STEVE COHN’S CITY COUNCIL RECORD (1994-2013)
DISTRICT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
East Sacramento
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Annual Pops in the Park summer evening concert series at McKinley, East
Portal, Bertha Henschel and Glenn Hall Parks.
o M Street Fountain Plaza at 48th and M Streets.
o Annual Screen on the Green movie series.
o Partnered with the East Sacramento Chamber, MENA and ESIA to install
seven "Welcome to East Sacramento” signs.
Renovated Clunie Community Center and Library at McKinley Park
East Sacramento Room for historic photo display at Clunie
Renovated Shepard Garden & Arts Center
H Street Bridge bike underpass in River Park
Rezoned cloverleaf across from Shakey’s at 57th & J Sts. to open space
Partnered with neighbors to save pool hours at Bertha Henschel Park and
McKinley Park.
New and renovated park and playground projects, including:
o McKinley Park resurfaced tennis courts (1998 and 2010)
o Added panhandle jogging trail
o McKinley Park playground and duck pond
o McKinley Park Pool renovation and fencing
o McKinley Park picnic area and acorn street lights
o Developed Master Plan for Renovation of McKinley Rose Garden and began
McKinley Park Rose Garden rehabilitation project with new efficient irrigation,
ADA walkways and benches.
o Bertha Henschel Park wading pool and fountain
o New more efficient irrigation system at Bertha Henschel Park.
o East Sacramento Little League fields at Phoebe Hearst (new snack bar,
backstops, landscaping, batting cage, girls' softball field, etc.)
o East Sacramento Youth Soccer League soccer goals and other
improvements throughout East Sac
o East Portal Park playground renovation
o East Portal Park bocce ball courts
o East Lawn Children’s Park playground renovation
o Drinking fountains, benches and other improvements at all neighborhood
parks
o Replaced a portion of the antiquated irrigation system at the northwest corner
of McKinley Park.
o Renovated the historic McKinley Rose Garden (2012)
o Worked with Friends of East Sac (FOES) to save Clunie Community Center
from being closed. (2012)
o Received SACOG funding to do "complete street" improvements on Folsom
Boulevard from 65th to Redding, and to design and fund construction of the
Ramona Avenue extension from Power Inn to Folsom (2012).
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65th Street Transit Village Area:
o 65th Street Transit Village Plan and Redevelopment Area
o F-65 retail/lofts and East End Lofts at 65th & Folsom
o 65th & Folsom, 141 units.
o Hornet Crossing pedestrian/bicycle underpass connecting Sac State to the
65th St. light rail station (2000 SACOG “Project of the Year” Award)
o Completed Redding Avenue Bike and Pedestrian Improvement Project at
69th and Folsom/Q.
o Completed Elvas Avenue pedestrian and bicycle safety project with
landscaped bike/ped path, drinking fountain and rest area.
o Received SACOG approval for $9 million in future federal grants for the
Folsom Blvd. Complete Streets Rehabilitation ($1.8 million from 65th St to UP
underpass with new bicycle lanes and sidewalks), Ramona Ave. Extension &
Folsom Blvd Widening ($3.2 M to widen Folsom from 65th St floodgates to
US 50 overpass and add signalized intersection at Ramona, add bike lanes
and sidewalks on south side of Folsom, and extend Ramona from Brighton
Ave to Folsom Blvd, with class II bicycle lanes and at-grade rail crossing, and
14th Ave. Extension ($4M to extend 14th Ave from Power Inn to Florin
Perkins.
Opened Midtown Medical Facility at 3000 Q Street.
NBA’s “Read to Achieve” program at Theodore Judah Elementary School.
Fire Station 4 off Alhambra Blvd. Designated historical landmark and future site
of Pioneer Mutual Hook & Ladder Museum.
Neighborhood police officer (NPO), expanded Neighborhood Watch and graffiti
squad patrol programs.
Upgraded combined sewer/storm drain system and reduced street flooding in
several key areas, including south of Folsom between 39th and 42nd St.
Sound walls along Highway 50.
Shamed the SCUSD into painting and better maintaining Theodore Judah School
and later successfully opposed its closure.
Nighttime curfew for outdoor concerts at Cal Expo (10:30 p.m. on weeknights
and 11:00 p.m. on weekends).
Neighborhood traffic management programs implementing common-sense
solutions to neighborhood parking and traffic problems in several East
Sacramento neighborhoods.
Installed several measures proposed by neighbors in Mercy Neighborhood
Traffic Management Plan.
Founding of East Sacramento Chamber of Commerce.
Consistently protected neighborhood from unwelcome and incompatible
development, from the high-rise and big box Centrage proposals to the more
recent Mercy Hospital expansion proposal.
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Successfully led opposition to the East Bay MUD Pipeline Project through
Midtown and East Sacramento.
• McKinley Sewer Replacement project.
• Worked with neighborhood and Rite Aid on a neighborhood compatible design
for the new Rite Aid at 48th & J Streets.
• Established boundary limits for future development of Mercy Hospital. Continued
monitoring of progress on Mercy Hospital “replacement housing” on H St, and the
five new plazas/landscaping areas on H, 39th and J next to the hospital, that are
in final design check and ready for construction in 2012, along with the main part
of the hospital expansion.
• Alternative Development Standards for residential structures in East Sac.
• Modified use permit for Cannery Business Park to convert existing 86,280 square
foot warehouse to office, conditioned upon applicant’s funding traffic calming
measures along C Street and 35th Street.
Central City
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Most consistent leader on Council to finance and permit over 1000 new
residential units in the Central City:
o Pensione K (Barone), 17th & K, 200 units completed 1996.
o Quinn Cottage Housing (N. B Street), 60 units completed 1997.
o Metro Square (Sares-Regis), 28th & H, 45 units completed 1998.
o Fremont Building (Kolokotronis), 16th & P, 69 units completed 2001.
o 17th & N (CADA/Fisher), 18 units completed 2001.
o 17th Street Commons (CADA/Fisher), 29 units completed 2001.
o 1500 Q Street, 6 units completed 2001.
o 10th & T Condos (Mogavero), 13 units completed 2002.
o East End Lofts (Elliot Building restoration) (Loftworks), 20 units completed
2003.
o Marshall Place (Mogavero), 25th & I, 8 units completed 2003.
o Capitol Park Homes (Kolokotronis), 12th & Q, 64 units completed 2003.
o 18th & O (Carson), 7 units completed 2004.
o Q Street Lofts, 17th & Q, 4 units completed 2004.
o Lofts above Zocalos, 18th & Capitol, 7 units, completed 2004.
o 11th & S, 8 units completed 2004.
o Ping Yuen Renovation, 5th & I, 82 units completed 2005.
o Fremont Mews (Walsh Forster), 119 units, completed 2005.
o R Street Market (Petrovich), 19th & S, 11 units completed 2005.
o East End Lofts II (Loftworks), 16th & K, 21 units, completed 2006.
o 21st & L (St. Anton Partners), 65 units, completed 2006.
o 18th & L, 176 units , completed 2006.
o 15th & Q, 119 units, completed 2006.
o 12th & K, 24 units, completed 2006.
o Infill units at 17th & D, 52 units).
o Plaza Lofts (CIM), 9th & J, 225 units.
o Sears Building Rehab, 12th & K, 23 units.
o Capitol Terrace, 33 units.
Capitol Lofts/CADA Warehouse, 113 units.
Marriott Residence Inn condos (Giannoni), 15th & L, 30 condo units plus hotel.
East End Gateway I-IV (CADA-Loftworks et al), 16th St corridor, 227 units.
Hale Lofts, 831 K St., 32 units.
Globe Mills, 12th & C, 200 units.
North End Lofts II, 11 units.
19th & O Lofts, 10 units.
St. Lukes/Sutter (Loftworks), 26th & N, 32 units.
CalPers, R Street, 166 units.
The Towers, 301 Capitol Mall, 790 condo units plus 276-room hotel.
Aura Tower, 601 Capitol Mall, 283 condo units.
La Valentina at 12th & D/E - mixed use project with 81 affordable units, large
community center and 5000 square feet of retail. (2012)
o 700 H Street Affordable Housing (2012)
o Started Construction at 700 K St (200 housing units, shops and restaurants).
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Over 1000 new hotel rooms Downtown, including Sheraton Grand at 13th & J,
Embassy Suites next to Old Sac, Marriott Suites at 15th & L, and plans for several
new ones Downtown.
Held a wildly successful design competition for Sacramento’s signature street,
Capitol Mall with over 40 entries submitted from around the world.
Worked with stakeholders to make very successful changes to Second Saturday
operations to allow for a more family-friendly safe experience (2011).
Midtown’s emergence as the City’s sidewalk café district and urban village,
accomplished by attracting new market-rate housing and restaurants, street
lighting, angled parking, and increased code enforcement
Sold Sheraton Hotel and affiliated garage at 13th & J Streets for 45 Million and
dedicated 75% of proceeds to reinvestment projects Downtown on J, K and L
Streets with 25% placed in reserve for economic uncertainty.
Comprehensive strategy to fight crime in Midtown, including: improving crime
surveillance, increasing graffiti enforcement, and improving communications
between Police and the community, and NPOs devoted exclusively to Midtown.
City funding to partner with Midtown Business Association to establish a new
Midtown Business Improvement District
Rehabilitated Winn Park at 28th and P, including a new playground and
renovated fire relay building (winner of the 2001 Art Deco Society Award)
New playground at Washington School at 17th and E.
Renovated Fremont Park at 16th & P.
Renovated Grant Park with tot lot, sidewalk and street lights
Renovated Stanford Park with street lights, sidewalks and new plaza next to B
Street Theater
New playground, water feature and other renovations at Muir Park in 2006
Conversion of City Landfill at 28th & North B into Sutter’s Landing Park including
city’s largest dog park, with long term plan to include Sacramento Zoo
New playground and improvements at Marshall Park and renovation and lighting
at the Hart Senior Center.
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Restoration of historic 926 J Building converted to the Citizens Hotel with ground
floor restaurant.
Rehab of Woolworth Building at 10th & K to Caberet Theater and Cosmo Café.
Purchased parcel and developed Master Plan for 19th & Q Street urban park.
Renovated pond at Sutter’s Fort
20th St. Bikeway Underpass connecting Midtown (on C Street next to Blue
Diamond) to the American River Parkway
New acorn street lights in parks and neighborhoods throughout the Central City
(including Boulevard Park, Marshall School, Winn Park, Mansion Flats) and the
business district including I and J Streets from 20th to 26th Streets.
Neighborhood Preservation Transportation Plan (NPTP) north of J Street,
including conversion of G and H to two-way streets with bike lanes, new storm
drains, pedestrian islands and traffic circles, and five new traffic lights on J, K and
L.
South Midtown Area Traffic (SMART) Plan, which converted L, N, P and Q
Streets from 3-lane freeways to 2-lane streets, with bike lanes, pedestrian
islands, bulb outs, and traffic circles.
New Safeway Shopping Center on 19th Street, the Central City’s first large
supermarket with loft housing.
16th Street Lighting and Landscaping Plan.
Free holiday parking, special events, Midtown Gardens beautification project,
and Midtown maps/guides.
Neighborhood-supported R Street Plan and Zoning Ordinance changes.
Regularly participated with the Neighborhood Association Group and all of the
Central City neighborhood associations to find solutions to problems plaguing the
Central City neighborhoods.
Central City Neighborhood Design Guidelines
Negotiated “Good Neighbor” conditions in the Blue Diamond retention deal,
including additional security patrol, $50,000 per year for Midtown street lighting,
$50,000 per year in grants for community non-profits, and right-of-way along the
river parkway for a new bicycle trail and future light rail
Sacramento START program at Washington School, which had been previously
targeted by the School District’s closure list
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Reduced vagrancy problems at 20 and I streets by persuading the LIFE center
to relocate outside Central City.
Replaced the old K Street shuttle with the new Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH)
connecting Midtown to Old Sacramento.
Obtained federal transportation (TEA-21) funding for the two-way conversion
study of L, N, P and Q Streets from one-way to two-way streets, and to add bike
lanes on 19th and 21st Street.
Opposed the developer proposal to tear down six homes next to the old Newton
Booth School (new housing project planned now for the site).
Helped open and keep operating the new Planned Parenthood Clinic on 29th.
Free backpacks with school supplies annually for each and every student at
Washington Elementary School.
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Sutter District, including Sutter Hospital expansion with new Women’s and
Children’s Center and two new medical office buildings, new retail./residential
mixed use project nearby, new home for the California.
Construction of new Medical Office Building at Alhambra and Stockton.
Worked with neighborhood on neighborhood compatible design for Rite Aid at
22nd & F Streets..
Children’s Theater and B Street Theater, a new Trinity Cathedral and 1,100
space parking garage to accommodate medical staff and community uses, as
well as about 9,00 square feet of neighborhood servicing retail and restaurant.
Opened Sutter Garage at 28th & N Streets. Sutter Brownstones, Loftworks Office
Building.
Partnered with NAG for several years to bring Annual Jazz Concert to Midtown.
Adoption of Central City Alley names that will enable a quicker response time for
emergency services, expedite postal and general delivery services, and provide
more efficient delivery of City services and information to outside agencies.
Worked with Sacramento’s Youth to construct and open VIBE Urban Youth
afterschool lounge, a permanent safe place for teens to get tutoring, and hang
out in Midtown, which was opened this fall.
River Park
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Pops in the Park to Glenn Hall Park
Closure of Glenn Hall Park at dusk instead of 10:00 p.m. to reduce crime in the
neighborhood
Installed safety improvement at Glenn Hall Park (Crime Prevention Through
Environmental Design)
Partnered with neighbors to raise funds to restore pool hours at Glenn Hall Park.
New 4th R portable classroom at Caleb Greenwood School
Landscaped median and roadside on J Street in front of Sac State
Landscaped River Park entrance at Carlson and H Streets with fountain
dedicated to the Yermols
Replacement of unsightly asphalt H Street median west of Carlson Dr.
Field work and other improvements for the River Park Bambino League baseball
diamond at Ciavarella Field
Dan McAuliffe Memorial Baseball Park (Babe Ruth and Senior Men’s Baseball)
next to Sac State
Kindergarten and regular playgrounds at Caleb Greenwood School
Partnered with the River Park Neighborhood Association and neighbors to fight
the heron problem near Caleb Greenwood School
Renovated Glenn Hall Park Pool with shaded grassy area, decorative fencing,
water slide and diving board.
CSUS/Campus Commons/Sierra Oaks Neighborhoods
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Secured funding to construct storm drainage improvements in Campus
Commons and city portion of Sierra Oaks
Secured funding for a new Sac State Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan on
campus
Brokered agreement between neighbors and Sacramento Country Day School to
preserve the existing greenbelt and ensure the school’s continued operation and
expansion will be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and permits.
Supported formation of the new Sierra Oaks Neighborhood Association
Worked with all neighborhood associations in the area on improving safety and
increasing flood protection and preparedness
Directed staff to offer a smaller garbage can and lower garbage service rate to
residents in Campus Commons
Worked with neighbors to help Police track down burglars in Campus Commons
Worked with Campus Commons residents to develop common sense solutions to
traffic problems
Developed strong relationship with CSUS to work on major development projects
that will tie the campus to the community at large, including pedestrian and
bicycle improvements, housing and streetcar study
New accessible group picnic area and rest stop at University Park.
North Sacramento: Swanston Estates, Point West/Cal Expo/Arden Fair, Rancho
del Paso, Hagginwood and Ben Ali Neighborhoods
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First major street lighting program in the City in decades for Swanston Estates
New baseball diamond and soccer goals at Babcock Park, and new playground
and other improvements for Babcock School
New playground, picnic facilities and disc golf course at Kenwood Mackey Park
in Hagginwood
New soccer field at Hagginwood Elementary School
Coordinated volunteer-led effort to convert two empty lots in Hagginwood into
landscaped “mini-parks”
Negotiated with Arden Fair to install a new traffic light on Ethan Way at the back
exit from Arden Fair (J.C. Penneys) and on Arden Way near the Sears entrance.
Negotiated good neighbor conditions for Kaiser Permanente Point West Center,
including portable classroom for an after school program and Swanston Estates
meeting room at Babcock School, new street lighting around Babcock Park, new
traffic signal at Challenge Way and Response Road, added security in the Point
West Area, and new turn lanes at several intersections.
Expo/160 Connector
Neighborhood traffic management plan for Swanston Estates and Hagginwood,
including speed humps, stop signs, and other traffic calming devices
Babcock school use for community meetings.
Swanston Transit Village study for appropriate mixed used development at the
Swanston Light Rail Station in North Sacramento.
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New street lights in the Ben Ali neighborhood and funding for a playground to be
constructed in partnership with Twin Rivers School District in 2010
New neighborhood associations in Ben Ali and Hagginwood
New Marriott Hotel Campus at former Beverly Garland Hotel site.
Mel Rapton Honda on City-owned land fronting Bus. 80
Alternative Development Standards for residential structures in Ben Ali.
Completed Strategic Neighborhood Action Plans (SNAPS) in the Ben Ali and
Hagginwood areas.
Constructed playfields at the Higher Learning Academy, adding needed park
space to the Ben Ali neighborhood.
South Natomas
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Completed Ninos Park Phase 1, consisting of new picnic area, fencing for
playground and drinking fountain (2012).
Sister City Tree Grove was planted in South Natomas Community Park.
Developed Northgate Park improvements priority list.
Developed priorities for Gardenland Park and Phase I (security improvements) to
be completed early 2013.
Worked with Twin Rivers School District and Pony League to renovate baseball
fields at Rio Tierra School.
Completed construction of Safe Routes to School projects at Jefferson
Elementary and Bannon Creek Schools.
Brought Screen on the Green to South Natomas and partnered to bring back
Celebrate Natomas and Natomas Tree Lighting event.
Railyards/River District
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Opened first phase of "Green Line" (airport light rail) from Downtown to the River
District (2012).
The "Confluence", a stunning lighted architectural feature transformed the
Richards/I-5 interchange into a gateway to the River District and came with
additional improvements to the Richards/I-5 intersection adding vehicle capacity,
bike lanes and pedestrian improvements.
Completed $70 million Phase I, moving and straightening tracks and constructed
new passenger platforms (2012).
Made progress on $10 million seismic retrofit of historic depot (2012).
Obtained $15 million federal grant toward the $30 million needed to rehab
building and outdoor space (2012).
The Railyards project continues to make significant progress, including opening
the new train platforms, moving the rail tracks, completing the I-5, Jiboom Street
and Bercut Drive improvements and the installation of the 4th and I Streets traffic
signal. Construction of a new pedestrian and bicycle tunnel to connect Old
Sacramento with the Central Shops and construction of the Fifth and Sixth Street
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bridges and ramps connecting the Railyards to Downtown should be complete by
2014.
In 2012, Infrastructure work continues on Township 9, a 65-acre mixed use
project. Sacramento received a HUD Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant to
kick off an 18-24 month process designed to transform the Twin Rivers housing
community by integrating it into the fabric of the surrounding River District and
Railyards neighborhoods.
Awarded the City a $1.5M River Parkways grant for improvements to Sutter's
Landing Park.
CITYWIDE/REGIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Protect and Preserve Neighborhoods
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Adopted the City's General Plan (2009), the long-term policy guide for the next
20 years for physical, economic and environmental growth and renewal of the
City.
Partnered with stakeholders to retain Corti Brothers at 59th & Folsom.
Implemented Rental Housing Inspections.
City partnered with Save Mart and other private sponsors on a successful Save
our Pools campaign, which funded 11 pools and five wading pools to remain
open during the summer of 2012.
Develop a More Balanced Transportation Network
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Coordinated with City, RT, SACOG and other regional partners to develop a
long-term strategic rail/transit plan for Sacramento, including connections to high
speed rail via both Merced and San Jose, as well as upgrading the Capitol
Corridor to reduce travel time to one hour from Sacramento to the Bay Area.
As Chair of the Capital Corridor Rail Board, directed fastest growing intercity rail
service in the nation, increasing ridership over 200% in two years, increasing the
frequency from 8 to 18 (now 32) trains a day between Sacramento and the Bay
Area, saved service to Auburn, reduced the travel time to 2 hours, and developed
a plan for hourly service between Roseville, Sacramento, Davis and the Bay
Area and extended service to the Reno/Tahoe area.
As STA Chair, crafted compromise to allocate over $70 million in federal TEA-21
funds, including 45 percent to rail/transit projects, 41 percent to roadway projects,
and remainder to bikeway, parkway and landscaping projects, such as CSUS
Access and Tower Bridge projects, and projects to beautify aging business
corridors, such as Fulton, Watt, Marconi, Stockton, Northgate, and Folsom Blvd.
As STA Chair, promoted a program to offer free RT rail and bus passes on
smoggy “Spare the Air” days.
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Significantly increased maintenance and repairs of City streets.
Sponsored Council effort to expand the Downtown Shuttle to Midtown and Point
West Area hotels.
Voted to accelerate the installation of wheelchair accessible ramps and curbs
cuts throughout the City.
Voted to adopt the Master Bikeway Plan and the Sacramento River Parkway and
Bikeway plan.
Led successful regional efforts to ensure that the California High-Speed Rail
Authority’s plans include a station in Sacramento.
Led Council efforts to establish an intermodal station Downtown (Sacramento
Valley Station), funded short-term improvements to the Sacramento Valley
Station lobby and parking lot.
Secured $20 million in federal funds for track relocation and expansion of
Sacramento Valley Station; $8 million for City road resurfacing and $20 million for
RT’s transit system.
As RT Chair, adopted Transit Master Plan for fully developed regional transit
system, with light rail extensions to Airport and Elk Grove, streetcars/shuttle
systems connecting Central City, West Sac, Sac State/65th St., and Pt. West, bus
rapid transit on major corridors, and neighborhood shuttle service.
Started SACOG rail working group
Completed restriping of 19th Street (H to Broadway) and 21st (I to W Street) from
three lanes to two lanes with bicycle lanes, and converted several streets to twoway including N Street (21st – 28th).
Worked with State of California to permit City to operate the East End Garage at
night and on weekends, providing low-cost parking to Midtown visitors.
Installed Solar Powered Pay & Display meters in the Central City.
Started the “Capital City Hospital Shuttle” providing a comprehensive FREE
shuttle network open to public use, with convenient connections to the 29th, 39th
and University/65th St light rail stations, UC Med Center, Mercy and Sutter
Hospitals.
Completed structural improvements to the Howe Avenue Bridge joints, railings,
surface areas and pedestrian walkways.
Restriped H Street from Carlson to 55th Street to include bike lanes.
Completed bicycle and pedestrian improvements on the Tower Bridge, including
wider sidewalks and better bicycle access, with improved connection between
West Sac and Downtown Sacramento.
City ranked 4th best in the nation by US Census Bureau's American Community
survey for bike commuters (2009).
Converted J Street between 30th Street and Alhambra Boulevard to two-way.
Opened K Street to auto traffic for the first time in 40+ years.
Implemented pilot car sharing and bike sharing programs in the Central City.
Opened first phase of "Green Line" (airport light rail) from Downtown to the River
District (2012).
Completed $70 million Phase I, moving and straightening tracks and constructed
new passenger platforms (2012).
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Made progress on $10 million seismic retrofit of historic depot (2012).
Obtained $15 million federal grant toward the $30 million needed to rehab
building and outdoor space (2012).
Adopted 2035 Metropolitan Transportation Plan that increases investment in
bicycle and pedestrian facilities by 56 percent, promotes air quality programs,
extends the south line light rail extension to Cosumnes River College, adds more
frequent transit service, adds service to the Capitol Corridor, adds new crossings
across the lower American River to S. Natomas and across the Sacramento
River from Sacramento to West Sacramento and increased funding for road
maintenance (2012).
City moved from bronze to silver rating for bicycle friendliness by League of
American Bicyclists (2012).
Enhance Public Safety
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Supported SAFCA assessment to match state and federal funds for Folsom Dam
modifications and other improvements for 200-year flood protection; helped
secure federal funding and begin construction on American River levee slurry
wall and Folsom Dam modifications, and federal authorization for the Folsom
Dam 7-foot raise to increase Sacramento’s flood protection from 140 to 213-year
level.
Continue to work with SAFCA to complete its share of the widening and
deepening of the Sacramento River levees in Natomas.
Secured $12 million (2009) in Federal funds for 35 new City police officers for
three years and $2.5 million for new equipment.
Voted to add police officers to help reduce crime rate seven years in a row and
secured COPS grant of $8.1 (2011) to restore 25 of 41 eliminated positions.
Led Council to establish a more aggressive program to fight graffiti and
vandalism, including additional funding and staffing, parental responsibility
ordinance, portable Graffiti Paint Wagon, neighborhood strike forces to remove
graffiti, and increased arrests and prosecutions.
Helped establish the Neighborhood Accountability Board to allow citizen
participation in alternative sentencing for youth offenders.
Voted to receive federal grants to fund 23 new neighborhood officers and hire 33
civilians to perform crime scene investigation and lab work.
Voted to reinstate Police Traffic Division and increase fines for red light
violations.
Voted to adopt an anti-camping ordinance to allow police to more effectively
control transients in our neighborhoods.
Voted to establish a 911 intergovernmental emergency communication system.
Opened new 911 Dispatch Center.
Acquired building on Richards Blvd. to house new Police Station.
Helped to establish emergency flood response plans for all City neighborhoods
and activated them for the 1995 and 1997 Floods.
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Sponsored an agreement between the City and the District Attorney to expand
neighborhood code enforcement and community prosecutor program.
Continued program to attack and remove graffiti and crime.
Awarded $5.6 million federal SAFER grant, enabling City to hire 27 firefighters
and restore two fire companies.
Voted to open a new fire engine station in the South area.
Sponsored and developed the City’s $1 million street light matching program for
older neighborhoods and business districts.
Opened the 72-hour hold detoxification center Downtown.
Completed Public Safety Master Plan with roadmap for Police and Fire over the
next five to ten years.
Voted for the City’s award-winning Neighborhood Traffic Management Program
to reduce traffic speeds and volumes and truck traffic through neighborhood
streets.
City adopted a model ordinance regulating the location and operation of medical
marijuana dispensaries (2009) and passed measure to tax dispensaries and
related sales.
Served as Chair of SAFCA 2012
In 2012 began construction of new spillway at Folsom Dam that will double size
of the flood waters the dam and reservoir can handle.
The Natomas Levee Improvement Project (NLIP) is currently underway but
federal authorization is still needed before the Natomas building moratorium can
be lifted (2012).
Led a Washington, D.C. trip in the spring to meet with key policy makers in
Congress and at federal agencies to advocate for SAFCA initiatives including
authorization of the NLIP, Fiscal 2013 funding and other issues (2012)
Improve Public Schools
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Helped the Sacramento City Unified School District and the Area Congregations
Together (ACT) coalition to pass a School Bond with over 80 percent of the vote.
Developed a strong partnership with all of the schools in District 3, including
those in the Sac Unified, North Sacramento, Twin Rivers and San Juan Districts
to work on the START (Students Today Achieving Results for Tomorrow) afterschool program and other neighborhood, youth and recreational issues.
Supported ballot measure to elect Sac City Unified School District Board
members by neighborhood districts.
Supported merger, passed in 2007, of Grant High School District with elementary
districts in North Sacramento.
Raised money to fund new little league baseball and soccer facilities at
neighborhood schools.
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Helped raise private matching funds for the City’s Late Night Sacramento and
START programs. Supported a successful bond measure for North Sac School
District.
Supported youth employment programs.
Used Pops, L&L and volunteer funds to install new playground and purchase
new soccer goals at Babcock School and Park.
Opposed Prop. 38 voucher initiative, which was defeated 70% to 30%; supported
the successful Prop 39, allowing school bonds to be adopted at local level with a
55% vote and instituting accountability.
Worked with neighbors and Babcock School to use new portable as community
meeting room.
Supported joint community and school partnership programs, including parks,
playgrounds and libraries.
Partnered with the community to fight multiple proposals for school closures and
conversion of Kit Carson Middle School to a high school.
Provided children of Washington Elementary School with supplies to kick start
their school year.
Protect the Urban and Natural Environment.
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Organic local farm stand brought to the Hart Senior Center.
Passed new City ordinance to allow residents to have up to three egg laying
chicken hens.
Implemented pilot car sharing and bike sharing programs in the Central City.
As leading recycling advocate on the City Council (and past Chair of Sacramento
Solid Waste Authority), led City to attain 50% diversion rate, one of the highest in
the country, by expanding the City’s recycling programs to include all types of
paper products, including junk mail and cardboard, and by partnering with BLT to
construct a new transfer station and recycling center to lessen need for more
landfill space and decrease disposal costs.
Adopted a Sustainability Master Plan (2007) with specific plans to meet
greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.
As the leading advocate on the Council for rail, transit, bicycle and other
alternative transportation modes, obtained funding for the South Light Rail Line
and other alternative mode projects.
Voted to adopt the Master Bikeway Plan and the Sacramento River Parkway and
Bikeway plan.
Voted to upgrade the City’s lighting and mechanical systems, resulting in
thousands of dollars in energy savings and a prestigious award in conservation.
Sponsor of Earth Day programs since 1999.
Sponsored resolution for Sacramento to join Cities for Global Climate Protection.
Expansion and aesthetic improvements to the Fairbairn Water Intake near
CSUS.
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Voted to replace the three bin recycling cans with a single, more convenient
rolling can, which is substantially increasing residential recycling and
implemented weekly recycling services.
Recipient of the 1996 Sierra Club’s Civic Courage Award.
Recipient of the 1998 Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates’, California Bicycle
Coalition’s, and American Lung Association’s Award for Outstanding Service.
New SMAQMD ordinance to ban wood burning on high pollution days and
encourage cleaner burning fireplaces.
Adopted a Solar City partnership with Department of Energy.
Adopted City resolution pledging to join cities worldwide to meet greenhouse gas
emissions reduction.
Voted to allow residents to grow gardens in their front yards.
City's drinking water ranked number 1 in California among large cities for Water
Quality by the Environmental Working Group (2009).
Implemented and expanded voluntary containerized green waste program.
Adopted the Mayor’s Greenwise Initiative establishing Sacramento to attract
more green jobs in the Capital.
Completed City’s pilot green alley (“Liestal alley”) between 17th & 18th, L and
Capitol, along with opening of STITCH Housing on alley.
Partnered with SMUD and SolarCity to install 1.5 megawatts as part of Phase II
of a Photovoltaic solar project at four city locations, bringing the total to 3.5
megawatts to date (2012).
Sacramento ranked 7th in state for total amount of solar electricity generated and
10th in state for number of solar installations on residential, commercial and
government buildings including St. Francis High’s new 253 KW system on
campus (2012).
City recognized with a 2012 California Leadership Award for Sacramento's PACE
program run by Ygrene.
Partnered with Ygrene to launch the State’s first property tax-assessed clean
energy loan program for both residential and commercial projects (2012).
Sacramento named "Farm-to Fork Capital of America" for efforts to support a
self-sustaining green sector by increasing the amount of food grown by local
farmers and increasing the amount of that food consumed locally (2012).
Over 14,000 solar panels were installed at City facilities with no upfront cost to
the City. The projects created nearly 250 jobs and will potentially save the city up
to $50,000 annually (based on Net Present Value). The City also replaced more
than 4,000 conventional High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights throughout all eight
city-owned public parking garages with new light-emitting diodes known as LEDs.
Within the first year, the project will save 2,887,923 kWh, resulting in a savings of
$302,800 for the City (2012).
The City ranked 7th nationally for the Greenest Fleet in the 100 Best Fleets
award program, sponsored by Government Fleet magazine, which recognizes
and rewards peak performing public sector fleet operations (2012).
Successfully passed Measure T that repeals Measure A which prohibited the City
to require customers to use a container for lawn-waste. Measure T combines
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containerized yard waste collection with with a seasonal loose-in-the-street yard
waste collection and a large-item collection (2012).
City received 2012 Sacramento Sustainable Business of the Year Award from
the Business Environmental Resource Center for Fleet Management and Solid
Waste Divisions.
Promote Economic Opportunity
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Recipient of the 2001 Metro Chamber of Commerce’s City Elected Official of the
Year Award
Worked closely with Metro Chamber of Commerce, SACTO, Valley Vision,
Midtown Business Association, East Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, Point
West Area Transportation Management Association and city staff to improve the
business climate in Sacramento in general and the Central City in particular.
Helped retain Blue Diamond and its hundreds of employees in its corporate
headquarters in Midtown (since 1910).
Supported the successful staging of the Olympic Trials at Sac State in 2000 and
2004.
Strongly and consistently supported Downtown’s transformation as the business,
entertainment, government and cultural hub of the region with City-supported
projects such expanded and renovated City Hall, new waterfront restaurant and
other attractions, Wells Fargo Pavilion/Music Circus/STC Performing Arts Center,
over 3,000 new Downtown housing units built or permitted over the last 10 years,
the Cal EPA high rise, the East End (Capitol) State Building Project, the
Downtown Partnership, the Sacramento Riverfront Master Plan, the Public
Market in Old Sacramento, the Hard Rock Café, the skating rink and, IMAX
theater on K Street, Sheraton Convention Center Hotel, Embassy Suites
Waterfront Hotel, restored Crest Theater and Memorial Auditorium, and approved
plans to expand the Crocker Art (Grand Opening 2010) Museum, build a Capitol
Unit Center, a new home for the B Street Theater and Children’s’ Theater, etc.
As member of Welfare to Work Board and Council, developed a new structure to
put former welfare recipients to work and supported homeless, social services,
and welfare reform policies that reward individual responsibility and community
service and relieve the strain on overburdened Central City.
Supported 60 Quinn cottages for transitional housing and the Midtown Gardens
project to employ formerly homeless.
City continues to increase homeless shelter beds despite budget cuts.
Approved agreement with County to share future sales tax revenue from the sale
of new and used cars, ending years of two jurisdictions competing for
dealerships.
Participating in Next Economy Strategic Plan.
Adopted my proposal to add the jobs calculator to Council reports.
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Established the Pops in the Park summer evening series of concerts in
neighborhood parks attended by thousands of residents, and raising thousands
of dollars for District 3 park improvement projects.
Established Screen on the Green movie series in District 3 Parks, bringing free
entertainment to thousands of residents.
Established partnerships with schools, labor unions, little leagues, community
groups and the State to complete numerous park and playground projects in
District 3.
Expanded City’s pre-school and teen recreation programs.
Adopted Master Park Plan, with new baseball and soccer fields, permanent parks
for skateboarders, in-line skaters and bicyclists, and the use of Sutter's Landing
Park (next to the old City landfill on 28th Street, north of the UPRR tracks) and
constructed Phase I and Phase II improvements that include: dog park, bocce
and basketball courts, river access and signage improvements and parking lot
improvements.
Pushed Council to set aside $1.4 million in funding for new parks acquisition,
including acquisition of property along the American River to complete the
parkway.
Improved park maintenance with the Lighting & Landscape Fund, which received
more than 70% voter approval to continue the program.
Raised funds for athletic scholarships for River Park Youth Baseball and Soccer,
East Sac Little League and Soccer and Babe Ruth Baseball.
Sacramento Steps Forward continues to implement the plan, connecting
homeless with programs, providing Winter Sanctuary from November through
March, funded in partnership by the City, County, private organizations and
fundraising, and providing rides for homeless needing transportation for jobs City,
County, and private donors collaborated to provide winter shelter for the
homeless (2012).
Approved $100,000 for the motel voucher program (2012).
Promote World Class Arts, Sports and Cultural Attractions.
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Consistently led the Council’s support of the Crocker Art Museum (Expansion
2010), the Sacramento Symphony, Sacramento Ballet, Sacramento Opera, and
other arts groups.
Began Construction of the Crocker Art Museum expansion.
Designated historic Fire Station 4 off Alhambra Blvd. in East Sac for future home
of Pioneer Mutual Hook and Ladder Society Museum.
Started the Sacramento Poet Laureate Program in 1999.
Started the Old Sacramento New Year’s Eve Fireworks and Sky Concert in 2001.
As Past Chair of the Library Authority, worked with volunteer community groups
to establish and carry out a plan, approved by more than 60% of City voters, to
substantially increase library hours and book collections; and more recently to
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install Internet computer terminals in all City libraries, and to open the Central
Downtown Library two evenings a week.
Approved Sacramento Public Library Authority Master Plan 2007-2025 including
recommendations to rehab Clunie Library and to build a new library, perhaps in
partnership with Sac State and/or private bookstore, in the 65th & Folsom area.
New Animal Hospital at the Sacramento Zoo.
Arranged for Sac State basketball games to be played at Memorial Auditorium.
Restoration work including lighting and landscaping at Memorial Auditorium.
Consistent supporter of the Sacramento Sports Commission’s efforts to bring
sports to the area, including the Olympic Trials in 2000.
New performing arts and rehearsal studio for ballet, opera and theaters at 14th
and H Streets.
Opened new library in South Sacramento.
Hold Local Government More Accountable and Make More Efficient.
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In 2009, launched District 3's Monthly electronic communication system to keep
residents up to date on issues and events.
Increased reserves during tough economic times to address the longer-term
structural budget imbalance.
Continue to serve as Chair of the Audit Committee (est. 2010) and began
implementing key independent audit recommendations to contract out golf
operations, consolidate city departments and start labor negotiations on
pensions.
Council started e-Comments, an easy on-line system for citizens to comment on
any Council item.
In 2011, Citywide eNewsletter was launched. "City Express" keeps residents upto-date on latest City Hall news.
As only Councilmember with utility experience, I led the Council to adopt
practices similar to SMUD, voting for no City residential utility rate increase for
three years in a row (1996-98), holding average rate increases to under 3
percent during 5 years on Council compared to double digit increases the
preceding 5 years, and establishing electronic utility bill payments.
Reduced city’s commercial garbage collection rates by 25%, while also pushing
for more competition among waste haulers and disposal sites.
As member of Council’s Technology Committee, pushed to establish the 24-hour
City Operator program (264-5011) which handles 35,000 non-emergency calls a
year and the development of a City internet website
(WWW.cityofsacramento.org).
Expanded City Operator to “311” non-emergency line that is staffed 24/7, 365
days a year.
Conducted public meetings and sidewalk hours throughout District 3
neighborhoods.
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Served on the City Council committee that negotiated the deal to sell the City’s
interest in the Hyatt Hotel for a gain of $8 million.
Supported variable garbage can sizes and rates so residents can save on their
utility bills by using smaller cans.
Opposed the City Council’s $73 million loan to the Kings and asked that it be put
to a vote of City residents.
During economic downturn, closed budget baps, adopted balanced budget each
year with no new taxes and without reduction in police officers and firefighters.
Council established a Charter Review Committee to advise Mayor/Council and
public on need for amendments to City Charter.
In 2012, implemented ePlan Check, a more efficient and effective service for
commercial projects.
DOU awarded the 2012 Best in Blue Award by the Association of California
Water Agencies (ACWA) for its "Your Utilities. Your Voice" public education and
community engagement program.
Promote Unity and Tolerance of Sacramento's Diverse Population.
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Joined with Mayor Serna and Assemblymember Darrell Steinberg to co-found
the Capital Unity Council, a broad-based coalition of area leaders devoted to
fighting hate crimes and establishing a new Unity Center.
Leading advocate of City program to contract with small and emerging
businesses on a non-discriminatory basis and to continue outreach into the
minority communities in the post-Prop. 9 environment that prohibits many
affirmative action programs.
Strong supporter of Sacramento's Black Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce, Asian-Pacific Chamber of Commerce.
Long-time participant in Martin Luther King Day march.
Strong supporter of efforts to collect ethnic and racial data on Police stops
and arrests.
Secured $2 million in City funding for Capital Unity Center at 16th and N
Streets.
CITY ORDINANCES
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Sponsored an ordinance reinstating campaign contribution limits, restricting
independent expenditures, and requiring all campaign reports to be available
electronically via the Internet in City elections, and drafted ordinances for public
financing and lobbyist registration.
Sponsored an amendment to the City ordinance to prohibit a landowner from
destroying or moving a house without notice and a public hearing.
Voted to adopt stricter historic building ordinance requiring notice and a hearing
before a historic building can be demolished.
Voted to adopt a strict new City ordinance regulating on-site and off-site liquor
sales in over-concentrated areas.
Helped develop several new city ordinances to address the growing overconcentration of social services in the Central City and supported an emergency
ordinance regarding financial management facilities.
Supported anti-camping ordinance.
Sponsored anti-graffiti ordinance.
Adopted City resolution pledging to join cities worldwide to meet greenhouse gas
emissions reduction.
Alternative Development Standards Ordinances for East Sacramento, Ben Ali
and other areas of North Sacramento.
Egg Laying Hen Chicken Ordinance.
Social Nuisance Ordinance - pilot that allows the City to administer penalties for
violations against loud party calls for police service.
Rental Housing Inspection Ordinance.
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Alley Naming Ordinance.
Medical Marijuana Ordinance
Awards and Recognition
♦ 2012 Regional Transit' Elected Official of the Year
♦ 2011 Environmental Council of Sacramento (ECOS) award for Environmentalist of
the Year
♦ 2011 Boulevard Park Neighborhood Association for 17 year Contribution to Midtown
♦ 2011 Midtown Business Association for Service to Midtown
♦ 2011 Swanston Estates Neighborhood Association Appreciation for Contribution to
the Swanston Estates Neighborhood
♦ 2010 VIBE Board of Directors Recognition for Service to Sacramento's Youth
♦ 2006 Recognition for Contribution to East Sac Little League Baseball
♦ 2007 Urban Land Institute Transit Development Leadership Award
♦ 2004 Trailing Greenway Conference Sutter's Landing
♦ 2004 River Park Neighborhood Association Award for H St. bike crossing
♦ 2004 State of California Greenway Project Merit Award for Sutter’s Landing Park
Bike Trail
♦ 2004 Grant Joint Union High School District Award for Outstanding Service to the
District and the Community
♦ 2003, 2001 Old Sac Little League Awards
♦ 2003 Phantom Galleries Award
♦ 2003 American Congregations Together (ACT) Award of Honor for RT student
transit discounts
♦ 2002 Veterans Affiliated Council Award for Patriotism and Community Service
♦ 2001 Metro Chamber of Commerce City Elected Official of the Year
♦ 2001 SACOG “Project of the Year Award” for Capitol Corridor (while Chair)
♦ 2001 Capitol Corridor Chair Train Award
♦ 2001 Veterans Affiliated Council of Sacramento Memorial Day Certificate of
Appreciation
♦ 2001 East Sacramento Chamber of Commerce Certificate of Appreciation
♦ 2000 Sacramento Sports Commission Award of Recognition for the Olympic Trials
♦ 2000 RT Chair Gavel Award
♦ 2000 SACOG “Project of the Year” Award for Hornet Crossing
♦ 1999, 1998 and 1997 Midtown Business Association Certificates/Awards of
Appreciation
♦ 1998 Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates’, California Bicycle Coalition’s, and
American Lung Association’s Award for Outstanding Service.
♦ 1998 Hiram Johnson High School Honorary Teacher Award
♦ 1997 City/County Business Roundtable Student on the Job Day Award
♦ 1997 Rio Americano High School Academia Civitas Award
♦ 1997 World AIDS Day Certificate of Appreciation
♦ 1997 Sacramento Cottage Housing Certificate of Appreciation
♦ 1996 Sierra Club Civic Courage Award
♦ 1995 Point West Business Association Certificate of Appreciation
♦ 1989 East Sacramento Improvement Association Orchid Award