Unless it would be a Tesla dealership, then no. Cars are so "2012"! Interesting that this story hasn't elicited more response by now. It's one of the more provocative that the Press has published in recent history.

What I'm most excited about is what will eventually become of the old arena site. We mustn't forget the assurances given by so many that this location will not be forgotten once the new arena is built. Long before then, however, we should expect a definitive plan. I, for one, have proposed a major medical facilty. Natomas is sorely in need of this. The closest hospitals are either UC Davis in Oak Park, or Mercy Hospital in East Sacramento, depending on distance or speed. The many thousands of residents in this part of Natomas deserve to have this service available at a more reasonable distance. Of course, the amount of land would be available for more than this one use. I just hope and pray (depite being an agnostic!) that it does NOT become "Natomas Auto Mall". Yuk.

Sounds like it would be easier to just kiss and make up! Good luck to both of you.

I'm beginning to wonder if Mr. Burg sees Sacramento as his own fantasy train set that he never got for Christmas.

We've spent YEARS pondering a multitude of "What Ifs" for our city. As a result, Downtown, other than a couple of nice new office buildings and some renovations of others, (including the Crocker) hasn't changed a bit. More importantly, the populous has grown weary - most having given up on anything significant happening in downtown in their lifetimes (and the ones I refer to are only in their 30s and 40s!). If this arena deal doesn't happen, the city will surely drop into a deep vat of malaise for another 10-20 years. I appreciate the author's enthusiasm and rich knowledge of this area's history, but I'm afraid the vast population of Sacramento is more inclined to react to change, and not to do anything to bring it about. If the arena deal goes down in flames - so, too, will the acreage in Natomas, when the Sleep Train Arena and surrounding land is suddenly abandoned next year, and there will be little chance of anyone willing to do anything with it without a corresponding downtown arena deal. How much will the city need to spend to maintain that white elephant to keep it from collapsing over the next 10-20 years?

Nice icon, James.

Okay - but instead of planting seeds, wouldn't building an arena be more like transplanting a full-grown tree...which would also spawn more off-shoots in the form of new retail, restaurants, bars, housing, hotels, etc.? Why not go for it all?

Watching and reading both sides of the issue, I see a tendency to over-simplify things. There are a LOT of generalizations swirling about on this issue, and I suppose not too many people - even those with a more intimate involvement - could honestly say that they have a full grasp on the probable outcomes. (How's THAT for a generalization!) But watching the anti-arena folks on TV last night was quite embarrassing. None of them were very eloquent, or well versed on the topic. Lots of emotional dribble without any substance. I was hoping that those against would at least present a compelling, somewhat objective, logical argument for their cause...as some in this forum have done. The truth is, is that this now comes down to two things: Sterns' and the BOG's decision...and then, the wild card aka Maloofs. Would they DARE rescind any deal once it makes it to their fat little fingers...just to spite KJ, Sacramento, et al? One thing missing from most of the above comments, too, is the fate of Natomas, which Angelique Ashby has championed from day one on this matter, and since her election. I sing her praises for not forgetting to make Natomas, and the old arena site, a priority. Regardless of your thoughts on the new arena deal - the intelligent redevelopment of the Natomas site could very well overshadow the new arena on several levels, including social, commercial, and financial, thus making up for any potential shortfall of the rosy projections put forth by the arena supporters. As for the parking situation - I think it's pretty short-sighted to assume that the demand for parking will continue to grow, or even maintain current levels, over the next 35-years. We're evolving into less dependency on cars, or at least their use by individuals. Parking lots may, in that period of time, become as obsolete as the town horse stable. Hell, even Old Sac doesn't have one of those anymore! Whichever way this goes, those who don't get their way will be proven right. If the arena isn't built, we'll lose the Kings, and the local economy will continue to sputter along, and downtown will play out it's long, drawn out death scene. If it is built, it won't live up to its promised full potential, i.e., selling points. For now, I'm going to just enjoy the drama, the hype, the deadlines, the news teasers, and all of these comments. ###

You might want to consider starting a Yahoo Group - you can set it up so only members can access it and post messages, which are automatically emailed to them. Works very well for our association. But nothing beats meeting in person! Good for you for organizing this, Joe. Of course, I'm sure I'm not the only person who sees the irony in your surname! Good luck!

Yep - two of the brothers (not George) live in Natomas - Westlake commune (gated community) off of El Centro and Del Paso Roads.

I can't blame KJ for putting forth an effort to try to keep the Kings here - even though, personally, I couldn't care less whether they stay or move. That said - I harbor a distinct disdain for the Maloofs - who have apparently fooled another into thinking that they're "honorable" - namely, Chris Hansen, who has obviously never purchased a used car before. How many games have the brothers attended in recent memory, by the way? I'm guessing: None. They will go down in Sacramento history in the top ten listing of scoundrels our city has had the misfortune of having as some of its residents. Sorry to see the Kings go, yes, but not the Maloofs. Don't let the door hit you in the a$$.

Or hire Jesus as a crossing guard...I hear he's looking for work these days.

Only in Sac Press could a stupid car accident turn into a discussion on the existence of GOD! And we wonder why we haven't been contacted by extraterrestrials!

It's about consistency, and dare I say, branding. Sac Press has never been about hard news, in terms of police blotter items. That's the job of other outlets. This story is about immediacy - a particular event in which interest will quickly subside. The role of Sac Press is more about reporting trends - and giving folks an opportunity to comment on them (like we are here). So no - TWRL - it's not about sand - but I hope this isn't your only source of news, either! If the Sac Press prints this story - then doesn't it have to print ALL similar stories in order to be consistent? It's not the role of Sac Press to compete with the Bee or other mass media on these types of stories - they don't have the resources to do so.

"Hard news" in the SP? This sort of thing probably happens frequently here...hardly justifies a mention in this forum, IMO.

You get what you pay for. Call me skeptical, but I'm wondering if that $1 fare includes INTERIOR seating???

You'll need a very good telescopic lens for next season's photos, Ron.

Pet owners: (especially those in the Natomas Bowl) have your escape plan include pet carriers at the ready, along with food/medications. Have some cash to have on hand in case cards aren't usable in the area for a while. Not to sound alarmist - but this might be the biggest test our levees have had in a long time!

Mike Yee was awesome in this production! His ability to turn the "Rock Star" on and off during one of the scenes had us laughing out loud! This was a really powerful play/musical on many levels. For anyone who is living, or has lived with bi-polar on any level - this is a must-see!

According to an anonymous source at the North American Weather Research Organization (NAWRO) the use of all of this spray paint had a direct impact on the ozone layer covering Sacramento, which resulted in the unusually warm temperatures we've been experiencing lately....