Newton Booth Neighborhoods Association

Representative government is a lot like tinkerbell, u can keep it alive by believing in it &
it works best if everyone believes- falina eldredge

Public invited to learn

and exchange ideas

about potential new river crossings

WHAT: A community meeting to share an update on the Sacramento River Crossings alternatives study currently underway to evaluate new crossings between Sacramento and West Sacramento.

WHY: An opportunity for the public to learn about the study, review and provide input on the preliminary findings of opportunities and constraints.

WHEN: Monday, August 23, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., brief overview presentation at 5:45 p.m.

WHERE: Tsakopoulos Library Galleria East Room, 9^th and I streets, downtown.

There are an estimated 200 wireless telecomm antennas in Sacramento City of which about 50 are registered with the FCC. It is also estimated that the number of antennas could double in the next five years. There is no comprehensive list of tower owners and locations available to the public, and the city confirms that they are only tracking a few towers of interest to them. It can be deduced the proliferation of towers is unsupervised.

The FCC is responsible to license formerly unused radio wavelengths for telecomm signals and determine safe EMF exposure levels for the general public. The FCC also prohibits local municipalities from denying tower permits based upon health concerns when licensees maintain their facilities within the safe levels. There is no agency responsible for verifying that approved levels are not exceeded.

The FCC defers tower location decisions to the local level where city regulations govern. In addition, the wireless company must show a need for its services as a requirement for city approval.

Collocation is defined by the FCC as the practice of mounting an antenna on an existing structure or utility pole to eliminate constructing a new tower. Collocation shall not negatively impact historic or tribal properties: FCC collocation guidelines are here:

At the prospect of huge tower installations being constructed throughout Sacramento, the City adopted guidelines for telecomm facilities:

http://www.cityofsacramento.org/dsd/planning/long-range/planning-library/telecommunications-facilities.cfm

Most proposals coming before the Sacramento Planning Commission have been small antennas located on rooftops, panels mounted on buildings, existing telephone poles or light standards, a few slim-line poles in commercial areas, rights-of-way, and a couple of stealth trees (also known as monopines). These applications have been routinely approved. Locations near residential uses have also been approved despite sporadic neighborhood resistance. Typically, tower signal strengths at the application level are between 1 and 3 percent of allowable FCC signal strengths. This can be looked at as a double-edged sword since with Zoning Administrator approval the company may install additional panels or increase signal strength. Mathematically, this could result in an increase of 30 to 100 times the application level. As technology pushes wireless services, signal strengths can be expected to increase.

Sacramento’s handling of tower permits is different from other nearby cities. For example, we briefly looked at San Jose, Butte County, Sacramento County and Modesto and found specific height limits (about 55 feet) and some require the applicant to submit detailed service performance data to show need. In Sacramento there is no height limit and no specific requirements to prove need. Sacramento prefers towers less than 200 feet high that would otherwise require aircraft warning paint and lighting. Stealth trees are curious fakes (people ask, “What is that?”) The camouflaging of these structures isn’t good enough to blend in even if the observer is driving by one at 70 mph (freeway monopines in Sacramento).

These actions are happening now in Sacramento and can happen in your neighborhood unless there are concerned individuals who can work together for change. The following outline of our recent neighborhood experience is an example of what is happening.

Tower at 2661 Riverside Blvd. (Balshor Florist) approved by residents (60 signatures) disapproved by neighborhood association, continued at Commission level, has been in the approval process for 3 years.

Tower at 2720 Riverside Blvd. (Odd Fellows Cemetery) disapproved by residents, approved by neighborhood association, approved by Commission, in the approval process for 1 year.

The latter tower submitted by AT&T was first continued by Commission. Councilman Fong endorsed the project if it was collocated. At the final meeting a supporting Commissioner gave a passionate speech about collocation which apparently won over the Commission. In recap:

Odd Fellows owner testifies he prefers the tower near his back property line where it would be less visible on his property.

Changing service needs (at each subsequent meeting AT&T submitted less favorable coverage maps).

City maintains no authority over design or condition of tree (No Good Neighbor Policy),

Neighbors identify nearby commercial property owners who are willing to host an antenna.

Commissioners improperly redefine collocation to include a new larger tower that may accommodate a second phone company.

Approval of shared tower obtained with no commitment of a second party, may result in additional poles.

Telecomm commerce and technology is changing and so Commission is bending the rules to accommodate the needs of the companies. Our experience shows the Commission believes large towers are superior to smaller antennas, even though adopted Guidelines promote “invisible” facilities. Stealth trees are curious fakes and do not blend in especially if they are the tallest structure and viewed at close distances. Neighborhoods must discuss the impacts of having potentially fewer but much larger towers rather than more small antennas. If the Commission continues to cater to the telecomms who want the best engineering solution possible, those companies will continue to push for individual larger towers tied to their own corporate identities. Although it is possible, there are many complications for sharing a tower with a service competitor unless it is co-developed and jointly owned. The City doesn’t have adequate regulations to control the size and siting of these large towers and to ensure neighborhood concerns are met. Large towers that garner political support tip the playing field.

Will Sacramento’s neighborhood concerns be considered a part of the engineering process or will approval be based solely upon the companies’ demands?

SUMMER 2010 UPDATE

Council to Select Downtown Development Early July
Development momentum continues on K and L streets. In February 2010, the City received four project concepts to develop a transformative mixed-use project aimed to further revitalize the JKL Street Corridor. Four development teams submitted concepts to redevelop three opportunity sites along the 700 and 800 blocks of K and L Street. On July 13, City Council will consider a final recommendation to select a preferred developer to further refine a design concept and finance plan. Following this action, the City will enter into an Exclusive Right to Negotiate (ERN) with the selected development team(s). Follow this link to learn more about the proposed concepts and the vision for these two critical blocks.

Deal Approved for Digital Billboards
In May, the City Council approved lease contracts with Clear Channel Outdoor to construct and operate four new electronic billboards on city-owned locations. In conjunction with its placement of the new signs, Clear Channel will remove 24 existing billboard faces Citywide. The four new electronic billboards will be installed at the following locations: the north side of Interstate 80 and east of Northgate Boulevard; Business 80 and Fulton Avenue; the west side of Highway 99 and south of Mack Road; and the west side of Interstate 5 and south of Richards Boulevard. This leases will generate an alternative revenue stream for the City over the course of the 25-year lease term. All four signs will be operational mid-2011. Contact Tom Zeidner for more information.

City Awarded $200,000 US EPA Clean-Up Grant
In April, Economic Development was awarded a $200,000 United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean-Up Grant to aid in environmental remediation and clean-up efforts at the former PG&E power station on Jibboom Street. Built in 1912, the power station has been shuttered since the early 1960s. The EPA Brownfield grant will help cover costs to remove contaminated soil from the interior of the building in preparation for the development of the $40 million riverfront Powerhouse Science Center - a science, space and technology center that is planned for the vacant building.

Riverfront Promenade Extension Now Open
In early June, Economic Development, along the city's Parks and Recreation and Transportation departments, commemorated the first phase extension of the Docks riverfront promenade. This $5.4 million project provides 3.4 acres of additional recreational opportunities along the Sacramento River by adding three quarters of a mile of pedestrian/bike path, river vistas, furniture, and a new park facility, Pioneer Landing, at R Street. The new park will serve as the entry way to the future redevelopment of the 30-acres Docks Area. The first phase of the promenade project was made possible through the use of state and local funds. Design plans for the second phase are being developed now, and the City is actively pursuing funding opportunities for future phases.

Entertainment and Sports Complex
The City entered into an ERN with a team of developers to bring forth a new entertainment and sports complex. This milestone, taking place last May, is the first of many steps that will evaluate the possibility of a new entertainment and sports complex currently envisioned within the City's Intermodal development in the Sacramento downtown Railyards. Over the next 18 months, the City will be working with the state of California regarding potential land swap legislation, as well as determining financing options to fund the new complexes. To keep up-to-date on this project, follow this link.

River District Dealership Improves Façade
Downtown Ford, a longstanding River District fixture of more than 35 years, recently underwent a major capital improvement effort designed to improve its outer appearance and upgrade the buildings. The City assisted by provided the dealership with a loan, funded by River District redevelopment tax increment, to help leverage private investment for onsite improvements and foster economic development in the area. This reinvestment assures the River District's sole dealership continues to contribute to jobs, tax revenue, as well as support other reinvestment underway in the district. For more information about the River District, follow this link.

$2.7 Million Earmarked for Cars on K Street Project
Momentum continued for cars on K Street when City Council approved $2.7 million in funding. The late April approval provides staff with the resources necessary to develop additional design plans, produce an environmental document, and ultimately make necessary improvements to the corridor so that cars can be reintroduced. Economic Development and Transportation Department staff will return to City Council in the fall for final approval of the environmental document and the design. It is anticipated that slow moving traffic on K Street will be a reality by the end of 2011. Contact project manager Denise Malvetti for more information.

Crimes In Our Neighborhoods

If you are aware of a crime in our neighborhoods - Please let me know - bud@newtonbooth.org

Sacramento Country Day School
Coming To
The Newton Booth School ??

I have attached a list of basic FAQs to assist you in sharing this information and answering questions from residents interested in applying for the wait lists.

A few key points to know:

*The wait lists are not for the Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8

program.

*The wait lists will remain open until further notice.

*The pre-application process has changed:

*Applicants interested in any or all of the three housing

communities must go to each site to receive an access code which is

required in order to fill out a pre-application for each community.

*An access code is not needed to apply for the Elderly Only wait

list.

*All applicants will be placed on the waiting list in the order

in which their pre-applications were received, according to bedroom

size.

*Applicants are encouraged to apply online at www.sacwaitlist.com

and will receive immediate confirmation that their pre-application has

been received.

*More information is available on our website at www.shra.org

<http://www.shra.org/> . Click the link for the Public Housing Wait list

at the top of the left menu selection.

Please also note that the SHRA office has moved to a new location at 801 12th Street.

Please share this information with your friends and neighbors, specially the elderly that can benefit from this.

Regards,

Berenice Gallardo

District 4 Affairs Staff

Councilmember Rob Fong

915 I Street, 5th Floor

Sacramento, CA 95814

916.808.1917

916.264.7680 fax

bgallardo@cityofsacramento.org

New Midtown Location: 2829 S St

Above: Temple in Downtown (10th & J)

2nd Location in Midtown Now Open!
Temple is opening it's new location and it's in Midtown, about a block away from the Sacramento Natural Food Co-Op. Grand opening party is scheduled for July 18th, 09! New location is at 2829 S Street (see video below).

Above: Temple in Midtown (29th & S)

Free WiFi

Temple, The Cultured Cup

This coffee house, this Cultured Cup of organic coffee and tea, embodies the soul of a good book, literally the former Levinson's Bookstore. It is a temple, a story, an ode to simplicity, service, and openness. Each cup is inspired for the serious drinker, the aficianado, the coffee or tea connoisseur. Temple is where those who love their drinks come to worship.

From here you can transport yourself anywhere in good taste. Create your own story on the pulse of Downtown. Your presence makes this a sacred and organic space for writing, studying, meeting, and being.

Sacred coffee and other tastings will be held on Second Saturdays. Take your organic and fair trade coffee home with you by the pound.

Enter the Temple 365 days per year from 6a.m.-10 p.m. The people behind the counter are obsessed with making each of your visits a true experience.

Click the Program tab above for our upcoming events.

Art exhibit, sacred coffee and other tastings will be held on Second Saturday Art Walk.

10.Flickr - http://flickr.com/

Need volunteers for Maintenance for the traffic circle at 26thand"S"
If you would like to help out with the circle, through plant donations, being one of the watering crew, or contributing materials contact bud@newtonbooth.org.

Street Lights: If your streetlights are out or going on and off frequently, contact the Street Lighting Shop at 808-6313 with the address that the light is closest to. Please notice if there is a single light out or if several are out. We are working on trying to get additional street lights in our neighborhoods, however our first step is to get all existing lights functional.

The Newtonbooth Neigborhoods
Poverty Ridge; NewtonBooth & Alhambra Triangle
Boundries are: West - 19th St | North - "R" Street | East - 37th St |South - Hwy 50
(35th to 37th is not shown since it is just open land)

Public invited to learn

and exchange ideas

about potential new river crossings

WHERE: Tsakopoulos Library Galleria East Room, 9^th and I streets, downtown.

YES !!

Elderly Housing Wait Lists Opened

On Monday, January 25, the Housing Authority opened several wait lists for three public housing communities and for Elderly Only (age 62 and older) public housing.

The Newtonbooth Neigborhoods Poverty Ridge; NewtonBooth & Alhambra Triangle Boundries are: West - 19th St | North - "R" Street | East - 37th St |South - Hwy 50 (35th to 37th is not shown since it is just open land)