Elk Grove City Manager, Attorney called ‘unprofessional’ by City Employee

Employees says city could 'save millions'

Elk Grove News has received a letter addressed to the Elk Grove City Council from an unnamed city employee who has alleged city manager Laura Gill and city attorney Susan Cochran of, among other things, unprofessional conduct which has hurt city employee morale. (see letter below)

The employee states that the “arrogance” displayed by Gill and Cochran “have stripped away our morale, any sense of security and our ability to work as a team to produce a sense of pride in working or the City of Elk Grove.”

The employee also questions the pair’s conduct in which Gill and Cochran made “animal sound at each other during the entire course of the meeting.” The employee also accuses Cochran of constantly playing games in her Blackberry computing devise during meetings and playing solitaire and other games on her computer “all day long.”

With regards to recent employee layoffs, the employee said decisions were motivated primarily by subjective determinations on Gill’s part. Specifically it is alleged that Gill laid-off risk management employee Larry Brilliant because the employee believed Gill did not like Brilliant. To make it seem less subjective, the employee alleges Gill also laid-off another risk management employee so as not to give the appearance that Brilliant was specifically targeted.

The employee’s letter also questions several of the city’s business practices and offer suggestions that could “save millions.” The employee says that city contractors Interwest and PMC should be downsized particularly since city employees have been laid-off and have agreed to pay reductions. “It is as if contract staff runs the city and they are more secure in their employment than city staff,” the letter says.

In addition, the employee alleges the city could save money by reducing excessive benefits in area such as travel reimbursement, health benefits for life, elimination of catered lunches and elimination of $650 monthly payments for employees who decline health coverage.

The employee letter specifically targets one consultant, attorney John Hobbs. The letter states that Hobbs “is making an extreme amount of money and was supposed to stay only until Susan Cochran was grounded in her position, yet after two years of Susan being hired, he is still utilized as back-up attorney.”

For her part, Gill responded to a request from EGN seeking her comment on the matter. Gill sent the following:

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

I did not personally receive a copy of the anonymous letter, and I haven’t been contacted directly by any staff member about these concerns.

Like many organizations and municipalities, we are in the midst of tough times, and we’ve had to make some difficult decisions that have a very real impact on our staff. Our staff have had to face a three percent pay cut with furlough days, cuts to benefits, and are generally having to do more work with fewer resources. We’ve also had to recently lay off four employees. Anxiety can sometimes be a byproduct of the uncertain economy and a changing workplace. As we have made these tough choices, we understood there can be an adverse impact to morale and more mean-spiritedness in the workplace.

While I don’t have the copy of the letter in front of me, I can tell you generally speaking, both the City Attorney and I have an open door policy with staff. We truly aim to have a happy and productive work environment.

I meet regularly with staff in open forums and encourage a constructive environment. And I truly take feedback to heart. I need to hear from staff so we can be better informed. I encourage City staff (and the public for that matter) to please contact me. Or if staff is not comfortable in contacting me directly, they may talk to their manager or the Human Resources Director. We take feedback very seriously.

Susan Cochran did not respond to EGN’s request for comment.
Council member Steve Detrick told EGN that it is under review but as a matter of policy, the city council does not comment on pending personnel issues.
It is believed that the city council did discuss the matter during the closed session at Wednesday night meeting. The closed meeting agenda was amended subsequent to the originally posting on July 2.


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Elk Grove Promenade, One Year Later - Next In Line For Stimulus Package?

One year ago today EGN visited the Elk Grove Promenade and saw a flurry of construction activity.

Here is the video of that day one year ago.





So what has happened in that year?






Not long after that day one year ago, construction on the mall came to an abrupt halt. Months later the mall developer, Chicago-based General Growth Properties, filed what has become the largest real estate bankruptcy in American history.

So as we visit the Elk Grove Promenade today, we cannot help but wonder if whoever ends up completing construction of this albatross will come hat-in-hand, just like the dealers at the Elk Grove Auto Mall, and ask for 'stimulus' package?





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Elk Grove Approves Local Economic Stimulus Program

The Elk Grove City Council unanimously approved a $250,000 economic stimulus plan at its regular meeting tonight.

In an effort to spur local business activity, effective August 1, the first 500 purchasers of a new car at the ailing Elk Grove Auto Mall will receive a $500 gift card. The cards will be redeemable at participating local businesses and national retail chain stores.

The city will make $150,000 in store issued cards from retailers such as Target and Wal Mart and $100,000 for locally owned merchants and service providers available. As part of the recently launched “Think, Shop, Live Elk Grove” program promoting local businesses, the stimulus program is aimed directly at the ailing Elk Grove Auto Mall which is a major source of tax revenue for the city.

Elk Grove receives 1 percent of the sales tax from the local sale of each new car and an annual reimbursement from the DMV. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, the average price of a new car sold in the United States is $28,400.

At this rate the city would receive $284 in sales taxes and an unspecified DMV reimbursement. For the current fiscal year the city expects to receive $540,000 in DMV fees.

According to city finance director Rebecca Craig, the city is funding the program based on a larger than expected cable franchise refund that was $275,000 more than budgeted.

"By helping them [auto mall dealers] we would then help the other local merchants," Craig told the council.

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Elk Grove Seeks Participants in 2010 Complete Count

In 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau will conduct a census as required by the United States Constitution. The census count is used for a variety of purposes including distributing over $300 billion in federal funds, drawing legislative districts, attracting new business to the region, and planning for government services.


The City of Elk Grove has, in partnership with the Census Bureau, established its 2010 Complete Count Committee to encourage community involvement and to generate excitement about the Census. The City of Elk Grove’s main goal is to ensure everyone is represented and counted.

Some of the primary goals of the Complete Count Committee are as follows:

* Actively recruit members of our community to help coordinate and implement outreach efforts aimed at ensuring an accurate census count for the City of Elk Grove.

* Educate the community about the importance of participating in the census and to reassure residents that information provided to the Census Bureau will remain confidential.

* Work in partnership with the Census Bureau and the City staff to ensure that all available resources are utilized in order to ensure a successful census count in 2010.

Sign up for Email Updates and News:

* Kick-Off Meeting
Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 6:00 pm in the City Hall Chambers
Chamber doors will open at 5:30 pm. Read more!

Elk Grove Police, Fire Seek Clues in School Arson Case

The Elk Grove Police and Fire Department's are seeking clues on a fire that caused moderate damage to an outside wall July 2 at the Elliott Ranch Elementary School cafeteria, 10000 East Taron Drive, in the Stone Lake area of Elk Grove.

The arson fire at the Elliott Ranch Elementary School and the other blazes in grass and garbage cans involved legal "Safe and Sane" fireworks.

Overall, fire investigators and police responded to 106 fireworks-related incidents in Elk Grove with most occurring on Saturday, July 4. All told, authorities seized about 300 pounds of illegal fireworks from dozens of locations. Firefighters extinguished a total of five fireworks-related fires.

"I believe our joint task force was successful in getting some of the illegal fireworks off the street and hopefully prevented some fires from occurring," said Elk Grove Fire Marshal George Apple.

Separately, three juveniles were cited on arson-related charges after a dumpster fire on 2nd Avenue in Elk Grove.

If anyone has information regarding the arson fire at the school, please call the arson tip line at 405-7118.

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Guest Commentary - Elk Grove Is Better Off -- Next Question

By Connie Conley


The next question for those who think we aren't better off being the city of Elk Grove is to ask: How would Elk Grove look today if we stayed with the county of Sacramento?

I will start:

Police services alone. It is no secret we were paying and paying and the traffic officers that were assigned to Elk Grove were pulled into South Sacramento and the response time was way down. And with the SSD budget right now, the county would have doubled what we were paying to offset the mess they are in.

Wal Mart would be at Sheldon and Power Inn Roads.

Vintara Park would be the Elk Grove Promenade of housing developments because Centex went under.

We wouldn't have the Rural Road Standards and our country roads would be no more, just four lanes of traffic and more accidents.

We wouldn't have the ordinances we do. The street racing ordinances being the one that have had the most impact. Look what came from that alone. We tried to introduce then at the county level and were turned away.

We wouldn't have the Youth Commission.

Yes, we had problems with the original council and decisions they made. But we were able to vote them out and people like Steve Detrick voted in. Had we stayed with the county, we still would have only been able to control one seat. The other four never cared about Elk Grove. We were their dumping ground, basically the other four supervisors saying, "I don't want it. Let's give it to Elk Grove!" In this case, being the "Mikey" of Elk Grove didn't work out so well for us.

Anyway, food for thought?

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Elk Grove Police To Conduct DUI Checkpoint This Weekend

The Elk Grove Police Department will be conducting a sobriety and drivers license checkpoint within the city of Elk Grove on July 11, 2009 beginning at approximately 8:00 p.m.

The checkpoint will focus on removing impaired drivers, as well as unlicensed drivers from the roadways. Educational materials covering the dangers of driving under the influence will also be handed out to motorists. Funding for the sobriety checkpoint is provided through a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant that was made available by the California Office of Traffic Safety.

The public is encouraged to call the Elk Grove Police Department at (916) 714-5111 (emergency line) or 911 if they observe impaired drivers on the roadways. Members of the media interested in an interview or ride-along should contacted Sergeant Michael Iannone at (916) 478-8147.

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Congress Member Lungren Targeted By 'Accountable America" Robo Call

With 16 months to go until the 2010 mid-term congressional elections, Republican Dan Lungren is being targeted by, among other things, robo calls.

Lungren, the three term Republican representing California's third district is already one of 10 targets of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). In the last election, Lungren was reelected against a finacially weak candidate and garnered less than 50% of the popular vote. Obama carried the distirct with a slight majority.

Last week a group calling it self "Accountable America" circulated this robo call. (Listen)

Should be an interesting race.

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Elk Grove Police To Aggressively Enforce Seat Belt Law

Keep you and your family safe and $132 in your wallet by making sure everyone wears their seat belts for every trip, so says the Elk Grove Police Department.

Fines and fees have gone from under $100 previously to $132 this year for first time adult seat belt violations. For children under 16, the fine is now $435 for the first time offense.

No warnings will be given out, as local officers be aggressively enforcing the state’s occupant protection laws. The Click It or Ticket campaign relies on heavy enforcement and public education as a means to help save lives on California’s roadways.

“Seat belts save thousands of lives every year,” Elk Grove Police Chief Robert Lehner said. “Buckling up will not only save you a heavy fine, it will also save your life and the lives of those you love. We’re not giving warnings. It’s Click It or Ticket.”

Currently California has a seat belt usage rate of 95.7 percent, but that still means over one half million people are not buckling up. Properly restrained drivers, passengers and children have a 50 percent better chance of surviving a crash than unbelted occupants. Those ejected from vehicles in crashes or roll-overs are up to 35 times more likely to die than restrained occupants.

“Buckling up just makes sense,” Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety said. “It takes only two seconds for an action that can make the difference whether you or your family gets home today.”

Funding to support California ’s Click It or Ticket campaign was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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Fed's and Local Police Seek Help in Catching Masked Bank Robbers

The Sacramento office of the FBI and local authorities are seeking the public’s help in identifying two men who robbed the Bank of America in Lincoln on June 25, 2009.

The robbery occurred at about 9:45 a.m. at the branch located at 685 South Highway 65 when two suspects entered the bank wearing masks and hoods. Both of the suspects brandished semi-automatic handguns and ordered everyone in the bank to get down on the floor.

One of the suspects jumped over the teller counter and instructed the tellers to remove money from their teller drawers. Following the robbery the suspects fled in a silver/gray sedan.

One of the suspects is described only as a black male, 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-8. The second suspect is described as a black male, late 20’s to early 30’s, 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-8, and weighing over 200 pounds. He wore loose fitting khaki pants, white running shoes with a blue Nike swoosh logo and carried a black airplane-carry-on size bag in his right hand.

This case is being investigated by the Sacramento Violent Crimes Task Force (SVCTF), comprised of FBI agents and Sacramento County Sheriff's Department Robbery Detectives, and detectives from the Lincoln Police Department.

Anyone with information regarding this robbery is asked to contact the FBI in Sacramento at (916) 481-9110, the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department at (916) 874-5115, or the Lincoln Police Department at (916) 645-4040.

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Elk Grove To Celebrate Ninth Birthday This Wednesday

The City of Elk Grove will officially celebrate it's ninth birthday this Wednesday afternoon.

At 5:30 pm, the Elk Grove City Council will serve cake and refreshments prior to the regular city council meeting. The event will be held in the city hall parking lot at 8400 Laguna Palms Way.

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Profile on Elk Grove City Manager Generates Interesting Comments

Last week, EGN posted a story, actually a link to a story that appeared in Public CEO about Elk Grove City Manager, Laura Gill.

Surprisingly, by EGN standards, the linked story generated some interesting comments.

Here are the comments in the order they were posted:

Anonymous said:

If Elk Grove city staff is so wonderful, then why is Ms. Gill so abusive toward them? She is a tyrant toward staff, denigrates staff and has created a work environment that no one should have to tolerate.

The Next poster bob said:

Sorry Laura, but that's what I heard too, in addition to complaints about (heaven forbid!) -----swearing??? That old Southern heritage getting you in trouble?? Lurking in my background as well. . .'jes gotta reign it in :)

Following up, was this note:

Anonymous said...

Ditto here as well, Bob. I hear Ms. Gill belittles staff in front of one other, mocks them and they work in fear. I hope the city council takes heed at all the warnings signs that are there for everyone to see. This staff is crying out for help.

The most recent commenter added the Cosumnes CSD in the mix noting the lack of diversity especially within the ranks of the firefighters.

Anonymous said...

Elk Grove should be sued for employment discrimination.

How many African Americans, Hispanics and Asians do you see employed by a city that is over 40% minority.

I have yet to see any minorities on patrol, in high level city staff positions.
Don't get me started on the CSD. Any black firefighters? Haven't seen any.

While these comments are a minute sampling ,we can’t help but wonder if this is pointing to a large problem festering at city hall.

What do you think?

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Elk Grove Police Arrest Rancho Cordova Man For Illegal Fireworks

Elk Grove Police arrested a Rancho Cordova man on Independence day for suspicion of possessing illegal fireworks.

According to police reports, 20-year old Johnny Choung was stopped for a vehicle code violation near Power Inn Road and Geneva Point Drive early Saturday afternoon. The suspect was found to be on a searchable probation.

A search of Choung’s vehicle revealed a cache of illegal fireworks in the vehicle’s trunk. Choung was arrested and transferred to the county jail.

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Real Estate Collapse Caused Recession, Not Other Way Around

By D.A. GOUGHERTY

Recently, a colleague and I were discussing the recession and people we know of who lost their homes to foreclosure when she posed an interesting question -- if the recession had not happened, would real estate prices have been sustainable?


On the surface, it seems like a straightforward question. True, if the recession had not happened, home values would not have fallen as far as they have, and many foreclosures would not have occurred.

Taking the question from a different angle, though, it seems to me the real estate collapse was not the result of the recession -- rather it was the cause of the recession. The real question, therefore, ought to be if real estate prices, supported by the fallacious fiscal policies behind them, had not escalated so quickly, would we still be in a recession today?

Let’s take a look at one actual case to answer that question. It is the tale of a middle-class investor with grand dreams.

Going back just a few years, conventional wisdom said that real estate values would continue to grow at a brisk rate and that investing in it was as good as money in the bank. In retrospect, this conventional wisdom, as it usually is, was wrong. Nonetheless, it seems that everyone from Wall Street “masters-of-the-universe” types on down to “Joe six-packs” bought in on the dream.

Our would-be Donald Trump, as we shall call him, started modestly enough with the purchase of a $200,000 home in California about 15 years ago. At the time Trump bought his house, the state was in a real estate slump.

After a few years, though, not only had California recovered from the slump, but prices were quickly escalating. Suddenly, Trump’s $200,000 house was, on paper at least, worth $500,000.

Aspiring for greater wealth, Trump dives in and takes out an equity loan of $400,000 against his home and, with the help of some very creative lending practices, purchases more real estate. The only problem is that the properties Trump buys are just as grossly inflated as his original house has become.

Not to worry, though, the rules of cyclical economics don’t apply anymore. Values would just keep increasing, or so Trump had been told by every commission-hungry real estate agent and mortgage broker, including those masters-of-the-universe on Wall Street.

Trump’s plan is simple -- buy the homes, rent them out for a year or so, and then resell or “flip” them. Never mind that the rent Trump collects on the properties does not cover the mortgage payment. He only needs a year or so before reselling them for a very handsome profit.

Unfortunately, Trump and his lenders fail to acknowledge the folly of his scheme, namely that while real estate prices are rapidly rising, wages are not, and most people are simply priced out of the market. Trump fails to recognize that he could not afford to buy the very property he is trying to sell based on his middle-class household income.

Of course, the inevitable happens as home prices get so high that most people like him are priced right out of the market. At this point, the laws of supply and demand kick in, and prices start to fall.

Unfortunately, that illusionary one-year holding period comes and goes, and Trump continues to pay out more than he collects in rent. Complicating matters is the fact that much of the most recent economic growth was driven by escalating real estate prices, not the other way around, and related consumer spending on everything from furniture to SUVs dries up.

As soon as real estate stalls, so does consumer spending. Since about two-thirds of our economy is driven by consumer spending, economic activity quickly stalls, and housing prices begin to fall even faster. Before long, Trump is upside down on all of his properties.

Soon, our would-be Trump resembles the monocle-wearing guy in Monopoly who just went bust. Reality sets in, and Trump’s empire, as well as all of the various lenders who hold the mortgages, collapses from the crushing weight of the debt it carries.

Although Trump’s is but one story, this has played out repeatedly as the real estate market and our economy have collapsed. The sad conclusion is that Trump eventually lost everything, including his initial real estate purchase which funded the whole would-be empire.

So to answer the question if real estate had not escalated so quickly, would we not be in a recession and perhaps better off? In my opinion, the answer is emphatically yes.

Let’s just hope all the wannabe Trumps, the masters-of-the-universe on Wall Street and our policymakers remember this the next time around.


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Elk Grove Fireworks For The Fourth

The 13th Annual Salute to the Red, White and Blue festival and fireworks display will be held on Saturday, July 4th, at the Elk Grove Regional Park 9950 Elk Grove-Florin Road. The festivities begin at 3 p.m. with lively music, food, and vendor booths. An exciting musical fireworks display will begin at 9:30p.m. Admission is free; parking is $10 per vehicle.

(remember, no alcohol or personal fireworks)
(OK to bring a blanket or lounge chairs)

Schedule for the day:

6:00 am gates open
3:00 pm Opening Ceremony
3:40 pm A Curbside Ending
4:55 pm Northern Lights
6:10 pm Walking Spanish
7:20 pm Walk the Rio
8:30 pm Blues Attack
9:30 pm Fireworks
(musical portion broadcast on FM104.7)

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Guest Commentary - How Things Work in Elk Grove

By Bob Felts


I thought I’d respond to the “nays” on “Better off after incorporation?” and the valid examples of things gone awry in good 'ole EG (ref: comment section of Wed, July 1 posting). Our illustrious leaders should take note that John Q is apparently not a happy camper, but does it really matter? There must be an echo somewhere because I heard similar complaints about EG during the campaign last fall—and yet 2 of the 3 usual suspects were still re-elected. How'd that happen? And I'm going to guess in 2010, Pat Hume will also be re-elected in spite of all the negative comments in this little survey. Likewise Gary Davis would win if he chose to run. It’s kinda like methane gas from cows—it’s a process no one particularly likes but it can’t be halted.

So EGN's poll overwhelmingly shows people think we've “failed,” and yet we have only one new council member. What's wrong with that picture? If you're unhappy with your leaders, folks, vote ‘em out; otherwise you’ve forfeited whining rights!

As a side light and as long as I’m throwing punches, I bet city managers wish we had that big WalMart Supercenter (300 employees?) up on Florin Rd. in our economically drained town instead of watching Sac County haul in that tax revenue. That’s a great store on Florin, doing a booming business, and bringing new life to that neighborhood. How about that— WalMart as a philanthropist??? Probably not, but it would have looked real good out there where all those vacant shells are—you know . . . that weed infested, chain-linked, open-air eyesore we affectionately call “The Promenade”—and the tax income and jobs provided, though min wage, would be welcome. At this point it might even look good in Sheldon where EGCAPP killed it not so long ago. As they say in CA, oh well . . . but it is a little hard to run on a campaign promise of bringing business to Elk Grove, then work conversely to stop the country’s biggest retailer (and the only one with real money) from building, or to force them to operate IAW local NIMBY rules. I know, I know . . . it’s a conundrum indeed. Unfortunately we can’t have it both ways.

Back to the subject, here's some thought sure to be heretical to some people (not intended), but it may explain why we’re steadily discontent with city progress or leadership but we don’t “clean house” at election time. I may be totally wrong, but here goes anyway:

I've always maintained the city is controlled by only 50 or so people. It’s a tightly knit, clannish bunch with high name recognition, and they all know each other in one way or another. They serve the community in such places as our local Chamber, our civic clubs, our commissions, our community activist groups and our arguably well-meaning endorsement committees, to mention a few. The last of the group are the genteel, societal and financially well-off people who operate behind the political scene with donations, community grants or services and other philanthropic endeavors. Often they are long-time residents, sometimes descendents from settlers in the area, maybe “old money” or “old property” people. This is not to say they serve no good purpose, for they usually do many nice things for the community. I’m only saying they play a part in city control through gifted and effortless influence.

This “Gang of 50” I’ll call them, are regulars at all the gala events in EG such as the Mayor’s State of the City banquet, the Citizen(s) of the Year Award, Spotlight Elk Grove, etc., and are frequently in the news for one thing or another.

Finally, tagging along behind all of these people are some special interest people, eating at the same tables and hitched at the hip to all the others by what? You guessed it—money. Now here's the assumption: As long the same players are always involved, and as long as campaign money is the qualifier in a campaign rather than real ideals, your elected officials will be who the high-hatters, old-timers, developers and select business people want in office—not who YOU want. And those elected will most likely have an unsettling aura of familiarity about them, having been metamorphosed from symbiotic cocoons, so to speak. And the cycle repeats, as it has always in American politics.

No, you say? On a shoestring budget last fall, I tried to bring integrity, ideals and economic practicality to the election hoe-down, but was whipped like a red-headed stepchild late to dinner by Sophia, who played her heredity, “war chest” money, networking and community service cards faster than EG water rates have gone up (BTW, that’s fast). Regardless, someone online recently accused me of “sour grapes” (could be) and asserted I ran an ineffective campaign that caused my loss to Sophia. But it wasn’t the campaign; it was the factors I discussed above. Mostly I was just naïve when I filed, thinking I might bridge the gap between myself and the “Gang of 50.” I tried and did pretty well for a “newbie,” but I lacked name recognition, endorsements, support of the decision makers and last, but not least—cash. Simple as that. I was even told by an elected council member it takes lots of money (even potential high personal indebtedness) to get elected. That simplistic statement succinctly summarized (like that alliteration?) what’s really wrong with our political process.

So to the dissatisfied in EGN's poll, here’s my suggestion: Want real change in Elk Grove’s future? Take a stand. Vote Hume out next time, vote out Scherman and Cooper in 2012 (they probably won't run anyway), and make sure none of them sneaks in as elected Mayor!!! With Hume and Davis gone in 2010 and Scherman and Cooper gone in 2012, at least you'll have a new set of people to whine about. 

Best regards, and don’t forget to fly your flag!

Bob

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Elk Grove Lady Arrested For Possession of Stolen Checks, Dope Paraphernalia

Elk Grove Police arrested an Elk Grove lady early this morning for possession of stolen checks and narcotics paraphernalia.

According to police reports, 42-year old Jamie Solorzano was stopped by officers for a vehicle code violation at 3:02 am. Officers determined the suspect was on a searchable probation.

A probation search of the vehicle revealed Solorzano to allegedly be in possession of checks not issued in her name and narcotics paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested and transferred to the county jail.

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Consumnes CSD Board Approves Park Maintenance

The Cosumnes Community Services District Board of Directors has adopted park maintenance reductions in two areas east of Highway 99 following property owners’ rejection of new benefit assessments to meet increasing costs

In a special meeting June 24, the CSD Board approved staff recommendations that reduce funding to match available revenue beginning with the new fiscal year, July 1, .
in the Central Elk Grove and Elk Grove West Vineyard areas. Property owners in the two areas rejected new benefit assessments by 66 percent.

The CSD Board also adopted a new benefit assessment approved by property owners in the Camden area on a 55 percent vote. Property owners’ approval of a new assessment of about $10 per month will allow the CSD to continue watering and landscaping at current standards in the area, and also provide funds for replacing aging play structures and other facilities in older parks.

For the Central Elk Grove and Elk Grove West Vineyard areas where new benefit
assessments failed, the CSD Board approved implementation of reductions in
landscape maintenance contracts and watering, less staff time, elimination of supplies and landscape improvements, and closure of some restrooms.

``This is fair and balanced,’’ said Gil Albiani, President of the CSD Board of Directors. ``Everybody’s going to hurt a little bit.’’ The CSD Board asked staff members to meet with residents or community groups as soon as possible to explore possible alternatives to cost reductions.

The CSD sought property owners’ approval of new benefit assessments equaling about $7 to $10 per month due to dramatically increasing water rates, utility bills and other costs associated with maintaining parks in three areas east of Highway 99. The mail-in balloting procedure took place over a 45-day period that began May 1.

The CSD has implemented spending cutbacks and has kept district residents apprised of the situation, advising them that at some point it would be necessary to either reduce services or seek additional assessments in the three underfunded areas.

While nine of the CSD’s Landscape and Lighting (L&L) benefit zones are financially stable, funds cannot be transferred from one zone to another. Only property owners in a particular zone can approve benefit assessments in their area, under state law. Benefit assessments are then used for maintaining parks and playgrounds, landscaped roadside corridors and some street medians within those zones.

More information on cost-reduction procedures in Central Elk Grove and Elk Grove West Vineyard parks and corridors is available at the CSD website, www.yourcsd.com, or by calling 916-405-5300. A brief description of the adopted staff report follows:

Elk Grove West Vineyard Park Assessment District
--L&L Zones Affected
-- Zone 3 Elk Grove West Vineyard
--$544,503 in reductions needed due to failed vote
--40% reduction in budget
--Recommended Cost Reductions – Fiscal Year 2009-10:
--Reduce landscape services, water – parks and corridors
--Eliminate new park construction: Sheldon Place, MacDonald – Phase 2
--Eliminate new landscaping projects
--Capital Replacement – no new funds generated
--More cuts anticipated in Fiscal Year 2010-11

Zone 6 --Central Elk Grove
--$427,548 in reductions needed due to failed vote
--43% reduction in budget
--Recommended Cost Reductions – Fiscal Year 2009-10:
-- Reduce landscape services, water – parks and corridors
--Eliminate asset repairs (turf, horseshoe pits) and asset upkeep (tree removal)
--Close 2 of 5 restrooms in Elk Grove Park – reduce staffing
--Capital Replacement – no new funds generated
--Deficit requires using Capital Replacement savings for operation expenses
--More cuts anticipated in Fiscal Year 2010-11

Zone 9 – Waterman Park Village
(9B – Fallbrook & 9C Hampton Village)
--$197,500 in reductions needed due to failed vote
--40% reduction in budget
--Recommended Cost Reductions – Fiscal Year 2009-10:
--Reduce maintenance services, water – parks and corridors. Mow every 14 days.
--Eliminate new park construction: Van Doren Park, Phase 2
--Eliminate turf and plants
--3.2 acres of 14.7 acres (22%) in parks
--0.7 of 2.9 acres (24%) in corridors
--Close restroom in Hill Park – reduce staffing
--Capital Replacement – no new funds generated
--More cuts anticipated in Fiscal Year 2010-11

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Profile of Elk Grove City Manager Laura Gill

Read a profile on Elk Grove City Manager Laura Gill. The profile is from the current edition of Public CEO.

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Elk Grove Police Make Arrests in Domestic Violence Incidents

Elk Grove Police arrested one man and took a juvenile into custody Tuesday afternoon in two unrelated domestic violence incidents.

In the first incident, officers arrested 40-year old Lakhvir Singh. The suspect allegedly was involved in a verbal argument when he threw the victim to the ground and caused visible injury. The victim was granted a protective order and Singh was transferred to the county jail.

Separately, officers took a 14-year old girl into custody following an argument between the girl and her mother. The girl reportedly assaulted her mother, took her cell phone and threw rocks at her vehicle.

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Nine Years Later: Is Elk Grove Better Off?

As part of Elk Grove’s Ninth anniversary, EGN e-mailed several people in the community and asked them to submit their response to the following question...

Is Elk Grove better off today than it was nine years ago prior to incorporation?

We received the following responses. We have posted them in order of receipt in their entirety.
(note: 9:05 Wednesday, We are posting additional commentaries as we receive them - check back throughout the day for new comments.)

Community activist Connie Conley wrote the following:

Funny you should send this email as just today I was speculating on 2010 when the city of Elk Grove will be a decade old in one short year. As we celebrate our ninth birthday, I do believe we are better for becoming a city.

Oh, I know there are folks who believe we should have never incorporated and stayed with the county of Sacramento. But one look at the financial trouble the county is in, knowing that the unincorporated areas get what’s left over, and with only one vote at the county level to protect us, I think we are better off being the city of Elk Grove.

We have a police department of which we can be proud. We have an active citizenry that is now embraced by a city council that in the past would just as soon lock the doors from the inside on council meeting nights.

The last two elections saw an end to apathy among voters, and the campaigning that took place was lively, energetic and fun! Gone is a city manager and city attorney that held our city hostage though we have a ransom for which we are still paying. But at least the worm has turned!

Have mistakes been made? Yes. Did active citizens try to get the original council to listen to reason? Yes. But a loud message was sent in the last election with the landslide victory Steve Detrick secured: Do right by the citizens of Elk Grove or we will move heaven and earth to replace you, sign wave on street corners, fight for sign placement, walk precincts until our feet our sore, phone bank every night until we are hoarse, email every person we know until our fingers are numb. You bet this city is worth fighting for!

If we weren’t a city and didn’t have the leadership we do now, we know our group, the Elk Grove Community Connection, would not be able to hold summit meetings we do in order to educate and engage the citizenry in our governmental process. We wouldn’t have a council that embraced our proposals and ordinances; including the one for a youth commission, passing it in two weeks. There is more partnering than ever before and the welcome mat has finally taken its spot in front of the podium.

So should we be proud of those candles burning on the cake with the words “Happy Ninth Birthday, City of Elk Grove?” You bet we should!

And when Mayor Pat Hume blows out those candles on our behalf, I hope his wish for us, as we look to our first decade, we celebrate as we look forward and beyond with confidence that we do, indeed, have "A Proud Heritage and a Bright Future.”


Past city council and state assembly candidate Katherine Maestas submitted the following:

Elk Grove is much worse off after incorporation. Prior to incorporation, we had local planning advisory councils that fought hard for community rights and did their best to relay the community’s desires and best interests to the local elected bodies.

The reason for incorporating in 2000 was to give the citizens of Elk Grove a direct say in how their community would grow. Instead, we’ve replaced our oak trees, farmland, and open space with erratic, poorly planned projects. The reality of the situation since 2000 is that the only people that have benefitted from incorporation are the developers that have laid stake in Elk Grove and the city council members who were bankrolled by those same developers.

Whether its issues like traffic, crime, or the public transit fiasco that has led to a $2 million a year drain on the city budget, the citizens of Elk Grove have had to endure one bad decision after another by those leaders that were supposed to free us from the bureaucracy that existed prior to incorporation. In 2000 we were much better off than we are currently. Rather than progress, we’ve regressed since 7/1/2000.


Community activist Lynn Wheat submitted the following:


Ok here it is from me!

I have lived here since 1987 and I would like to believe that as a community we are better off; however it has been a discouraging path for me and my immediate response is NO.

I was an enthusiastic resident who responded to the request of citizen's input regarding the general plan. I enjoyed the short drive to city hall to attend the meetings of our council to witness the actions of those whose were elected to represent the general public young and old. I nervously approached the podium during public comment to share my thoughts and vision of open spaces and of a walking and biking community. As I attended the meetings and repeatedly heard the terms MND, mitigation,and Rezone, I again approached the podium and suggested to the council, who I naively believe represented everyone within the city, requesting them to breath, pause, and evaluate the rapid rezone and mass home and strip mall production. I further shared one advertisement of a home developer "short commute to Sacramento ". Elk Grove became a suburbia nightmare!

However, I am hopeful that after a decade of greed Elk Grove now can move forward and not operate from the green dollars of greed but from the green of environmental quality of life defined as a safe community, clean water, clean air and recognizing as a people we have been provided with natural creeks, vernal pools, and species no amount of money can make with such natural prestine qualities.

My hope is renewed by my interactions with young individuals who recognize we must be responsible stewards of our natural resources to survive and there must be a balanced long term vision. This small group is vocally powerful and will be the change agents. They renew my hope and my spirit. The last city council election proved that grass roots efforts of a committed, united group of residents can make the difference.

Is the City better off than nine years ago? Not really but it is becoming better because there has been an awakening of young and old who care about this city and have committed their time and voices to speak louder than the developer dollars that sweep through this town in a hurricane fashion. I remain optimistic that the City's past mistakes will not be repeated. Some political change has happened and it will continue as the voices of individuals once quiet speak up and out. Yes votes on issues will no longer be so easily influenced by money but will be determined by what will be best for all the city residents now and in the future. I am optimistic that the days of piecemeal short term planning is over.


The following contribution came from retired U.S. Air Force officer and past city council candidate Bob Felts.


You've asked a rather philosophical, subjective question.

I expect City Council members will give a resounding YES because they'll think a NO answer might reflect poorly on them. However, I think they would actually be correct in saying we're better off overall. Our city has grown faster than anyone could have ever expected, and yet we've consistently kept pace with the challenges of that growth. The result is a city that still reflects some "bedroom community" and country heritage, yet holds the promise of a thriving world class city in the future.

On the economic front, our city leaders had control, but little foresight. Council members from 2006 on, and the city manager, were extremely slow in admitting Elk Grove could not continue to prosper in the face of a national economic recession. Planning should have started about 2 years ago to prepare Elk Grove for revenue decreases and a reduced budget, but no action was begun until after the 2008 fall election. My platform of Economic Stability before Economic Prosperity fell on deaf ears. Now we're in "catch-up" mode, with few budget options that will not damage city employees and city functionality. Our lack of funds will manifest in many ways.

At the LWV's televised forum, I also said any candidate who promised to bring jobs to Elk Grove (most of them did) was unrealistic and "blowing hot air." I stand by that. Where are those promised jobs, folks?

That said, we're better off than many cities. The same real estate boom we hitched our star to at least provided a "rainy day" reserve fund. Unfortunately, no city leader seems to understand how to use that fund. Council members seem determined never to use it for anything. Why? Isn't that its purpose? I'm not talking about squandering those reserves; I'm talking about legitimate use. As Laura Gill has now astutely ascertained, use of that fund over the next three years will be mandatory to maintain a good level of services and a functional city.

There's no room here for a lengthy discussion, so I'll close with this: If I had to pick one thing that makes this a great city, it would be our community programs. The Vets Day parade, Strauss festival, annual picnic and numerous other annual functions bond our citizens and promote civic pride. Additionally, we've always made an effort to support our needy, our youth, our seniors and our veterans. Great cities are known by this kind of compassion, and Elk Grove has stepped up to the plate time and time again in that respect. We can truly be proud of that.

On this upcoming Independence Day, we should all give thanks we live in the United States of America. The courage and wisdom of our forefathers and their formulation of our unique Constitution have made ours the greatest country in the world. God willing, we'll continue as that, even though times are tough right now.

Likewise, I believe Elk Grove will survive these rough times and become a shining star emulated by other cities. The citizens of this city should always remember: adversity builds strength--as it will for us as we struggle now and succeed in the future.

Best regards to all.


Elk Grove City Council member Steve Detrick had the following to say:


Is Elk Grove better off today than it was nine years ago prior to incorporation?

Absolutely Yes!!!!!!

If you look at all of the changes that have taken place in the Elk Grove, the Sacramento Region, California, the United States and the rest of the world over the last 9 years, Elk Grove is a great place to live.

There have been several bumps in the road of City-hood that are very common for any type of new born!

One of the main goals of City-hood was have local control through the voices of the citizens. We now have that!

If you look at all the state and county services being cut, the Elk Grove area would have been greatly effected if it had not become a city!

We are fortunate to still have financial reserves to weather the tough economic times we currently face. With the Current Elk Grove City Council and Executive team, the city is in the best hands it could be in for what we are facing and planning for our future!

Happy Anniversary Elk Grove!


Jason Daniel of CapitalElector.com has this to say:


We have higher Water Fees.

We have higher Park fees.

We have an abandoned mall on the outside of town.

We don’t have enough retail to support the population.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue still flows to Sacramento every week.

Crime is higher that its ever been. More citizens are pulled over for tickets than criminals are arrested each week.

The jobs promised by elected city officials, 2 years ago have still not materialized.

Elk Gove still has such a long way to go. Hopefully our city government will find its focus in year 10.



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Happy 9th Anniversary Elk Grove!

Check EGN Tomorrow for the answer to the following question... Is Elk Grove better off following incorporation?

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Countefeit Money Passed at Elk Grove Firework Stands

The Elk Grove Police Department has recently documented two cases where counterfeit $50 bills were used to purchase fireworks at ...two firework stands in Elk Grove. These firework stands are usually operated by non-profit groups that are raising funds in an effort to provide financial support for youth based organizations.

In many situations, these counterfeit bills look real and feel real. Organizations operating firework stands are encouraged to advise their workers of the following tips:

- Be suspicious; take time to look at and feel the money you receive.
- Check for obvious things like duplicate serial numbers.
- Be especially suspicious of older bills (those bearing old pre-1996 designs) and bills of larger denominations.
- Simply refuse to accept older bills. Nearly all the pre-1996 money that is actually legitimate has been taken out of circulation and destroyed already.
- Look at bills in the light. The color-shift ink is very hard to fake. The security stripe and watermark are impossible to duplicate with an inkjet printer.
- Borders and markings should have clean crisp lines and come to sharp points.

If you believe you are receiving a counterfeit bill, call the police.

Additional information on how to detect counterfeit money is available on the United States Secret Service web site. Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call the Elk Grove Police Department Communications Center at (916) 714-5115or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357).

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Bad Timing for Elk Grove Promenade; Malls In Danger

If misery loves company, the half-constructed Elk Grove Promenade has lots of companionship.

According to a report filed today by U.S. News and World Report, shopping malls have become particularly vulnerable during the current recession. A combination of factors including changing demographics, heavy debt burdens of mall operators, the credit crunch and anemic consumer demand has weakened many malls.

The U.S. News story lists the 10 malls most likely to close. Surprisingly, only one of the endangered malls is owned by General Growth Properties, the bankrupt Chicago-based developer of the Elk Grove Promenade.

Below is a list of the tem most endangered malls with their current occupancy rates and sales per square foot:

-Century III Mall, Pittsburgh, Pa. (Occupancy rate: 70 percent; sales per square foot: $200*).
-Chambersburg Mall, Chambersburg, Pa. (62 percent; $234).
-Crossroads Mall, Omaha, Neb. (68 percent; $200*).
-Hickory Hollow Mall, Nashville, Tenn. (82 percent; $187).
-Highland Mall, Austin, Tex. (61 percent; $150*).
-Palm Beach Mall, West Palm Beach, Fla. (82 percent; $250*).
-SouthPark Mall, Moline, Ill. (84 percent; $225).
-Southridge Mall, Des Moines, Iowa. (84 percent; $168)
-Towne Mall, Franklin, Ohio. (49 percent; $207).
-Washington Crown Center, Washington, Pa. (70 percent; $265).

With no date for resumption of construction of the Elk Grove Promenade and continued weak retail sector, we hope this serves as a cautionary tale for the Elk Grove City Council.

In case it is unclear, let us spell it out: until such a time comes that the construction of the Elk Grove Promenade is completed and all the excess retail space in Elk Grove is absorbed, further retail development will do nothing more than act as a drag on the city and people of Elk Grove.

Until that time comes, which could take four or more years, the city should not issue any construction permits for retail property and look for ways to wean itself from the teat of retail sales tax revenues. The last thing we want to see happen is Elk Grove become a mecca for abandoned retail space.

Can you say Florin Mall?

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