Anthony Bento comment-53454 2011-07-16T14:56:55Z 2011-07-16T14:56:55Z Fantastic article. Melissa, you did a great job demystifying the complex process of redevelopment in California. Thanks! Anthony Bento 2011-07-16T14:56:55Z Anthony Bento comment-44627 2011-01-30T23:46:56Z 2011-01-30T23:46:56Z That's very fascinating. I had no idea that the highway was originally placed near the river because the city wanted a Macy's downtown. I suppose it's just difficult for me to imagine the railyards (and the Richards blvd area, for that matter) as integrated into the downtown area. But as you mentioned, the increased desirability of the midtown-downtown area has made previously undesirable areas healthier, and may result in the development of the railyards and the Richards blvd area. Are there any examples of how the blight of an elevated highway could be creatively minimized? If the railyards are developed, I can't help but think that highway 5 would have similar effect on the surrounding area as the Embarcadro Freeway did in San Francisco. Anthony Bento 2011-01-30T23:46:56Z Anthony Bento comment-44568 2011-01-30T00:19:00Z 2011-01-30T00:19:00Z Although I really like the idea of the expansion Sacramento's city center, I can't help but think that it will be very tough for the railyards to overcome decades of poor urban planning. The project is boxed in on the west by highway 5 and on the north by an industrial area. Both act as a barrier to the river, which decreases desirability of the land. Also, the far northwest portion of the midtown-downtown grid is not the most desirable part of the district, which makes me skeptical that the city would naturally grow into the area. If I were a developer, the only reason I would want to take the chance and build in the railyards is if the land were much less expensive than infill in surrounding area, or if there was some other incentive. Otherwise, it would make more sense to simply buy a block or two near R street and develop mid-density mixed used property there. Anthony Bento 2011-01-30T00:19:00Z Anthony Bento comment-33993 2010-07-31T19:09:23Z 2010-07-31T19:09:23Z Given the state of our economy, I wouldn't be surprised if this project continues to face financial difficulty during the next few years. I hope that it continues to move forward, however. The city's focus on infill development is wise considering the escalation of transportation costs and the increased social desirability of urban life. Anthony Bento 2010-07-31T19:09:23Z Anthony Bento comment-26140 2010-05-03T15:13:25Z 2010-05-03T15:13:25Z I agree that Matisyahu's performance was lackluster - the arrangement of his songs did not suit the large venue. It felt like a third of his audience evaporated before he finished his set. Anthony Bento 2010-05-03T15:13:25Z Anthony Bento comment-19437 2009-12-17T05:48:43Z 2009-12-17T05:48:43Z CORRECTION: Jeff Walker and Requel Apodaca are not licensed architects, they are designers. Anthony Bento 2009-12-17T05:48:43Z Anthony Bento comment-18616 2009-12-03T06:44:14Z 2009-12-03T06:44:14Z For more photos, visit: anthonybento.com Anthony Bento 2009-12-03T06:44:14Z Anthony Bento comment-18349 2009-11-26T06:00:15Z 2009-11-26T06:00:15Z thanks everyone! it's a great event for families. Anthony Bento 2009-11-26T06:00:15Z Anthony Bento comment-18237 2009-11-24T21:58:35Z 2009-11-24T21:58:35Z Really nice photo Kati. Have you thought about shooting RAW? It'll preserve the shadows much more effectively when you increase their luminosity. Either way, great photo, and thanks for sharing! Anthony Bento 2009-11-24T21:58:35Z Anthony Bento comment-18002 2009-11-19T21:08:19Z 2009-11-19T21:08:19Z Thank you Ali! I took them with my iphone. :) Anthony Bento 2009-11-19T21:08:19Z Anthony Bento comment-17963 2009-11-19T00:58:49Z 2009-11-19T00:58:49Z More so than any other building, MARRS represents in my mind the birth of a new urban life in midtown. It seems to be at or near the center of most midtown festivals and activities. Also, if anyone is interested in the comedy spot (one of the new tenants in the building), you can read my article about the club at: http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/17447/Comedy_Spot_brings_laughter_to_midtown Anthony Bento 2009-11-19T00:58:49Z Anthony Bento comment-17742 2009-11-13T18:26:40Z 2009-11-13T18:26:40Z Really great story Suzanne! Your coverage of the Nestle plant, and the issues surrounding it, has been incredibly comprehensive and is a great service to our community. Anthony Bento 2009-11-13T18:26:40Z Anthony Bento comment-17598 2009-11-10T21:38:48Z 2009-11-10T21:38:48Z Thanks Greg! It's a great venue, I recommend it. Anthony Bento 2009-11-10T21:38:48Z Anthony Bento comment-17333 2009-11-05T22:18:04Z 2009-11-05T22:18:04Z cool article jonathan. it looks like a great new addition to midtown/downtown's growing array of music venues. Anthony Bento 2009-11-05T22:18:04Z Anthony Bento comment-15586 2009-10-15T03:45:15Z 2009-10-15T03:45:15Z CFF website: http://www.cafirefoundation.org/go/cff/about-ca-fire-foundation/california-firefighters-memorial/the-2009-memorial/ Anthony Bento 2009-10-15T03:45:15Z Anthony Bento comment-15566 2009-10-14T22:33:56Z 2009-10-14T22:33:56Z It's incredible. Not only do you get soup better than you'd imagine, you get to wait an hour for it. Even if it wasn't that great, after waiting so long for soup, your mind will convince you that it is the best thing ever. Great soup + insane wait time = best dining experience in Sacramento. Anthony Bento 2009-10-14T22:33:56Z Anthony Bento comment-15410 2009-10-13T00:44:11Z 2009-10-13T00:44:11Z If the legislature fails to reach a budget at the state or federal level, government can shut down. The executive is free to veto the legislature's budget (and in the case of the governor, selectively veto aspects of the budget), but neither system contains a provision to implement the executive's proposed budget if there is a failure to pass a budget. At both the federal and state level, the executive's proposed budget is more of initial blueprint; a blueprint that is often significantly modified or discarded entirely by the legislature. This is in keeping with a legislature's central power- the power of the purse. Anthony Bento 2009-10-13T00:44:11Z Anthony Bento comment-15215 2009-10-10T01:30:28Z 2009-10-10T01:30:28Z photo credit: anthonybento.com Anthony Bento 2009-10-10T01:30:28Z Anthony Bento comment-14880 2009-10-02T21:40:00Z 2009-10-02T21:40:00Z This sounds like the beginning of a really great column... I feel like I've only scratched the surface of what Sacramento has to offer Anthony Bento 2009-10-02T21:40:00Z Anthony Bento comment-14713 2009-09-30T17:37:58Z 2009-09-30T17:37:58Z I agree. During this period of massive budget cuts, the allocation of public funds towards this area would be an unfortunate waste. Arenas are economically self-contained, people drive to an arena, eat at the arena, and after an event is over they go back to homes in the burbs. People are just not incentivized, especially in a city as car-centric as Sacramento, to go out and explore the surrounding area. Even if they focus on adding public transit, most people will probably park at a site that's near a shuttle station and take the shuttle to the arena, like with Raley Field. That's why most American arenas and stadiums are surrounded by crummy neighborhoods or new developments that will likely be crummy neighborhoods in the the not too distant future. Anthony Bento 2009-09-30T17:37:58Z Anthony Bento comment-14694 2009-09-30T04:56:12Z 2009-09-30T04:56:12Z Great article. Would the plant bring a meaningful number of jobs to Sacramento? Anthony Bento 2009-09-30T04:56:12Z Anthony Bento comment-14072 2009-09-19T15:02:15Z 2009-09-19T15:02:15Z to see more larger-sized photos of the event, visit: anthonybento.com Anthony Bento 2009-09-19T15:02:15Z Anthony Bento comment-13890 2009-09-17T20:29:12Z 2009-09-17T20:29:12Z Really great story. I find the history of Sacramento's development fascinating. I'm also surprised that streetcars were running until 1953. It's a shame the city eliminated them entirely. Anthony Bento 2009-09-17T20:29:12Z Anthony Bento comment-13889 2009-09-17T20:23:59Z 2009-09-17T20:23:59Z The regional economic projections at the meeting were really disheartening. It appears that we may enter a protected period of weak economic growth. Hopefully, all county departments, including law enforcement, will step up and provide more detailed savings plans. There's been a lot of unhelpful posturing, making an already difficult situation much worse. Anthony Bento 2009-09-17T20:23:59Z Anthony Bento comment-13628 2009-09-11T19:06:55Z 2009-09-11T19:06:55Z Thanks! Mr. Dumbar was a really intresting person to interview. Anthony Bento 2009-09-11T19:06:55Z Anthony Bento comment-13426 2009-09-07T23:21:10Z 2009-09-07T23:21:10Z thanks! check out www.anthonybento.com, my website. i've posted photos from the event there Anthony Bento 2009-09-07T23:21:10Z Anthony Bento comment-13388 2009-09-07T03:43:17Z 2009-09-07T03:43:17Z m-er f-er jonathan, those are some sick photos Anthony Bento 2009-09-07T03:43:17Z Anthony Bento comment-13340 2009-09-05T16:32:03Z 2009-09-05T16:32:03Z I'm not a huge fan of the music 'The End' plays, but it does seem like they're one of the more community-driven stations out there. This is a nice promotion, and I appreciate the the community contributions of many radio stations; however, it seems increasingly difficult to find something compelling for more than 4 minutes on the higher-frequency end of the fm dial. It's become an ocean of noise. Decisions made by conglomerates to increase profitability - such as full automation - have reinforced this trend. It's sad too, because traditional radio can provide us with unique local flavors of music and compelling musical perspectives. Anthony Bento 2009-09-05T16:32:03Z Anthony Bento comment-13285 2009-09-04T21:30:39Z 2009-09-04T21:30:39Z Great article Jonathan! It's my understanding that the Obama Administration is trying to get California to compensate teachers based upon performance. In part, the stimuls grant money is used as a carrot to help prod the state leglislature to make politically difficult decisions. Anthony Bento 2009-09-04T21:30:39Z Anthony Bento comment-13223 2009-09-03T21:22:52Z 2009-09-03T21:22:52Z As difficult as these cuts are, what particularly disturbs me is that they have been preceded by the state's decades-long divestment in higher education. As the costs of education continue to rise, we risk becoming a society that is more economically unequal and rigidly class-based. Anthony Bento 2009-09-03T21:22:52Z Anthony Bento comment-13222 2009-09-03T21:14:30Z 2009-09-03T21:14:30Z These cuts are very harmful, but they are partly a result of voter opposition to the May ballot initiatives. If we want to live in a state with low taxes, we should expect fewer services. If we want to live in a state with more services we should expect higher taxes. Anthony Bento 2009-09-03T21:14:30Z Anthony Bento comment-13126 2009-09-03T00:28:19Z 2009-09-03T00:28:19Z great article! it's nice to read something personal that reflects how the recession has changed people's lives Anthony Bento 2009-09-03T00:28:19Z Anthony Bento comment-12926 2009-08-31T05:24:48Z 2009-08-31T05:24:48Z Great story Sonia! You really did the event justice. I went to a Star Trek convention when I was in 5th grade, and it was NOTHING like this. Walking through the halls of the Radisson, I felt like I had died and awoken in a stranger's heaven. It was awesome and profoundly surreal. Oh, and the kid with the big sword was Cloud from Final Fantasy 7. It's great to see kids these days appreciate the classics. Anthony Bento 2009-08-31T05:24:48Z Anthony Bento comment-12807 2009-08-28T22:42:00Z 2009-08-28T22:42:00Z Even though the devices have been around for decades, there's a lack of knowledge out there when it comes to solar cooking. I admit I was skeptical at first, but the solar cookers do really work! I'm not sure about the scalability of the production of solar cookers, but I'd imagine the solar cooker would be like most other items; the more we produce, the cheaper each unit gets. Anthony Bento 2009-08-28T22:42:00Z Anthony Bento comment-12747 2009-08-27T23:22:46Z 2009-08-27T23:22:46Z What does the $31.5M subsidy mean? Is it a loan, tax incentives, or do they want a cash grant from the city? Anthony Bento 2009-08-27T23:22:46Z Anthony Bento comment-12732 2009-08-27T16:03:06Z 2009-08-27T16:03:06Z One unfortunate consequence of county or city level cuts, is that, although they reduce local expenditures, they often create new (and often greater) expenses that will eventually be paid by the public. Eliminating funding for county health clinics, for example, discourages the use of inexpensive preventative treatments and encourages the overuse of expensive emergency room care. Anthony Bento 2009-08-27T16:03:06Z Anthony Bento comment-12731 2009-08-27T15:52:43Z 2009-08-27T15:52:43Z What a great story. I've been to the hostel several times; the interior of the building is gorgeous. The prices are a steal considering the location and the beauty of the building. Anthony Bento 2009-08-27T15:52:43Z Anthony Bento comment-12704 2009-08-26T22:34:41Z 2009-08-26T22:34:41Z Although I wouldn't mind driving by digital billboard signs on the highway, I imagine I wouldn't enjoy having an electric billboard right next to my house. In LA, the brightness of the digital billboards at night have angered some nearby residents. Perhaps the undeveloped areas South of Cal Expo alongside Bus. 80 would be a good location for these devices, but the city should think carefully about how any installation may effect nearby residential communities. Anthony Bento 2009-08-26T22:34:41Z Anthony Bento comment-12701 2009-08-26T22:28:11Z 2009-08-26T22:28:11Z Great article Jonathan. I'd be really interested in seeing these cookers work in person. Anthony Bento 2009-08-26T22:28:11Z Anthony Bento comment-12620 2009-08-25T20:10:33Z 2009-08-25T20:10:33Z I understand that the city was trying to save money, but I'm glad the city re-opened the restrooms. When you gotta go, you gotta go... at least let people to do it in a facility that has basic sanitation. Anthony Bento 2009-08-25T20:10:33Z Anthony Bento comment-12618 2009-08-25T20:00:41Z 2009-08-25T20:00:41Z Earlier today, I spoke to a colleague that was privileged enough to get in the pit next to the stage. A little hoarse today from all of the screaming, but she had a blast. It sounds like it was a great show. Anthony Bento 2009-08-25T20:00:41Z Anthony Bento comment-12614 2009-08-25T18:56:46Z 2009-08-25T18:56:46Z I explained I was writing a story for the Sacramento Press, and he was very willing to share his story, just not his last name. Anthony Bento 2009-08-25T18:56:46Z Anthony Bento comment-12589 2009-08-25T04:36:16Z 2009-08-25T04:36:16Z Thanks! And congrats again on your win. Anthony Bento 2009-08-25T04:36:16Z Anthony Bento comment-12580 2009-08-25T00:33:33Z 2009-08-25T00:33:33Z CORRECTION: In the story, I incorrectly described Phil Serna as a 'hopeful citycouncilman'. Mr. Serna is running for Sacramento County Supervisor. Anthony Bento 2009-08-25T00:33:33Z Anthony Bento comment-12559 2009-08-25T00:29:28Z 2009-08-25T00:29:28Z Thanks for the kind words. 'Kirk' declined to give his last name. Despite this, I really enjoyed his story, so I decided to include it. The event was well attended; I'd estimate that there were close to 100 people in the audience. Anthony Bento 2009-08-25T00:29:28Z Anthony Bento comment-12459 2009-08-22T19:35:12Z 2009-08-22T19:35:12Z I found District 9 to be a really interesting film. The film's structure, a hybrid between documentary and narrative cinema, beautifully complements the thought-provoking story. I also very much enjoyed Star Trek, but for entirely different reasons. One film is and gruesome and socially challenging, while the other is a well-made escapist adventure. Anthony Bento 2009-08-22T19:35:12Z Anthony Bento comment-12374 2009-08-20T22:13:10Z 2009-08-20T22:13:10Z That's very true. Perhaps it's has do with both sufficient destiny and mixed use development. Anthony Bento 2009-08-20T22:13:10Z Anthony Bento comment-12367 2009-08-20T20:41:57Z 2009-08-20T20:41:57Z K Street is active during lunchtime; it seems a ton of state and county workers prefer to dine there. I agree that the street is nearly abandoned during the night; I prefer to walk on J or I street because of K's nearly barren nighttime environment. Midtown is so much more active because people live there; they act as cultural anchors that foster true community development. K street is in the heart of Sac's business district, and as such it's about as seedy and as culturally inactive as Market and Embarcadero is at night. Anthony Bento 2009-08-20T20:41:57Z Anthony Bento comment-12365 2009-08-20T20:29:36Z 2009-08-20T20:29:36Z Last month's budget was originally going to include over $1B in cuts to the department of corrections (for comparison over $6B was cut from K-14 education). When it was discovered that the budget might have failed if the prison cuts were included, state legislative leaders decided to postpone reform until August. The high current incarceration and recidivism rates are troubling; hopefully the state leaders will summon the courage and substantively reform the corrections system. Anthony Bento 2009-08-20T20:29:36Z Anthony Bento comment-12362 2009-08-20T20:20:53Z 2009-08-20T20:20:53Z Great story, Cheyenne. In addition to recent scientific analysis, declines in government revenue have caused some politicians to re-think state law regarding the prohibition cannabis. AB 390 (Ammiano), for example, would legalize the sale and taxation of cannabis to those 21 and older. Anthony Bento 2009-08-20T20:20:53Z Anthony Bento comment-12321 2009-08-19T22:49:18Z 2009-08-19T22:49:18Z I saw a Music Circus performance of Cats several years ago, and found the choreography to be claustrophobicly constrained by the innate limitations of the 'in-the-round' format. Perhaps the director and the choreographer have found innovative new ways of using the the space. Anthony Bento 2009-08-19T22:49:18Z Anthony Bento comment-5481 2009-04-02T23:09:48Z 2009-04-02T23:09:48Z Thanks! I took the photos a few weeks back for a story that ran earlier on Sac Press. If you'd like to see some examples of my work, visit this site: http://hatlesslincoln.com/photography/v/bento/ Anthony Bento 2009-04-02T23:09:48Z Anthony Bento comment-5101 2009-03-26T15:48:50Z 2009-03-26T15:48:50Z pork pork pork! yay! it's fun to ignorantly slam government while maintaining a cynical distance. Anthony Bento 2009-03-26T15:48:50Z Anthony Bento comment-4601 2009-03-14T18:44:36Z 2009-03-14T18:44:36Z Great article mark. It was astonishingly surreal to witness this dystopic, yet warmly communal, tent city just a few miles away from the hart of Sacramento. It's a warped inversion of our socially-dislocating materialistic society. These people live in wretched conditions, but I couldn't help but feel that they have recaptured a human spirit - a sense of community - that was lost during the suburban and exurban expansion of recent decades. Anthony Bento 2009-03-14T18:44:36Z Anthony Bento comment-4543 2009-03-13T01:25:19Z 2009-03-13T01:25:19Z sure, our government has been acting irreversibility, but so have we. every election cycle the people pass new bond measures for schools, transit, and health care. i love the bullet trains and small class rooms as much as the next guy, but the propositions rarely stipulate how new revenue will be raised to compensate for the state's increased debt. it's time we decided if we want to pay more in taxes for more services or pay less in taxes for less services. Anthony Bento 2009-03-13T01:25:19Z Anthony Bento comment-3520 2009-02-13T16:07:45Z 2009-02-13T16:07:45Z Great story! Events like these really highlight the growing importance of cycling (and more casual bike riding) in Sacramento. Anthony Bento 2009-02-13T16:07:45Z