Commentary: Mayor Johnson’s 35 day State of the City address
By Joe, on Jan 7th, 2009 • Bookmark/Share• 2 Reader commentsSooo.. yeah. Mayor J held a press conference, and the Bee captured a few quotes from him. I have to tell you I feel kind of foolish for ever wondering if I would run out of things to write about in this space. Ha. Here I have commented on a few quotes, and then shared some bites from a very thought-provoking email I received today from a friend, vis a vis a gentleman who wishes to remain anonymous. How’s that for a source! 
KJ said: “We’re going to have some very difficult days ahead, but we’ll be ready,” he said. “We’re going to tighten up our belts and be very transparent in communicating in very straight-forward ways to the community.”
Two questions Mr. Mayor: 1) Please define transparency for the record, because– as I have found in the case of other words you frequently use– I suspect your definition is not consistent with the denotative one most of us maintain; 2) When does the transparency begin? Read the rest of this article»
City government reform starts with YOU.. and other fun fallacies for the new year
By Joe, on Jan 3rd, 2009 • Bookmark/Share• 52 Reader commentsHappy New year Sacramento. Thought I would kick off ‘09 with a fun little romp through the common fallacies used by people in argument within the context of the strong mayoral referendum that keeps peeking in and out of the news. if you are a big supporter of mayor Johnson’s referendum, you may want to check out a new web site called reformsacramento.com, where you can join the movement. If you’re against the idea, if the poll results here were any indication, you’re in good company. And now for my list of favorite fallacies in argument..
“YOU voted for change, so you should support the strong mayor referendum”
This is an ad hominem fallacy because it attacks the person instead of the argument. Ad hominem is one of the most common forms of fallacy and it can be found in nearly any argumentative conversation between two or more people.
“Well, you don’t want to support the strong mayor referendum because you just don’t like Kevin Johnson”
This is the famous “straw man” fallacy because it hastily attributes an indefensible position to the opposition. Straw man arguments are routinely Read the rest of this article»
2008 winding down with a violent bang in the Sacramento region
By Joe, on Dec 30th, 2008 • Bookmark/Share• 8 Reader comments
Five video game stores robbed in a week’s time in the South area of Sacramento recently. The Bee posted an image of a robbery that took place on Dec 22. A young man is seen pointing a shotgun at two presumably terrified store clerks. Our own Blockbuster at Natomas Blvd and Del Paso Rd had it’s front window shattered on Christmas Eve and the thieves made off with presumably whatever they pleased.
Yeah, yeah crime is everywhere. I know. But I don’t live everywhere. I live in Sacramento. And I am staggered by the amount of violence in my city. Aren’t you? Or are you one of those people who have made peace with violence? Or maybe you’re the type of person who feels as long as crime hasn’t found its way to your front door step it’s tolerable? Or maybe you think as long as there are people there will always be violence, and therefore everyone Read the rest of this article»
Hark the Herald Angels Sing! Glory to the Newborn King
By Joe, on Dec 25th, 2008 • Bookmark/Share• No Reader comments yetJust got back from midnight mass at the Cathedral. It was our new Bishop Soto’s first Christmas mass in the Sacramento Diocese. I am certain we breached the fire code given the volume of people. I can’t even begin to describe the beauty of the strings, horns, and Cathedral Choir as they rendered hymns and songs of the Christmas season. It was truly a soul-stirring celebration of the Eucharist and the birth of Christ. The following is a little gem recited by now retired Bishop Weigand, from last year’s Christmas mass. I had been storing it in email and thought I would share it. May the peace of the Lord Jesus be with you all this Christmas. Read the rest of this article»
A Look at the Proverbial Question: Have You Finished Your Christmas Shopping Yet?
By Joe, on Dec 21st, 2008 • Bookmark/Share• 9 Reader comments
The most common question I hear amongst friends, family and even strangers during the holiday season is: “Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet?” I wonder: What is the purpose of this question? And is it the one we should be asking each other during the season of giving? Here we’ll poke some fun at this question and its potential responses, and then I’d like to explore a potential shift in paradigm..
Besides the fact that this question is arguably the wrong one to be asking one another during the holiday season, I have found it is by all means a tricky one to answer, and I find myself ever vigilant and prepared at all times for it because the traps are many, and the escapes routes few. Caveat emptor!
So, have you finished your Christmas shopping yet?
1. “Yes, I’m completely done. I was done back in November.” This response is probably the worst of the crop, because it begs the follow-up question, “Oh wow, you’re so lucky! How did you do it?” and let’s face it, there is no possible way to answer that second question without being painted a loner, a scrooge, an anal neurotic, or someone with absolutely nothing but idle time on their hands. Good luck bringing the conversation to a graceful close after lobbing this rotten-tomato-of-an-answer over the conversational fence. Read the rest of this article»
Obama taps Rick Warren to do invocation, but the real story lies in the reaction
By Joe, on Dec 18th, 2008 • Bookmark/Share• 19 Reader commentsAs I posted on abcnews.com this evening in response to a lead article about the gay community’s–ahem–spirited reaction to Obama’s choosing of Pastor Rick Warren to do his inaugural invocation..
Rick Warren. So he does the invocation. Big whooop. Hopefully he’ll pour all the money he gets from the exposure into a worthwhile charity—like the state of California, for instance.
The more important issue to me is Obama’s reaction to the criticism by the gay Read the rest of this article»
Absolutely MUST SEE video for All Americans: I.O.U.S.A
By Joe, on Dec 18th, 2008 • Bookmark/Share• 4 Reader commentsFor crystal clear video and sound, visit the web site: http://www.iousathemovie.com/
It is time for ACTION. It is time to CONTROL SPENDING. It is time to completely rethink our economy. Read the rest of this article»
Sacramento Councilman Kevin McCarty pushes back on KJ’s ’strong’ mayoral approach
By Joe, on Dec 16th, 2008 • Bookmark/Share• 13 Reader comments
I contacted Sacramento Councilman Kevin McCarty via Facebook and asked for his thoughts about the strong mayor referendum KJ is proposing. He replied with his initial thoughts rather quickly, even though he is out of country right now. I’ve referred to Kevin McCarty as the “Big Ooze” in the past for his slowness in endorsing a mayoral candidate, but I have to give him some props for being so responsive. Thanks, Kevin!
“I’ve been out of the country and still am for another 5 days, but want to give some thoughts on the Kevin Johnson strong mayor proposal.
I support the idea to have a thoughtful and inclusive community dialogue about amending our city charter and governance structure. However, such changes should not be made wily-nily nor in a vacuum, but rather by engaging our community, and mayor/council.
It would seem a better approach would create a “Charter Reform Commission” to explore ideas and proposals to be considered by the council for voter consideration. Such a citizen Read the rest of this article»
Advice for the New Mayor of Sacramento - Part 2
By Joe, on Dec 14th, 2008 • Bookmark/Share• 36 Reader commentsThis advice opinion column is centered around KJ’s desire to be “strong” mayor. It also offers criticism of his approach and handling of the situation to date…
1) LEARN how to build consensus. Build a coalition of friends and foes, just as Obama is doing with his cabinet. A coalition, NOT a KJ-ition. In business, building consensus means having the BUY IN from your colleagues before you go launching ideas.
Take the strong mayor initiative for example. A seasoned consensus builder would have worked with stakeholders behind the scenes and quietly molded consensus, and then, e.g., held a press conference on the steps of city hall a year from now with city council and city manager in full attendance, and stated “WE think Sacramento is ready for a “strong” mayor referendum and WE ask you to join us. ” Instead we got a Sac Bee column from you two weeks into your mayorship called “MY View.” If you’re going to be a respected leader, you will need to change paradigms from “MY View” to “OUR View.”
2) Work on self awareness. It is a critical leadership skill. You have to be aware of the chinks in your armor at all times and not be afraid to discuss them. Discussion of one’s challenges gives rise to the perception one is humble.. and approachable.. and accessible.. and open-minded… Read the rest of this article»
40 Points of Power: Is newly minted Mayor Kevin Johnson ready to be CEO of Sac Town?
By Joe, on Dec 12th, 2008 • Bookmark/Share• 26 Reader comments
Apparently usurping Fargo wasn’t enough. Mayor Johnson now wants to be CEO of Sacramento, too. Is he ready?
No matter your stance on today’s news about KJ’s stated desire to essentially kick the council to the curb and take full command of the city, I think we can all agree he is following through on his promise to bring change to Sacramento; I’m just not sure it’s the right change at the right time.
It seems many people, including moi, were under the impression KJ could bring positive change to Sacramento with the mayor title, a single vote on the council, and a whole lotta bully pulpit [ed: errr and coupla o' uber rich friends].
In all fairness, I think that impression was consistent with the campaign promises KJ made, and his steady stream of motivational speeches about leadership (in retrospect it is peculiar none of them included any anecdotal leadership lessons from his NBA point guard days other than to say he had experience “dealing with big egos”).
In fact prior to the election when doom prophets speculated Johnson was Read the rest of this article»
Advice for the New Mayor of Sacramento: Part 1
By Joe, on Dec 6th, 2008 • Bookmark/Share• 11 Reader comments
Daniel Weintraub approached me several weeks ago and invited me to participate in an article he was working on for the Bee. He said it would be comprised of advice for the new mayor. The only caveat was that I would have to use my real name. I declined. He was very understanding and invited me to weigh in on “The Conversation” aspect of the article on the Bee’s web site. At the time I was busy and didn’t get around to it. Here is my belated contribution to Mr. Weintraub’s well written article ..
1. Get Real
“I am a thread too slender to suspend all this reality.” -Phillip Pulfrey
You don’t have all the answers, and you can not be everything to everyone, so don’t even try. The “City that works for everyone” thing was a poignant campaign theme, but in practice it’s a house of straws because the city is not a restaurant, and there is no way its menu will ever offer a succulent entree for everyone. Only Denny’s has achieved such an ideal, and I think we can all agree they are understaffed and the product is mediocre. Read the rest of this article»
Sacramento homeowners paying for County budget shortfalls? Sure seems that way..
By Joe, on Dec 2nd, 2008 • Bookmark/Share• 21 Reader commentsHappy Thanksgiving everyone. Hope you had a nice one. Now for a look at something we’re NOT thankful for. We’re not thankful for the lopsided article in the Bee today about the 9,000 property value appeals currently in the Sac County Assessor’s books, nor the suspiciously dicey manner in which the county of Sacramento Assessor’s office is valuing homes–and treating homeowners–in this intense recession we are living through.
The Bee made a huge mistake by only seeking the County’s perspective for their story. They should have interviewed homeowners whom are currently mired in the appeals process with the county. Better yet, they should have provided actual homeowner CASE STUDIES to test the validity Read the rest of this article»
Thanksgiving 2008: What I am thankful for
By Joe, on Nov 27th, 2008 • Bookmark/Share• 12 Reader comments
Well this will be my last blog for a few days. I’m taking the next five days off with the fam’. I hope you all have an enjoyable Thanksgiving with those you love.
I am thankful for my wife. She has been incredibly supportive of my demanding job, my music, my writing, my blog, and my overall craziness. Through many trials we have become great life partners and co-leaders in our home, and I love and respect her devoutly. Thank you, baby.
I am thankful for all my friends and family who support me no matter what I am doing. I am very fortunate to have such a great support team, and I could not be more grateful for their love. Special thanks to my kids whose brutal honesty and inquiring minds keep me on my toes 24×7. I am in complete awe of their study habits. I don’t even remember having homework in middle school.
I am thankful for my dear friends and spiritual mentors. There is one in particular who changed my life a couple years ago. I have no idea where I would be today without his mentorship. He literally taught me the meaning of love. Thank you, Mr. B. Read the rest of this article»
Mayor Johnson goes Lombardi on supporters, says achieving the Sac dream not a spectator sport
By Joe, on Nov 26th, 2008 • Bookmark/Share• 40 Reader comments
May I rant for a minute? After all, this is a blog. Hey just be happy I don’t put up restaurant reviews and family photo galleries! My Tuesday evening rant:
<rant>
Hey KJ, news flash my brother: SACRAMENTO IS ON THE MAP! It was put on the map a long time ago (1839, to be specific). In fact it is on every map on the internet. Perhaps you should run a Google search on keyword Sacramento; you will get roughly 81,000,000 results,–which, for the record, is nearly three times more than Atlanta!
With all due respect, despite how many TV shows you do, or how big your events are, or how many celebrity friends you have, you’re not going to “put Sacramento on the map” because it’s already ON THE MAP! Ask just about ANY sports fan in America where Sacramento is. Ask WNBA fans Read the rest of this article»
First Annual Joe Sacramento Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway
By Joe, on Nov 25th, 2008 • Bookmark/Share• 11 Reader comments
My wife and I have purchased gift cards at Safeway to help a few families in need this Thanksgiving holiday. If your family, or one you know of, can not afford to buy a Thanksgiving dinner this year, please have them email me at joejoesacramento at gmail dot com.
In the email they should state in one paragraph their situation so we can best determine who needs the cards the most. We are going to take everyone’s word at face value, so please do not email if you can afford dinner, as you will be depriving a family of one who can not.
Only caveats are 1) You will need transportation to Natomas to pick the card up (if you can not, then let me know, and I will see what I can do Read the rest of this article»
Cops working hard in Natomas area where criminals work to dampen the holiday spirit of businesses and residents
By Joe, on Nov 24th, 2008 • Bookmark/Share• 14 Reader comments
First, I have some good news to report today. On a positive note, police officers brought in 13 Natomas area truants last week. According to Sac PD: “Most of them [were] taken to the Inderkum Attendance Center where there are community based organizations/social workers that attempt to get to the root cause of a students truancy.” Officers also arrested several suspects for recent armed robberies in the Natomas area. Kudos to police for their efforts to stem the recent tide of crime that has hit the area.
Never the less, while the volume of crimes have decreased in recent days, the brazenness of criminals continues to intensify. Take for example this armed robbery of a hapless Craigslist.com car seller who was robbed at gunpoint in South Natomas while his 3 year old child Read the rest of this article»
“We don’t judge”: The spirit of philanthropy is alive and well at Sacramento’s Loaves and Fishes
By Joe, on Nov 23rd, 2008 • Bookmark/Share• 7 Reader commentsNote: if you have difficulty playing this video here, please view directly on youtube.com here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5qlv7CAbjI
John Dahilig and I had the honor of meeting with Loaves and Fishes Procurement Director Alan Kleinman this past Saturday. We set out to interview him to ask some questions about common misconceptions about homelessness. We learned far more than we than either of us expected. Please watch this video all the way through. It will be well worth your time.
In addition, I would like to challenge all residents to donate to Loaves and Fishes this holiday season. A record number of citizens are homeless right now due to the housing crisis. Remember when you give to Loaves and Fishes, you are not just giving to “bums who don’t want to work,” you are giving to truly disadvantaged people… children, seniors, displaced familes, military veterans, Read the rest of this article»
It’s a jolly good holiday season for thugs in Natomas as police all over region lean on community for help
By Joe, on Nov 20th, 2008 • Bookmark/Share• 59 Reader comments
UPDATED 21NOV08: MORE business robberies reported!
From *couples being robbed at gun point and locked in the trunks of their own cars, to 14 year olds being robbed at in front of Kohls, to teens being “stoned” by marijuana smoking youth in Natomas Park, to employees being held at gun point in Aeropostale, to a “simulated weapons robbery” at Five Star Cleaners by four thugs JUST THIS MORNING, Natomas is once again drowning not in river waters, but in a flood of violent crime–for which no “preferred risk policy” can console.
Yep, crime is spiking again. Robberies are up on average of 93% for the North and South Natomas areas in October. More troubling is the fact that we’re only half way through November, and from the looks of the Sac PD reports I am seeing, it looks like it’s only getting worse.
Sadly–albeit predictably–the local media is once again WAY behind the eight ball in reporting what is really going on in Natomas. The only article I have seen recently is one in which they reported how burglaries were down in Natomas. Prior to that they reported how Natomas businesses were Read the rest of this article»