Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Sac Council Rejects Gang Tax Proposal
As reported on Monday, the Sacramento City Council considered a gang tax proposal from mayor Heather Fargo on Tuesday. The ballot measure lost by one vote. There will be no additional tax to fight crime in the region for awhile it seems.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Combating Gangs in Sacramento
The Sacramento City council will decide tomorrow whether or not to increase the city sales tax a quarter percent to 8%, in order to use the money to fight gangs. The council will vote if they want to send the tax to the November ballot.
Mayor Heather Fargo is one of the chief writers of the proposal, which thus far is short on details. Where the money will go is one of the main questions. What programs will it fund, and how much will go to law enforcement? Fargo and friends will supposedly bring the fine print to the council Tuesday.
Already, many prominent voices have come out opposed to the new tax. First of all, Sacramento city is only considering the tax hike in the wake of the County's Board of Supervisors choosing to sit on their hands. Unfortunately, some cities within the county do not want to help shoulder the burden of what they say they have under control in their municipalities. So, the Supes rejected their own proposal, which placed Sacramento city into the position of doing nothing or doing something hastily.
The police union is against the proposal, but would like to see one that is comprehensive.
Meanwhile, as Fargo is a champion of the pending proposal, challenger for mayor Kevin Johnson has come out against the proposal. He says the people don't want a political facade, but would rather want to see a comprehensive, regional approach to the issue. He charges that Fargo is initiating this proposal to buff up her image of being tough on crime, citing her earlier comments that she believed crime was not a major problem for average Sacramentans.
The Sacramento Bee editorial page also decided to go against the gang tax proposal. Again, the Bee said the details on the proposal were to scant for their liking, and they feared the business repercussions for the city if it had the highest regional sales tax. Interestingly, columnist Marcus Breton went against his paper's editorial staff, arguing in favor of the proposal--or any proposal. Breton said that Sacramento is known for its inability to get anything done, and believed indecisiveness on this issue could result in more deaths and crime.
Going against normal journalistic practices, the Bee included the names of some of the area's gangs. Often times journalist do not name gang sets in the mass media, as it provides those sets with exposure and in some ways legitimacy as a group. However, an ongoing trial of gang members from north Sacramento prompted the Bee to describe how the fractured gang situation among the bloods in and around the Del Paso Heights neighborhood has resulted in a struggle for respect and money, naming several of the sets, including the one with members on trial. Johnson, in his letter to the Bee today, also directly talked about a gang in the Meadowview neighborhood as an example of groups that do not stop criminal behavior at the borders of the city.
Almost everyone in this situation is right. Fargo is right to be trying to do something about the gang problem in the city. Johnson is right in wanting to see a proposal that is regional in scope which clearly defines where money will go. Marcus Breton, the perpetual contrarian, is right that Sacramento must do something to fight the problems of gangs, even if it is not perfect--as no government initiative will ever be perfect.
The only people that are wrong on this issue are the Supervisors that didn't support Roger Dickinson's original proposal, and won't discuss ways to make the proposal more comprehensive and clear cut. The people that are wrong are those that live in and govern Citrus Heights and other suburban cities that fallaciously believe gangs do not and will not pose a threat to their burgs. The heart of the region IS Sacramento, and if you allow the core to go bad, you allow what is bad to spread. Gangs are already active in many unincorporated areas of Sacramento. Rancho Cordova and Elk Grove are already seeing the effect of gangs in their cities, though they sometimes pretend to say the problem is gang members coming from Sacramento. Unfortunately, in whatever jurisdiction the ballot issue would come from, it is hard to believe a sales tax increase would pass in our current economy by the required margin of 2/3rds.
Valleyvue believes gangs are the most evident source of crime in California today. Gangs primarily draw membership from youths, who, still in their formative years, will be affected by their gang association in their beliefs and decision-making for the rest of their lives. Gangs beget drugs, prostitution, violence, theft, rape, and any other crime known. It is OK to question Fargo's and Dickinson's proposal on the basis of wanting to know where the money will go or what is the best way to end gangism. However, for those who say gangs do not affect them, pay special attention to crime reports in your city. Remember your lack of action as you watch the family of a victim of a drive by shooting mourning on TV, or see gang graffiti painted on fences in your neighborhood, or someone you know is beaten for wearing the wrong color. Will it happen in Citrus Heights? Yes. It probably already is, but if not will someday. Besides, whether you live in Folsom, Citrus Heights, or Arden Arcade, you are from Sacramento.
Mayor Heather Fargo is one of the chief writers of the proposal, which thus far is short on details. Where the money will go is one of the main questions. What programs will it fund, and how much will go to law enforcement? Fargo and friends will supposedly bring the fine print to the council Tuesday.
Already, many prominent voices have come out opposed to the new tax. First of all, Sacramento city is only considering the tax hike in the wake of the County's Board of Supervisors choosing to sit on their hands. Unfortunately, some cities within the county do not want to help shoulder the burden of what they say they have under control in their municipalities. So, the Supes rejected their own proposal, which placed Sacramento city into the position of doing nothing or doing something hastily.
The police union is against the proposal, but would like to see one that is comprehensive.
Meanwhile, as Fargo is a champion of the pending proposal, challenger for mayor Kevin Johnson has come out against the proposal. He says the people don't want a political facade, but would rather want to see a comprehensive, regional approach to the issue. He charges that Fargo is initiating this proposal to buff up her image of being tough on crime, citing her earlier comments that she believed crime was not a major problem for average Sacramentans.
The Sacramento Bee editorial page also decided to go against the gang tax proposal. Again, the Bee said the details on the proposal were to scant for their liking, and they feared the business repercussions for the city if it had the highest regional sales tax. Interestingly, columnist Marcus Breton went against his paper's editorial staff, arguing in favor of the proposal--or any proposal. Breton said that Sacramento is known for its inability to get anything done, and believed indecisiveness on this issue could result in more deaths and crime.
Going against normal journalistic practices, the Bee included the names of some of the area's gangs. Often times journalist do not name gang sets in the mass media, as it provides those sets with exposure and in some ways legitimacy as a group. However, an ongoing trial of gang members from north Sacramento prompted the Bee to describe how the fractured gang situation among the bloods in and around the Del Paso Heights neighborhood has resulted in a struggle for respect and money, naming several of the sets, including the one with members on trial. Johnson, in his letter to the Bee today, also directly talked about a gang in the Meadowview neighborhood as an example of groups that do not stop criminal behavior at the borders of the city.
Almost everyone in this situation is right. Fargo is right to be trying to do something about the gang problem in the city. Johnson is right in wanting to see a proposal that is regional in scope which clearly defines where money will go. Marcus Breton, the perpetual contrarian, is right that Sacramento must do something to fight the problems of gangs, even if it is not perfect--as no government initiative will ever be perfect.
The only people that are wrong on this issue are the Supervisors that didn't support Roger Dickinson's original proposal, and won't discuss ways to make the proposal more comprehensive and clear cut. The people that are wrong are those that live in and govern Citrus Heights and other suburban cities that fallaciously believe gangs do not and will not pose a threat to their burgs. The heart of the region IS Sacramento, and if you allow the core to go bad, you allow what is bad to spread. Gangs are already active in many unincorporated areas of Sacramento. Rancho Cordova and Elk Grove are already seeing the effect of gangs in their cities, though they sometimes pretend to say the problem is gang members coming from Sacramento. Unfortunately, in whatever jurisdiction the ballot issue would come from, it is hard to believe a sales tax increase would pass in our current economy by the required margin of 2/3rds.
Valleyvue believes gangs are the most evident source of crime in California today. Gangs primarily draw membership from youths, who, still in their formative years, will be affected by their gang association in their beliefs and decision-making for the rest of their lives. Gangs beget drugs, prostitution, violence, theft, rape, and any other crime known. It is OK to question Fargo's and Dickinson's proposal on the basis of wanting to know where the money will go or what is the best way to end gangism. However, for those who say gangs do not affect them, pay special attention to crime reports in your city. Remember your lack of action as you watch the family of a victim of a drive by shooting mourning on TV, or see gang graffiti painted on fences in your neighborhood, or someone you know is beaten for wearing the wrong color. Will it happen in Citrus Heights? Yes. It probably already is, but if not will someday. Besides, whether you live in Folsom, Citrus Heights, or Arden Arcade, you are from Sacramento.
Labels: Arden Arcade, Citrus Heights, Del Paso Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Gang Activity, Gangs, Heather Fargo, Kevin Johnson, Marcus Breton, Meadowview, Roger Dickinson, Sacramento, Sales Tax
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Housing Market in Shambles
OK. This isn't really news. It isn't even an attempt to deeply delve upon the lessons learned by this crises. It is the most profoundly damaging business failure of our times, the root cause of the worsening economy. This devastating economic development is affecting the US, and by extension, the world's financial health. The housing disaster has it's epicenter in the Valley, and in some ways, it's roots.
What is so disturbing about the housing crisis is the ease of predicting that something might be wrong--back in the "good times". Politicians didn't have it in their interests to warn about future problems as they enjoyed the support that good economic times bring. Real estate experts all also happened to be real estate agents, who had it in at least their partial interest to drive up prices to take a larger profit with their percentage. Developers liked the rising real estate market and the ease of obtaining loans, as it both provided a larger pool of customers and an easier path to obtaining financing for their own projects. Economists often warned of the boom and bust cycle of the U.S. economy, but many thought it would be a gentle decline. Any economists that released information warning about the overpriced nature of the housing market or the dangers of variable interest rates were rebuked in the media by financiers and real estate agents.
Well, people don't by umbrellas until the rain starts falling. No one worried until interest rates had to rise, and people that had been paying $1200 per month were now told to pay $1800. Obviously, a significant number could not, and abandoned their homes to banks. As the number of houses defaulted on increased, lenders reexamined their practices, reducing the demand for the houses. As loans were no longer payed for and banks could not unload repossessed properties, less money was available for investment in business loans or stocks. All this has precipitated into a depressed economy.
The Valley's houses have been recognized as being some of the most overpriced markets in the country. A financially distressed area of California loses even more wealth. Investment properties were everywhere. Communities were planned that have yet to be built, despite streets and even large high schools being placed in the middle of vacant lots. Movement from the Bay Area into the Valley was unprecedented. Now, all of that activity is squashed. It is likely that more economic developments will further disturb the Valley, with job loss and a dearth of financial investment.
What is so disturbing about the housing crisis is the ease of predicting that something might be wrong--back in the "good times". Politicians didn't have it in their interests to warn about future problems as they enjoyed the support that good economic times bring. Real estate experts all also happened to be real estate agents, who had it in at least their partial interest to drive up prices to take a larger profit with their percentage. Developers liked the rising real estate market and the ease of obtaining loans, as it both provided a larger pool of customers and an easier path to obtaining financing for their own projects. Economists often warned of the boom and bust cycle of the U.S. economy, but many thought it would be a gentle decline. Any economists that released information warning about the overpriced nature of the housing market or the dangers of variable interest rates were rebuked in the media by financiers and real estate agents.
Well, people don't by umbrellas until the rain starts falling. No one worried until interest rates had to rise, and people that had been paying $1200 per month were now told to pay $1800. Obviously, a significant number could not, and abandoned their homes to banks. As the number of houses defaulted on increased, lenders reexamined their practices, reducing the demand for the houses. As loans were no longer payed for and banks could not unload repossessed properties, less money was available for investment in business loans or stocks. All this has precipitated into a depressed economy.
The Valley's houses have been recognized as being some of the most overpriced markets in the country. A financially distressed area of California loses even more wealth. Investment properties were everywhere. Communities were planned that have yet to be built, despite streets and even large high schools being placed in the middle of vacant lots. Movement from the Bay Area into the Valley was unprecedented. Now, all of that activity is squashed. It is likely that more economic developments will further disturb the Valley, with job loss and a dearth of financial investment.
Labels: California Central Valley, development, housing crisis
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Valley City Names Origins
Ever wonder how a city got it's name?
Today, ValleyVue brings to you a history lesson on names of a few of the Valley's cities.
Coalinga, a city 60 miles southwest of Fresno along I5, has an interesting name source. In the 1800s, the Southern Pacific railroad had a station there called Coaling Station A. Take out the "station", and you have the name of the city, pronounce Coe-a-ling-a.
Some Valley cities come from Spanish origins. Fresno, for instance, means "white ash trees".
Although Manteca is the Spanish word for lard, city residents intended on calling their town "Monteca." However, the Central Pacific Railroad misprinted the name, and Manteca was eventually adopted.
Sacramento, another Spanish word, was the name of the river and valley after Spanish explorer Gabriel Moraga named the geographical features after the most Holy Sacramento of the Body and Blood of Christ. John Sutter wanted to name the area "New Helvetia", but his son and other city founders renamed the town Sacramento after the already established name of the Sacramento River.
Captain Charles Weber (which Weber Events Center is named after) decided to name Stockton after Commodore Robert F. Stockton. Prior to that, the area was referred to as Tuleburg, Gas City, and Mudville. It seems as if Weber made a prudent decision.
Visalia is named after Visalia, Kentucky, which was the home of surveyor Nathaniel Vise, one of the area's first American settlers.
Then there are cities where the origin of the name is in dispute. Lodi is such a city. Most believe it was named after Lodi, Illinois, where some of the settlers were from. Others believe it was either named after a place in Italy or a championship horse.
Whatever the origins of the names, they certainly give character to the Valley's cities.
Today, ValleyVue brings to you a history lesson on names of a few of the Valley's cities.
Coalinga, a city 60 miles southwest of Fresno along I5, has an interesting name source. In the 1800s, the Southern Pacific railroad had a station there called Coaling Station A. Take out the "station", and you have the name of the city, pronounce Coe-a-ling-a.
Some Valley cities come from Spanish origins. Fresno, for instance, means "white ash trees".
Although Manteca is the Spanish word for lard, city residents intended on calling their town "Monteca." However, the Central Pacific Railroad misprinted the name, and Manteca was eventually adopted.
Sacramento, another Spanish word, was the name of the river and valley after Spanish explorer Gabriel Moraga named the geographical features after the most Holy Sacramento of the Body and Blood of Christ. John Sutter wanted to name the area "New Helvetia", but his son and other city founders renamed the town Sacramento after the already established name of the Sacramento River.
Captain Charles Weber (which Weber Events Center is named after) decided to name Stockton after Commodore Robert F. Stockton. Prior to that, the area was referred to as Tuleburg, Gas City, and Mudville. It seems as if Weber made a prudent decision.
Visalia is named after Visalia, Kentucky, which was the home of surveyor Nathaniel Vise, one of the area's first American settlers.
Then there are cities where the origin of the name is in dispute. Lodi is such a city. Most believe it was named after Lodi, Illinois, where some of the settlers were from. Others believe it was either named after a place in Italy or a championship horse.
Whatever the origins of the names, they certainly give character to the Valley's cities.
Labels: California Central Valley, Coalinga, Fresno, Lodi, Manteca, Sacramento, Stockton, Visalia
Monday, July 21, 2008
Levee Reinforcement
This is the fifth article (out of five) in a series regarding important projects that should be built in the Sacramento area, but progress is restricted by finances.Sacramento is sometimes called the "River City". Disaster predictors also know it as the American city with the second highest chance at being catastrophically flooded--behind New Orleans.
That Sacramento needs to replace and fortify its existing levees is no surprise, and much of the delta region requires levee modification as well. The thing to watch is to what extent riparian areas must be restrained.
With thousands of miles of levees in the Valley, the government is strengthening some levees, but also classifying some areas as "flood zones." Flood zones are considered to be lands that don't have the federal minimum level of flood protection. Recently in Sacramento, the Army Corps of Engineers classified the Natomas neighborhood to be in a flood plain. Existing homes, of which there are thousands, must obtain flood insurance. A building moratorium may also be placed on the area, prompting developers and government officials to try to speed up projects in process. This includes an expansion to the Sacramento International Airport.
Makes you think. If Sacramento was hit by a major flood, what if the airport was flooded? Wouldn't that block at least some relief efforts or evacuations? Even if lands between the airport and downtown were affected, it could be even worse.
Neighborhoods throughout Sacramento are potential flood zones. The Pocket Area is surrounded on three sides by the Sacramento River. Downtown could be flooded, as much of it was a lake prior to being drained by early American settlers.
A flood would be devastating to the local economy, and could potentially take the lives of countless people. Worst of all would be the knowledge that if enough resources had been spent to secure levees, no disaster would occur at all.
Labels: American River, Levees, Natomas, Pocket, Sacramento, Sacramento River
Thursday, July 17, 2008
"State School" Alternative
For a long time, Sacramento has desired a private University. Already boasting major universities in town with Sacramento State and UC Davis, the missing part of the higher educational landscape has been a institution independent of the state.
Various attempts have been made or are in the process of developing. Sacramento does already have several of the alternative colleges such as University of Phoenix and National University. However, what many in the region crave is a comprehensive, traditional college with thousands of undergraduates and regional accreditation. Currently, students seeking this type of college environment may attend William Jessup University in Rocklin, a recent transplant from San Jose with around 500 students. They may go farther, to Stockton's University of the Pacific or Moraga's St. Mary's College. In the future, Sacramentans would like to see a university on par with Pacific or St. Mary's, possibly Jessup or another institution.
The University of Sacramento, a budding program run by the Legionaries of Christ of the Catholic Church, has plans to do just that. The University of Sacramento has a goal of 7000 students on a campus built east of Sacramento, with an undergraduate focus on liberal arts and 2000 graduate students.
Drexel University, of Philadelphia, also recently announced a goal to build an undergraduate/graduate campus near Roseville. To jump-start the effort, Drexel is offering graduate level courses in a Sacramento downtown office. Other colleges that offer courses through extensions in Sacramento include St. Mary's and USC. Pacific operates McGeorge School of Law.
One day, Sacramentans hope to have a major private university within the city or in the immediate vicinity. Yet another opportunity that will cost loads of money, but will serve the region indefinitely.
Various attempts have been made or are in the process of developing. Sacramento does already have several of the alternative colleges such as University of Phoenix and National University. However, what many in the region crave is a comprehensive, traditional college with thousands of undergraduates and regional accreditation. Currently, students seeking this type of college environment may attend William Jessup University in Rocklin, a recent transplant from San Jose with around 500 students. They may go farther, to Stockton's University of the Pacific or Moraga's St. Mary's College. In the future, Sacramentans would like to see a university on par with Pacific or St. Mary's, possibly Jessup or another institution.
The University of Sacramento, a budding program run by the Legionaries of Christ of the Catholic Church, has plans to do just that. The University of Sacramento has a goal of 7000 students on a campus built east of Sacramento, with an undergraduate focus on liberal arts and 2000 graduate students.
Drexel University, of Philadelphia, also recently announced a goal to build an undergraduate/graduate campus near Roseville. To jump-start the effort, Drexel is offering graduate level courses in a Sacramento downtown office. Other colleges that offer courses through extensions in Sacramento include St. Mary's and USC. Pacific operates McGeorge School of Law.
One day, Sacramentans hope to have a major private university within the city or in the immediate vicinity. Yet another opportunity that will cost loads of money, but will serve the region indefinitely.
Labels: Drexel, Rocklin, Roseville, Sacramento, Sacramento State, UC Davis, University of Sacramento, University of the Pacific, William Jessup
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
High Speed Rail
Someday...High Speed Rail.At least that's what an ever-growing list of proponents want to believe. The Valley, especially, has a major stake in this endeavor. Bullet Trains have the potential to add an airport-like transportation station to any city with a stop, connecting it to the major cities of the state.
One problem is the number of plans bandied about on how to build high speed rail systems. These range from where to route the tracks to what technology should be used for the trains.
Most assuredly, Anaheim/Disneyland will get a station, as a major destination within the state. From there, Los Angeles downtown seems likely, and then to get up north to the Bay Area, the tracks will go into the Valley. Fresno has a prime location, making it a shoo in for a station. The possible economic boom by being connected to the Bay Area and LA are big for places like Fresno, Merced, Modesto, and so on.
This article is focusing on the Sacramento region, and how important high speed rail could be to the Capital City. Sacramento is left out in current plans for the system, which will likely dive into the Bay Area by crossing at the Alta Mont Pass or possibly up the peninsula. Sacramento would be left out, for now. Extensions would be built after the system is in place to Sacramento and San Diego.
Yesterday's article about light rail and the prohibitive costs are minuscule compared to the cutting edge technology of bullet trains. The system might cost billions, but many proponents believe it could be self supporting, with airport-like ticketing. Even airlines have supported this possible competitor, saying that at some point airports will become too congested and alternative transportation options would could alleviate the jams.
If there is going to be a high speed system in California, it makes sense to link the capital. Someday, it can be built, but at a high price.
Labels: bullet trains, California Central Valley, Fresno, high speed rail, Merced, Modesto, Sacramento
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Light Rail...Everywhere
This is the second article in a five part series about what should be built in Sacramento, if only the money was available. Today's topic is light rail. Sacramento recently passed a milestone. For the first time, riders of Sacramento Regional Transit's trains surpassed riders on the buses. Amazingly, that statistic is based on the number of tickets sold, meaning that most of the customers on the train have purchased tickets despite being on the honor system. The importance the light rail trains play as a transportation option in Sacramento is increasing. If planned well and if service increases, light rail will be as important to the Capital City as the subway is to New York or the L Train is to Chicago.
Since light rail is doing so well, one might think the system could expand where ever it is needed. One would be wrong. Transit systems are not supported by passenger fares, but rather by government grants. When the government runs out of money, as it usually does, transit funds are often cut. They are usually packaged with transportation funds, and in California, infrastructure improvements usually focus on whats good for the car.
Transit systems generally try not to raise fares. First of all, transit is seen as an option to get drivers out of their air polluting, street clogging cars. Transit systems must attempt to make their fares a value option, saving drivers time and money. Secondly, transit in Sacramento is often the only option for the elderly or economically disadvantaged. There is a display in the California State Railroad Museum that lists the price of a ticket on a train from Sacramento to Folsom in the 1800's. The price is about the same as it is now, even if inflation would have increased the ticket cost to about $50.
Light rail, a wildly successful transportation option, is always in financial straits. Although more service should be added, service is cut. Although RT has plans to build tracks through Natomas and to the Airport, the agency has only been able to recently open a mile long track from downtown to the Amtrak Station, at the costs of millions of dollars.
An airport station is seen as a potential system-wide boon. Sacramento International Airport receives over 10 million passengers per year. If 1% of airport passengers used light rail, that's 100,000 new rail riders. The increased business on the trains could result in a safer environment, and definitely would justify more staffing on trains and at stations.
There are other goals for light rail. Expansion into Elk Grove, by way of Cosumnes River College, would seem to be another priority project. It's possible to envision a future where light rail is diverted onto the Sac State campus, over to Cal Expo, into Roseville, and into West Sacramento by Raley Field. Besides mileage additions, at some point Sacramento may need round the clock service to all stations, with increased numbers of trains during peak times.
Eventually, this Sacramento resource can become an indispensable institution for the region.
Tomorrow: High Speed Rail
Since light rail is doing so well, one might think the system could expand where ever it is needed. One would be wrong. Transit systems are not supported by passenger fares, but rather by government grants. When the government runs out of money, as it usually does, transit funds are often cut. They are usually packaged with transportation funds, and in California, infrastructure improvements usually focus on whats good for the car.
Transit systems generally try not to raise fares. First of all, transit is seen as an option to get drivers out of their air polluting, street clogging cars. Transit systems must attempt to make their fares a value option, saving drivers time and money. Secondly, transit in Sacramento is often the only option for the elderly or economically disadvantaged. There is a display in the California State Railroad Museum that lists the price of a ticket on a train from Sacramento to Folsom in the 1800's. The price is about the same as it is now, even if inflation would have increased the ticket cost to about $50.
Light rail, a wildly successful transportation option, is always in financial straits. Although more service should be added, service is cut. Although RT has plans to build tracks through Natomas and to the Airport, the agency has only been able to recently open a mile long track from downtown to the Amtrak Station, at the costs of millions of dollars.
An airport station is seen as a potential system-wide boon. Sacramento International Airport receives over 10 million passengers per year. If 1% of airport passengers used light rail, that's 100,000 new rail riders. The increased business on the trains could result in a safer environment, and definitely would justify more staffing on trains and at stations.
There are other goals for light rail. Expansion into Elk Grove, by way of Cosumnes River College, would seem to be another priority project. It's possible to envision a future where light rail is diverted onto the Sac State campus, over to Cal Expo, into Roseville, and into West Sacramento by Raley Field. Besides mileage additions, at some point Sacramento may need round the clock service to all stations, with increased numbers of trains during peak times.
Eventually, this Sacramento resource can become an indispensable institution for the region.
Tomorrow: High Speed Rail
Labels: light rail, Regional Transit, Sacramento, Sacramento International Airport
Monday, July 14, 2008
If money were no option...
This week, ValleyVue will highlight five of the most important projects for the Sacramento region. The completed projects could change the way Sacramentans live, hopefully for the better. Most recognize the need for them, but all balk at the price tags attached. And, no, a new arena for the Kings will not be one of the five projects. ValleyVue sees the ultimate need and value of a new arena for Sacramento, but these five projects will be truly transformative, effecting everyone in the area for decades. At some point, it seems imminent that an arena will be built. These other projects will also likely come to fruition, but only if the money works out.
First in the series will be the Beltway. To transport people and goods in and through Sacramento, a freeway must be built from I-5 in Elk Grove to U.S. Route 50 in Folsom/El Dorado Hills, and then from that area to I-80 east of Roseville.
The last major change to the region's maps regarding freeways was in 1972 with the addition of the Business 80 bypass in northern Sacramento. Most of the area's freeways had developed into today's recognizable map placement by 1970. In 38 years, Sacramento city has increased in population by 200,000 people. Also in that time, cities throughout the region have incorporated and expanded wildly. The suburbs of Elk Grove and Roseville each have over 100,000 residents. Rancho Cordova, Folsom, Lincoln, and Rocklin also have significant populations along the route of the beltway.
The Sacramento region is not what it was in the early 70's. As highways in that era were built for the communities of the time, a new freeway must be planned and developed as a reaction to the area's sprawl. Yes, the danger will be that sprawl will follow the new highway, spreading further out from the suburb communities. However, if nothing is done, grid lock will be the result. In fact, by making transportation more efficient in the region, gas can be saved, goods can be delivered more cheaply, and pollution can be reduced. Surely, trying to focus growth in the urbanized areas is of prime importance, but now that the community has expanded, officials must respond. Whenever the money becomes available...
Tomorrow: Light Rail Expansion
First in the series will be the Beltway. To transport people and goods in and through Sacramento, a freeway must be built from I-5 in Elk Grove to U.S. Route 50 in Folsom/El Dorado Hills, and then from that area to I-80 east of Roseville.
The last major change to the region's maps regarding freeways was in 1972 with the addition of the Business 80 bypass in northern Sacramento. Most of the area's freeways had developed into today's recognizable map placement by 1970. In 38 years, Sacramento city has increased in population by 200,000 people. Also in that time, cities throughout the region have incorporated and expanded wildly. The suburbs of Elk Grove and Roseville each have over 100,000 residents. Rancho Cordova, Folsom, Lincoln, and Rocklin also have significant populations along the route of the beltway.
The Sacramento region is not what it was in the early 70's. As highways in that era were built for the communities of the time, a new freeway must be planned and developed as a reaction to the area's sprawl. Yes, the danger will be that sprawl will follow the new highway, spreading further out from the suburb communities. However, if nothing is done, grid lock will be the result. In fact, by making transportation more efficient in the region, gas can be saved, goods can be delivered more cheaply, and pollution can be reduced. Surely, trying to focus growth in the urbanized areas is of prime importance, but now that the community has expanded, officials must respond. Whenever the money becomes available...
Tomorrow: Light Rail Expansion
Labels: air pollution, Elk Grove, Folsom, I-5, I-80, Lincoln, Ranch Cordova, Roseville, Sacramento, traffic, US-50
Thursday, July 10, 2008
What is the Tipping Point for Stockton?
In the past, this blog has reported on the "renaissance" of Stockton, and it remains apparent that improvements have taken place in the "Sunshine Seaport." However, Stockton is still hampered by an image problem, one of crime and poverty.
In today's Stockton Record, city consultant Roger Brooks talked about Stockton unfairly being label by its own citizens as a grim place to live. Meanwhile, for an outsider's perspective, Elk Grove columnist for the Sacramento Bee Bob Walter fantasized about a future Amtrak station in Elk Grove, giving an anecdote about a conductor in Stockton warning him not to park his car in the lot overnight to avoid the fate of a previously unfortunate rail customer who had his car stripped.
Brooks recommends adopting a logo of "Celebrate" to get Stocktonians to enjoy their downtown amenities. He suggested playing music in public squares such as the Weber Points Event Center, and putting a fountain in the turning basin. The idea is to make Stockton residents feel more civic pride and get them to go downtown.
Michael Fitzgerald wrote in his Record column about the need for people on the street to keep crime down. He talked about pedestrians and the benefit of having an increase of residents in downtown housing. Eyes from windows and people walking around are theorized to make the less bold criminals think twice before doing things society frowns upon.
Here's were Stockton's problems become confoundedly complex. Will upstanding residents move into a community they know has violent and property crime issues? Fitzgerald partially covers this conundrum with the need for Stockton to reduce red tape and reduce costs for downtown developers by $100,000 per housing unit. Will Stockton be able to attract enough developers to gentrify the downtown area enough to make it attractive for all residents of the city, and at some point in the future, tourists? Why would developers or residents take a chance on moving downtown when so many have had their own anecdotes about crime and thuggery in the central city?
It becomes obvious Brooks' ideas to improves citizen's moods must go hand in hand with an evident change in downtown. Brooks himself warned the City Council from advertising a slogan until the reality of the idea is met. His idea to decorate a police car resulted in a negative response by Chief Tom Morris, who said Stocktonians "want a professional and visible police presence that will impact our violent crime rate." Another idea by Brooks, to put free WiFi throughout downtown, will definitely not bring the intended consequences (of having people use their laptops). Clearly, people carrying around laptops through Stockton's current downtown will last only long enough for someone to "offer" to take it off your hands, for free!
The problem is Stockton's problems aren't perceptions of its residents. It's that the perceptions are based in reality. In 2006, the FBI ranked Stockton with the 30th highest murder rate in the country among cities 200,000 or larger. By comparison, Los Angeles was 31st, Sacramento 32nd, and San Francisco 36th. Other similarly maligned Valley cities Fresno and Bakersfield had lower murder rates than Stockton. Meanwhile, Stockton had the 2nd highest violent crime rate of the state's large cities, behind only Oakland. Furthermore, Stockton had the highest property crime rate in the state, with 6811 cases per 100,000 residents.
There is a balance in Stockton, with the focal point being the downtown neighborhood, and the lean of the teeter totter of justice going to the lawless. Efforts are being made to combat these problems, but Stockton has a long way to go before it begins tipping into prosperity.
Labels: California Central Valley, Crime, development, Stockton
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
West Sac Growth
One of the more interesting cities in the Sacramento region has become the sleepy cross-the-river town of West Sacramento. For some reason, the town with a fraction of the population of its easterly neighbor has been able to do things that the big guy next door has been unable to do.
Perhaps the first development to put West Sacramento on the map in the region was when the Money Store zigurrat was built. The pyramid-like structure would be unique in any city, but in West Sacramento, it became the first building in a hoped-for business district expansion.
Then, more importantly, Raley Field was built nearby. Emerging out of the rail yards and industrial buildings, the home of the Triple A Rivercats has become a regular top draw nationwide for fans of minor league baseball.
While the state capital has stuttered and stopped as it tries to develop professional level sports facilities, developers were seemingly able to build Raley Field with little debate or opposition. One can imagine Art Savage and company trying to do the same in one of Sacramento's vacant industrial areas. Some Sacramentans would balk at almost any project, and this one would surely bring out cries of traffic problems, light and noise issues, what else could go there, where else it could go, or that no one should be spending money on sports and it should all go to the poor instead.
This spirit of "just build it" has produced some remarkable results for West Sacramento. Ikea, a unique furniture retailer that would be a boon to any regional city's sales tax receipts, wound up in West Sac. A new, glossy skyscraper has been built next to the zigurrat. Exciting, urban-style apartments have been built near the stadium, and plans exist for the nearby "triangle" area (though progress on that may have stalled). The State of California recently announced plans to build an expanded museum for California Native Americans near the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers in West Sacramento--a relocation from a smaller location near Sutter's Fort in Sacramento. Talks have occurred regarding a possible new bridge connecting the two cities over the Sacramento River, but, you guessed it, Sacramento neighborhoods have been the primary opposition.
West Sacramento mayor Christopher Cabaldon recently failed in a primary bid for State Assembly. Luckily for West Sacramento, he remains at the head of the city that owes some of it's development to the mayor's office. Calbadon and the city administration continue to work on improving West Capital Avenue, which has seen a reduction in crime and a destruction of blight in recent years.
There are other challenges for West Sacramento. One is an ongoing effort by the police department to combat gangs, particularly in the neighborhoods of Brite and Broderick. The city, and region, will continue as well to keep an eye on the Port of Sacramento's economics. The port is a job source, and an important resource for transporting goods out and into the Valley. Furthermore, West Sacramento must remain concerned about the deteriorating condition of the levees. Levees surround the city, and it may soon be designated a flood zone. FEMA currently states the levees provide 100 year flood protection.
West Sacramento, with officially 21 years of cityhood history (but about 100 years as a town), has developed on a course that may serve as a good example to other communities in the area. As West Sacramento navigates the problems it faces, it will be interesting to see how its development goes on.
Perhaps the first development to put West Sacramento on the map in the region was when the Money Store zigurrat was built. The pyramid-like structure would be unique in any city, but in West Sacramento, it became the first building in a hoped-for business district expansion.
Then, more importantly, Raley Field was built nearby. Emerging out of the rail yards and industrial buildings, the home of the Triple A Rivercats has become a regular top draw nationwide for fans of minor league baseball.
While the state capital has stuttered and stopped as it tries to develop professional level sports facilities, developers were seemingly able to build Raley Field with little debate or opposition. One can imagine Art Savage and company trying to do the same in one of Sacramento's vacant industrial areas. Some Sacramentans would balk at almost any project, and this one would surely bring out cries of traffic problems, light and noise issues, what else could go there, where else it could go, or that no one should be spending money on sports and it should all go to the poor instead.
This spirit of "just build it" has produced some remarkable results for West Sacramento. Ikea, a unique furniture retailer that would be a boon to any regional city's sales tax receipts, wound up in West Sac. A new, glossy skyscraper has been built next to the zigurrat. Exciting, urban-style apartments have been built near the stadium, and plans exist for the nearby "triangle" area (though progress on that may have stalled). The State of California recently announced plans to build an expanded museum for California Native Americans near the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers in West Sacramento--a relocation from a smaller location near Sutter's Fort in Sacramento. Talks have occurred regarding a possible new bridge connecting the two cities over the Sacramento River, but, you guessed it, Sacramento neighborhoods have been the primary opposition.
West Sacramento mayor Christopher Cabaldon recently failed in a primary bid for State Assembly. Luckily for West Sacramento, he remains at the head of the city that owes some of it's development to the mayor's office. Calbadon and the city administration continue to work on improving West Capital Avenue, which has seen a reduction in crime and a destruction of blight in recent years.
There are other challenges for West Sacramento. One is an ongoing effort by the police department to combat gangs, particularly in the neighborhoods of Brite and Broderick. The city, and region, will continue as well to keep an eye on the Port of Sacramento's economics. The port is a job source, and an important resource for transporting goods out and into the Valley. Furthermore, West Sacramento must remain concerned about the deteriorating condition of the levees. Levees surround the city, and it may soon be designated a flood zone. FEMA currently states the levees provide 100 year flood protection.
West Sacramento, with officially 21 years of cityhood history (but about 100 years as a town), has developed on a course that may serve as a good example to other communities in the area. As West Sacramento navigates the problems it faces, it will be interesting to see how its development goes on.
Labels: Art Savage, Brite, Broderick, Christopher Calbadon, FEMA, Port of Sacramento, Rivercats, Sacramento, West Sacramento
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
California is inundated with smoke. The hundreds of forest fires from around the state have resulted in one smoky period for the Valley. To make matters worse, the weather has become hotter, making it harder for fire fighters to combat the blazes. Temperatures around the Valley today are in the triple digits.
It wasn't that long ago that ValleyVue reported on the fires from San Diego and Malibu. Well, OK, so it was long ago, but only a couple of posts... Anyways, today, fires rage around the state, with the larger ones being near Santa Barbara, around Fairfield, and in Butte County. Fires also are burning in the Butte River Complex, Big Sur, and the American River Complex. The range of the fires must be stretching the fire fighters thin, as Governor Schwarzenegger has called for the National Guard troops under his authority to help with the fires.
Some evacuations have occurred or are pending, which affects thousands of Californians. The bulk of Californians are affected more by the pollution hanging in the air than by being threatened with losing their home. (Well to disaster anyways. This is about fires, not foreclosures. We'll save that one for another report). The air quality is listed as unhealthy for all, and there is little Californians can do about it. Even the usually ubiquitous "Spare the Air" warnings seem not to be around. Apparently, it doesn't seem right to issue calls to reduce air pollution when the task is so definitively futile.
One thing's for sure--the air will clear. Californians will again be able to return to their famous outdoors lifestyle without fear of health repercussions. In the meantime, we stay indoors, use our air conditioners, and pray for the safety of those courageous enough to fight our fires under these extreme conditions.
Labels: air pollution, California Central Valley, Forest fires
