Art plays a critical role in the life of our community because it enables us to see the world in new ways.  Unfortunately, today's economy has strained the ability of local arts organizations to continue bringing us the programs and services we all enjoy.  I launched a new initiative today called "For Art's Sake" to bring the arts community together, to find ways the City of Sacramento can support the arts, and to develop a strategy that will enable the arts community to withstand these challenging economic times.

Stay tuned for more information about this exciting initiative.

Just a reminder - don't forget to bring your questions, ideas and issues to my open office hours tonight:

Thursday, June 4, 4 - 8 PM
Samuel Pannell Community Center
2450 Meadowview Road

For more news and information, visit my Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kevin-Johnson/30765321048

One of the advantages of my monthly office hours sessions is that you can make just one stop to speak with me, my staff, and representatives from several departments at City Hall. We are committed to listening to your ideas and suggestions, and finding solutions to the challenges you're facing, all with the highest level of customer service.

Hope to see you at the next office hours session:

Thursday, June 4
4 - 8 PM

Samuel Pannell Community Center
2450 Meadowview Road
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As many of you know, town hall meetings give Sacramento residents an opportunity to ask me questions and share feedback in an open forum setting. In addition, City of Sacramento staff members are present to provide information about city services.

Thanks to everyone who attended this week's meeting.

Town Hall Meeting
Thursday, May 21, 2009
7 - 8 PM

Sutter Middle School
3150 I Street
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Technology is changing the way we live. And it's changing our democracy as well.

That's why I'm so excited to let you in on a new way to weigh in on issues facing our community via the web.

I've partnered with the Sacramento Bee and Peak Democracy, a non-partisan company whose mission is to broaden participation in democracy and to build public trust in government, to pioneer a web-based "Open Town Hall." (Read today's Bee article on this state-of-the-art tool http://sacbee.com/topstories/story/1836721.html.)

From now on, there is no need to trudge down to City Council meetings to share your views. Now you can read what others are saying, and help shape public policy, all from the convenience of your own computer on your own schedule. It's never been easier to put in your two cents!

I am proud of this new technology that puts Sacramento on the cutting edge of citizen involvement and transparency in government. I will incorporate your input from Open Town Hall when I make my decision on issues, and if you'd like, send you an email updates to learn what we've decided -- and why.

My first question asks for your opinions on how to balance the city budget.

To share your view, go to www.peakdemocracy.com/311.

P.S.  Just a reminder -- my open office hours are this Thursday, May 7 from 4 – 8 PM at Lisbon Elementary School.

You deserve a city government that is accessible and responsive to your needs, and sometimes that means City Hall needs to come to you.  That’s why I’ve decided to hold office hours in neighborhoods throughout Sacramento.  So, if you have a question or issue you’d like to share with me or city staff, stop by my next Office Hours session:

Thursday, May 7th
4 – 8 PM
Lisbon Elementary School.
7555 South Land Park Drive
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In case you missed it, you can watch my commentary on The Larry King Live Show about President Obama’s first 100 days in office here.

I appreciate the great response to the town hall meetings we’ve held throughout Sacramento so far.  Thank you for bringing your families with their questions and concerns to last week's Town Hall meeting in District 1, hosted by Councilmember Ray Trethaway.

Thursday, April 23
7 – 8 PM
Natomas High School, Little Theater
3301 Fong Road
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You may have heard on the news tonight that I have entered into a settlement with the U.S. Attorney. The agreement closes the chapter on charges made during the campaign against me -- more than two years after St. HOPE had received the federal funds that were in question. The settlement is a big win for Sacramento. Despite what you might have seen on t.v., not a single penny of federal funds were ever frozen or delayed. Our city is receiving a record amount of federal funds -- more than $30 million since I have been mayor.

No one will work harder than I to partner with Congresswoman Matsui and our U.S. Senators to get Sacramento's fair share of federal stimulus dollars. I have met with both President Obama and Vice President Biden in recent weeks. With today's action behind us, we are better positioned than ever before to get Sacramento back to work.

On another note, we are making great progress on closing "Tent City." Dozens of homeless families and individuals have moved into permanent or temporary housing we have secured. We have more work to do, but we are off to a strong start with the backing of law enforcement, the faith community, and homeless advocates.

Thank you for your continued support. I truly appreciate your interest in making Sacramento a city that works for all of us.

On Thursday morning, the Today Show will revisit Sacramento's "Tent City," with another version of that broadcast scheduled to be on NBC Nightly News that evening. This is a continuation of the almost non-stop international media coverage that Sacramento's homelessness problem has received during the past several weeks.

As you may have read, I worked closely with our city's homelessness task force to craft both short- and long-term plans to address homelessness in our community. No longer could we close our eyes and try to sweep the problem under the rug. We invited neighbors, caregivers, landowners, and even Tent City residents to join us in developing a "tough love" proposal that provides both compassion and a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to public health and safety.

We have a long way to go, but the action by the City Council two weeks ago to combat homelessness at Tent City is an encouraging first start. I urge you to view the broadcast, and if you are interested in helping, join with us to help combat homelessness in our community.

The best ideas to change our city come from our neighbors, and there continues to be a strong current to make Sacramento an even better place to live. Share your ideas with me during my April Office Hours and Town Hall meeting.

Office Hours, District 6:
Thursday April 9, 4 - 8 PM
Camellia Basic Elementary - Multi-Purpose Room
6600 Cougar Drive
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Town Hall, District 1:
Thu April 23, 7 – 8 PM
Natomas High School - Little Theater
3301 Fong Ranch Road
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