" and disruptive businesses ..." At some point, how much is too much? On Friday night, the music blasting out the front of The Refuge toward Capitol Avenue was too much. I use the term mayhem magnets for the overconcentration of liquor fueled venues in Midtown residential neighborhoods. It's a shortsighted, quick-revenue City policy that can't even be called "planning." It is counterproductive to the claims the City makes toward being sustainable and livable. It alienates neighbors as well as all the other people from outside Midtown who would come down for entertainment, but are put off by rowdies and drunk drivers. The neighborhoods like ours that are overimpacted deal, not only with the inebriation, rowdiness and disregard people have for residents, but the damage and crime that occurs as a result. People have died because of it. That's the environment that The Refuge has opened in. So, appropriate noise levels will benefit the young people performing and hanging out at The Refuge, aside from protecting their hearing and complying with City noise ordinances. They may be less likely to find role models in the partygoers who leave a business, go outside and scream and yell and behave like Midtown is a carnival or crime scene, rather than a unique resource of mixed use, historic, residential neighborhoods. Then, when "these youth are our future leaders and may someday grow to be a City Council Person, Mayor, or business owner," they may have better ideas and solutions for creating a balanced and sustainable mixed use in Midtown. The may become residents and contribute to well integrated projects that benefit all parties and the whole community. They may have a vision for Midtown that isn't dependent on drinking and driving to fill City coffers and keep the police (and neighbors) busy cleaning up. Marion Millin 2009-07-07T06:32:38Z savemidtown comment-10324 2009-07-07T05:24:24Z 2009-07-07T05:24:24Z St. Johns is part of the community and does good work. Noise ordinances are clear and all are beholden to them, alchohol sales or not. We walked by Friday and it was very loud. Now that they're aware they'll dial back the sound right? The Distillery added sound mitigation at their front door to protect the people across the street in St. Antons. It seems to be working. Nightclubs can operate in a mixed use area if they're planned and operated properly. I'm surprised how many places leave their doors open and let the noise spill out on the street. It's actually pretty simple, close the door - and if needed add double doors at the front. Yes it costs a little bit but a little effort goes a a long way to eliminate noise complaints and degradation of quality of life for nearby residents. savemidtown 2009-07-07T05:24:24Z Zinky comment-10298 2009-07-06T22:45:22Z 2009-07-06T22:45:22Z In response to Ms. M's note above: As I stated during our conversation (I spoke with Ms. M on the phone Friday night during the event) we (staff, parents and youth volunteers) will do everything we possibly can to respect the neighborhood and all those folks who live in the Midtown area in proximity to “The Refuge”. Below are a few perspectives I want to illuminate regarding "The Refuge". We (the leadership of St. John's) have not forgotten about our neighbors! In fact in the last year we at St. John's instituted a policy of no more homeless or transient individuals on our steps and surrounding areas because we took seriously the request to contribute to a safer and more comfortable Midtown area. Our neighbors spoke, we listened, and we took action! We never forget that we are part of the Midtown community. St. John's has been in the same location and proudly part of this community since 1912. Now if I may state our motivation for "The Refuge". It's important to keep in mind that we started "The Refuge" events for one reason and one reason only, “To give teens a safe place to spend time and listen to music.” If you ask teens what is important to them and what they spend their time doing you’ll find that quite often it involves music. Teens love music and they will spend their time finding bands that play the music they like and will travel to watch those bands play live. We simply provide the place for teens who listen to music to connect with those who play music. This is part of my job as Director of Youth Ministries at St. John’s and I love my job! Also, I can think of a lot more unsavory activities our youth could be participating in and watching live music at "The Refuge" is not one of them. The sound engineer and I also set up the order of bands to reflect the fact that our sound gets lower between the 10 - 11 p.m. time slot. We have the loudest band playing between the 9 - 9:45 p.m. time slot. This was planned because we wanted to be mindful of our neighbors. When I received your call our front door was open and the level of sound was louder than the ambient noise level coming from the street corner a 18th and L streets. When I shut the front door the level was lower than the ambient noise level at the corner. Regarding your statement: “Unfortunately, the City's efforts to "bring people downtown" by over-saturating residential neighborhoods with alcohol, noise and mayhem magnets, is defeating the proposed "Most Livable City" concept.” I must politely disagree with your statement being descriptive of "The Refuge" and point out that we DO NOT serve alcohol and are vigilant about checking to make sure our kids and adults are not indulging in adult beverages during the evening. We have over 20 youth and adult volunteers who are present in the room and out in front during the event. This may seem like an ‘over-kill’ of volunteers. From my view it’s nothing but due diligence on our part. I can’t give my promise to parents that their child will be safe spending time at “The Refuge” for the evening if I don’t first trust that our volunteers and staff are maintaining a safe place through constant monitoring and contact with our kids. I am indeed confident in my volunteers. There will be NO mayhem magnets carousing in or about "The Refuge" I assure you. Bottom line: I’m sorry if our event disturbed you in any way. We will be compliant with the law regarding sound ordinances in the Midtown area and hope you’ll give “The Refuge” a chance to be a safe place for our youth in Sacramento. After all, these youth are our future leaders and may someday grow to be a City Council Person, Mayor, or business owner. Sincerely, Darren Zinzer Director of Youth Ministry St. John’s Lutheran Church As a side note I noticed two things as I was driving away from the “The Refuge” that night: First, the bar on the corner of 17th & Capitol was still playing loud music. The time was 11:54 p.m. Secondly, a group of about 15 very loud and inebriated twenty-somethings were making their way down Capitol coming from the higher numbered streets. I believe those two instances are in the realm of "mayhem magnets"? Another side NOTE: I agree that True Love Coffee House is a great venue to see live music in! Zinky 2009-07-06T22:45:22Z pdperry comment-10297 2009-07-06T21:31:45Z 2009-07-06T21:31:45Z I would hazard a guess that the church would be more than happy to adjust the sound levels more to your liking. The story said it is a no-alcohol venue, geared toward a younger crowd. Somehow I don't think that comports with your comment that, "Unfortunately, the City's efforts to "bring people downtown" by oversaturating residential neighborhoods with alcohol, noise and mayhem magnets..." A music venue for youth is a "mayhem magnet"? If someone lives in an urban area, there will be noise. Perhaps you may want to investigate the option of moving to the suburbs? pdperry 2009-07-06T21:31:45Z Marion Millin comment-10288 2009-07-06T07:25:51Z 2009-07-06T07:25:51Z St. John's Lutheran Church is in a mixed used residential neighborhood, with neighbors to the east, west and south. The sound levels Friday night were excessively loud, blasting all over the neighborhood. Unfortunately, the City's efforts to "bring people downtown" by oversaturating residential neighborhoods with alcohol, noise and mayhem magnets, is defeating the proposed "Most Livable City" concept. The area around 18th and L Streets is already so inundated with "nightlife" and disruptive businesses, the leadership at St. John's apparently forgot that people live here. While people may be familiar with great "all ages" venues like True Love Coffeehouse and JavaLounge -- small cafes with performance space -- the huge hall at St. John's was set up as a nightclub. The excessive volume from the stage made it impossible to hold conversation at the entrance. St. John's plan to open a concert hall for amplified bands without regulation, noise ordinance compliance or neighborhood outreach is shortsighted. Sacramento does not need a new generation of people trained to think Midtown neighborhoods are a place to come party in, disrupt and disregard. The excessive sound levels send that message, with or without alcohol. Marion Millin 2009-07-06T07:25:51Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-9640 2009-06-18T23:55:58Z 2009-06-18T23:55:58Z I attended a "Designer Pint Night" for the first time earlier this month and was pleasantly surprised. A lot of fun with none of the awkwardness of corporate networking. It was well attended by an amazingly diverse group of Sacramento "creatives". Dustin L. Littrell 2009-06-18T23:55:58Z jakefavour comment-9630 2009-06-18T20:20:35Z 2009-06-18T20:20:35Z The blog is actually http://www.capitalcreativecollective.wordpress.com and you can join the facebook group at, http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#/group.php?gid=39008423567&ref=ts Thanks, Jake Favour jakefavour 2009-06-18T20:20:35Z Ali Tabatabai comment-9601 2009-06-18T02:52:23Z 2009-06-18T02:52:23Z Interesting gathering of people. Nice story, Lexie. It's good to see a fellow Gator writing for this site! Ali Tabatabai 2009-06-18T02:52:23Z shawn eldredge comment-9564 2009-06-17T05:42:44Z 2009-06-17T05:42:44Z this is an awsome group and i have acquired a new appreciation of the design arts. Thanks to jakes visionary group there is a large community here in downtown and midtown that is not only growing but flourishing . there is no doubt this group will be a part of 2nd Saturday as well as many other aspects of the art and creative thikers here in sactown ... shawn eldredge 2009-06-17T05:42:44Z Casey Kirk comment-9413 2009-06-12T22:59:25Z 2009-06-12T22:59:25Z I think it's really cool that they did the screenings and test right at the site of the race. A lot of events will tell people about free screenings and as soon as they leave the event they won't follow-through. Great way to go about preventative health. Casey Kirk 2009-06-12T22:59:25Z