Best wishes for 2009

As another year comes to a close, everyone seems to be in the mood for lists. What were the best movies, the worst, the best and worst outfits, who got married, divorced or died. I made some crazy predictions for 2008 so let's take a minute to revisit them and see how I did.

Prediction #1- The major I-5 construction project will not be finished in 2008 and there will be major traffic consequences, leading to the funding of the DNA lightrail line.
Minus one for me- the I-5 construction project went off with barely a hitch, Sacramentans adjusted fine and the road has not collapsed, nor has the DNA line been funded in any way.

Prediction #2- Absolutely nothing will happen with the arena. Nothing.
I'll go with neutral on this one. I believe there is a finalized plan out there somewhere to move to Cal Expo but the discussions have really died down in light of the economy.

Prediction #3- Absolutely nothing will happen with K Street.
Plus one for me! Other than Mo Mohanna finally losing his spot, nothing has changed, as evidenced by this Sac Bee article.

Prediction #4- Arden Arcade will be successful in their Nov 2008 bid to become a city.
Wow. I missed this one by a mile. But there is renewed hope that a 2010 vote may happen. So maybe I'll add it to my 2010 list.

Prediction #5- Natomas will not flood this year
Out of great fear that I will jinx my house for the next week, I will not wrap this prediction up. However, we have successfully not flooded for 350 some odd days so that is a good sign.

Stay tuned for more crazy predictions for 2009.

Please shop locally!

As the holidays near, the list of business shutting their doors for good is growing longer and longer. I'm pleading with you to please shop locally when at all possible! Natomas Buzz is reporting that just here in Natomas we are now losing Roly Poly, Borders and Quiznos as well as the previously closed up Linens and Things, Starbucks, Johnny Rockets and more. Natomas will not be seeing our Sonic or TGI Fridays anytime soon either. Our main farms on El Centro Rd. are also in trouble and need our support to keep growing the amazing produce they sell!

You may read the above list and realize that many of those names are larger corporations. True. However, they employed local people from part-time teenagers to full-time employees who live right here in our community. Keeping the cash in our neighborhood keeps businesses open, neighbors employed and reduces crime. Don't drive out to the Galleria or to San Francisco this holiday season. Save the gas and keep your dollars local in your neighborhood.