House Rules

House Rules

A self-described “bratty teenager,” Lori Ann Asmus saved her best attitude for houseplants.

“My mom was an avid gardener, but I really wasn’t interested in working with her,” Asmus says. “I would buy these little indoor plants and then kill them in short order by being uber-responsible, watering them every day, sometimes twice a day. I didn’t have success with houseplants until I went to college, where I didn’t have time to love them to death.”

All grown up, Asmus owns The Emerald City Interior Landscape Services. Chances are you have gazed upon her “interiorscapes” in Sacramento businesses such as The Citizen Hotel, Eskaton Village, and lobbyist, attorney and doctor offices. She designs and maintains indoor plants for mostly business clients

Playing By The Rules

Playing By The Rules

Playing By The Rules Greenhaven umpire has volunteered in all 50 states By Jessica Laskey September 2021 Alan McCullough has a large map in his office covered in baseball stickers. Each sticker represents the location of a Little League game he’s umpired. This past...
Fresh Start

Fresh Start

Two questions linger from the mayoral election. What challenges face the apparent winner, Kevin McCarty? What improvements do residents want?

For answers, let’s start with the legacy of departing Mayor Darrell Steinberg. He was elected in 2016 on the promise to resolve homelessness. He leaves behind a broken promise.

Soon after arriving, Steinberg alienated the County Board of Supervisors by condemning their response to homelessness and mental health problems.

Big Decisions

Big Decisions

Big Decisions Mayoral vote will determine homeless policies By R.E. Graswich August 2024 No more excuses. No more hiding behind legal interpretations. No more ignoring crime-ridden, third-world conditions in homeless camps around town. And no more pretending unhoused...
Amateur Hour

Amateur Hour

There’s something wonderful and worrisome about a political novice running for mayor. A rookie brings fresh ideas and perspectives. Trouble is, what happens if the rookie wins?

This year’s wonder and worry is embodied by Flojaune Cofer, a far-left progressive in her first run for office. Her newcomer status wouldn’t matter if Cofer sought a smaller job, maybe school board. But Cofer wants to start at the top.

Her decision comes at a precarious time. Mayor Darrell Steinberg departs after eight years of disappointment. He promised to solve the homeless crisis and failed. There were 2,700 homeless people in town when Steinberg was elected. Now there are 10,000.