Thursday evening, I went to Councilmember Lisa Kaplan’s Community Conversations as District 1’s Active Transportation Commissioner. All but one of the Commissioners attended.

We each had a table and supplies to gather feedback. I did a bit of advertising for May is Bike Month.

People kept meandering in for the next 30 minutes until the room was quite full.

Speaking is Councilmember Lisa Kaplan. To her right, the Chief of Police and someone from the Department of Finance to explain how the City is dealing with a budget deficit.

Hurray for feedback. Comments asked for improved bus service, safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists and a bicycle-pedestrian bridge over I-5 connecting the west side of N Natomas to the east side between Del Paso Rd and Arena Blvd. Locally we call it the Snowy Egret Bridge. Now that the idea has been officially floated by CLK (who has already talked about this project with our US Congressman Ami Bera), we are now a mere 10-24 years away from completion. If everything moves along at a reasonable pace, I will get to ride over Snowy Egret bike/ped bridge some time between ages 85 and 99.

Tuesday evening, I arrived early for the 5:00 City Council meeting. Everyone who attends passes through security.

The Girl Scouts were first up for a special presentation followed by a photo op:

Our item was pulled from the consent agenda to allow for more robust public comment. There were 43 online comments and about 10 people who made in-person comments. There were a few disruptions by a rather large loud group – who wanted the City Council to pass a resolution advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza. At one point a 15-minute recess was called which helped to calm things down. The ATC report and Councilmember comments were almost complete when things really erupted and the Council meeting was abruptly adjourned.

The above picture was taken early on in the meeting. After that, I didn’t feel comfortable taking more photos. Increasing numbers of police began to arrive. A protest was growing outside the building. Yes, time to adjourn and go home. After 3 hours, our item almost passed, but not quite.

Going to this meeting at City Hall was the only activity for me this week due to catching a mild cold. New City Hall:

Due to a scheduling conflict, tonight’s meeting was at Old City Hall:

There was no way I could miss this meeting because electing the next Chairperson was on the agenda. Who won? … me, for the next two years.

at N Natomas Regional Park.

A cold windy day with scattered rainstorms.

Councilmember Lisa Kaplan asked if a few commissioners could attend and interact with the public. Also there, Odet Ford – Parks and Community Enrichment Commission and Ayinde Fletcher – Youth Commission.

The weather got worse, the wind wanted to move the pop-ups, the event was lightly attended and no one came to our table. Thankfully, it was over after 2 hours.

I arrived early and walked over to Chavez Park to check out Mercado Urbano. A Dia de los Muertos altar:

Almost to City Hall:

The Active Transportation Commission presented their recommendations to the City Council Tuesday evening. Four commissioners were there to support Chairperson Ali Doerr-Westbrook’s presentation. And it was noted by Mayor Steinberg, the Council doesn’t often see 20 public comments in support of active transportation. That’s a good sign.

Agenda item #18: public discussion of the draft of the Sacramento Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. Well, of course, the City should prioritize active transportation.

Thursday evening in the City Council chambers: