Latest from stern on Maloof's relocation plans
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They would be contributing to a potential riverfront entertainment mega center unlike anything else found in the state. The closest thing would be AT&T Park in SF and the restaurants that surround it. Only in Sac, a drive into town would offer you baseball in the summer, basketball in the winter and spring (hopefully into June on occasion as well, hehe), indoor or outdoor concerts year round, aforementioned restaurants, and shopping mall and movie theater right across the street (and has been primed for a renovation for years that would probably be sparked by the development that would happen in the railyards). I'd imagine much more shopping opportunities would pop up in those yards around the arena and possibly across the river by the stadium as well. And of course, the brand spankin new courthouse for all your legal needs. 
Anecdotal of course, but I know plenty of people willing to drive all the way out to Roseville from Sac to the galleria and surrounding area just to do shopping. Plenty already make the trek to Thunder Valley, Cache Creek, Red Hawk, etc. A drive into Sac for any of the reasons above is certainly justifiable on a number of entertainment fronts.
Anecdotal of course, but I know plenty of people willing to drive all the way out to Roseville from Sac to the galleria and surrounding area just to do shopping. Plenty already make the trek to Thunder Valley, Cache Creek, Red Hawk, etc. A drive into Sac for any of the reasons above is certainly justifiable on a number of entertainment fronts.
Exactly, it will make downtown a destination once again. But it also provides year round stuff to do for people in downtown/midtown/east sac and other close in neighborhoods. Game night will always be a major draw for years to come which will attract the locals who will hopefully become loyal to some spots which will draw more of the long commuters in to stay before or after. People tried to do this downtown before with places like America Live but it couldn't outlast the hype because after the novelty was over there was no reason to keep coming downtown unless you lived there.
And long term this could be huge for the city if it helps retain the brightest from younger generations who typically head off to college and don't come back.
And long term this could be huge for the city if it helps retain the brightest from younger generations who typically head off to college and don't come back.
Don’t forget about all of the urban housing mixed in. You are talking about moving a ton of people with disposable dollars onto both sides of the river. Which instantly brings a lot of food and entertainment venues … for example; you see a lot of high end bowling alleys near these downtown arenas. Having two court houses down there also supplies a steady stream of customers for eateries. I wouldn’t hit a Bass Pro Shop, but apparently these things draw a lot of people from all over. I’m guessing that you’ll also see some decent retail in the back by the pro shop. The downtown plaza is never going to be a draw, but adding that many people will make it viable … and its dying right now.
And while it will be small, Sacramento gets some waterfront property.
On the west side, I could envision a decent / high end hotel next to the bridge with a string of multistory housing with bars and restaurants on the ground floor lining the river. At which point, they’ve got a top flight water front (with room to grow to the south past 50 eventually). Raley filed goes from an isolated venue to a smaller sports and entertainment complex.
With this project, that’s all very doable in the next 10 years. At which point, Sacramento gets to start over with its downtown (lets try again over here, and build out) and West Sacramento goes from little town with potential to a real town.
Out of towners will pump in money on the nights of events, but even if a lot of people aren’t driving on-non game/concert night, the cities want to give people a reason to move down there. If so, the demand helps property values, which helps their budgets.
And because the best parts of both towns would feed off each other and abut the river, over the next 20-30 years, both cities could redevelop some of their most blighted areas. Its an urban planner’s dream.
Can they fund it. With Sacramento almost broke and West Sacramento with empty and shallow pockets … I don’t know.
And while it will be small, Sacramento gets some waterfront property.
On the west side, I could envision a decent / high end hotel next to the bridge with a string of multistory housing with bars and restaurants on the ground floor lining the river. At which point, they’ve got a top flight water front (with room to grow to the south past 50 eventually). Raley filed goes from an isolated venue to a smaller sports and entertainment complex.
With this project, that’s all very doable in the next 10 years. At which point, Sacramento gets to start over with its downtown (lets try again over here, and build out) and West Sacramento goes from little town with potential to a real town.
Out of towners will pump in money on the nights of events, but even if a lot of people aren’t driving on-non game/concert night, the cities want to give people a reason to move down there. If so, the demand helps property values, which helps their budgets.
And because the best parts of both towns would feed off each other and abut the river, over the next 20-30 years, both cities could redevelop some of their most blighted areas. Its an urban planner’s dream.
Can they fund it. With Sacramento almost broke and West Sacramento with empty and shallow pockets … I don’t know.
I think that's why West Sacramento and Yolo County have come to the table with money. When the arena railyard plans came out, I'm sure they were thinking "Awesome, we've got most of the riverfront property. We'll just piggy back off of that." The railyards and West Sacramento water front aren't stalled, but they are at best creeping along.
Even without this project, West Sacramento can probably make their northern edge (a nice gated area) and the waterfront pretty decent ... but the problem would be as you put it Brodrick in the middle. If they help Sacramento get the railyard off the ground, Brodrick becomes prime real estate. If you are West Sacramento, you just: (1) wait for the arena to open and railyard to take off; and (2) put a ton of cops on the ground. When the area is both safe and prime for expansion, problem solved.
I don't know how much they have to spend, but West Sacramento / Yolo has a lot to gain.
Even without this project, West Sacramento can probably make their northern edge (a nice gated area) and the waterfront pretty decent ... but the problem would be as you put it Brodrick in the middle. If they help Sacramento get the railyard off the ground, Brodrick becomes prime real estate. If you are West Sacramento, you just: (1) wait for the arena to open and railyard to take off; and (2) put a ton of cops on the ground. When the area is both safe and prime for expansion, problem solved.
I don't know how much they have to spend, but West Sacramento / Yolo has a lot to gain.
You got to start somewhere. 3 or 4 years after Staples Center opened the fast food restaurants still had 1" thick bulletproof glass between the cashiers and the customers (on the inside, not the drive thru).
Same is true for many downtown developments. Detroit for example, although they still have their basketball arena in the burbs did move their football and baseball fields back downtown. When I did a few jobs there in between 99-01 it was the single most depressing area I had ever seen, I believe it has improved though obviously Detroit is still reeling from the loss of manufacturing that built the city.
Pretty sure even lilly white Portland's Rose Quarter was a gang infested slum at some point in the 90s before it was all gentrified.
Same is true for many downtown developments. Detroit for example, although they still have their basketball arena in the burbs did move their football and baseball fields back downtown. When I did a few jobs there in between 99-01 it was the single most depressing area I had ever seen, I believe it has improved though obviously Detroit is still reeling from the loss of manufacturing that built the city.
Pretty sure even lilly white Portland's Rose Quarter was a gang infested slum at some point in the 90s before it was all gentrified.
well, its not important that fans who live outside of sacramento care, necessarily. good will isn't built over night. it takes time. what's most important to the region, in my opinion, is what you yourself have written in this post. you referred to sacramento as "the City." however, for northern californians, that designation has always belonged to san francisco. SF is "the City." it doesn't matter where you live in norcal. at some point, you've likely made a journey to "the City," because it offers many of the leisure activities and destinations that a city like sacramento does not. building a sports and entertainment complex would be an excellent first step towards increasing sacramento's appeal as a tourist destination. this includes all adjacent regional affiliations. it's certainly not the only step. and its hardly about the kings, exclusively. its about restoring some manner of modern credibility to the region. maybe someday, many years from now, residents of surrounding communities will spend less money on gas to make the trip to san francisco, and head just up the road to sacramento instead. maybe there will be a city worth calling "the City" there someday. it starts with the scaling back of the small town mentality and the embracing of big city pride. if sacramento is a top 20 media market, it needs to start acting like one, because that market services more than just those within city/county limits...
i like the point made by a poster above about how sacramento could someday be a city and a region whose youth return after college in a worthwhile capacity. i graduated from roseville high school in '05, and everybody from my graduating class who has returned home did not do so by choice. they couldn't afford to do anything else. they got degrees without any idea of what they were going to do with them, and they currently work dead-end jobs back home and "contribute" to the region's growth in the same capacity that they did as high schoolers, except some of them now work at the bar of the local restaurant instead of bussing the tables. however, most of us who got out and stayed out have no intention of returning. many of us are not proud of where we come from. it is not a happy occasion to go back, and there are bigger, better opportunities for us elsewhere, so there's little point in fabricating nostalgia for an area that has little appeal to those who aren't interested in settling down, pumping out 1.5 kids, and going to little league games and barbecues during our mid-20's. most of sacramento's brightest young minds pour out in mass exodus. i, personally, maintain absolutely no loyalty to the region. i go home to see my parents a few times a year. sometimes i go to concerts in the area. but other than familial obligations, my only significant tie to the region is the kings. take that away, and its just one less reason for me to consider the sacramento area "home." but again, the possibility of a sports and entertainment complex is hardly just about the kings...
for my money, zelda's pizza in sac is some of the best i've ever had. i love dimple records in roseville. i went back home last weekend for record store day, and dimple was selling all vinyl 20% off!! i snagged deftones' covers lp, a pinback 7-inch, a rival schools 7-inch, and a ton of free stuff. it was awesome. the beat in downtown sac is pretty rad, as well. but record stores are dropping like flies all over the country. its tragic, in my opinion, but that's a commentary for another day and another thread. the point is, sacramento needs more than a few charming local businesses to compete in a future economic and social climate that's leaving them behind...
i like the point made by a poster above about how sacramento could someday be a city and a region whose youth return after college in a worthwhile capacity. i graduated from roseville high school in '05, and everybody from my graduating class who has returned home did not do so by choice. they couldn't afford to do anything else. they got degrees without any idea of what they were going to do with them, and they currently work dead-end jobs back home and "contribute" to the region's growth in the same capacity that they did as high schoolers, except some of them now work at the bar of the local restaurant instead of bussing the tables. however, most of us who got out and stayed out have no intention of returning. many of us are not proud of where we come from. it is not a happy occasion to go back, and there are bigger, better opportunities for us elsewhere, so there's little point in fabricating nostalgia for an area that has little appeal to those who aren't interested in settling down, pumping out 1.5 kids, and going to little league games and barbecues during our mid-20's. most of sacramento's brightest young minds pour out in mass exodus. i, personally, maintain absolutely no loyalty to the region. i go home to see my parents a few times a year. sometimes i go to concerts in the area. but other than familial obligations, my only significant tie to the region is the kings. take that away, and its just one less reason for me to consider the sacramento area "home." but again, the possibility of a sports and entertainment complex is hardly just about the kings...
for my money, zelda's pizza in sac is some of the best i've ever had. i love dimple records in roseville. i went back home last weekend for record store day, and dimple was selling all vinyl 20% off!! i snagged deftones' covers lp, a pinback 7-inch, a rival schools 7-inch, and a ton of free stuff. it was awesome. the beat in downtown sac is pretty rad, as well. but record stores are dropping like flies all over the country. its tragic, in my opinion, but that's a commentary for another day and another thread. the point is, sacramento needs more than a few charming local businesses to compete in a future economic and social climate that's leaving them behind...
Downtown Sac has never, ever, been a "destination," except maybe back in ancient Gold Rush days. It's thoroughy depressed and depressing for years. For decades state workers and others down there with a real job left after work, never hanging around the boring and often dangerous downtown area. Who can blame them, as it's always been infested with bums, thugs, thieves, and assorted undesirables of all stripes. Even today, if you walk around the silly K-street mall area you are likely to be accosted by numerous pandhandlers or smell urine left in a doorway of some poor biz owners establishment. Getting that Greyhound bus terminal out of there would be a start. How come that can't get done? It's really a pathetic area and I would never for a second take any of my out of the area friends or relatives down there to show them "beautiful Sacramento." Developing the railyards (talked about forever) has "potential" to do a lot, but it must come with many other caveats.
I get the impression that West Sacramento’s long term plan was based, in part, upon Sacramento getting the railyard developed.
They spent a lot money to get Raley filed up and running and they’ve been knocking down old motels and putting up a government center in the middle. They gave up an old golf course on the north edge, to get a decent development built on the other side. I’m guessing there were planning on private developers making the riverfront a draw and remaking Brodrick. Without a railyard arena, that might not happen.
So an optimist says West Sacramento is investing in their future. I think a pragmatist would argue, it’s crossed their mind, “Really, Sacramento. You are going to fumble the railyards too and drag us down with you? We’ve enjoyed a lot of your failures, thanks for the Rivercats and Ikea, but we never thought you’d blow this one. Here, we can only chip a little, but get this done for all of our sakes.
I’m all for teamwork. But in one sense, this is the equivalent of a remora fish helping an inept shark kill a dolphin.
They spent a lot money to get Raley filed up and running and they’ve been knocking down old motels and putting up a government center in the middle. They gave up an old golf course on the north edge, to get a decent development built on the other side. I’m guessing there were planning on private developers making the riverfront a draw and remaking Brodrick. Without a railyard arena, that might not happen.
So an optimist says West Sacramento is investing in their future. I think a pragmatist would argue, it’s crossed their mind, “Really, Sacramento. You are going to fumble the railyards too and drag us down with you? We’ve enjoyed a lot of your failures, thanks for the Rivercats and Ikea, but we never thought you’d blow this one. Here, we can only chip a little, but get this done for all of our sakes.
I’m all for teamwork. But in one sense, this is the equivalent of a remora fish helping an inept shark kill a dolphin.
Sacramento is probably a better place to be for familes rather than for singles. Honestly, though there are a lot of things downtown and midtown. It depends on what you want. It doesn't have a ton of "clubs" compared to some cities, though.
There are multiple live performances theaters downtown that are very good, a lot of top notch restaurants and there are some very good clubs. There are a lot of museums and a ton of excellent art galleries.
It has one of the two railroad museums in the world (the other is in England). There are some great neighborhoods and parks. I love to walk in many of the tree-canopied streets. (Sacramento is the third most treeful city in the world (trees per square acre).
Summers are hot, but you just can't beat a beautiful summer evening here and outdoor living/eating is wonderful during the summer. The outdoor recreational activites are numerous, including downtown and the American River. There are famers markets where you can get almost any organic produce you want and gorgeous flowers, just picked that morning. Some even have fresh fish of all kinds on ice. Some really great coffee houses, too.
The development of the rail yards along with the intermodal transporation hub to be located there will really help, though. Shopping could be improved.
I find Sacramento to be friendlier than the average urban area and more relaxed. I am also proud of the fact that at the last census Sacramento was declared the most diverse city in the US. Atlanta is heavily black (out of proportion to the US population, actually), but Sacramento has amazing diversity of race, ethnicity and culture. There are multiple festivals and cultural celebrations every year and manu of them are downtown.
Sacramento does have the urban panhandlers and homeless and gang activity. Most urban areas are the same. The biggest blow to downtown Sacramento was the development of blocks of land developed with government buildings that lack any other tenants in the buildings that would draw a person there after hours. Unfortunately, the city has never had any say over what the State designs and builds. They can comment, but the decision is the State's alone. The new East End complex next to the capitol is not what the city wanted in execution. At this point, its near impossible to do anything about those areas of downtown. The rail yards is the biggest single, infill site in any city. It has that much power to change downtown dramatically. If we don't blow it with weak, unimaginative design and planning.
Let's put it this way. If I could afford to live downtown in my retirement, I would.
(And you could not pay me to live in Atlanta. Sorry, but I hate the weather there.)
There are multiple live performances theaters downtown that are very good, a lot of top notch restaurants and there are some very good clubs. There are a lot of museums and a ton of excellent art galleries.
It has one of the two railroad museums in the world (the other is in England). There are some great neighborhoods and parks. I love to walk in many of the tree-canopied streets. (Sacramento is the third most treeful city in the world (trees per square acre).
Summers are hot, but you just can't beat a beautiful summer evening here and outdoor living/eating is wonderful during the summer. The outdoor recreational activites are numerous, including downtown and the American River. There are famers markets where you can get almost any organic produce you want and gorgeous flowers, just picked that morning. Some even have fresh fish of all kinds on ice. Some really great coffee houses, too.
The development of the rail yards along with the intermodal transporation hub to be located there will really help, though. Shopping could be improved.
I find Sacramento to be friendlier than the average urban area and more relaxed. I am also proud of the fact that at the last census Sacramento was declared the most diverse city in the US. Atlanta is heavily black (out of proportion to the US population, actually), but Sacramento has amazing diversity of race, ethnicity and culture. There are multiple festivals and cultural celebrations every year and manu of them are downtown.
Sacramento does have the urban panhandlers and homeless and gang activity. Most urban areas are the same. The biggest blow to downtown Sacramento was the development of blocks of land developed with government buildings that lack any other tenants in the buildings that would draw a person there after hours. Unfortunately, the city has never had any say over what the State designs and builds. They can comment, but the decision is the State's alone. The new East End complex next to the capitol is not what the city wanted in execution. At this point, its near impossible to do anything about those areas of downtown. The rail yards is the biggest single, infill site in any city. It has that much power to change downtown dramatically. If we don't blow it with weak, unimaginative design and planning.
Let's put it this way. If I could afford to live downtown in my retirement, I would.
(And you could not pay me to live in Atlanta. Sorry, but I hate the weather there.)
I realize that but it has to start somewhere. 50 years ago Old Sac was worse than downtown, they wanted to raze the whole thing and turn it into parking or more freeway. My grandfather was one who saw potential and fought through bureaucracy, plus public scorn and derision to build a silly little restaurant which became a Sacramento institution and helped pave the way for Old Sac becoming a historic district. I guess some may ridicule it as an old fashioned tourist trap that isn't remotely hip but for years it was a top tourist destination in Sac and it shows what a little vision can do for an area that the whole city seemed to write off.
Sometimes you just got to do it and hope everything works out for the best. And an arena is a game changer because unlike a silly club or bar or restaurant which will more than likely be hip for 6 months or maybe even a few years and then go kaput, an arena will draw crowds for the next 30 years to the area. I'll point to Staples because 3 years, maybe 5 years after it was built it was still an area that was developing and you didn't want to be in but now its finally shaping into what was promised. Everyone wants overnight solutions and they just don't happen.
Sometimes you just got to do it and hope everything works out for the best. And an arena is a game changer because unlike a silly club or bar or restaurant which will more than likely be hip for 6 months or maybe even a few years and then go kaput, an arena will draw crowds for the next 30 years to the area. I'll point to Staples because 3 years, maybe 5 years after it was built it was still an area that was developing and you didn't want to be in but now its finally shaping into what was promised. Everyone wants overnight solutions and they just don't happen.
I think I remember you mentioning your grandfather before - he would be a local hero to me. Too bad we have suffered mightily for so long without many heroes helping Sac get where it should be. Maybe now, finally, our energetic mayor will be the ultimate hero towards having a Sacramento renaissance - time will tell.
No, Glenn's 100% on our side - he's just frustrated with the overall quality of life decline in Sac and California. He wants to retire back to his long, lost home in Minnesota and never look back at all the bad around these parts. No one can blame him for that. He'll always be a Kings fan as long as they stay in Sac. No T'Wolves for him.
I'm not really sure if I have or haven't, I have thought about it once or twice and ultimately resist. But Old Sac is really the closest parallel I can find to downtown within the Sacramento confines and the negativity has existed for generations, ultimately, somebody whether it is the mayor or private business or whoever just has to step up and do something. And you have to go all in. That's a lesson I learned myself the hard way when I tried my hand at my own business. I think KJ is willing to go all in but he needs the financial partners to help him. He seems to be doing a good job identifying them although it remains to be seen what the level of commitment is and how the city and surrounding areas will match.
All I know is I would love it if the next time my mom asked me to move back to Sacramento the prospect excited me a little more than it did a few months ago.
All I know is I would love it if the next time my mom asked me to move back to Sacramento the prospect excited me a little more than it did a few months ago.
Old Sac is the Kevin Martin of destinations. Solid but limited and one dimensional. As a #1 attraction, it’s not going to work. If you could make it/him the sidekick for a game changer or the third wheel on a good team, it would be perfect.
I’m pretty sure that Kevin Martin likes taffy and Grant hates both Martin and Old Sac, so the analogy works on many levels.
I’m pretty sure that Kevin Martin likes taffy and Grant hates both Martin and Old Sac, so the analogy works on many levels.
Although it isn't somewhere you visit frequently, the rail road museum in Old Sac is most definitely world class. Its considered the largest and best in the world or (some would say) only second to the one in Great Britain.
I don't think most Sacramentans realize that. Its well worth visiting, unless you have zero interest in rail roads. I love 'em.
For people who are interested in history and the gold rush, the Sacramento History Museum in Old Sac is really nice. In particular the phographic archives they have that you can look at. Some amazing pictures.
I don't think most Sacramentans realize that. Its well worth visiting, unless you have zero interest in rail roads. I love 'em.
For people who are interested in history and the gold rush, the Sacramento History Museum in Old Sac is really nice. In particular the phographic archives they have that you can look at. Some amazing pictures.
Your analogy is easy to understand. I agree with it. There's not much to see after old sac. Go to downtown plaza afterwards? then what? not much else. Lots of gubment buildings in the area.
I enjoy the railroad museum. The kids love it. However, how many times can you go see it in a year and not get bored?
I enjoy the railroad museum. The kids love it. However, how many times can you go see it in a year and not get bored?
My son and I are both fans of the RR museum.
I brought up Old Sac not because I think it is the greatest place on earth, just to note that it was a complete slum and viewed far less worthy of trying to save than Downtown has been now or in the recent past. And yet some people decided they didn't care who they ticked off in the process, they were going to build and try to revitalize the area and by golly it worked and prior to the Kings arrival it was pretty much the main tourist attraction in Sac along with Sutter's Fort. Today we hear a lot about how Downtown can't be saved and how this attempt failed or that attempt failed and my gut reaction is that they always failed because there was never a hook. The same mall shops, chain restaurants and lame generic clubs as you can get anywhere else. Why drive downtown and deal with parking and risk a DUI when you can find the same thing closer to home? Gotta be something you can't get elsewhere and the Kings and other arena only events fit that bill.
Agree 100% both as to the process and Old Sac. My point wasn't to knock it down, but to say that its going to be a great part of a desination.
Really, it stands to gain a ton. You'll be able to go from the RR museum over to the old restored railyard buildings, where you can grab a bite to eat. Plus, the foot traffic there would explode. On arena event nights, you'll have a ton of people that park in both lots in Old Sac and walk 5 blocks to the game. Later, you are going to have people living in the railyards passing through as the bike and walk to Rivercats games (yes, everybody drives in CA, but these are young urban downtown people).
If not for the efforts of people like your family, its another lane of a freeway that deprived Sacramento of a real waterfront. It could be part of a solid arena/railyard / old sac / west sacramento waterfront district.
Really, it stands to gain a ton. You'll be able to go from the RR museum over to the old restored railyard buildings, where you can grab a bite to eat. Plus, the foot traffic there would explode. On arena event nights, you'll have a ton of people that park in both lots in Old Sac and walk 5 blocks to the game. Later, you are going to have people living in the railyards passing through as the bike and walk to Rivercats games (yes, everybody drives in CA, but these are young urban downtown people).
If not for the efforts of people like your family, its another lane of a freeway that deprived Sacramento of a real waterfront. It could be part of a solid arena/railyard / old sac / west sacramento waterfront district.
I realize I have shoved the Twin Cities down throats but a few years back I went to St. Paul and encountered this which once was just an old arena and old buildings:
This is a mind boggling collection of buildings, all new, with the Xcel Center being the basketball/hockey arena. The arena seems to be a small part of the complex. St. Paul essentially moved all its cultural, sports, and convention facilities into one area in downtown St. Paul.
If Sacramento can approach that, people will come and I mean not only locals but people from the country. Remember the Republican National Convention was held in St. Paul here in 2008. That's a lot of tourist money.
In this complex, people can walk from building to building. I presume as close as Sacto can come to that is build downtown so people can walk to Old Sac and the railroad museum. I don't know downtown Sac so maybe I'm wrong.
This is a mind boggling collection of buildings, all new, with the Xcel Center being the basketball/hockey arena. The arena seems to be a small part of the complex. St. Paul essentially moved all its cultural, sports, and convention facilities into one area in downtown St. Paul.
If Sacramento can approach that, people will come and I mean not only locals but people from the country. Remember the Republican National Convention was held in St. Paul here in 2008. That's a lot of tourist money.
In this complex, people can walk from building to building. I presume as close as Sacto can come to that is build downtown so people can walk to Old Sac and the railroad museum. I don't know downtown Sac so maybe I'm wrong.
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I'd have to try and find it, but I read about a group that wants to do something special with the swath of land along the southern edge of the American River. You can't see it in the map of the railyard plan, but it would start at the edge of that and go along the undeveloped waterfront at least to Sutter's Landing and maybe all the way to the Cal Expol site. They want a park and museums and an outdoor amphitheater and a bunch of stff. I think it would be wonderful.
RookieOfTheDay, here it is. BTW, and you can take this as personally as you wish, I find your attitude to be characteristic of the area. I really wonder if can know what some of us see as negative when you seem to be negative to outsiders like the Maloofs. You are Sacramento. I give you great credit for curiosity if you are sincere.
I don't find that many people in Sacramento care to hear what other people think of their city because it is usually not kind. Here it is though. It's only one other city but it's one I have lived in for a long time. It is beautiful. It is filled with lakes and greenery. Look it up on a map. Look at pictures. Look outward and suffer when you see the comparison. You'll see why the Lakers, who came from Minneapolis, are called the Lakers. I had a memorable hot day floating on an innertube from Lake of the Isles to one of the bigger lakes that I'll never forget as most lakes are not connected. This was a unique connecting creek. Just a very small creek, a beautiful young lady, and two inner tubes. Four hours of lazy floating through the greenery of trees and grass. Ahhhhh!
I'm white but I can understand a little from an African American view point. Shoot me if I am wrong but there doesn't seem to be a huge African American middle class here. It is a city of pockets. Asians, Mexicans-Americans, African Americans, Russians, etc. I am not being a bigot to say that like stays with like and may see others as unfriendly. I know that when I go to south Sac I feel like I am in another world and it is not mine. My Asian wife doesn't react the same.
I guess the big question is why am I here. I went to school in Minneapolis and Eau Claire, WI and my best friend of the time was married to a Sacramento native. He finished school ahead of me and moved here. I went into the Navy and then looked around the country as to where I should go. He made it easy to set up practice here. It's difficult to move once your business is settled here. I'm now retired and free to live and die where I wish. BTW, he went back to Minneapolis 15 years ago. He couldn't stand Sacramento and missed Minneapolis.
My entire family of fairly bright people have never left the area. The furthest anyone has gone is me and one brother in Green Bay. Nobody leaves and they are not fools. Within 100 miles of Rochester I have 4 close cousins, a sister and brother, a step mother who I adore and nieces and nephews who I have only briefly met. Expand out further and you find my best friend and more relatives.
The end of the my saga in Sacramento will come in roughly two years when my wife finishes her next degree. I will move back to Rochester. That's a big move but I am so damn happy to be leaving. I can't describe how happy I am in just looking forward to it. The only thing I will miss is my doctor but I am sure the Mayo Clinic has good doctors.
I will always be a Kings fan.
I don't find that many people in Sacramento care to hear what other people think of their city because it is usually not kind. Here it is though. It's only one other city but it's one I have lived in for a long time. It is beautiful. It is filled with lakes and greenery. Look it up on a map. Look at pictures. Look outward and suffer when you see the comparison. You'll see why the Lakers, who came from Minneapolis, are called the Lakers. I had a memorable hot day floating on an innertube from Lake of the Isles to one of the bigger lakes that I'll never forget as most lakes are not connected. This was a unique connecting creek. Just a very small creek, a beautiful young lady, and two inner tubes. Four hours of lazy floating through the greenery of trees and grass. Ahhhhh!
I'm white but I can understand a little from an African American view point. Shoot me if I am wrong but there doesn't seem to be a huge African American middle class here. It is a city of pockets. Asians, Mexicans-Americans, African Americans, Russians, etc. I am not being a bigot to say that like stays with like and may see others as unfriendly. I know that when I go to south Sac I feel like I am in another world and it is not mine. My Asian wife doesn't react the same.
I guess the big question is why am I here. I went to school in Minneapolis and Eau Claire, WI and my best friend of the time was married to a Sacramento native. He finished school ahead of me and moved here. I went into the Navy and then looked around the country as to where I should go. He made it easy to set up practice here. It's difficult to move once your business is settled here. I'm now retired and free to live and die where I wish. BTW, he went back to Minneapolis 15 years ago. He couldn't stand Sacramento and missed Minneapolis.
My entire family of fairly bright people have never left the area. The furthest anyone has gone is me and one brother in Green Bay. Nobody leaves and they are not fools. Within 100 miles of Rochester I have 4 close cousins, a sister and brother, a step mother who I adore and nieces and nephews who I have only briefly met. Expand out further and you find my best friend and more relatives.
The end of the my saga in Sacramento will come in roughly two years when my wife finishes her next degree. I will move back to Rochester. That's a big move but I am so damn happy to be leaving. I can't describe how happy I am in just looking forward to it. The only thing I will miss is my doctor but I am sure the Mayo Clinic has good doctors.
I will always be a Kings fan.