BethlehemSisterCity comment-48447 2011-03-31T05:57:10Z 2011-03-31T05:57:10Z It is almost one year since the last comment - but I was not aware fo this article one year ago. I just found it while working online tonight. I actully am an active member of the SacramentoBethlehem Sister City and we are still working to bring authentic Palestinian voices into our community. Check this out: www.SacramentoBethlehem.org and click on our events page. Morris, and others I hope you come! Nallelie too. Then you can get a quote from the very people working on the project. Thanks everyone for your interest! BethlehemSisterCity 2011-03-31T05:57:10Z morris comment-24873 2010-04-15T18:47:00Z 2010-04-15T18:47:00Z Why not? Anything wrong with that? Do you have any better alternative? Your comment is not in place. I believe many Americans are wanting to do something to end the plight of the Palestinians. So, why not start with a little step? Does this bother you? Its true the Federal government should be taking action, which, thank God, the Obama administration is doing now, but everybody else can be involved in experessing their support for the Palestinians, one way or another. Doesn't bother me at all! morris 2010-04-15T18:47:00Z morris comment-24872 2010-04-15T18:26:56Z 2010-04-15T18:26:56Z This is Maurice writing. I must disappoint you guys. I posted a comment at the City website to support the initiative as a Palestinian Christian, who loves his people and country. I am not a muslim; but does this really matter? I can talk on behalf of the Palestinians in a very fair and uncompromised manner; Bethlehem in particular is town of great significance to Christians and until recent decades, it has been traditionally a Christian town. Picking up on the religious background is not really very helpful, and I am assuming that no body else posted a comment on the city website as I did. I didn't expect to find it in this report. What I actually wanted to make clear through my comment is that the Israeli occupation is inhibiting the growth and the freedom of my people in Bethlehem and else where in Palestine. The relationship with the city of Sacramento, I hope, will open the door for Palestinians in Bethlehem to tell their side of the story to world, which usually does not get past the inhumane wall Israel has built around the town. Israel doesn't want the rest of world to know what is going on. This is why Israel's lobby unnecessarily made a fuss. I actually don't agree with the Jewish reprsentative that this relationship should not have any political significance. It does; and everybody involved, including the council members, know that. In my opinion, it will be impossible to find a "similar" town in Israel to have sister city relationship with Sacramento, because we will have to find for a walled-in city or town such as Bethlehem, which we won't find, unless we think of Akko or Old City of Jerusalem that have historical walls around them. It just doen't work. To believe Barry Broad's statement that politics should be kept out of this relationship is very misleading. The very notion that there is a need to establish a similar relationship with an Israeli city, already made the issue "political". Otherwise, the Israeli lobbyists shouldn't have objected about the Bethlehem relationship at all. So, I don't buy his misleading comments, and I don't think anybody else should. By the way many Muslim Palestinians were present at the council meeting. But again, religion is not the issue here, except in the context of preserving a historical holy site such as Bethlehem. I hope this clarifies any misunderstandings here. morris 2010-04-15T18:26:56Z Nallelie Vega comment-20941 2010-01-20T18:47:08Z 2010-01-20T18:47:08Z CORRECTION: AB 656 went to the Assembly Committee of Revenue and Taxation suspense file and was voted on later that evening. The bill was approved 5-2 and will go before the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Jan. 21. Nallelie Vega 2010-01-20T18:47:08Z Rhonda Erwin comment-20682 2010-01-15T06:35:31Z 2010-01-15T06:35:31Z I agree with Gianna Setoudeh. It does sound like it's going to be a play I don't want to miss. I hope I'm able to attend Rhonda Erwin 2010-01-15T06:35:31Z Gianna Setoudeh comment-20639 2010-01-15T05:47:59Z 2010-01-15T05:47:59Z This sounds like an interesting play, especially with the live violinist...how cool is that? Gianna Setoudeh 2010-01-15T05:47:59Z Matthew Ceccato comment-20483 2010-01-12T21:24:37Z 2010-01-12T21:24:37Z It's a shame the bill was suspended. Hopefully, a compromise can be worked out sooner than later. Higher education should be a priority at the Capitol. Matthew Ceccato 2010-01-12T21:24:37Z efsacramento comment-20393 2010-01-10T01:00:49Z 2010-01-10T01:00:49Z This location is much better than in prior years at 7th and K. Who wants to go down there, really? efsacramento 2010-01-10T01:00:49Z thsas comment-20228 2010-01-08T03:30:42Z 2010-01-08T03:30:42Z Ahhh, so it is good for the kids! thsas 2010-01-08T03:30:42Z Nallelie Vega comment-20213 2010-01-06T20:04:32Z 2010-01-06T20:04:32Z yes, public schools are exempt, but all other eateries must follow the new law Nallelie Vega 2010-01-06T20:04:32Z thsas comment-20196 2010-01-06T01:22:01Z 2010-01-06T01:22:01Z Nallelie, I understand that public schools are exempt from this law? thsas 2010-01-06T01:22:01Z beerzie comment-20193 2010-01-05T23:27:07Z 2010-01-05T23:27:07Z Strange that people from the GOP such as recent heart scare victim Rush Limbaugh, (who dogmatically frame themselves as the party of responsibility) do not want people held fiscally accountable for their bad lifestyles when they involve overeating or smoking. The national health care fiasco is that the government funds unhealthful food with Ag subsidies that result in a epidemic of obesity and its attendant ailments. If people will not tolerate being ordered as to what they can eat, how much they can weigh and how they must live their lives within the law, then that's fine: they can pay more for the privilege. beerzie 2010-01-05T23:27:07Z Nallelie Vega comment-20187 2010-01-05T19:28:21Z 2010-01-05T19:28:21Z CORRECTION: CALIFORNIA RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION SPOKESMAN, DANIEL CONWAY. Nallelie Vega 2010-01-05T19:28:21Z thsas comment-20186 2010-01-05T17:26:02Z 2010-01-05T17:26:02Z Perhaps a better option is to require disclosure (of ingredients considered suspect to health) on the restaurant menu, so that consumers can make choices. thsas 2010-01-05T17:26:02Z Oracle comment-20185 2010-01-05T17:22:55Z 2010-01-05T17:22:55Z While this is well-meaning and probably good for our health, I have a problem in government telling us what we can eat. Look for our new national health care fiasco to soon tell us how much we can weigh, dictate our cholesterol and blood pressure limits and restrict many other aspects of lifestyle. Twenty pounds overweight and you'll pay more for health care, etc. The good news is that the most heinous parts of ObamaCare will be overturned once Congress becomes more politically balanced and before they can be implemented. People will not tolerate being ordered as to what they can eat, how much they can weigh and how they must live their lives within the law. Oracle 2010-01-05T17:22:55Z waldorfandstatler comment-20142 2010-01-04T19:25:14Z 2010-01-04T19:25:14Z Scott White - Happy Hipster New Year! waldorfandstatler 2010-01-04T19:25:14Z Melissa Warren comment-20061 2009-12-31T17:06:51Z 2009-12-31T17:06:51Z Great pictures! I took my kids ice skating at this rink, and we had a great time. Melissa Warren 2009-12-31T17:06:51Z Kati Garner comment-20060 2009-12-31T17:05:33Z 2009-12-31T17:05:33Z Great shots! Kati Garner 2009-12-31T17:05:33Z Jay Canter comment-19850 2009-12-25T12:07:25Z 2009-12-25T12:07:25Z If you have never seen Musser's work in person you really should. His realism is really something great to see in person. As well, he is passionate about what he does so that is a huge plus to see for other artists who live and die with their passion. Great work!! Jay Canter 2009-12-25T12:07:25Z boring comment-19849 2009-12-25T08:50:05Z 2009-12-25T08:50:05Z Sorry but for an unique and colorful artist this reads really super dull. boring 2009-12-25T08:50:05Z Squirrelgadget comment-19742 2009-12-22T22:09:51Z 2009-12-22T22:09:51Z ah this is fantastic Jay! great to see that you're work is being recognised again.We love you here in Australia too! Bec Squirrelgadget 2009-12-22T22:09:51Z Jay Canter comment-19726 2009-12-22T10:33:19Z 2009-12-22T10:33:19Z I loved this story!!!!!! Partially because its written about me. But I always am sooo grateful for my community to have positive things to say. PLUS, my mom finally got a plug in a story!!! so thumbs up for that. Jay Canter 2009-12-22T10:33:19Z Rashad Baadqir comment-19660 2009-12-20T03:00:26Z 2009-12-20T03:00:26Z While I appreciate your informative story, I wish you would had made mention of it in the article that he was Muslim-Palestinian. I am in good with many Arab Muslims in this area and most didn't know that there was such a initiative being passed. Rashad Baadqir 2009-12-20T03:00:26Z Pete Basofin comment-19565 2009-12-19T00:37:37Z 2009-12-19T00:37:37Z Nice profile. Thanks for writing it. Pete Basofin 2009-12-19T00:37:37Z bbbbmer comment-19495 2009-12-18T14:53:19Z 2009-12-18T14:53:19Z I agree with your sentiment, that Bethlehem's Palestinian majority and culture should be a part of the Sister-City acknowledgment. Anecdotally, most Israeli Jews, and most American Jews, wish to set aside the seemingly never-ending conflict in the Middle East, and for Jews and Palestinians to live together in peace. Most people want peace, and to conduct business, and live in their homes, free of violence in any form. In fact, there is a group in NYC that formed some years ago to enable this very idea among American Jews in particular and to stop the perception of a perpetual conflict between and among peoples of the Middle East. People are people -- we all want to work, to play, to live, free from whatever impediments to doing so, including violence, and the perception of violence and the divided loyalties that accompany such... Let's hope our little Sister Cities program adds to the side of the scale that weighs toward peace... bbbbmer 2009-12-18T14:53:19Z The Parrhesiac comment-19471 2009-12-17T23:26:37Z 2009-12-17T23:26:37Z So what is the message here? I don't get it...What are the council members trying to achieve? Are they supporting the plight of the Palestinians who had their homeland taken by England which then created Israel? Are they wanting to have a relationship with the town Christ was born in? It takes some serious narcissism on the councils part to think making Bethlehem a sister city will do ANYTHING for anyone, besides feeding their need for adulation & attention. The Parrhesiac 2009-12-17T23:26:37Z Nallelie Vega comment-19468 2009-12-17T22:17:19Z 2009-12-17T22:17:19Z Oh wow, I can't believe neither I, nor the copy editors caught that. Sorry about that it should read(minus the caps): “I think, as Barry said, it’s likely that Sacramento is not going to be the answer to peace in the Middle East,” he said. “On the other hand, we can do our part — and our part is to show that people are people where ever they are in the world and we can get along.” Nallelie Vega 2009-12-17T22:17:19Z Justin Smith comment-19458 2009-12-17T21:06:25Z 2009-12-17T21:06:25Z Councilmember Steve Cohn agreed. “I think, as Barry said, it’s likely that Sacramento is going to be the answer to peace in the Middle East,” he said. “On the other hand, we can do our part — and our part is to show that people are people where ever they are in the world and we can get along.” What planet are you from? I can only hope this is a typo. I'm sure the Palestinians are relived that the Sacramento city council had been working diligently to improve relations and business opportunities. Justin Smith 2009-12-17T21:06:25Z Nallelie Vega comment-19454 2009-12-17T16:33:57Z 2009-12-17T16:33:57Z Well sir, the Muslium representative would be Mrabe. He's ORIGINALLY from Palestine and was there for the BETHLEHEM initiative. Nallelie Vega 2009-12-17T16:33:57Z Rashad Baadqir comment-19449 2009-12-17T13:35:33Z 2009-12-17T13:35:33Z A little note of cultural demographics for everyone here, Bethlehem exists in a majority Muslim town, yet, there is not mention of that nor did the article's writer have a Muslim community representative comment on this initiative. I agree this initiative does nothing in the way of solving world politics in the Middle East, but it should serve for good public relations. Rashad Baadqir 2009-12-17T13:35:33Z thsas comment-19123 2009-12-11T16:39:02Z 2009-12-11T16:39:02Z Steven, interesting. I still consider it vandalism, as I have great respect for the propery of others. From encarta: van·dal·ism [ vánd'l ìzzəm ] noun Definition: destructive action: the malicious and deliberate defacement or destruction of somebody else's property thsas 2009-12-11T16:39:02Z Steven Bourasa comment-19071 2009-12-10T06:08:30Z 2009-12-10T06:08:30Z Here is an excerpt from Wikipedia: "The Vandals were an East Germanic tribe that entered the late Roman Empire during the 5th century...The Vandals are perhaps best known for their sack of Rome in 455. Although they were not notably more destructive than others, the high regard which later European cultures held for ancient Rome led to the association of the name of the tribe with vandalism: senseless destruction, particularly in diminution of aesthetic appeal or destruction of objects that were completed with great effort." Since the writing appears on bathrooms walls with limited aesthetic appeal I would not qualify them as 'vandalism'. Steven Bourasa 2009-12-10T06:08:30Z thsas comment-19029 2009-12-09T20:57:31Z 2009-12-09T20:57:31Z It is vandalism. thsas 2009-12-09T20:57:31Z selevision comment-19017 2009-12-09T20:20:39Z 2009-12-09T20:20:39Z Judging from your tone, Ali, you seem prone to such shitty accidents. We bought this book a few months ago from R5 records, and the pics, which are included in the book, aren't laid out as they're shown. Most pages offer a rather interesting juxtaposition between bathroom writings and graphic design. selevision 2009-12-09T20:20:39Z Ali Tabatabai comment-19021 2009-12-09T19:57:18Z 2009-12-09T19:57:18Z It's sounds like you already know me pretty well "Sele!" Well, if Keon has a degree in business... then he should of thought about marketing the book better. From everything I've seen about the book, (website, this article) it seems to miss the point that the art is the bathroom itself: the collection of all that scribble contrasted against the bathrooms decor... crusty toilets... cracked-out florecent lightling... old and odd fixtures...blah blah blah. But of course, I haven't opened the book... so if it does capture something to that effect... then I stand down. From here it just looks like other people's words, copied and pasted, and called something else. And as the commenter below pointed out... someone else already cashed in on this idea. Ali Tabatabai 2009-12-09T19:57:18Z visualwest comment-19019 2009-12-09T19:32:07Z 2009-12-09T19:32:07Z I picked up a book with the same concept called Bathroom Graffiti at Urban Outfitters. visualwest 2009-12-09T19:32:07Z Ali Tabatabai comment-19016 2009-12-09T19:09:13Z 2009-12-09T19:09:13Z Yeah and maybe they'll also buy the book I'm working on... pictures of me stepping in dog poop. Seriously, from what I can tell, it's ok idea that's poorly executed. From the sample photos it's all point and shoot. It looks like someone printed out their flickr photos from the album labeled "out drinking" and slapped them between a hardbound cover. Ali Tabatabai 2009-12-09T19:09:13Z Hunnicutt comment-18983 2009-12-09T02:53:20Z 2009-12-09T02:53:20Z Scribble on a bathroom wall and call it "art"? People will buy anything including this book. Hunnicutt 2009-12-09T02:53:20Z SJFW comment-17833 2009-11-16T23:57:28Z 2009-11-16T23:57:28Z Looked like a great event. SJFW 2009-11-16T23:57:28Z heyjude74 comment-17628 2009-11-11T18:53:22Z 2009-11-11T18:53:22Z You're money and you don't even know it! Fantastic night, my friend! Can't wait for the next one! heyjude74 2009-11-11T18:53:22Z sbloom comment-17615 2009-11-11T06:40:32Z 2009-11-11T06:40:32Z Couldn't ask for a better night. Nice job Ryan! sbloom 2009-11-11T06:40:32Z Paula comment-17577 2009-11-10T18:03:31Z 2009-11-10T18:03:31Z Great Going Ryan!!!! Knew you could do it YEARS ago.....You still got to go for "American Idol" again. As soon as your Mom gets here, I promise to come see you at wherever your playing. Love, "Auntie" Paula Paula 2009-11-10T18:03:31Z michaeltorres0 comment-17513 2009-11-09T17:54:57Z 2009-11-09T17:54:57Z Great write up of Ryan and great shots of Ryan Nallelie. I am a photographer who has shot many events and it is very rare that you see anybody at an early event such as Ryans. As you said their was not a seat to be found as their were so many people their to see him. I am a photographer from "D and M Studios" and have shot Ryans portrait before and he was very quiet and shy but on stage. Wow...!!! He is so emotional when perfoming and gives his all and shows his passion. My assistant debbie could not take her eyes off him. We bought his CD. I can't get it away from her.. :) I better take his paparazzi pictures while I have a chance.. ha ha.. I got great shots of his energy and emotions while performing. Michael Torres, Photographer D and M Studios I will have more images of Ryan up on my Gallery tommorrow morning under events: http://dandmstudios.zenfolio.com/ michaeltorres0 2009-11-09T17:54:57Z JoesacramentoDotCom comment-17510 2009-11-09T14:23:53Z 2009-11-09T14:23:53Z Nice! Congrats on the CD release, Ryan! JoesacramentoDotCom 2009-11-09T14:23:53Z thsas comment-15955 2009-10-22T22:33:23Z 2009-10-22T22:33:23Z There is not 50% left to give. Combined State and Fed income levels are at about 50% now. Add social security withholding, property taxs, sales taxes, utilty bill taxes, licensing fees, and there is only about 40% of earnings left. Perhaps I can write an IOU. thsas 2009-10-22T22:33:23Z The Parrhesiac comment-15974 2009-10-21T23:00:20Z 2009-10-21T23:00:20Z Of course your right...but if we were to give all of the money we earn to the government they can take care of us. The Parrhesiac 2009-10-21T23:00:20Z The Parrhesiac comment-15937 2009-10-21T08:31:49Z 2009-10-21T08:31:49Z I think we should just cut the BS and raise state taxes to 50% of your income. After all, the good of the society is far outweighed by the needs of individuals. The Parrhesiac 2009-10-21T08:31:49Z thsas comment-15920 2009-10-21T03:34:41Z 2009-10-21T03:34:41Z As a Soldier, you can take advantage of the Montgomery GI Bill and the Army College Fund to pay for your college education. Depending on how long you enlist with the Army and the job you choose, you can get up to $81,756 to help pay for college. All you have to do is give $100 a month during your first year of service. If you select the Army College Fund, the total amount is combined with the MGIB. The Army offers several opportunities to attend classes while serving as an Active Duty or Army Reserve Soldier. Whether it's in accredited four-year universities across the nation, through an online university or in high-tech learning facilities on Army posts, the Army enables Soldiers to continue their educational growth. thsas 2009-10-21T03:34:41Z Nallelie Vega comment-15894 2009-10-20T18:46:10Z 2009-10-20T18:46:10Z I apologize for the Jayc, I will be sure to proofread my work more carefully next time. My apologize once again Nallelie Vega 2009-10-20T18:46:10Z jayc comment-15853 2009-10-20T00:19:18Z 2009-10-20T00:19:18Z It might have been nice if, in the lead, your writer had got the day right. The competition was Saturday, not Friday. (You did get it right at the end). Also, the choreographer's name is Amy Seiwert, not Seiwart or Seiwarts, as you have it throughout. jayc 2009-10-20T00:19:18Z Evie Love Turner comment-15829 2009-10-19T03:34:06Z 2009-10-19T03:34:06Z Thank you for attending the Byron Blackburn Memorial fundraiser on Friday evening, Nallelie. It was nice to meet you! I'd also like to acknowledge and thank Ross Hammond and Ryan Offield for coordinating the musicians' portion on this memorial event. We had a fantastic turn out for our friend who was so loved and is dearly missed! Evie Love Turner 2009-10-19T03:34:06Z Nallelie Vega comment-15800 2009-10-18T08:54:50Z 2009-10-18T08:54:50Z Photos by: Nallelie Vega Nallelie Vega 2009-10-18T08:54:50Z bbbbmer comment-14607 2009-09-29T00:55:36Z 2009-09-29T00:55:36Z Mr. Knapp, Your statement, and the cynicism it represents, is largely untrue and misplaced. While I have donated to the campaigns for some local elected officials before, it is by no means on a large scale, with very few exceptions. But before at least four of the members of the current City Council, i feel very much listened to, and that my input is regarded significantly, so long as that input is to the benefit of the community and not merely my own self interest. That being said, I believe the cabal that surrounds the mayor is indeed merely self interested, and through the SMI seeks to self-deal through a silencing of the widest possible array of voices and input into issues under consideration. I believe under this narrow circumstance your statement is indeed true, for I don't believe this mayor makes a single move without the sanction of his backers, who have put up significant sums to be 'heard'. I believe the four Council members who remain opposed to this measure do so risking future political benefit if that benefit is financed by KJ's backers, and it is to their credit that they remain strong and vital voices for the many whose opposition to the SMI and other of KJ's 'initiatives' are as yet unorganized and ununified, but with any luck, will be soon... Btw, I doubt Tom Hiltchak's suits cost anywhere near $5k.... He looks pretty rumpled, and his street cred as a lobbyist has been no doubt harmed by his sloppy errors and omissions in drafting the SMI... much to the benefit of us all... bbbbmer 2009-09-29T00:55:36Z Davi Rodrigues comment-14533 2009-09-27T15:25:05Z 2009-09-27T15:25:05Z Thanks Nallelie.. I would have liked to attend this, but duty called at home. Davi Rodrigues 2009-09-27T15:25:05Z Marion Millin comment-14530 2009-09-27T05:50:31Z 2009-09-27T05:50:31Z Mr. Burg, I might add that the most valuable lesson for anyone in Sacramento or any town, visiting the Capitol or City Hall or any meeting is, these are people, just like anyone else. The political theater only makes that more apparent. That can only be conveyed in person. The TV adds another layer of separation. Marion Millin 2009-09-27T05:50:31Z Nallelie Vega comment-14520 2009-09-26T13:26:47Z 2009-09-26T13:26:47Z photos by: Nallelie Vega Nallelie Vega 2009-09-26T13:26:47Z William Burg comment-14436 2009-09-26T03:23:25Z 2009-09-26T03:23:25Z City council meetings are every Tuesday; agendas for those meetings can be found here: http://sacramento.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=8 Charter review committee meeting information can be found here: http://www.cityofsacramento.org/charter/ I encourage you to bookmark them and check them once in a while. You can even watch City Council meetings on cable TV, but visiting in person is also interesting. It's just like any other drama, if you watch for a while you start to recognize the characters and pick up on the storyline. But it's a bit more interesting, because they're talking about places you know from firsthand experience. William Burg 2009-09-26T03:23:25Z The Parrhesiac comment-14437 2009-09-26T03:23:12Z 2009-09-26T03:23:12Z Going to any of these meetings or to a Council meeting is a complete waste of time. Unless of course you're wearing a $5,OOO.OO suit and drop ten grand per council member... then they MIGHT listen to what you have to say... The Parrhesiac 2009-09-26T03:23:12Z Marion Millin comment-14435 2009-09-26T02:45:11Z 2009-09-26T02:45:11Z You can sign up to be notified via email by City of Sacramento on this and other matters, including meeting calendars. Start withhttp://www..cityofsacramento.org/charter and sign up to be on the notification list (there may be a link or you may need to find it....) Marion Millin 2009-09-26T02:45:11Z dahogre comment-14432 2009-09-26T01:11:53Z 2009-09-26T01:11:53Z I honestly feel that people who would be good for many of these council positions - have good lives that they are already leading. Those who are already in these council positions are looking at careers in politics not just serving the people for a period four to ten years, then moving on with their lives. But they are looking at being in these positions of power for as long as possible. I think it would be a great idea to have a small section of upcoming Public Meetings, Town Hall discussions and etc... I have no real Idea where to look for these things. And while I have interest, I well never remember to look for where these things are actually listed. dahogre 2009-09-26T01:11:53Z thsas comment-14191 2009-09-22T19:55:18Z 2009-09-22T19:55:18Z Its pretty easy to do when you join the service. thsas 2009-09-22T19:55:18Z Esther Hodapp comment-14184 2009-09-22T17:35:05Z 2009-09-22T17:35:05Z I agree with Gonzalez - education will be the number one way to get out of this recession - and it is a shame so see educational programs suffering. I hope that someday everyone who has the desire to get a college education will also have the opportunity. Esther Hodapp 2009-09-22T17:35:05Z Anthony Bento comment-14072 2009-09-19T15:02:15Z 2009-09-19T15:02:15Z to see more larger-sized photos of the event, visit: anthonybento.com Anthony Bento 2009-09-19T15:02:15Z savemidtown comment-13776 2009-09-16T05:38:32Z 2009-09-16T05:38:32Z I recall a police officer referred to Midtown as a "Target Rich Environment" - for theives going after wallets and purses of intoxicated people. if that doesn't say it all. Maybe we do need to go back to the days when Midtown was perceived as dangerous. By the way - it still is, check the Sac PD crime maps. Midtown is not as safe as many would like you to think. Kind of a false sense of safety. The number of assaults, thefts and car break-ins is staggering. savemidtown 2009-09-16T05:38:32Z savemidtown comment-13775 2009-09-16T05:30:59Z 2009-09-16T05:30:59Z Midtown is primarily residential neighborhoods. Look on the zoning map and the majority of parcels have an R which mean residential. I agree Midtown businesses need to step up but Midtown is not New Orleans and & seriously who wants us to be that? To live in that full time would be a nightmare. But MBA likes the liquor sales and is willing to destroy Midtown neighborhoods to get it. Thanks MBA - Thanks for ruining my investment in my property and life savings. savemidtown 2009-09-16T05:30:59Z TAB comment-13738 2009-09-14T10:43:06Z 2009-09-14T10:43:06Z To this midtown senior second Sat has taken on the color of Madi Gras. I lived in the Quarter in New Orleans. Second Saturday great fun, but anywhere you have "spirits" being sold you are going to have those few that drink just one to many mint julips and the "Cookie Monster" comes out in them and then the fun stops. Great business for local bars and restaurants in Midtown and the art galleries probably get more people viewing the art on one given second Saturday than all year long. So overall i think its a great thing for local business and the kid in all of us that just want to go out and play or be part of the playground atmosphere. There will always be some downside, but overall i think its a great thing for Midtown. Maybe Midtown business don't know they should do their part to clean up after second Sat.Maybe they have thought the city does that, wishful thinking. So MBA if youre listenting how about a flyer for local business that explains whats happening and solicit the businesses support to clean up after the gobs of money they made the night before. Of course that is probably only true for the bars and eateries, but is still retail exposure and that is a good thing for all business in Midtown. TAB 2009-09-14T10:43:06Z savemidtown comment-13729 2009-09-13T20:09:26Z 2009-09-13T20:09:26Z People taking ownership of their neighborhood is a great thing- my neighbors and I do and our block is tidy. The issue is businesses passing their mess off on residents. MBA needs to suck it up and spend a little to clean up after themselves. But they're not cause we're doing it for them. MBA business members and those profiting from Second Sat can get out on Sunday morning and clean up after themselves. What could be more positive than that? Businesses create the problem and are so supportive of residents cleaning up after them. It is a a good deal. That is the MBA mantra ... screw the residents... they have essentially devoled to the point where business owners now see these neighborhoods that have been here over a century as residential neighborhoods as theirs to create playland, destroy and then leave - leaving us to pick up the trash - literally. Shameful. If residents want to really help keep their neighborhoods clean, they will write letters to Midtown Business Assn - Attn Rob Kerth- Executive Director & their councilmembers Steve Cohn & Rob Fong and the business owners who create the problem -and demand they demonstrate the same responsibility and accountability for their businesses that residential property owners are legally held to on residential blocks. This includes slumlord apartment owner/ managers too. savemidtown 2009-09-13T20:09:26Z Marion Millin comment-13725 2009-09-13T17:18:57Z 2009-09-13T17:18:57Z Thanks to the people taking it upon themselves to do this. And shame on the MBA for letting them volunteer, instead of taking responsibility for the problems that their prominent member businesses have created in Midtown. Trash was not a problem at this level until City and business leaders turned Midtown into the regional Party, Trash and Dash zone. Mobs of drunken outsiders have no respect for the residents or the historic district. City leaders and the businesses that draw drunken mobs (no matter how well dressed) are responsible for their behavior and the trash they leave behind. "She said she feels there's a simple fix for most of Midtown's garbage problems -- place trash cans in the area." There's an even simpler fix. The City of Sacramento stops creating conditions that send the message that Midtown is a place for visitors to mob, party and trash. How? Stop overimpacting Midtown residential neighborhoods with frat boy bars and "ritzy" meat market bars pretending to be restaurants. Stop overimpacting Midtown residential neighborhoods with cars, parking and drunk drivers from those bars. Stop allowing certain bars pretending-to-be-restaurants, to violate noise and alcohol ordinances. Being open "late night" with no official closing and loud music filling the whole neighborhood, sends the wrong message to patrons who come out, drunk, screaming and looking for their cars (no matter how well dressed). After hours clubs that allow patrons back in, contribute to partiers drinking in their cars in front of residences and reentering the club until four a.m. Stop placing special events in Midtown residential neighborhoods' streets and parks that are too small or unsuitable for those events. Fit the event -- and crowd and noise levels -- to the venue. Stop turning a successful, gradually home grown art event into a rowdy, critical-mass crowded, trashy street fair. Take it to the K Street Mall to liven things up on a different night. It's a win win. The bands competing from every angle and crowds eating frozen yogurt and buying earrings on a different day of the month. The Second Saturday art event will go on as it has since Michael Himovitz created it here. Stop telling Midtown residents they should move to the suburbs. Move rowdy suburbanite crowds and their trash and noise to the Downtown core. Fit the event -- and crowd and noise levels -- to the venue. Stop trashing Midtown! Enhance and expand the unique and valuable character of Midtown -- which residents have preserved for decades -- with businesses, events and crowds that are suitable -- and respectful -- to the area and don't TRASH it. Marion Millin 2009-09-13T17:18:57Z beerzie comment-13726 2009-09-13T17:14:23Z 2009-09-13T17:14:23Z I love this type of positive response to a problem. We need more of this! beerzie 2009-09-13T17:14:23Z iadam comment-13722 2009-09-13T11:38:07Z 2009-09-13T11:38:07Z "I don't think it would help because homeless people will go through them," i know, they are so dirty and smelly, and they should just go back to where they came from. their not not even worthy of Rihanna's Coles trash. iadam 2009-09-13T11:38:07Z TAB comment-13721 2009-09-13T09:59:01Z 2009-09-13T09:59:01Z Since state and local government watchword seems to be "more cuts" I think its great that citizens are coming forward to help. I am a senior and after reading this article will go and volunteer for this action group for a cleaner midtown. TAB 2009-09-13T09:59:01Z Marion Millin comment-13713 2009-09-13T03:33:14Z 2009-09-13T03:33:14Z "thsas" that IS an "endorsement for responsibility" -- from the MBA and businesses that draw the crowds that trash Midtown. Marion Millin 2009-09-13T03:33:14Z thsas comment-13711 2009-09-13T03:06:00Z 2009-09-13T03:06:00Z Wow, that anyone would thumbs down an endorsement for responsibility! thsas 2009-09-13T03:06:00Z savemidtown comment-13707 2009-09-13T00:47:32Z 2009-09-13T00:47:32Z Guess Midtown Business Assn members are too cheap to clean up after themselves so they get the neighbors to do it for them. Nice deal. We (the residents) in several Midtown neighborhoods clean up after ourselves and often work on our residential blocks to keep them clean. The businesses must be held accountable for their own messes. I wholeheartedly support grass-roots clean up efforts to keep our streets clean but...cleaning up after Second Saturday is an MBA thing. If they can't handle the mess, they have no business profiting from the mayhem and mess they create. savemidtown 2009-09-13T00:47:32Z DL comment-13472 2009-09-09T02:10:45Z 2009-09-09T02:10:45Z Great pics on this one too! DL 2009-09-09T02:10:45Z keilah comment-13463 2009-09-08T22:05:53Z 2009-09-08T22:05:53Z This was my family's first time and we had such a great time! I was so impressed by the artists and the music. We will definitely be going again next year! keilah 2009-09-08T22:05:53Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-13456 2009-09-08T20:03:45Z 2009-09-08T20:03:45Z The music was phenomenal this year with three full days of live performances. I'm already looking forward to the event again next year! Dustin L. Littrell 2009-09-08T20:03:45Z nightmax comment-13347 2009-09-06T01:34:48Z 2009-09-06T01:34:48Z I haven;t been the the Greek Festival in years, but what I do remember when I did attend many years ago is thow it closely resembles Greek culture. I met some really fantastic people while there and it was a wonderful opportunity for friends and family in attendance; cutural events in Sacramento are truly fun and a way to introduce one to Sacramento's cultural diversity. nightmax 2009-09-06T01:34:48Z Jennifer Savin comment-13337 2009-09-05T14:45:56Z 2009-09-05T14:45:56Z Here's a coupon link: http://www.sacramentogreekfestival.com/festcoupon.pdf Jennifer Savin 2009-09-05T14:45:56Z AandC comment-13295 2009-09-05T00:56:28Z 2009-09-05T00:56:28Z We just learned that Sacramento Press is our sponsor for Chalk It Up to Sacramento this year and we are so excited. Please visit us on the P Street side of Fremont Park. A & C AandC 2009-09-05T00:56:28Z Darby Flynn comment-13263 2009-09-04T07:32:25Z 2009-09-04T07:32:25Z Thanks for writing this article Nallelie!! Can't wait to see all the masterpieces that will be created this weekend!! Darby Flynn 2009-09-04T07:32:25Z waldorfandstatler comment-12741 2009-08-27T17:22:22Z 2009-08-27T17:22:22Z We love running, but seriously why do they do this in the middle of the hot summer, at the hottest part of the day? More folks would participate if it were done in the cool of the morn. waldorfandstatler 2009-08-27T17:22:22Z