City Realist
Frankly Speaking
Frank Cirill was an important advocate for the creation of the American River Parkway. He was my friend and neighbor for many years in River Park. Cirill died in 2017, but today he’s remembered as the Father of the Parkway.
Cirill was a significant contributor to the American River Parkway Plan that defines the park’s land-use policy and management. He wanted to create a natural, continuous greenbelt along the river and protect the area from riverside development.
The idea was to balance safety, recreation and conservation. Frank said it best: “The Parkway should be protected and enjoyed by the community for generations.”
Good Call
Developers and environmentalists see the world through different lenses. The Airport South Industrial Annexation is a perfect example.
The large-scale development in Natomas basin aims to expand industrial and commercial activities on 447 acres near Sacramento International Airport.
Debate on the project spread over two City Council meetings and fell into two camps. One side centered on economic possibilities, such as job creation and municipal tax revenues. A contrary viewpoint focused on environmental concerns.
River Of Shame
Have you visited the River District? You may not want to return.
The River District runs off Richards Boulevard, north of the Downtown Railyards. Loaves & Fishes, renowned for charitable work with unhoused people, calls the district home.
But for many, the River District is another kind of home. One square mile hosts 26% of the county’s homeless population and 60% of its homeless service providers. Not surprisingly, this concentration leaves the neighborhood a mess.
Must-Do List
New City Manager Maraskeshia Smith inherits a budget with a structural deficit caused by nine bosses who regularly outspend their checking account. That’s how the City Council operates.
Can Smith do a better job than the former city manager, Howard Chan?
“I will lead with integrity, transparency and a commitment to innovation, fostering a culture that embraces forward-thinking solutions,” she says.
Mission Accomplished
Last year more than 200 homeless people died on Sacramento streets. Many had terminal illnesses and died alone, destitute, unsafe, no comfort or care.
Joshua’s House, a homeless hospice, opened in June. It’s the first of its kind in the west, a place for terminal patients, discharged from local hospitals, to live out their days. People with no home. People who would die on the streets.
Ten years ago, Marlene von Friederichs-Fitzwater came to my then-City Council office and said, “I want to start a homeless hospice in your district.”
Going For Broke
The city of Sacramento budget is a hot, unsustainable mess.
Although the City Council adopted a balanced budget for the fiscal year, there’s a structural deficit that can’t be ignored.
Budget staff, led by a competent finance director, Pete Coletto, gave the council options on how to close a $66 million deficit. Unfortunately, projections show the deficit will increase over the next four years.
What does this mean for you?
