Feb 28, 2024
While attention is focused on mayoral and City Council races, there’s another bruising election battle underway in town, this one is for state Assembly.
The 6th District includes the city of Sacramento, Rio Linda, Antelope, Elverta, parts of North Highlands and Carmichael. It’s solid blue. Democrats enjoy a 51% to 21% registration advantage.
Yet because of the top two primary system, where the first two finishers advance to the November election regardless of party, a Republican could reach the general election if the flock of Democratic candidates split the vote March 5.
Feb 28, 2024
Want to know a secret? Sacramento’s best bargain is not Costco’s hotdog lunch or thrift store discards. It’s the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center, tucked into the back of Fair Oaks Park on a 1-acre spit of land.
The center has been called “Disneyland for Gardeners,” but there are no long lines and triple-digit tickets. Admission to public events and parking is free. UC Master Gardeners staff the events and maintain the gardens. Next event is an Open Garden on Saturday, March 16, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Feb 28, 2024
The City Council is in a bind. It must pass a balanced budget in June. Revenues are not keeping up with expenses, though our tax rate is the highest in the region. The council faces a $50 million deficit.
At recent hearings, City Manager Howard Chan had department leaders make presentations about staffing, operations, needs and costs. It was eye opening, especially for newer City Council members.
Our roads are degrading. Utilities infrastructure needs replacement. Parks are not maintained. Departments lack resources to provide basic services.
Feb 28, 2024
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.
Feb 28, 2024
Last year, a report from the California Association of Realtors told a disturbing story. Just 15% of California households can afford to buy a house.
That’s less than half the historic average over the prior three decades, when the Realtors said 33% of Californians could afford homes. In March 2012, the rate was 56%, inconceivable today.
These numbers are more than alarming. They are unsustainable for a state that prides itself on having just four nations in the world generate more economic activity. If our children and grandchildren can’t afford to live here, how will our economy attract workers and keep thriving?
