All posts by Jeremy Bryne

Construction and Business in Downtown Sacramento

Infrastructure, , , , , ,

Infrastructure is being changed by updated construction in downtown Sacramento that would seem to be a good thing until one sees the negative impact it has on businesses.

Due to a large sewer upgrade taking place on 9th Street (that is not due to be finished now until the middle of September), businesses are, well, loosing business.  Who wants to sit and have a “relaxed” dinner at one of the nearby eateries with a dental drill type sound banging in their ears.  As well, 9th Street has anyway been closed for the last 6 months between H and L.  So even those who were willing to put up with it, actually can’t.

Those most affected include: Andy’s Candy, Capitol Mini-Mart, La Cosecha, Temple Coffee Roasters and Wayside Noodles.  According to Sonya Sorich, Digital Editor at the Sacramento Business Journal, they have already encountered a variety of negative impacts from the project, including a reported 20-25 percent decline in sales (from Andy’s Candy).  Capitol Mini-Mart have claimed an even larger drop, with a loss of 90 percent in business.

However, the city recognizes the issue and there have been promises from Sacramento’s Department of Utilities to earmark $60,000 to the 12 businesses most affected.

Return of Electronic Trolleys/Streetcars?

Infrastructure,

Many people in Sacramento have been trying to get the federal government of $100 million to enable the $208 million streetcar system in.  Donald Trump may now make that happen as he recently sent officials to the region to conduct a “risk analysis” of the project.

There are still hoops needed to get through, primarily fiscal related.  As such, Sacramento city officials have agreed to give a large cash advance and if approved by city council votes, the money Sacramento and West Sacramento needs will be put in place.

There are many benefits to implementing a streetcar system for modern cities. But many remains a problem as Jeff Harris, City Councilman for Sacramento and streetcar proponent board member has found.  He said that there are too many continuous requests for additional money to fund it.

But still, if the people of Sacramento are willing to pay then surely the large expense is a non-issue.  Indeed it was found that people who own property who live close to where the downtown Sacramento line is proposed actually voted to tax themselves $50 million to for operational costs. In addition, once the Trump administration coughs up, the SacRT will add $25 million to the venture.

Sacramento’s Environmental Efforts

Environment, ,

Significant environmentally-enhancing efforts have been made in Sacramento recently.  Trends in this are continuing with the proposed regulations of setting up a Conditional Exclusion for Chemically Treated Metal Shredder Residue.  It is hoped that additional rules will be put in place to put conditions in place to improve protection of environment health and safety.

An analysis was formulated by California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) on how human health is impacted by this, as well as metal shredding facilities and other matters pursuant to the environment.

An Environmental Justice Bureau has recently been set up in an attempt to enhance living environments for people and their families in Sacramento. California’s Attorney General Xavier Becerra is seeking to ensure environmental concerns are taken seriously and:

“compel businesses and government agencies to clean contaminated drinking water, reduce exposure to lead and other toxins and prevent illegal waste discharges in communities burdened disproportionately by pollution.”

Becerra pointed out:

“The harsh reality is that some communities in California — particularly low-income communities and communities of color — continue to bear the brunt of pollution from industrial development, poor land-use decisions, transportation, and trade corridors. Meeting the needs of these communities requires our focused attention.”

Working in America

Employment,

Minimum wage in California is already impressive – $11.  But Chick-Fil-A in Sacramento wants to go a step further, not just in cash but also in recognition and job pride. Increasing its hourly wage for some workers to $17-18, as well as the provision of a more livable wage, this is also encouraging more commitment to advancement at work with the new title – hospitality professional.  According to operator and proprietor Eric Mason the company fosters positive relationships with its community, guests and team, and the starting point for that is the provision of a “livable wage” regardless of what the state decides. Even if it is challenging, Mason says, the community impact is worth it.

Meanwhile, May figures for the nationwide economy showed an additional223,000 jobs with a drop in unemployment to 3.8 percent, the lowest since 2000.

Sacramento’s Kindness to the Environment

Environment, ,

Plans have been approved to provide a short stretch of road to cyclists next summer.  A pedestrian trail linking the Sacramento River Trail to Diestehorst Bridge and downtown would give far greater access to the cyclists of the area as well as those who enjoy walking.  And it would be good for the environment.

This has been very well received by members of the Shasta Wheelmen cycling group and would only result in a very slight inconvenience.  Some motorists are even supportive of the project since, according to Assistant Public Works Director Chuck Aukland the estimated additional time it would take from Quartz Hill and Benton to Eureka Way and Market Street would be “37 seconds.”

So it really does seem like a win-win.

Homelessness in Sacramento?

Housing, ,

Initially Railroad Drive’s homeless triage shelter was set to close at the end of last month.  Now, however, monetary donations from a private foundation and Sutter Health are enabling it to stay open for a further three months.

Still, the question remains, what will happen then?  There is a chance of erecting three large “Sprung structures,” which will then become more permanent shelters for the region’s homeless community.

It still seems that homeless people are just being moved around the city from place to place.  They’ve been at City Hall, Central Library and Cesar Chavez Plaza to name but a few. There needs to be an increase in the stock of affordable housing as well as a focus on job creation and retraining.

For now though, there is another three  months for those who are battling homelessness in the area.

Strength of California’s Economy

Economy, ,

Federal data has just reported that the economy in California is now larger than that of the UK, placing it in position #5 worldwide.  Today, GDP in California is more than $2.7 trillion having increased by a staggering $127 billion from 2016 to 2017.  The UK did not experience this kind of growth during this time frame and in fact encountered a slight loss.

According to California State University Channel Islands Economics Professor Sung Won Sohn:

“We have the entrepreneurial spirit in the state, and that attracts a lot of talent and money. And that’s why, despite high taxes and cumbersome government regulations, more people are coming into the state to join the parade.”

The main industries that contributed to growth were: fiscal services and real estate ($26bn), IT ($20bn), manufacturing ($10 bn).  Apart from agriculture, all sectors provided growth and GDP contributions.

Also of note is that the UK has 25 million more people than California but now has a smaller GDP.

Formidable Folsom!

Economy, ,

Folsom is becoming known these days as one of Sacramento County’s most attractive communities to make home.  Thanks to Intel Corp a rather noteworthy site appeared in the sky via drones which then disappeared quickly thereafter.

Folsom has gone from old stone prison noteworthy to super cool tech noteworthy and residents were awe-struck by what some described as looking like a TV in the sky!  This “scene” was part of a practice that Intel Corp. often engages in Folsom.  As well, they featured in Sochi’s Winter Olympics and the 2018 Coachella Music Festival.

According to Roger Gaylord, a member of the Folsom Council:

 “I think it adds a certain level of innovation within the Sacramento Region. Intel is a great example of pushing the bar and pushing the limit on something that’s just out-of-the-box thinking.”