deb belt comment-45550 2011-02-12T06:29:28Z 2011-02-12T06:29:28Z This sounds great. I will try to check it out. deb belt 2011-02-12T06:29:28Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-45545 2011-02-12T00:12:27Z 2011-02-12T00:12:27Z We are excited to have ASLA as a new Co-host for 2011! This is a free, monthly dialogue series created by the Urban Design Alliance-Sacramento several years back and is devoted to Design, Architecture, Landscape & Planning and is open to the public. Dustin L. Littrell 2011-02-12T00:12:27Z Mark comment-35752 2010-08-27T21:27:17Z 2010-08-27T21:27:17Z Saw the film. First, the basic points I generally agree with- but that is not saying much. For me it was embarrassingly elementary stuff and a complete waste of my time. Maybe if most of the audience had been completely ignorant of the history of urban decline it would have been OK but I didn't get the impression that they were. I also thought several assumed 'facts' made in the film were wrong or at least questionable. Basically it was the same boring talking points and tired buzz words that would be familiar to people in the urban planning, architecture, developer, city government circles and to anyone else who's read much about downtowns in the last 20 years . New arena, cultural icon, entertainment district, art art art, lofts that really aren't, the need for more of this, bigger and better of that, blah blah blah. No new information. Diversity of jobs? Affordable housing? It wasn't really brought up but as a side note maybe for a second. Funny thing is they didn't show us any real urban neighborhoods in KC. Mostly it was about luring the suburbanite. We've heard that before. Same old 'solutions' that really aren't, only repackaged and rebranded. Basically it was developers and their hired help were telling us how it all should be done. Problem is some of these people were the very ones helping to suburbanize downtown a few years back. Maybe the people that brought us this film really do think that this was new and exciting information. If that's the case then it's not us who need their 'help' but they who need ours. I bet if you got the interested new urbanites who actually live in the central city together and brain-stormed they'd come up with much better ideas than all the professional "planners" and developrs in this movie, on the 'team' or watching the film at the Crest tonight. Mark 2010-08-27T21:27:17Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-35454 2010-08-24T07:07:49Z 2010-08-24T07:07:49Z In this case I see it as selflessness and not anonymity. I'm sorry you take issue with that but glad to hear you're on board. BTW- you are one of those people I'd like to "bring together", we have lots to talk about. Dustin L. Littrell 2010-08-24T07:07:49Z William Burg comment-35433 2010-08-23T19:51:38Z 2010-08-23T19:51:38Z All the more reason to make clear who is presenting the film--if someone is trying to "bring us together," I would rather know who is doing the bringing. Bringing people together is based on sharing and mutual trust--anonymity implies a lack of trust and unwillingness to share even one's own identity. That said, I'll be there. William Burg 2010-08-23T19:51:38Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-35423 2010-08-23T17:43:55Z 2010-08-23T17:43:55Z Creepy, that's an interesting response but it's yours to have. The point of remaining anonymous is that it's not about any one person, organization or group, ultimately it's about Sacramento and bringing Sacramentans together. Dustin L. Littrell 2010-08-23T17:43:55Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-35421 2010-08-23T17:36:31Z 2010-08-23T17:36:31Z After watching the video snippets again on the documentary...I realized just how excited I am to have this film screened in Sacramento. The documentary appeals to anyone concerned with the state of Sacramento's downtown, it's got a little of everything. Dustin L. Littrell 2010-08-23T17:36:31Z Mindy Giles comment-35219 2010-08-20T08:41:18Z 2010-08-20T08:41:18Z Thanks , Dustin. I'd like to see this doc. “Sacramento shares so many similarities with Kansas City and we are in the midst of a similar fate. With ideas for a new downtown arena in the works, many locals believe this too can be our future and now that I've seen what's possible, I want to share this inspirational piece with others.” Dustin – Sacramento, California Mindy Giles 2010-08-20T08:41:18Z William Burg comment-35214 2010-08-20T05:09:31Z 2010-08-20T05:09:31Z So it's a large team that wants to bring the city together, but they don't want to be known as an organization and would prefer to remain anonymous? That strikes me as...well, to be perfectly honest, I find it kind of creepy. William Burg 2010-08-20T05:09:31Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-35205 2010-08-20T01:26:05Z 2010-08-20T01:26:05Z Just curious, why all the "thumbs down"? Anyone care to share... Dustin L. Littrell 2010-08-20T01:26:05Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-35204 2010-08-20T01:24:58Z 2010-08-20T01:24:58Z Bil: All locals, you most likely know them but they would like to remain anonymous. It's a large team that wants to bring the city together and believes this film can help do that. Dustin L. Littrell 2010-08-20T01:24:58Z William Burg comment-35129 2010-08-19T15:03:13Z 2010-08-19T15:03:13Z Dustin: Who are the people who are bringing this film to Sacramento? William Burg 2010-08-19T15:03:13Z William Burg comment-35113 2010-08-19T03:42:52Z 2010-08-19T03:42:52Z You're absolutely right about that--a regional urban boundary is an important step towards directing growth inward, rather than outward, and building neighborhoods that work more like Midtown (or even East Sacramento.) Housing in the central city is at a premium because we stopped building neighborhoods like that a long time ago--but we can start doing so again, if we decide it's important enough. Infill projects that would allow more people closer to the central city, and transit projects that could help move people around, all lose energy when development is directed outward into greenfields. What constitutes a "suburb" has changed greatly as transportation changed--the first suburbs were accessed by steamboat, then by horse-drawn streetcar, steam-powered train, electric streetcars and interurbans, and finally the automobile, on surface streets and then on highways. Each development allowed the suburbs to sprawl farther and farther out, but the automobile also multiplied the amount of space needed for every aspect of urban life. Boston's first "streetcar suburbs" were rows of cheek-by-jowl row houses and mutli-family homes that people today would never describe as suburban. What we call Midtown was originally built out along the routes of horse-drawn streetcar lines, as was Oak Park, and East Sacramento had electric streetcar service along J Street and 46th until after World War II. We had streetcar suburbs in every direction--but after World War II, our auto suburbs leapfrogged them, and have continued to do so. William Burg 2010-08-19T03:42:52Z William Burg comment-35027 2010-08-18T00:45:15Z 2010-08-18T00:45:15Z I mean, specifically, racial exclusion covenants as applied to American suburbs. They were commonplace from the early 19-teens up until the mid-1960s. Much of East Sacramento used them, as did most of Land Park, Curtis Park, and Elmhurst. They were pretty much universal in the postwar suburbs built between the late 1940s and mid-1960s, until they were declared illegal. North Natomas, built after that point, obviously didn't have them. But many of the suburbs originally built with racial covenants are still overwhelmingly white, including East Sacramento. The suburbs were where the working middle class moved when government policies like FHA and VA loans subsidized their purchase, and public-funded highways and streets subsidized their transportation. It was also supported by the efforts of "social engineers" who wanted to move the white working class farther away from the "damaging effects" of proximity to other working class people. William Burg 2010-08-18T00:45:15Z William Burg comment-35006 2010-08-17T19:27:21Z 2010-08-17T19:27:21Z Indeed...it's time to get back to the sort of city we were before the taxpayer-supported highway and the racially-exclusive suburb altered the way we built American cities--spreading "landscrapers" onto farmland instead of skyscrapers downtown. William Burg 2010-08-17T19:27:21Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-31184 2010-06-24T16:33:08Z 2010-06-24T16:33:08Z Last night was another fruitful evening at the FWDD. Approximately 25 attendees kept the discussion going right up until the end. Senior Planner Jim McDonald provided some great information looking forward at the implementation of the City's 2030 General Plan pointing out how far Sacramento has come in the past ten years. Video will be posted of the evening on the AIACV's website in the near future, visit www.aiacv.org for more information. Dustin L. Littrell 2010-06-24T16:33:08Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-30806 2010-06-20T15:50:13Z 2010-06-20T15:50:13Z Bill- I also like "Furniture Ready" or "Garden Ready". Dustin L. Littrell 2010-06-20T15:50:13Z William Burg comment-30640 2010-06-18T01:46:45Z 2010-06-18T01:46:45Z Sounds interesting--although I'm interested in ways to save people the trouble of having to buy a shovel by encouraging use of existing buildings, like Los Angeles does. Maybe "paintbrush ready" is the term? William Burg 2010-06-18T01:46:45Z bbbbmer comment-25818 2010-04-28T17:38:20Z 2010-04-28T17:38:20Z This sounds absolutely fascinating, but I just cannot attend tonight.... I *really* wish I could!!! bbbbmer 2010-04-28T17:38:20Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-23235 2010-03-12T21:37:36Z 2010-03-12T21:37:36Z Opiner - Great comment! Sorry you can't make the discussion. We will be videotaping the event and posting it to UDA's and the AIACV's websites following the event. Check back at www.aiacv.org and http://urbandesignalliance.wordpress.com/ for more information. Dustin L. Littrell 2010-03-12T21:37:36Z Opiner comment-23231 2010-03-12T21:12:55Z 2010-03-12T21:12:55Z I'm sorry I will miss this - but it does bring up some interesting issues and I am sure some lively discussion. Is architecture about Architects being able to fully express themselves in what is considered a public realm? What is there about Modern Architecture (as expressed here) that makes it not embraceable? I have my opinions and observations, others will have theirs. I for one value a City that has variety and that speaks to context, to place, to region and yes, to fashion and expression. Let the mad, modern rumpus begin! Opiner 2010-03-12T21:12:55Z mfmalinowski comment-20332 2010-01-09T02:33:37Z 2010-01-09T02:33:37Z OK I will bring my checkbook ... and a hat ... mfmalinowski 2010-01-09T02:33:37Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-20330 2010-01-09T01:03:29Z 2010-01-09T01:03:29Z You are seeing only a small sampling of the work that will be on display at the event on Saturday, some of the items are even for sale. Meet designers and craftsmen behind the pieces. Dustin L. Littrell 2010-01-09T01:03:29Z mfmalinowski comment-20329 2010-01-09T00:49:30Z 2010-01-09T00:49:30Z cool ... I will be there mfmalinowski 2010-01-09T00:49:30Z Gabriel Frazee comment-18568 2009-12-02T21:30:14Z 2009-12-02T21:30:14Z Don't get me wrong though, it's a great show, especially if you're a DIYer like myself. I had a lead to get the Yard Crashers guys over to my place but the show caters to home owners so they only work with home owners, not renters :( Gabriel Frazee 2009-12-02T21:30:14Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-18552 2009-12-02T17:20:35Z 2009-12-02T17:20:35Z Gabriel - Thanks for the clarification. Dustin L. Littrell 2009-12-02T17:20:35Z Gabriel Frazee comment-18550 2009-12-02T11:32:01Z 2009-12-02T11:32:01Z Um, for journalistic integrity, I thought I'd let you all know that this show is actually "scripted", in the sense that the homeowners are chosen ahead of time and know what's happening Gabriel Frazee 2009-12-02T11:32:01Z savemidtown comment-18402 2009-11-28T18:19:27Z 2009-11-28T18:19:27Z A food drive is not a bad thing - it's just that Old Soul has not engendered many friends or respect from their current Midtown neighbors by their continual disregard for the neighbors and any city rules about noise, parking, etc. They talk a good talk but don't follow the rules and don't walk the walk. we're kinda hoping business goes so well in Oak Park they decide to vacate 17th & L. We can only hope. savemidtown 2009-11-28T18:19:27Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-18369 2009-11-27T19:04:12Z 2009-11-27T19:04:12Z Since when did a food drive ever become a bad thing? As I recall, never! Dustin L. Littrell 2009-11-27T19:04:12Z Rhys02 comment-18354 2009-11-26T17:12:16Z 2009-11-26T17:12:16Z I wasn't aware Old Soul had a permit to act as a charity. The last thing Oak Park needs is another charity. The neighborhood desperately needs are businesses that will come into the neighborhood with the intent to make a profit and serve the one segment of Oak Park that is currently not served... the employed. Looks like Old Soul bought what KJ was selling hook line and sinker. If they keep this up they will discover what KJ has been hiding.. that none of the so-called businesses in 40 Acres are making a single penny because they fail to market to the entire community.. Keep this up and Old Soul will be out in year, claiming the neighborhood was just not ready. What it isn't ready for is for someone else to come into the neighborhood thinking Oak Park needs their help. We are drowning in such groups and they are the reason (along with Hammond) that Oak Park remains a poor and marginal neighborhood. Rhys02 2009-11-26T17:12:16Z Midtowners comment-18351 2009-11-26T12:04:05Z 2009-11-26T12:04:05Z "Monthly volunteer projects"? According to their website, they haven't done anything since April Midtowners 2009-11-26T12:04:05Z Mindy Giles comment-18318 2009-11-26T01:22:24Z 2009-11-26T01:22:24Z We are looking forward to Old Soul in Oak Park! Congrats to Jason and Tim and the Old Soul Family. Let us know when to bring the music---we'll all keep everyone hopping. Cheers, Mindy www.swell-productions.com Mindy Giles 2009-11-26T01:22:24Z The Parrhesiac comment-15841 2009-10-19T16:14:56Z 2009-10-19T16:14:56Z Starbucks was subsidized by SHRA...but obviously those subsidies went away, they left. The building Old Soul will move into is owned by St Hope Develpoment Company, which purchased the building for a laughable 100K (according to public records) and is now worth almost $2 million, after being remodeled using tax dollars. The entire building is subsidized by tax dollars. Old Soul would thus be subsidized by tax dollars, and other incentives, paid for by the tax payers, to open a location, where Starbucks failed. There is no way on earth Old Soul could survive in that location without heavy tax subsidies, after all Starbucks couldn't do it even WITH tax subsidies. Obviously, the details of the deal to get Old Soul to move to Oak Park will be kept confidential. The Parrhesiac 2009-10-19T16:14:56Z Patrick J. comment-15834 2009-10-19T05:13:20Z 2009-10-19T05:13:20Z What taxpayer subsidy? Patrick J. 2009-10-19T05:13:20Z The Parrhesiac comment-15766 2009-10-18T15:19:51Z 2009-10-18T15:19:51Z Their coffee is mideiocre at best and overpriced...and besides that, they ruined the Weatherstone. Tax payers should not be forced at gunpoint to subsidize your coffee. The Parrhesiac 2009-10-18T15:19:51Z Marion Millin comment-15775 2009-10-18T06:55:45Z 2009-10-18T06:55:45Z Yes, at the level of players they're at, it's not called "subsidy," what is it called? Marion Millin 2009-10-18T06:55:45Z TomRunge comment-15768 2009-10-18T03:34:11Z 2009-10-18T03:34:11Z The Starbucks did well in that location, but only brought in just under 10K a month, so it was considered an "underperforming location" by Starbuck's standards. I think most businesses would do just fine taking in 10K a month. I don't think Old Soul will need at City subsidy. Glad to see Terre Johnson and the Oak Park Business Association making things happen for the neighborhood. TomRunge 2009-10-18T03:34:11Z Marion Millin comment-15765 2009-10-18T02:52:31Z 2009-10-18T02:52:31Z Actually, it's not true that "they have an excellent track record of taking over unlikely or failing locations and turning them into community hotspots." Old Soul Co. has a very extensive record of establishing their business by violating various jurisdictions' and departments' rules and regulations and defiantly resisting compliance when those agencies require corrections. This is a matter of public record and is no secret, since the owners have frequently and defiantly complained about it in the media. Although their press release (above) claims "a proven track record of investment and commitment to the community they live in," Old Soul Co. owners have been disruptive and uncooperative neighbors to the residents and businesses directly affected by their alley business and scofflaw behavior. What Old Soul Co. has is a proven track record of very good PR and very, very good connections. Business boosters and local media (pre- SacPress) have enabled the golden myth of Old Soul Co.'s impacts on Midtown, by dismissing any of the mundane and/or illegal realities. Old Soul entered the alley as a "wholesale only, never need parking business." Their expansion was completely backended in to the alley and mostly done illegally. They aren't the only business that does what they want and then if they get caught, maybe gets permits or waivers after the fact. The matter of rules and regs is not intended to merely inconvenience self-righteous "rebels" like the Old Soul Co. owners. Planning and other laws help to integrate mixed use and create livable situations that really do serve the community as a whole. To their credit, if the owners of Old Soul Co. did not feel quite so untouchable, due to the enabling of the media and those powerful connections, they might not have had the attitude that rules don't apply to them. They might have been more cooperative and considerate of "the community they live in." The actual track record of Old Soul Co. is quite different than the PR. Their business and their PR and their connections may thrive. Meanwhile, those who are working on issues of mixed use, planning, livability, sustainability, "nighttime economy" and community, will refer to the Old Soul Co. proven track record of what not to do. Marion Millin 2009-10-18T02:52:31Z The Parrhesiac comment-15725 2009-10-18T02:19:34Z 2009-10-18T02:19:34Z Gee I wonder how much this is costing the tax payers... There is no doubt they are being subsidized by SHRA or the City....the location simply cannot support a coffe shop. I can guarantee you one thing if STARBUCKS CANT MAKE IT..no one can. SO WHY DO THE TAX PAYERS NEED TO SUBSIDIZE ANOTHER BUSINESS THAT WOULD FAIL WITHOUT OUR TAX DOLLARS? Hey DUSTIN go ask that question...how much is it going to cost tax payers? The Parrhesiac 2009-10-18T02:19:34Z Marion Millin comment-15762 2009-10-18T01:29:13Z 2009-10-18T01:29:13Z Dustin cut and pasted Old Soul Co's press release. He may not have asked any questions, let alone, "How much is it going to cost tax payers?". Marion Millin 2009-10-18T01:29:13Z Darby Flynn comment-15760 2009-10-17T23:23:10Z 2009-10-17T23:23:10Z As an Oak Park resident and homeowner (and Old Soul fan), I'm very excited that Old Soul will be coming into the center of Oak Park. I never felt any allegiance to Starbucks and thus patronized nearby independently owned coffee shops in adjoining Curtis Park (Pangaea Cafe and Coffee Garden) and Midtown. Now that we have a conveniently located amazing place owned by Sacramentans, I will certainly be planning more coffee meetings there as I imagine others will as well. I've also been happy to see the recent opening of Mighty Kong Muffins on Stockton Blvd and 12th Ave. Though their hours are fairly limited they do offer great fresh and healthy fare. I know that I will certainly be supporting these local new cafes, which along with restaurants is a category that Oak Park is sorely lacking. Darby Flynn 2009-10-17T23:23:10Z savemidtown comment-15739 2009-10-17T22:27:37Z 2009-10-17T22:27:37Z With more locations they might very well need more space for their baking, coffee roasting, and wholesale operations currently housed in the alley at 18th & Capitol. It would be great for everyone if they have the space in the Oak Park location to relocate some of the operations not well suited to the alley location. They have excellent coffee and baked goods but I wasn't impressed with the Weatherstone location. Every time i went there and ordered off the menu they were out of whatever I ordered. Their service was friendly but slow at the Weatherstone location. Still my eventual order was good and coffee and pasteries are first rate. I hope they are very sucessful at this new location. savemidtown 2009-10-17T22:27:37Z Sonny Mayugba comment-15735 2009-10-17T21:51:14Z 2009-10-17T21:51:14Z Local owners with a serious affinity for all things coffee will create a combination that will thrive. I think this will flourish for nearby residents, and will become a destination adding more action to the neighborhood. I lived across the street from there for years, and I would have loved to have Old Soul there back in the day. Sonny Mayugba 2009-10-17T21:51:14Z Bill Albertson comment-15734 2009-10-17T19:59:49Z 2009-10-17T19:59:49Z I'm glad Old Soul will be taking over that spot. They have an excellent track record of taking over unlikely or failing locations and turning them into community hotspots. The owners are very friendly, and have a deep love for finely crafted food and drink. Not only that, but their prices are better than national franchise chains. I think they will do just fine, and without subsidies, as they have been doing in the past. That spot, btw, has had plenty of foot traffic and daily visitors- the downside has been that Starbucks was overpriced, closed early, and didn't offer freshly prepared food (which is a recipe for disaster in any food service in Sacramento). Bill Albertson 2009-10-17T19:59:49Z Patrick J. comment-15727 2009-10-17T16:39:13Z 2009-10-17T16:39:13Z Great news! Patrick J. 2009-10-17T16:39:13Z Rhys02 comment-15716 2009-10-17T07:25:56Z 2009-10-17T07:25:56Z So why isn't the open house for hours where people who work for a living could attend... After all they are what will keep it going, not those collecting government checks each month. Rhys02 2009-10-17T07:25:56Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-12788 2009-08-28T06:45:42Z 2009-08-28T06:45:42Z AIACV is at 1400 S Street, but it's too little too late! We had the date first by the way :) It's always the 4th Wednesday of the month, except next month. It's scheduled the 5th Wednesday of September and it's taking place at the Crest on K Street. The topic is K Street. This is one dialogue you don't want to miss. Dustin L. Littrell 2009-08-28T06:45:42Z YouSoSpecial comment-12656 2009-08-26T17:37:22Z 2009-08-26T17:37:22Z Your lively discussion is scheduled for the same time the city is holding a workshop on reintroducing auto traffic to K Street. Community Meeting Wednesday, August 26th 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Presentation begins at 5:45 p.m. CSAC Conference Center 1020 11th Street, 2nd Floor YouSoSpecial 2009-08-26T17:37:22Z Mark comment-12651 2009-08-26T16:02:52Z 2009-08-26T16:02:52Z But where is the AIACV Gallery? Mark 2009-08-26T16:02:52Z bbbbmer comment-9774 2009-06-22T22:23:16Z 2009-06-22T22:23:16Z It's nice to see an article like this being carried by local journals. For far too long Sacramento has ignored its built environment and its resulting architectural blah and blight and banality. Certainly infill projects of the last 20 years have been the bullwark of innovation and design ephraetis, and this should be encouraged. But it's our large commissions that need this push more emphatically, for they impact us more aggressively than small projects. If only large scale developers could cultivate these aesthetics and principles, this town would be one helluva lot better off, and prettier too.... bbbbmer 2009-06-22T22:23:16Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-7315 2009-05-07T06:16:23Z 2009-05-07T06:16:23Z Dale - I appreciate you're point of view but I disagree about people not wanting to move to the neighborhood because of my actions. I would love to hear about "all the cities" you made mention of in your comment, these may provide evidence that could lead to me to act differently next time and unless you've spent any length of time here in Oak Park, you can't possibly know how we think. I believe there are others like me that can see the value in what's occurring. Thanks for the feedback, it's always appreciated. Dustin L. Littrell 2009-05-07T06:16:23Z Casey Kirk comment-7259 2009-05-06T23:37:49Z 2009-05-06T23:37:49Z Legal or not, I think this made for a great and interesting read. It will be interesting to see the finished wall and I think it's neat that you were able to capture the outlines before the mural is complete. Casey Kirk 2009-05-06T23:37:49Z Dale Kooyman comment-7249 2009-05-06T20:28:25Z 2009-05-06T20:28:25Z Great response, Geoff! You miss the point Dustin and if you continue to advocate for the "illegal art," you'll find fewer people wanting to live in your neighborhood. All cities have learned that fact. There is a proper and LEGAL process. There is no need to do it illegally. If the property owner neglects painting his/her property and allows it to become an eyesore, then contact him/her to see if he/she would mind a mural being painted on it. He/she will probably give permission and may offer to pay for the paint. As it stands now, the city holds him/her responsible for the cost of removing the graffiti--art or not. But then from what I have read in past comments on this topic, doing it legally takes all the thrill and excitement out of it. How artistic and mature is that? Dale Kooyman 2009-05-06T20:28:25Z Geoff Samek comment-7221 2009-05-06T08:08:37Z 2009-05-06T08:08:37Z On the contrary Dustin I think your piece is very interesting. I would love to see a follow up with some more facts about, who owns the property and who the artists, or potential vandals may be. If you contact us via journalism@sacramentopress.com we can help provide resources for finding out this information. Geoff Samek 2009-05-06T08:08:37Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-7220 2009-05-06T06:51:02Z 2009-05-06T06:51:02Z sas - I complete see your point. It might have been poor judgement on my part at the time. I should have intervened and your right, if it was someone's home I would have likely done something but because it was a tired, vacant eyesore of a lot, I chose not to. Clearly a double standard. Dustin L. Littrell 2009-05-06T06:51:02Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-7219 2009-05-06T06:44:45Z 2009-05-06T06:44:45Z Geoff - Thank you for the above clarification. I apologize for blurring the line between news and personal opinion. I'll try and refrain from this type of post in the future if this is in fact not appropriate for Sacramento Press. Dustin L. Littrell 2009-05-06T06:44:45Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-7218 2009-05-06T06:30:13Z 2009-05-06T06:30:13Z I appreciate reading all the feed back regarding my support of this presumably, illegal art. I don't have any details on the piece and for all we know it's been authorized by the property owner. I'm sorry if my support of this behavior is disturbing to some of you but I'm guessing most of you don't live in my neighborhood, maybe with one exception. Had I posted this piece as, "Neighborhood Mural Cheers Up Vacant Lot" I'm guessing some of you might have commented differently. Thanks for the feedback. Dustin L. Littrell 2009-05-06T06:30:13Z savemidtown comment-7216 2009-05-06T05:48:01Z 2009-05-06T05:48:01Z Absolutely Agree Sas - my neighbors & I are vigilant and we have stopped some stuff on our block. We don't stop them all and I have to remove tags on my property every few months. I get rid of them right away. Removing tags is a time and monetary drain for property owners. I'm stunned that anyone would think it is ok to deface and damage another persons property - art or not, it's not your call if it's not your property. My camera is with me at all times and my photos would include the artists faces and I would be uploading them to the SacPD web site ASAP. savemidtown 2009-05-06T05:48:01Z The Parrhesiac comment-7214 2009-05-06T04:48:09Z 2009-05-06T04:48:09Z I was just harassing you Geoff... Lol but I was serious about the vandalism thing... I love urban art... I've known some great urban artists...they were respectful enough not to do it on private property...Sacramento used to have quite a few very talented young artists... still have some.. The Parrhesiac 2009-05-06T04:48:09Z sas comment-7211 2009-05-06T04:01:52Z 2009-05-06T04:01:52Z I'm glad that the author is not my neighbor. I would like to believe that if one of my neighbors caught someone in the act of expressing themselves on my home or property. Had the police and property owner been notified it could have turned out fine. If the owner was as impressed by the art as the writer, they would have the option of dropping charges and allowing the artist to complete his masterpiece. sas 2009-05-06T04:01:52Z Geoff Samek comment-7210 2009-05-06T03:44:49Z 2009-05-06T03:44:49Z The Sacramento Press enforces its terms of use, privacy policy and community contributor agreements. Mr. Galt if you feel that we are not enforcing those policies equally I would love to hear specific examples and attempt to mend them. In this case reporting on something that may be a crime, whether the author (not a paid employee of The Sacramento Press) thinks this a good idea or not, is not a violation of any of our policies. Geoff Samek 2009-05-06T03:44:49Z thsas comment-7209 2009-05-06T03:37:16Z 2009-05-06T03:37:16Z Defacing a wall on property that is not yours is a violation of law, and a disrespect for the property owner. thsas 2009-05-06T03:37:16Z The Parrhesiac comment-7204 2009-05-06T02:58:52Z 2009-05-06T02:58:52Z Great...vandalism on private property gets support... and YES Kingsley it DOES matter! So I guess since some call graffiti "art" its OK to violate laws and deface someones private property? Moral relativity huh folks? Lets just obey the laws we feel like...in fact lets just throw them all out and get rid of private property too...geez only fascist capitalist want property anyway. The Sac Press censors me...but promotes vandalism? Gee I wonder if an internet site posts stories about "Guerrilla Art" it will encourage people to do it more often... Fight the power! The Parrhesiac 2009-05-06T02:58:52Z Rene/e comment-7201 2009-05-06T01:11:02Z 2009-05-06T01:11:02Z Wonderful! I really hope they get to finish it! Rene/e 2009-05-06T01:11:02Z Kingsley Chossington comment-7200 2009-05-06T00:51:03Z 2009-05-06T00:51:03Z does it matter that spot get murdered by taggers a mural would be good for it Kingsley Chossington 2009-05-06T00:51:03Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-7187 2009-05-05T21:59:15Z 2009-05-05T21:59:15Z who knows... Dustin L. Littrell 2009-05-05T21:59:15Z thsas comment-7179 2009-05-05T19:54:39Z 2009-05-05T19:54:39Z Who owns the property that is being spray painted? thsas 2009-05-05T19:54:39Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-7173 2009-05-05T19:05:07Z 2009-05-05T19:05:07Z Colleen - Yes, that's exactly how it happened. I'm always on the look out for suspicious behavior around my neighborhood and just so happened to be in that area while it was happening. I can't wait until they return and complete the piece. I'll keep it updated as new work is completed. Dustin L. Littrell 2009-05-05T19:05:07Z Colleen Belcher comment-7171 2009-05-05T18:44:28Z 2009-05-05T18:44:28Z This is great that you saw them in the act of creating the mural. Was it just a coincidence that you were walking by when it happened? Thanks for sharing the link for the mural updates! It'd be really cool to see photos of it progressing from start - the very beginning outlines - to finish. Colleen Belcher 2009-05-05T18:44:28Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-6476 2009-04-21T21:27:16Z 2009-04-21T21:27:16Z Out of curiosity and for the sake of constructive critisism, why the thumbs down? Dustin L. Littrell 2009-04-21T21:27:16Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-5414 2009-04-01T21:21:41Z 2009-04-01T21:21:41Z Thanks for the input, it's good to know. Dustin L. Littrell 2009-04-01T21:21:41Z Ben Ilfeld comment-5392 2009-04-01T17:09:20Z 2009-04-01T17:09:20Z For better or worse you cannot edit an article once you have published it. Editors can and we can be reached at journalism@sacramentopress.com . Unfortunately we cannot currently add or replace images. Ben Ilfeld 2009-04-01T17:09:20Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-5389 2009-04-01T16:43:31Z 2009-04-01T16:43:31Z Also, I apologize for the low quality picture at the top of the article. I'm not sure how to go back and change it. Dustin L. Littrell 2009-04-01T16:43:31Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-5388 2009-04-01T16:42:23Z 2009-04-01T16:42:23Z I hope so too, I think the more neighborhood representatives the better. Organizers plan to record the conversation so it's absolute clear as to the neighborhoods position regarding the proposal brought forth by the DOC and later presented to Council. This is an issue that could severely impact the way our city looks and feels. Dustin L. Littrell 2009-04-01T16:42:23Z Dale Kooyman comment-5344 2009-04-01T02:52:31Z 2009-04-01T02:52:31Z Thanks very much for the invite. While I'm unable to attend due a conflict, I have emailed several; folk from different associations to attend. I hope that they are able to do so. Dale Kooyman 2009-04-01T02:52:31Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-5330 2009-03-31T19:56:07Z 2009-03-31T19:56:07Z you got it! Dustin L. Littrell 2009-03-31T19:56:07Z Jonathan Mendick comment-5100 2009-03-26T06:44:43Z 2009-03-26T06:44:43Z Modica Way, Cambridge, Massachusetts. See this link: http://urbandesignalliance.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/imagine-alleys-slideshow.pdf Jonathan Mendick 2009-03-26T06:44:43Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-5071 2009-03-25T19:07:34Z 2009-03-25T19:07:34Z dana73mod - That's a good question, I need to ask Deanna Marquart of UDA, what city that alley pictured is located. I'll let you know... Dustin L. Littrell 2009-03-25T19:07:34Z dana73mod comment-5070 2009-03-25T18:23:03Z 2009-03-25T18:23:03Z I was curious about the alley shown with all the colors from the translucent panels overhead. Where is it? City?..etc. Thanks. dana73mod 2009-03-25T18:23:03Z Ben Ilfeld comment-4435 2009-03-11T21:54:47Z 2009-03-11T21:54:47Z I suppose we should abandon community activism in favor of a comforting cynicism? Ben Ilfeld 2009-03-11T21:54:47Z The Parrhesiac comment-4445 2009-03-11T20:07:19Z 2009-03-11T20:07:19Z Just what do you expect to accomplish? The council has proven that even if you get hundreds of community members voicing their opinions on a subject they will ignore all of you in favor of well connected white developers and campaign contributors. I like the idea of community activism, but it simply will not work in Sacramento due to the institutionalized system of "pay to play" in local politics. I also find it quite amusing that all three African American council members will sell out their brothers and sisters in favor of rubbing elbows with wealthy white developers. The Parrhesiac 2009-03-11T20:07:19Z William Burg comment-4372 2009-03-11T05:04:15Z 2009-03-11T05:04:15Z I guess I have a different idea of cheesy--I like Old Sac a lot. I also support the idea of more entertainment destinations on K Street. I suppose I would have preferred entertainment destinations that sounded a bit less silly-sounding than these ones, but don't mind at all the adaptive reuse aspects of the project. It just passed--I'm watching the city council meeting on cable. One good point, made by Richard Rich of Thomas Enterprises, was that development on K Street is tougher than in Midtown, because there are more obstacles to completing a project there--and because many people's opinion of downtown is based entirely on K Street, the better K Street looks the better image we have in the region. The jobs the project will create in construction over the next few months are nice, but the long-term success of the project will be based on the viability of the businesses that go into those spaces. If they go belly-up within a year or two, like the Three Monkeys restaurant on 7th and K (which also received a city subsidy) and the site goes dark again, was it worth the money? Maybe I'm wrong and Sacramento will go for mermaid bars in a big way. I suppose that's part of the risk. I just hope that this project is followed up by more adaptive reuse of currently closed buildings on K, like the Bel-Vue, for housing. That would also create construction jobs, and help change the vibe on K Street in more significant ways. Evening occupancy on K Street, from either residents or folks coming down for entertainment, are probably the only way that the multitude of K Street restaurants that are only open until 5:00 on weekdays (serving the state worker trade) will stay open later. William Burg 2009-03-11T05:04:15Z tdramer comment-4389 2009-03-10T23:54:38Z 2009-03-10T23:54:38Z It's probably not a good idea to run the meeting up against a City Council meeting. (Tuesdays @ 6pm) It is also competing with the Sacramento County Democratic Central Committee's Meeting as well. tdramer 2009-03-10T23:54:38Z Scott Holbrook comment-4384 2009-03-10T22:32:06Z 2009-03-10T22:32:06Z I feel to trivialize and minimize the redevelopment proposal for numerous entertainment facilities on K St. to $5.4 million for a mermaid-themed bar is very far from fair. The K street renovation project is one of the few serious proposals to create jobs in the construction business now, and the potential to generate much more tax & job revenue in the future. Be it a corporation looking to re-locate, an NCAA organization trying to determine where to host a tuournament, or a family in Auburn trying to decide where to spend their limited entertainment dollars, the K Street project represents a lot of opportunity for the City and region in general. I hope people listen to the bean counters when it is explained the cost benefit of a project such as this. I applaud the staff and council for taking a proactive approach on this. I also hope that people realize that bids for construction are becomming increasingly competitive, and cost estimates from even 6 months ago are comming in much lower. Now is the best time possible to move forward if you can. Also realize as cheesy as Old Town Sac is, we drove down there from out of town, spent more than we should have (not at Fanny Ann's though - best deal around), & had a wonderful time at a fun destination. But OTS is limitied in it's offerings & is more of a "tourist trap" than K-St would be. Communities throughout the area are working to improve reasons for people to visit & spend under a variety of titles, from Streetscape to Downtown Redevelopmnet. Sacramento has a leg up on most other communities & to lose the momemtum and opportunity of this project I feel would be unfortunate. It is so much more than a mermaid-themed bar, it is an investment that if done right will bring in great returns on so many levels. As always.... Keep Smlin'!! Scott Holbrook 2009-03-10T22:32:06Z William Burg comment-4294 2009-03-09T23:45:15Z 2009-03-09T23:45:15Z Sounds like fun. There are some interesting items on the agenda, although one of the ones I'd like to cheer for is in the consent calendar: some of the money being pulled from the Berry project is being reallocated to start on the SRO replacement units project planned for the corner of 7th and H Street. Another project on the agenda is the proposed subsidy of $5.4 million for a mermaid-themed bar on K Street. I am most interested to see what people think of that project. While I really like the idea of more entertainment on K Street, and absolutely like the idea of adaptive reuse in those buildings, I suppose I find the proposals in question a bit...well, cheesy. I also question the use of millions in redevelopment funds for entertainment venues when there are far more pressing needs in the immediate neighborhood, like repair and maintenance of several city-owned properties where people could actually live downtown. On the other hand, I have seen some really badly-conceived restaurant spaces start off, go out of business rapidly, and then someone else picks up the lease for the now-remodeled building, slaps on a little paint and creates a success story. There's also an interesting item regarding the sale of three vacant lots to the Boys & Girls Club, intended to create a play area in Alkali Flat. William Burg 2009-03-09T23:45:15Z Jack Nordby comment-4292 2009-03-09T21:29:30Z 2009-03-09T21:29:30Z This is a great idea and hopefully the City Council will take notice and be perceptive to the many voices of people who are ready for a change in the city. Jack Nordby 2009-03-09T21:29:30Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-3668 2009-02-19T00:44:17Z 2009-02-19T00:44:17Z Lance Armstrong's comments on twitter: Stage 4 complete. Another tough one! The boys were making life tough for us!! All good tho. The sun was a big bonus. Legs are pretty good. Oh!! And they recovered the bike! Don't have details yet but it's apparently on it's way here. Thanks to the Sacramento P D for the help! Dustin L. Littrell 2009-02-19T00:44:17Z Geoff Samek comment-3693 2009-02-18T23:38:05Z 2009-02-18T23:38:05Z Yup, it will be held there. We're also sending Raoul down to cover the press conference, so we will have more of an update soon. Geoff Samek 2009-02-18T23:38:05Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-3665 2009-02-18T23:13:37Z 2009-02-18T23:13:37Z The press conference might be held at the police headquarters on 5770 Freeport Blvd. where the bike was returned? Dustin L. Littrell 2009-02-18T23:13:37Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-3664 2009-02-18T23:07:57Z 2009-02-18T23:07:57Z Geoff - The article posted on CBS13 websight doesn't say. Visit the Police Departments websight for additional info, http://www.sacpd.org/press/021809-25.pdf Dustin L. Littrell 2009-02-18T23:07:57Z Geoff Samek comment-3691 2009-02-18T22:58:02Z 2009-02-18T22:58:02Z Where is the press conference? Geoff Samek 2009-02-18T22:58:02Z Dustin L. Littrell comment-3663 2009-02-18T22:42:12Z 2009-02-18T22:42:12Z Sacramento Police will be holding a 4:00PM press conference discussing the recovery according to CBS13 news. The bike was valued at more than $15,000. Dustin L. Littrell 2009-02-18T22:42:12Z