Kadeezy
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http://www.sacbee.com/2011/01/01/3292192/10-things-to-watch-for-a-sacramento.html
2010 may have seemed as bad as the previous year, with hard times, furloughs and governmental cutbacks dominating the news. But there are glimmers of recovery out there that give some hope for a better 2011. Here are the Top 10 things to watch in the coming year that will affect our region at work and play:
1. The budget
You may be tired of reading about California's fiscal woes, but you haven't seen anything yet. A projected $28 billion budget deficit over the next 18 months has Gov.-elect Jerry Brown, 72, warning of a crisis "unprecedented in my lifetime." Deep new cuts on social services, state workers and education – all areas already hurt by the lousy economy – may be on the horizon. Brown plans to ask voters to extend a slew of temporary tax hikes, with a proposed budget, which Brown warns will shock many, due Jan. 10.
2. The economy
The recession may be officially over and economists are saying things are improving nationally, but don't look for marked improvements in the region in 2011. The housing market that slaughtered Sacramento's economy is still in the tank and may remain so through next year.
3. The Kings
Sure, the team stinks but, as in years past, the focus will be on getting a new arena built and ensuring that Sacramento's only major league sports franchise stays put. Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson's arena task force is expected to recommend a plan to the City Council in the coming year as part of the city's continuing effort to find a way to replace Arco Arena. That name, by the way, will disappear from the arena after the end of the season because the Kings' contract with the Arco oil company will expire in February after 25 years.
4. Sports
You can celebrate the San Francisco Giants' World Series win in 2010 and hope for more of the same in 2011. But there are plenty of other sporting events in the region to look forward to, including the return of the Amgen Tour of California to Sacramento for the fifth straight year (but without a stop in bike-crazy Davis); an improving outlook for Sacramento State football; the expected return of the UFL Mountain Lions (that's the professional football team that plays at Hornet Field); another season from the River Cats; and powerhouse high school football teams at Folsom and Grant.
5. Marijuana
Voters rejected an effort in November to legalize marijuana in California, but the plant will still be a focus of political leaders in the coming year. Sacramento officials are to begin efforts to draft rules for local cultivation of medical marijuana, and backers of legalization already have said they will start collecting signatures in 2011 for a 2012 ballot initiative. Starting today, a new law classifies possession of less than an ounce of marijuana as an infraction, not a misdemeanor.
6. New political faces
Sacramento is a company town, with politics the main industry here. But there are a number of new faces who will influence what happens in the region. Incoming Gov. Jerry Brown may be the most prominent and already has found a downtown loft to rent. Local leaders sure to put a new stamp on things include Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones, Supervisor Phil Serna and three new members of the Sacramento City Council: Darrell Fong, Angelique Ashby and Jay Schenirer. Just as important will be decisions by Sacramento leaders on whom to name as a permanent city manager and county executive, two positions currently held on an interim basis.
7. The parks
One of the most cherished aspects of living in the Sacramento region is the American River Parkway, which attracts at least 8 million visitors each year. But the parkway, as well as local parks throughout the region, has fallen victim to draconian budget cuts that eliminated ranger patrols, cleanups, routine maintenance and even led Sacramento County to turn the iconic Effie Yeaw Nature Center over to a nonprofit operator after it was nearly shut down. Regional leaders will be grappling in 2011 with ways to fund parks operations or turn them over to other operators.
8. Flying in style
Officials plan to open a sparkling new central terminal at Sacramento International Airport in 2011, replacing the dreary Terminal B building that gave untold visitors a startlingly depressing first look at Sacramento. The new terminal is expected to open late in the year with an elevated roadway, a 19-gate concourse, a people mover and, most importantly, good eats. Numerous popular restaurants and coffeehouses – many of them locally owned – are planned to keep travelers happy.
9. Downtown revival?
The opening of a $9 million project at 10th and K streets featuring a nightclub, upscale bar and gourmet pizzeria will mark the first step in a series of planned changes for the K Street Mall and downtown in 2011. Developers plan to break ground next year on new retail and housing projects in the 700 and 800 blocks of K Street. And, after years as a pedestrian mall, cars are expected to be driving on that stretch of K Street before the end of the year. City planners also may get their first look in 2011 at development plans for the long-stalled railyard project, and there are hints that the ailing Downtown Plaza may be purchased and revitalized by a new owner. The coming year is also when the Greyhound station at Seventh and L streets is finally expected to leave downtown for a new home in the River District, opening up new redevelopment possibilities.
10. The arts
Sacramento's arts scene took a huge step forward in 2010 with the opening of the $100 million addition to the Crocker Art Museum, but the tough economy pushed the Sacramento Opera into canceling its season and Civic Theatre West in Roseville into closing its doors. The coming year promises continued visitor growth at the Crocker, and in February, a new $50 million performing arts facility, Three Stages, will open at Folsom Lake College.
Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/01/01/3292192/10-things-to-watch-for-a-sacramento.html#ixzz1BPrT7bje
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/01/01/3292192/10-things-to-watch-for-a-sacramento.html
2010 may have seemed as bad as the previous year, with hard times, furloughs and governmental cutbacks dominating the news. But there are glimmers of recovery out there that give some hope for a better 2011. Here are the Top 10 things to watch in the coming year that will affect our region at work and play:
1. The budget
You may be tired of reading about California's fiscal woes, but you haven't seen anything yet. A projected $28 billion budget deficit over the next 18 months has Gov.-elect Jerry Brown, 72, warning of a crisis "unprecedented in my lifetime." Deep new cuts on social services, state workers and education – all areas already hurt by the lousy economy – may be on the horizon. Brown plans to ask voters to extend a slew of temporary tax hikes, with a proposed budget, which Brown warns will shock many, due Jan. 10.
2. The economy
The recession may be officially over and economists are saying things are improving nationally, but don't look for marked improvements in the region in 2011. The housing market that slaughtered Sacramento's economy is still in the tank and may remain so through next year.
3. The Kings
Sure, the team stinks but, as in years past, the focus will be on getting a new arena built and ensuring that Sacramento's only major league sports franchise stays put. Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson's arena task force is expected to recommend a plan to the City Council in the coming year as part of the city's continuing effort to find a way to replace Arco Arena. That name, by the way, will disappear from the arena after the end of the season because the Kings' contract with the Arco oil company will expire in February after 25 years.
4. Sports
You can celebrate the San Francisco Giants' World Series win in 2010 and hope for more of the same in 2011. But there are plenty of other sporting events in the region to look forward to, including the return of the Amgen Tour of California to Sacramento for the fifth straight year (but without a stop in bike-crazy Davis); an improving outlook for Sacramento State football; the expected return of the UFL Mountain Lions (that's the professional football team that plays at Hornet Field); another season from the River Cats; and powerhouse high school football teams at Folsom and Grant.
5. Marijuana
Voters rejected an effort in November to legalize marijuana in California, but the plant will still be a focus of political leaders in the coming year. Sacramento officials are to begin efforts to draft rules for local cultivation of medical marijuana, and backers of legalization already have said they will start collecting signatures in 2011 for a 2012 ballot initiative. Starting today, a new law classifies possession of less than an ounce of marijuana as an infraction, not a misdemeanor.
6. New political faces
Sacramento is a company town, with politics the main industry here. But there are a number of new faces who will influence what happens in the region. Incoming Gov. Jerry Brown may be the most prominent and already has found a downtown loft to rent. Local leaders sure to put a new stamp on things include Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones, Supervisor Phil Serna and three new members of the Sacramento City Council: Darrell Fong, Angelique Ashby and Jay Schenirer. Just as important will be decisions by Sacramento leaders on whom to name as a permanent city manager and county executive, two positions currently held on an interim basis.
7. The parks
One of the most cherished aspects of living in the Sacramento region is the American River Parkway, which attracts at least 8 million visitors each year. But the parkway, as well as local parks throughout the region, has fallen victim to draconian budget cuts that eliminated ranger patrols, cleanups, routine maintenance and even led Sacramento County to turn the iconic Effie Yeaw Nature Center over to a nonprofit operator after it was nearly shut down. Regional leaders will be grappling in 2011 with ways to fund parks operations or turn them over to other operators.
8. Flying in style
Officials plan to open a sparkling new central terminal at Sacramento International Airport in 2011, replacing the dreary Terminal B building that gave untold visitors a startlingly depressing first look at Sacramento. The new terminal is expected to open late in the year with an elevated roadway, a 19-gate concourse, a people mover and, most importantly, good eats. Numerous popular restaurants and coffeehouses – many of them locally owned – are planned to keep travelers happy.
9. Downtown revival?
The opening of a $9 million project at 10th and K streets featuring a nightclub, upscale bar and gourmet pizzeria will mark the first step in a series of planned changes for the K Street Mall and downtown in 2011. Developers plan to break ground next year on new retail and housing projects in the 700 and 800 blocks of K Street. And, after years as a pedestrian mall, cars are expected to be driving on that stretch of K Street before the end of the year. City planners also may get their first look in 2011 at development plans for the long-stalled railyard project, and there are hints that the ailing Downtown Plaza may be purchased and revitalized by a new owner. The coming year is also when the Greyhound station at Seventh and L streets is finally expected to leave downtown for a new home in the River District, opening up new redevelopment possibilities.
10. The arts
Sacramento's arts scene took a huge step forward in 2010 with the opening of the $100 million addition to the Crocker Art Museum, but the tough economy pushed the Sacramento Opera into canceling its season and Civic Theatre West in Roseville into closing its doors. The coming year promises continued visitor growth at the Crocker, and in February, a new $50 million performing arts facility, Three Stages, will open at Folsom Lake College.
Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/01/01/3292192/10-things-to-watch-for-a-sacramento.html#ixzz1BPrT7bje
