A magical fix to all of the downtown area's woes has been proposed. What if there were cars on K Street? Suddenly people will return to the area, restaurants and businesses will flourish and the long black spot on Sacramento will vanish.
This weekend my family and I took advantage of the IMAX 10th anniversary free showing of "Adventures in Wild California." We parked at 10th and L and walked up K to the Esquire. It got me thinking about what is really wrong with K Street mall and why adding traffic won't fix the problem.
1) The mall still hasn't been given a chance to really be successful.
The first thing we observed on Saturday was the huge amount of state and government businesses taking up ground floor space. Despite more than 30 years as a "pedestrian" mall, K Street hasfew pedestrians on the weekends and after 5pm. There are a few gourmet restaurants, the Crest, the Esquire and a smattering of other quick lunch places. But overall, the mall still completely lacks the feel of a solid pedestrian mall. Our city leaders should be considering revitalization that includes mixed use, more ground floor retail, a successful Farmer's Market. For examples, look to Denver, Santa Monica, Charlottesville, Boulder, and Boston.
2) Homeless are still a problem on K Street.
I'm not sure if it's the lack of police presence, the lack of pedestrians, the convenience of the light rail or a mix of all of the above. Until people feel that they can walk freely and happily without being harassed, K Street won't be successful. It doesn't matter if there are cars if there are still aggressive homeless people every 10 feet. Many large cities have a homeless problem. I've certainly walked many blocks in San Francisco and DC that made this apparent. However, we appear to have a more uncommon problem with aggressive, drunk and mentally ill homeless who have settled on K.
3) Where's the draw for families?
Opening up K Street to car traffic may increase restaurant traffic in the evenings. But until K has a draw for families, the weekends will still be empty. A consistent Saturday Farmer's Market, a children's museum, independent toy shop, even a fun market type atmosphere like Pike's Place would bring in families of locals and tourists. More families drive out the negative presence in the area and build the reputation of a fun, safe environment. $15 per person movies at IMAX isn't going to do that.
4) Cars remove any novelty and any reason for the City to focus on the area.
Once K is open to cars, the area returns to being just like any other street. There is no further motivation for special renovation, no attention to the problems left behind by City interference. At that point, Downtown Plaza should probably be completely closed and the walk tunnel to Old Sac removed or rerouted. While many local restauranteurs have poured their heart and soul into these 6 blocks, they will be abandoned once K is just another problem area. K Street needs to become THE focus if downtown is going to thrive.
5) Cars don't build businesses.
It doesn't matter if traffic is open to cars if nobody has the time, money or ability to open new businesses. Years have been spent and piles of money poured into the buildings between 7th and 9th and nothing has changed. Until the owners of these buildings are either "eminent domained" out of the way or they decide to become part of the solution, K Street will remain a problem.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Kids camps around Sacramento
We've been missing for too long! Too many blogs, too little time. But we know you're busy and looking for fun summer camp resources for the kids! We are still confirming availablity and will add more camps as we receive the information.
Here's a listing of camps that have spots still available as of June 24th:
Fairytale Town- Primarily for kids ages 3-7 but some camps available for kids 7 and up
Sacramento Zoo- A few spots available in camps! Register soon!
Early Childhoold Learning Center of Natomas- Exciting programs for preschool and kindergarten aged kids.
Effie Yeaw Nature Center- Call for more information. Day camp spots available.
Sacramento Country Day School- Recreational day camp programs and specialty camp programs available for kids through middle school
Discovery Science Center- Spots available for science and space camp for kids ages 7 and up.
Crocker Art Museum- one class still open for kids 12-17. Mixed Media Mosaic
Explorit Science Center- half and full day camps with spots available in selected classes for kids preschool through 5th grade.
International Gym Centre- West Sacramento gymnastics camp offering full and half day programs for kids ages 5 thru 12.
City of Sacramento- Wide variety of half day, full day and recreational camp activities. The City offers many programs that are low-cost and still has spots available.
Sacramento Theatre Company- Camp starts next week so hurry up!
Gibson Ranch- Horse camp for kids ages 8 to 18
B Street Theatre- Acting and production camp for kids ages 6-17.
Here's a listing of camps that have spots still available as of June 24th:
Fairytale Town- Primarily for kids ages 3-7 but some camps available for kids 7 and up
Sacramento Zoo- A few spots available in camps! Register soon!
Early Childhoold Learning Center of Natomas- Exciting programs for preschool and kindergarten aged kids.
Effie Yeaw Nature Center- Call for more information. Day camp spots available.
Sacramento Country Day School- Recreational day camp programs and specialty camp programs available for kids through middle school
Discovery Science Center- Spots available for science and space camp for kids ages 7 and up.
Crocker Art Museum- one class still open for kids 12-17. Mixed Media Mosaic
Explorit Science Center- half and full day camps with spots available in selected classes for kids preschool through 5th grade.
International Gym Centre- West Sacramento gymnastics camp offering full and half day programs for kids ages 5 thru 12.
City of Sacramento- Wide variety of half day, full day and recreational camp activities. The City offers many programs that are low-cost and still has spots available.
Sacramento Theatre Company- Camp starts next week so hurry up!
Gibson Ranch- Horse camp for kids ages 8 to 18
B Street Theatre- Acting and production camp for kids ages 6-17.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Consumer Supported Agriculture, a cheap and easy way to eat healthier!
As my beautiful box of fruit arrived this week, I realized that I hadn't ever taken the time to write about Consumer Supported Agriculture and the huge benefits! In a time where money and water resources are tight, supporting locally grown food and CSA programs are one of the best use of your finances. By buying locally grown produce, you reduce the cost to you and the farmer, saving everyone money!
So what is CSA and how does it work? Different local farms run different programs. Our box comes from Farm Fresh To You and is delivered to my house every other week. For $30, every other week, I get a massive box of delicious fresh fruit and veggies. We choose the Mostly Fruit option which this week contained 3 avocados, a bunch of carrots, a pound of kiwis, at least 3 lbs of apples, 3 lbs of two different kinds of pears, and a handful of tangelos and blood oranges. The box is different every week and part of the fun is never quite knowing what will arrive. Farm Fresh has a whole variety of programs that start as low as $20 to large boxes your entire office can share at $140.
Other CSAs like Good Humus, Full Belly, Del Rio and Soil Born, deliver to a local spot where you pick up your boxes. Some farms offer produce, nuts, jams, jellies and bread. Many farms create a special relationship with their customers and offer farm tours, picnics and harvest celebrations.
Even those of us (me!) who are not big on vegetables, have really enjoyed our produce box. Other than actually living on the farm, you don't get much closer than apples with morning dew still on them when the arrive at your house. With my CSA box, there are always healthy and inexpensive snacks on my counter and more choices in the lunch box!
So what is CSA and how does it work? Different local farms run different programs. Our box comes from Farm Fresh To You and is delivered to my house every other week. For $30, every other week, I get a massive box of delicious fresh fruit and veggies. We choose the Mostly Fruit option which this week contained 3 avocados, a bunch of carrots, a pound of kiwis, at least 3 lbs of apples, 3 lbs of two different kinds of pears, and a handful of tangelos and blood oranges. The box is different every week and part of the fun is never quite knowing what will arrive. Farm Fresh has a whole variety of programs that start as low as $20 to large boxes your entire office can share at $140.
Other CSAs like Good Humus, Full Belly, Del Rio and Soil Born, deliver to a local spot where you pick up your boxes. Some farms offer produce, nuts, jams, jellies and bread. Many farms create a special relationship with their customers and offer farm tours, picnics and harvest celebrations.
Even those of us (me!) who are not big on vegetables, have really enjoyed our produce box. Other than actually living on the farm, you don't get much closer than apples with morning dew still on them when the arrive at your house. With my CSA box, there are always healthy and inexpensive snacks on my counter and more choices in the lunch box!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Sacramento Free Museum Day- TODAY- Saturday 2/7!
Today is Free Museum Day! Get out and see some of our local museums. Nearly all museums in Sacramento are open for free today from 10am to 4pm, including the Railroad museum, Fairytale Town, the Crocker and the Zoo. Or check out some lesser known museums like the Towe Auto Museum, the Museum of Medical History or the Military Museum.
Free shuttle buses are available from many locations. The most popular places fill up fast so be sure to get an early start. If you have a few extra dollars in your pocket, be sure to drop it in the donation buckets inside the museums. Many of our best assets are struggling and this is a great way to ensure there will be a Free Museum Day next year!
Free shuttle buses are available from many locations. The most popular places fill up fast so be sure to get an early start. If you have a few extra dollars in your pocket, be sure to drop it in the donation buckets inside the museums. Many of our best assets are struggling and this is a great way to ensure there will be a Free Museum Day next year!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Help save something fabulous for Sacramento families!
As we have all read and heard a million times, times are rough and services are being cut. Many things make up a great city and it's hard to choose one that is worth saving. But I hope that you'll think about your family vacation plans for the summer and consider a great, inexpensive alternative to your normal plans!
Camp Sacramento is an affordable, fun and adventurous family vacation for everyone! We were first timers last year and had taken a few other vacations over the past three years. Camp Sacramento, BY FAR, was the most relaxing, fun and low stress vacation we've done! I cannot recommend it enough for any stressed out family with kids between 4 and 14! Even teenagers with a little cash in their pockets and a little freedom will have an amazing time.
Moms and dads take note- your kids will have fun activities all day run by the City Parks and Rec people. They'll be occupied while you read on the porch, take a nap, drink a glass of wine or participate in an art class. They'll be learning archery while you are hiking, fishing, playing board games with other adults or just doing nothing. Literally nothing! You don't have to cook, clean or plan anything if you don't want to.
Best of all, Camp Sacramento is totally affordable. Look at this cost comparison and you'll see that you'll save $1000 by taking a Camp Sacramento trip instead of Disneyland. I can promise you'll come home more rested and recharged after a week in the hands of the Camp Sac staff!
Parks and Rec is shooting for 95% occupancy rate this summer. Make some lifelong memories. We'll see you at Camp Sac!
Camp Sacramento is an affordable, fun and adventurous family vacation for everyone! We were first timers last year and had taken a few other vacations over the past three years. Camp Sacramento, BY FAR, was the most relaxing, fun and low stress vacation we've done! I cannot recommend it enough for any stressed out family with kids between 4 and 14! Even teenagers with a little cash in their pockets and a little freedom will have an amazing time.
Moms and dads take note- your kids will have fun activities all day run by the City Parks and Rec people. They'll be occupied while you read on the porch, take a nap, drink a glass of wine or participate in an art class. They'll be learning archery while you are hiking, fishing, playing board games with other adults or just doing nothing. Literally nothing! You don't have to cook, clean or plan anything if you don't want to.
Best of all, Camp Sacramento is totally affordable. Look at this cost comparison and you'll see that you'll save $1000 by taking a Camp Sacramento trip instead of Disneyland. I can promise you'll come home more rested and recharged after a week in the hands of the Camp Sac staff!
Parks and Rec is shooting for 95% occupancy rate this summer. Make some lifelong memories. We'll see you at Camp Sac!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Does a Goodwill bring good will?
North Natomas is all a buzz about the possibility of a Goodwill taking over the Borders location in Park Place. You can read the tension on Natomas Buzz and Joe Sacramento. People are either against the Goodwill or against people that are against the Goodwill. I've seen very few arguments that are encompassing a positive argument for why a Goodwill is really what North Natomas needs. Calling names, calling us "haters" because we didn't sign up to live next to a thrift store is not productive.
My thoughts from my comments on Joe Sacramento with some additions:
The Goodwill in North Natomas fills a need that is temporary. Sure, the economy is in decline. But when the economy turns around, our neighborhood will not make the same increase if we have fallen apart. I didn't sign up 10 years ago to live next to a thrift store. Supposedly, I was getting a mixed use, neighborhood commercial center that was fully walkable and family friendly. That didn't happen. But I'm not willing to settle and say "It's not walkable, so let's just throw in whatever fits the building." I bought my house on a promise that the City would fulfill a beautiful community plan. If I were opposed to diversity, I wouldn't have bought here- we'd be in Granite Bay. This isn't about diversity. It's about reality of economics. When you swamp an area with low-income housing to meet an arbitrary percentage, you defeat the purpose of mixed residential.
I would like to see a traffic impact study done. Goodwill will no doubt increase the traffic in our neighborhood. I can't imagine that the donations pouring in will amount to the same traffic as one Borders delivery truck. North Bend was not designed to be a retail route. If people start driving in and out that way, the entire neighborhood (including the elementary school) will be impacted. The increased traffic on Natomas Blvd will also be difficult, considering before and after the high school days are already a nightmare.
Goodwill is not the best we can do. It's better than the Dollar Store idea. But I'm very concerned how a change will impact the other tenants in the center. Adding one Goodwill and losing 5 locally owned businesses as a result, is a major problem. I don't think we could stand to lose Jacks, Dinner My Way, Strings, Mathnasium, Big Spoon etc. in that center because people are either afraid (rightfully or not) to shop there, or because the new clientele attracted doesn't have the cash. Sorry- few will convince me that folks will go to Goodwill after work, do a little shopping and then drop $40 at Strings for dinner very often. Highly unlikely the same clients buy fancy shoes from the Shoes N Feet, get frozen dinners or for a week at Dinner My Way. One retailer can change the entire dynamic of a center.
People all over Natomas need to grow up, stop slinging mud and stand up for what we all committed to either 10 years ago or 30. If you're in South Natomas, you have just as much right to be mad at the City. But it's time to DO SOMETHING. Don't just complain that everyone in North Natomas is whining. We all bought into an idea of a community near downtown, close to the airport, with great schools, nice parks and high quality community activities. I don't think you can find one person here who said "Hey I think I'll rent a crappy apartment in a bad school district where the city lies to me, the parks are covered with graffiti and I'm afraid to go shopping." Not one person chose to live here saying that.
My thoughts from my comments on Joe Sacramento with some additions:
The Goodwill in North Natomas fills a need that is temporary. Sure, the economy is in decline. But when the economy turns around, our neighborhood will not make the same increase if we have fallen apart. I didn't sign up 10 years ago to live next to a thrift store. Supposedly, I was getting a mixed use, neighborhood commercial center that was fully walkable and family friendly. That didn't happen. But I'm not willing to settle and say "It's not walkable, so let's just throw in whatever fits the building." I bought my house on a promise that the City would fulfill a beautiful community plan. If I were opposed to diversity, I wouldn't have bought here- we'd be in Granite Bay. This isn't about diversity. It's about reality of economics. When you swamp an area with low-income housing to meet an arbitrary percentage, you defeat the purpose of mixed residential.
I would like to see a traffic impact study done. Goodwill will no doubt increase the traffic in our neighborhood. I can't imagine that the donations pouring in will amount to the same traffic as one Borders delivery truck. North Bend was not designed to be a retail route. If people start driving in and out that way, the entire neighborhood (including the elementary school) will be impacted. The increased traffic on Natomas Blvd will also be difficult, considering before and after the high school days are already a nightmare.
Goodwill is not the best we can do. It's better than the Dollar Store idea. But I'm very concerned how a change will impact the other tenants in the center. Adding one Goodwill and losing 5 locally owned businesses as a result, is a major problem. I don't think we could stand to lose Jacks, Dinner My Way, Strings, Mathnasium, Big Spoon etc. in that center because people are either afraid (rightfully or not) to shop there, or because the new clientele attracted doesn't have the cash. Sorry- few will convince me that folks will go to Goodwill after work, do a little shopping and then drop $40 at Strings for dinner very often. Highly unlikely the same clients buy fancy shoes from the Shoes N Feet, get frozen dinners or for a week at Dinner My Way. One retailer can change the entire dynamic of a center.
People all over Natomas need to grow up, stop slinging mud and stand up for what we all committed to either 10 years ago or 30. If you're in South Natomas, you have just as much right to be mad at the City. But it's time to DO SOMETHING. Don't just complain that everyone in North Natomas is whining. We all bought into an idea of a community near downtown, close to the airport, with great schools, nice parks and high quality community activities. I don't think you can find one person here who said "Hey I think I'll rent a crappy apartment in a bad school district where the city lies to me, the parks are covered with graffiti and I'm afraid to go shopping." Not one person chose to live here saying that.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Drama unfolds in Natomas Park as discrimination is legalized
Welcome to guest blogger Mr Speeb who has given us permission to repost this from comments on News10.net
So if you're a home owner in Natomas Park, you probably received in the mail today, an interesting document. It is a proposal to amend the delegate voting system from its current form to a new (more sensible?) form. As I said, the clubhouse vote was rigged from the beginning. Here is how the current voting works:
Let's say each delegate has 100 home owners (votes) in his neighborhood. If 10 people vote for something and 10 people vote against something, and 80 didn't vote, the delegate gets to spend the 80 votes anyway that delegate sees fit. Essentially, in this example, the outcome for this delegate will be 90 (80 + 10) votes in one direction and 10 votes (actual home owner votes) in the other direction. Pretty cool. To even get a break even, unbiased vote, 50% of the homeowners would have to vote in one direction. Heck, we don't even get a 50% turnout in a national election. So, as you can see, if the delegates all agree that "those people" should be excluded from the club house, it was a done deal. With a 25% (or less) turnout for the vote, the delegates held 75% of the votes, before it even went to ballot. That's why these board defenders here won't give up any numbers. There was never any chance for a democratic process. But then the board knew that, planned on it, and counted on it.
So back to today's proposal in the mail. The delegates would now have to cast their votes (non-voting owners) in the same proportion as the voting home owners. That is, if the delegate represented 100 home owners, and the owners voted 10 for and 10 against, with 80 non-votes, the delegate would have to cast his vote 50 for and 50 against. Gee, one wonders why they are changing that now. Covering tracks? Trying to make sure the same ploy can't be used to undo their dirty deeds?
Come on NEWS10. Get on this. Start digging and publish the truth.
So if you're a home owner in Natomas Park, you probably received in the mail today, an interesting document. It is a proposal to amend the delegate voting system from its current form to a new (more sensible?) form. As I said, the clubhouse vote was rigged from the beginning. Here is how the current voting works:
Let's say each delegate has 100 home owners (votes) in his neighborhood. If 10 people vote for something and 10 people vote against something, and 80 didn't vote, the delegate gets to spend the 80 votes anyway that delegate sees fit. Essentially, in this example, the outcome for this delegate will be 90 (80 + 10) votes in one direction and 10 votes (actual home owner votes) in the other direction. Pretty cool. To even get a break even, unbiased vote, 50% of the homeowners would have to vote in one direction. Heck, we don't even get a 50% turnout in a national election. So, as you can see, if the delegates all agree that "those people" should be excluded from the club house, it was a done deal. With a 25% (or less) turnout for the vote, the delegates held 75% of the votes, before it even went to ballot. That's why these board defenders here won't give up any numbers. There was never any chance for a democratic process. But then the board knew that, planned on it, and counted on it.
So back to today's proposal in the mail. The delegates would now have to cast their votes (non-voting owners) in the same proportion as the voting home owners. That is, if the delegate represented 100 home owners, and the owners voted 10 for and 10 against, with 80 non-votes, the delegate would have to cast his vote 50 for and 50 against. Gee, one wonders why they are changing that now. Covering tracks? Trying to make sure the same ploy can't be used to undo their dirty deeds?
Come on NEWS10. Get on this. Start digging and publish the truth.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, December 12, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Be Thankful and share your thanks
It's that time of year when no matter how rich or poor, we all begin to think about what we have and what we are thankful for. Each of us has something to give and to share. I'm taking this opportunity to repost an article I wrote for Joe Sacramento to remind everyone that there is something you can do today to make our community a little richer!
In this very moment, you can go to Joesacramento.com and chip in for holiday dinners for needy families. If you won't be having Thanksgiving this year because your family has hit hard times, email Joe and you may qualify for our help.
Loaves and Fishes-It doesn't take much to make the life of a homeless person a little brighter this season. Loaves and Fishes has a handy holiday wish list or you can donate online. It doesn't get much easier than that to help out and you don't have to leave your home.
In this very moment, you can go to Joesacramento.com and chip in for holiday dinners for needy families. If you won't be having Thanksgiving this year because your family has hit hard times, email Joe and you may qualify for our help.
Loaves and Fishes-It doesn't take much to make the life of a homeless person a little brighter this season. Loaves and Fishes has a handy holiday wish list or you can donate online. It doesn't get much easier than that to help out and you don't have to leave your home.
Boys and Girls Club of Sacramento- Serving 6500 youth from ages 6 to 19 from all over Sacramento. They know what they’re doing and they do it well. You can volunteer with kids, teach classes, help with fundraising and auction materials and more.
Stanford Settlement- Right in our own backyard! Stanford Settlement is dangerously close to missing their budget required to stay open. Save a few lattes and help out the kids. They work hard to promote positive relationships for teens, give them a safe place to “hang out” and also provide emergency assistance, senior support and more.
Sacramento Children’s Home- Looking to meet a special child one on one and change the world one life at a time? This is it! Kids at the children’s home are lacking serious adult role models who can show them a way out of the horrid things they’ve seen. If that’s too personal, look at the wish list and buy something or volunteer for a special event.
Project Birthday- A one-time or repeat feel good warm fuzzy here! Throw a birthday party for a homeless child or a whole group! For $400 you can sponsor an entire party for 30 kids or you can donate supplies left from your kid’s last party.
Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services- Not just a food bank, SFBS provides family support, mother-baby classes, parenting classes, computer classes, clothing and supplies and much more. With over 800 volunteers, you know they’ll put you to work and value your committment. Can’t do it?
Hands On Sacramento- So it’s Friday and you have a few hours free tomorrow with no plans. What should you do? Visit this website and see who needs you right now for a few hours! Projects are short or long term and easily searchable by neighborhood, time and skills. If they don’t have something that fits your schedule, try Volunteer Match.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)- What happens when kids are caught in the middle? CASA steps in to find out what’s best for the child. You can be the first adult a child has ever experienced a positive relationship with. CASA provides the training, the materials and the support and you provide the loving heart to help.
Big Brothers Big Sisters- If you have a driver’s license, insured transportation and a big heart, you can be a big brother or big sister! Be the adult to hold an at-risk child accountable and you’ll see the rewards multiply.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Five Things KJ Needs to Do The First Month
Of course, high on the list is finally sitting in that fancy office chair! But let's get serious and discuss what really needs to happen in the very short term to start turning Sacramento around.
#1- Immediately hire an outside auditor: Yes, it'll be expensive but any good auditor worth their weight in excel spreadsheets will more than pay for themselves. We need an immediate accounting of excess, waste and lost goods. Progress will come quickly with a specific accounting and budget of every resource in the city.
#2- Make his schedule and work product public: By public, I do not mean hidden buried under five search engines on the city website. I mean open and transparent. Residents need to know who gets his ear and his time.
#3- Demand a meeting with all superintendents in the city: Get everyone around one table and lay it out. We need real education change right now. Tell the superintendents they do not get more money or more goodies but they need innovation immediately. Ask them to each identify two things that they can change in their districts right now. Then expect them to do it.
#4- Call true short-term moratorium on housing in North Natomas and call a meeting with all interested Natomas stakeholders: It's time to get the North Natomas Community Plan straightened out for once and for all. KJ owes the residents here who put our faith in him. We need a real plan that doesn't involve drowning us in all the low and ultra-low housing that the city feels like building. We need a new transportation solution, a revised housing plan and a serious discussion on police and fire services.
#5- Meet with the City Council and high ranking City staff. Demand a level of civil discourse and decorum in dealing with the public. KJ needs to show great leadership in how he conducts City Council and other public meetings. He should demand that residents be treated with respect, decency and a thread of compassion. Residents should not be scolded, chastized or publically embarassed because the City Council can't take the heat of their own decisions.
#1- Immediately hire an outside auditor: Yes, it'll be expensive but any good auditor worth their weight in excel spreadsheets will more than pay for themselves. We need an immediate accounting of excess, waste and lost goods. Progress will come quickly with a specific accounting and budget of every resource in the city.
#2- Make his schedule and work product public: By public, I do not mean hidden buried under five search engines on the city website. I mean open and transparent. Residents need to know who gets his ear and his time.
#3- Demand a meeting with all superintendents in the city: Get everyone around one table and lay it out. We need real education change right now. Tell the superintendents they do not get more money or more goodies but they need innovation immediately. Ask them to each identify two things that they can change in their districts right now. Then expect them to do it.
#4- Call true short-term moratorium on housing in North Natomas and call a meeting with all interested Natomas stakeholders: It's time to get the North Natomas Community Plan straightened out for once and for all. KJ owes the residents here who put our faith in him. We need a real plan that doesn't involve drowning us in all the low and ultra-low housing that the city feels like building. We need a new transportation solution, a revised housing plan and a serious discussion on police and fire services.
#5- Meet with the City Council and high ranking City staff. Demand a level of civil discourse and decorum in dealing with the public. KJ needs to show great leadership in how he conducts City Council and other public meetings. He should demand that residents be treated with respect, decency and a thread of compassion. Residents should not be scolded, chastized or publically embarassed because the City Council can't take the heat of their own decisions.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Yes we did... Now go do something amazing!
I feel like I'm floating on cloud 9 today. A new Mayor, a new President and a new sense of hope, prosperity and the American Dream. It's it an amazing feeling? Keep the feeling going today and allow others to see the new sense of America. Join my family on the Run to Feed the Hungry.
Thanksgiving Day, Sacramento will fill up with more than 23,000 runners who all know that sometimes we need a little boost, a kick in the pants to work for that American Dream. The Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services is that kick in the pants. This isn't just any old give them food forever kind of program! People in need are taught computer skills, ESL, parenting and so many other life skills to give them a hand up, not a hand out.
Through the magic of community participation, volunteers and corporate sponsors, the Food Bank can turn $1 into $10 worth of services. That is really putting your money, time and energy to good use.
Take that feeling of hope, restored faith in our country and a dawn of a new day and sign up to Run to Feed the Hungry with me. If you can't run, you can walk the 5K or be a virtual team member. There are no good excuses. You'll even be home in time for turkey.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Tomorrow is an historic day
It's time to vote again! Please don't forget! If you're discouraged because your candidate is polling behind in California or you think your vote doesn't matter because your candidate is polling far ahead, IT DOES MATTER! There are many down ballot issues that will be decided this election. It's important that you take your opportunity to make your voice heard. Take a book and some water and a snack and go be a part of history.
If you don't vote you will miss your opportunity to speak out on these issues:
Those of you in Natomas, please make your choices very carefully. If you were my best friend and we were sitting down to coffee, I'd caution you on the school board election in particular. Do you really want someone who is an incumbent, who sat through all the land deal mess and said nothing? Who says she has "learned her lesson" at the expense of our students? Sue Heredia has had eight years to learn her lesson and improve schools in Natomas. No thanks. I'll be picking 3 new school board members. Bruce Roberts, Patricia Adams and Briza Trujillo Cardenas have put in the time, energy and effort to make Natomas better. It's time we give them a shot where they can make a difference.
If you don't vote you will miss your opportunity to speak out on these issues:
- Sacramento Mayoral Race
- Community College Funding (Measure M)
- Utility User Taxes (Measure O)
- Numerous School Board seats
- State Assembly Races
- Congressional Race
- State Propositions including: High Speed Rail, Children's Hospital Bonds, law enforcement funding, renewable energy requirements and funding, minor abortion waiting period and parental notification, veterans bonds and redistricting
Those of you in Natomas, please make your choices very carefully. If you were my best friend and we were sitting down to coffee, I'd caution you on the school board election in particular. Do you really want someone who is an incumbent, who sat through all the land deal mess and said nothing? Who says she has "learned her lesson" at the expense of our students? Sue Heredia has had eight years to learn her lesson and improve schools in Natomas. No thanks. I'll be picking 3 new school board members. Bruce Roberts, Patricia Adams and Briza Trujillo Cardenas have put in the time, energy and effort to make Natomas better. It's time we give them a shot where they can make a difference.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
The answer to Proposition 8
Sitting at dinner with family recently, my brother and I devised a way to solve the entire debate surrounding Proposition 8 (and Prop 22 before it). The answer is simple and I was surprised to find that it really doesn't seem to be on the table for discussion. We propose civil unions for all couples, heterosexual or same sex. Leave the marrying to the church.
Why?
In theory, our government is supported by a political doctrine of separation of church and state. Yet marriage is still one area where religion and government are highly entwined, determining everything from pensions and inheritance to adoption and visitation. A church is still the primary officiant of weddings and the one determining who can and can't marry based on internal and external laws. The government determines who is married based often on what the church says, not based on local laws. Get a license, get it signed by your church officiant and you're good to go.
But what about those who don't attend church regularly or at all? Those who are not practicing the faith of their childhood and don't feel comfortable in a church? You have options too. You can have your ceremony performed in the county office or by a county official on the weekend. Or you can choose the option my family has chosen, a close friend ordained by the Universal Life Church. It's a complicated, entangled mess that makes for a lot of debate over a simple issue.
According to a 2006 study by the Pew Forum, a majority of Americans support the idea of civil unions for same-sex marriage. But they are not comfortable giving up their religious idea of marriage in exchange for equality and fairness for everyone. Since marriage is so intricately woven into the fabric of religion, why not reserve it for religion alone?
Our proposal is simple, easy and shouldn't cause any heartache for anyone. Separate the two issues. For all intents and purposes, civil unions would be required to obtain the current legal rights associated with marriage. But you wouldn't be married, you'd have a civil union. The religious aspects and morality issues would be left up to the church to determine. If your church lets gays marry, fine for you, if not, then find another church. The state would not discriminate and would allow civil unions for any committed couple who chose to do so.
So how does this work in reality? Essentially, the same as it does now, minus a step. In civil union world, you would go to the county recorder's office, obtain your civil union license, pay your money and consider yourself joined. Right now, you go to the office, get your license, have your church perform a ceremony and take it back to the county for filing. In our scenario, the church would still perform whatever ceremony you chose, without government interference or paperwork.
The best permanent solution to same-sex marriage is to simply remove religion from the process.
As for my husband and I? We would have chosen civil union anyway. I imagine many Americans would. Numerous studies and polls show that a majority of Americans do not attend church regularly. So let's leave the government out of marriage and truly separate church and state.
As an aside, New Zealand currently allows civil unions for heterosexual and same-sex couples. It does not appear to have ruined the country, destroyed morality or created a nation of heathens.
Why?
In theory, our government is supported by a political doctrine of separation of church and state. Yet marriage is still one area where religion and government are highly entwined, determining everything from pensions and inheritance to adoption and visitation. A church is still the primary officiant of weddings and the one determining who can and can't marry based on internal and external laws. The government determines who is married based often on what the church says, not based on local laws. Get a license, get it signed by your church officiant and you're good to go.
But what about those who don't attend church regularly or at all? Those who are not practicing the faith of their childhood and don't feel comfortable in a church? You have options too. You can have your ceremony performed in the county office or by a county official on the weekend. Or you can choose the option my family has chosen, a close friend ordained by the Universal Life Church. It's a complicated, entangled mess that makes for a lot of debate over a simple issue.
According to a 2006 study by the Pew Forum, a majority of Americans support the idea of civil unions for same-sex marriage. But they are not comfortable giving up their religious idea of marriage in exchange for equality and fairness for everyone. Since marriage is so intricately woven into the fabric of religion, why not reserve it for religion alone?
Our proposal is simple, easy and shouldn't cause any heartache for anyone. Separate the two issues. For all intents and purposes, civil unions would be required to obtain the current legal rights associated with marriage. But you wouldn't be married, you'd have a civil union. The religious aspects and morality issues would be left up to the church to determine. If your church lets gays marry, fine for you, if not, then find another church. The state would not discriminate and would allow civil unions for any committed couple who chose to do so.
So how does this work in reality? Essentially, the same as it does now, minus a step. In civil union world, you would go to the county recorder's office, obtain your civil union license, pay your money and consider yourself joined. Right now, you go to the office, get your license, have your church perform a ceremony and take it back to the county for filing. In our scenario, the church would still perform whatever ceremony you chose, without government interference or paperwork.
The best permanent solution to same-sex marriage is to simply remove religion from the process.
As for my husband and I? We would have chosen civil union anyway. I imagine many Americans would. Numerous studies and polls show that a majority of Americans do not attend church regularly. So let's leave the government out of marriage and truly separate church and state.
As an aside, New Zealand currently allows civil unions for heterosexual and same-sex couples. It does not appear to have ruined the country, destroyed morality or created a nation of heathens.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Fun Harvest and Halloween Events!
Looking to get out and about in the next few weeks? We've got some great ideas for you!
Kid Friendly
*Ghost Tours* Friday 10/17, Saturday 10/18 and Friday 10/24, Saturday 10/25- Old Sacramento's creepy ghost tours feature Halloween-themed trains, streets with decorations and fun stories. Tours depart every 30 min, 6:30 to 8pm.
*Trick or Treat In Neverland* Friday, 10/24- Fairytale Town goes all out with a Neverland themed park, 17 trick or treat stations, entervainment and more. $10 at the door, 5 to 9pm Friday thru Sunday.
*Mansion After Dark* Friday, 10/24 and Saturday 10/25- Visit the Governor's Mansion, listen to spooky stories and much more. $5 for adults, $3 for kids 6 to 17, 6 to 8:30pm.
*Halloween Haunt* Saturday 10/25, Safetyville is decked out with great family activities including face painting, costumes, music, games and fortune telling. Dinger from the River Cats will be on hand to meet kids. 11am to 4pm at Safetyville USA.
*Boo at the Zoo* Friday, 10/31- Trick or treat at the Zoo for $6 in a safe, family friendly environment. 4:30 to 8pm.
*Ikea Trick or Treat* Friday, 10/31- Trick or treat at Ikea for free and get some shopping out of the way. 5 to 6pm
*Halloween Bounce* Friday, 10/31- Bounce, trick or treat and play at The Bounce Spot in West Sac. 5 to 10pm.
Adults Only
*Exotic Zone Ball* Saturday, 10/25- A Sacramento favorite of adults over 21 looking to wear their most exotic costumes. Tickets available for $33 in advance, $38 at the door.
Kid Friendly
*Ghost Tours* Friday 10/17, Saturday 10/18 and Friday 10/24, Saturday 10/25- Old Sacramento's creepy ghost tours feature Halloween-themed trains, streets with decorations and fun stories. Tours depart every 30 min, 6:30 to 8pm.
*Trick or Treat In Neverland* Friday, 10/24- Fairytale Town goes all out with a Neverland themed park, 17 trick or treat stations, entervainment and more. $10 at the door, 5 to 9pm Friday thru Sunday.
*Mansion After Dark* Friday, 10/24 and Saturday 10/25- Visit the Governor's Mansion, listen to spooky stories and much more. $5 for adults, $3 for kids 6 to 17, 6 to 8:30pm.
*Halloween Haunt* Saturday 10/25, Safetyville is decked out with great family activities including face painting, costumes, music, games and fortune telling. Dinger from the River Cats will be on hand to meet kids. 11am to 4pm at Safetyville USA.
*Boo at the Zoo* Friday, 10/31- Trick or treat at the Zoo for $6 in a safe, family friendly environment. 4:30 to 8pm.
*Ikea Trick or Treat* Friday, 10/31- Trick or treat at Ikea for free and get some shopping out of the way. 5 to 6pm
*Halloween Bounce* Friday, 10/31- Bounce, trick or treat and play at The Bounce Spot in West Sac. 5 to 10pm.
Adults Only
*Exotic Zone Ball* Saturday, 10/25- A Sacramento favorite of adults over 21 looking to wear their most exotic costumes. Tickets available for $33 in advance, $38 at the door.
The message of personal responsibility
What's wrong with Natomas? What's wrong with Sacramento? This country? What are you doing about it? We've discussed the topic of personal responsibility often on joesacramento.com but it has resurfaced again and I think it's worthy of a post here as well.
It's no secret that I'm a fan of Barack Obama. But his message of personal responsibility is party-less and should be one that every single American is listening to right now. Is it weird that I, as a staunch Democrat, am also hugely in favor of personal responsibility? Probably some would think so. But really, from my perspective, government's job is to give a hand up not a hand forever. You've hit rock bottom? Government will give you a little help but it's not forever, it's not guaranteed and you'd better give back.
I see so many neighbors complaining about everything from gas prices to food prices, poor people to awful teenagers. But what are you DOING about it? Back in July I posted about keeping kids in school. It's a simple answer and yet many keep complaining without putting forth one second of energy or effort. Even for your own kids! When did it become the school's responsibility to take your child from 7am to 6pm, feed them, teach them about academics, morals, respect, ethics and social responsibility and then magically deliver them back to you at the end of a 5 day week all done up and perfect?
So you're busy... we're all busy. You will be busier when your 30 year old still lives at home and needs you to bail him/her out of jail. Or when your 25 year old has 3 kids by 3 different fathers and moves back home for help. Or loses job after job because he can't read above a 4th grade level. Isn't it worth it to put in 30 minutes a day now rather than later?
If you don't have kids, you're not off the hook in my book. Are you doing anything to improve your life and your community? If not- here's a list of community organizations who still need help. There are literally hundreds more.
But personal responsibility is more than that. You have to take a few seconds and think about your responsibility to yourself. The question is not do you need a $500K house on $3K a month income. The question should be "Can I afford this house and why do I need it?" Stop and ask yourself if buying your kids all that junk really shows that you love them? Or would everyone in your family be better off if you worked an hour a day less, bought less crap and ate baked potatoes at home one night a week.
So much of our current financial crisis is driven by wants rather than needs. People living well beyond their means. Sorry folks, drowning yourself in debt is not the "American Dream." You actually have to work hard for all those goodies. The 21st century is going to require all of us to take a little responsibility for our actions, our spending, our neighbors and our planet. Get off your duff, stop whining and do something!
It's no secret that I'm a fan of Barack Obama. But his message of personal responsibility is party-less and should be one that every single American is listening to right now. Is it weird that I, as a staunch Democrat, am also hugely in favor of personal responsibility? Probably some would think so. But really, from my perspective, government's job is to give a hand up not a hand forever. You've hit rock bottom? Government will give you a little help but it's not forever, it's not guaranteed and you'd better give back.
I see so many neighbors complaining about everything from gas prices to food prices, poor people to awful teenagers. But what are you DOING about it? Back in July I posted about keeping kids in school. It's a simple answer and yet many keep complaining without putting forth one second of energy or effort. Even for your own kids! When did it become the school's responsibility to take your child from 7am to 6pm, feed them, teach them about academics, morals, respect, ethics and social responsibility and then magically deliver them back to you at the end of a 5 day week all done up and perfect?
So you're busy... we're all busy. You will be busier when your 30 year old still lives at home and needs you to bail him/her out of jail. Or when your 25 year old has 3 kids by 3 different fathers and moves back home for help. Or loses job after job because he can't read above a 4th grade level. Isn't it worth it to put in 30 minutes a day now rather than later?
If you don't have kids, you're not off the hook in my book. Are you doing anything to improve your life and your community? If not- here's a list of community organizations who still need help. There are literally hundreds more.
But personal responsibility is more than that. You have to take a few seconds and think about your responsibility to yourself. The question is not do you need a $500K house on $3K a month income. The question should be "Can I afford this house and why do I need it?" Stop and ask yourself if buying your kids all that junk really shows that you love them? Or would everyone in your family be better off if you worked an hour a day less, bought less crap and ate baked potatoes at home one night a week.
So much of our current financial crisis is driven by wants rather than needs. People living well beyond their means. Sorry folks, drowning yourself in debt is not the "American Dream." You actually have to work hard for all those goodies. The 21st century is going to require all of us to take a little responsibility for our actions, our spending, our neighbors and our planet. Get off your duff, stop whining and do something!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
One thing you MUST do this week...
The economy is in the tank, gas prices are still high, housing prices are still low, my retirement fund has about five cents left in it. The lines at Wal-Mart are long and the lines at Whole Foods are non-existent.
So what is a good American to do? Is this a time to just sit on your duff, drinking beer and complaining? A time to hang your head and figure it doesn't matter, nothing you do changes anything? Or is it time to make a difference, in some tiny way, change the course of events?
If you do nothing else patriotic, nothing else brave or interesting this week, you MUST REGISTER TO VOTE! I don't care if you're Republican or Democrat, Libertarian or Green. You have an opportunity to love your country, support your troops and be a proud American. Millions of people around the world wish they had our luxury of telling our government how we really feel.
In California, you must register by October 20th to vote and you have to sign the voter registration card in person! Request your voter registration today at the Sac County Elections Office website. You need to fill it out and return it to the Elections Office. Don't wait or you won't be able to vote November 4th.
If you don't register you will miss your opportunity to speak out on these issues:
So you're already registered? Ask 5 friends today if they are also registered. Don't talk politics, don't debate. Just ask if they're registered. If not, help them sign up.
So what is a good American to do? Is this a time to just sit on your duff, drinking beer and complaining? A time to hang your head and figure it doesn't matter, nothing you do changes anything? Or is it time to make a difference, in some tiny way, change the course of events?
If you do nothing else patriotic, nothing else brave or interesting this week, you MUST REGISTER TO VOTE! I don't care if you're Republican or Democrat, Libertarian or Green. You have an opportunity to love your country, support your troops and be a proud American. Millions of people around the world wish they had our luxury of telling our government how we really feel.
In California, you must register by October 20th to vote and you have to sign the voter registration card in person! Request your voter registration today at the Sac County Elections Office website. You need to fill it out and return it to the Elections Office. Don't wait or you won't be able to vote November 4th.
If you don't register you will miss your opportunity to speak out on these issues:
- Sacramento Mayoral Race
- Community College Funding (Measure M)
- Utility User Taxes (Measure O)
- Numerous School Board seats
- State Assembly Races
- Congressional Race
- State Propositions including: High Speed Rail, Children's Hospital Bonds, law enforcement funding, renewable energy requirements and funding, minor abortion waiting period and parental notification, veterans bonds and redistricting
- President of the United States
So you're already registered? Ask 5 friends today if they are also registered. Don't talk politics, don't debate. Just ask if they're registered. If not, help them sign up.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Head for the hill-- Apple Hill!
It's still hot here in the valley but the farmers at Apple Hill are getting ready to harvest! Time to pick a weekend, load up the kids and make the short hour drive up to Camino to see all that Apple Hill has to offer. The season officially opens at different times for different farms so check the website for specific information. We've included the highlights here.
Saturday, Sept 13th - Teddy Bear Picnic Carnival at Rainbow Orchards
Saturday, Sept 20th- Kids' Day at Kids Inc, Taste of Fall Harvest at Mother Lode Orchards,
Sunday, Sept 21st- Johnny Appleseed's Birthday- various locations
Saturday, Sept 27th- Opening Weekend at Grandpa's Cellar
Early October at Apple Hill is very festive with lots of Halloween/harvest activities, pick your own pumpkins and more. We'll highlight those towards the end of September.
Saturday, Sept 13th - Teddy Bear Picnic Carnival at Rainbow Orchards
Saturday, Sept 20th- Kids' Day at Kids Inc, Taste of Fall Harvest at Mother Lode Orchards,
Sunday, Sept 21st- Johnny Appleseed's Birthday- various locations
Saturday, Sept 27th- Opening Weekend at Grandpa's Cellar
Early October at Apple Hill is very festive with lots of Halloween/harvest activities, pick your own pumpkins and more. We'll highlight those towards the end of September.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Are You a Community Organizer?
I don't know about you but I have no trouble being labeled a community organizer. Tip O'Neill once said that "All politics is local" and I know so many people who embody that idea. From my neighbors who spend countless hours tutoring in the local housing project to friends who have knocked on hundreds of doors in our upcoming mayoral race, those who care start at home first. They have no higher aspirations, they are not running for office. They just know that you have to make a difference at home.Community organizing provides a way for disenfranchised people to speak out and make change. It opens doors that have been shut repeatedly. As the technology changes, community organizing changes to reflect the values of those it represents. Many bloggers are now community organizers who disseminate information to those who otherwise would not receive it. My buddy Joe Sacramento is a prime example of a 21st century organizer. Without his research, thoughtful commentary and insight, so many Sacramentans would still believe that Heather Fargo is the savior of our town.
I'm not embarrassed to be thrown in the category of community organizer. I'd rather be one with my community than mayor any day...
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