Help Improve Fremont Park

Eric Fredericks • Friday May 30, 2008

Have you ever thought that Fremont Park in Downtown Sacramento is underutilized? Ever thought it could be improved? Now is your chance to make a difference. LivinginUrbanSac has been doing a lot of legwork in putting together a public meeting on Fremont Park improvements. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 11th, 6pm at William Land Elementary School, 2120 12th Street [Map, Event Flyer].

The park has a great children’s playground and several good establishments within a stone’s throw of the park (Mochii Yogurt, Naked Lounge, Nishiki, R15 / Cafe Bernardo, Starbucks, Uncle Vitos, Pronto, etc.). Those of you that are familiar with the park know that it is underutilized, but has great potential. I lived a block from the park when I first moved to Sacramento and now live about 3 blocks away. I mostly use it as a cut through when going to/from Cafe Bernardo. The only other times I’ve gone to the park to actually do something there was for the Chalk It Up Fesitval (which I absolutely love) and the Farmer’s Market. Otherwise, there’s just not been much appeal, probably because nearby Capitol Park and McKinley Park are just fantastic. I do agree with LivinginUrbanSac that the park has amazing potential and I’m excited to see what will happen at this meeting. Councilmember Fong, representatives from CADA and the City, business owners, and neighborhood residents will be attending the meeting. I hope to see you at the meeting and please invite others as well. You can visit LivinginUrbanSac for more info about the meeting or you can continue reading after the jump for more info as well… >>Continue Reading This Article>>

 

Category: Urban Living •• Region: Sacramento •• Comments

Saturday: A Sneak Peek at LJ Urban's Revolutionary Good Project

Eric Fredericks • Thursday May 22, 2008

LJ Urban, the revolutionary eco-urban development company based here in Sacramento, is opening their Good Project this Saturday (5/24) for a sneak peek. The project is open from 10-2 at 4th and B Streets in West Sacramento.

I think it’s fair to call what they’re doing revolutionary because it’s unlike any project undertaken before. Sure, eco-friendly and green building is the new vogue. And yes, this isn’t the first urban project to go up in the redeveloping waterfront of West Sacramento. But, it’s probably the first project in the country that with each house sold trains a new Burkina Faso mason to build houses for families that need them. They are also cutting edge in the sustainable development world as one of the first LEED-ND certified projects completed in the country. And, they are not going to do the traditional billboard and media advertising like most companies do, nor will they have an on-site salesperson. They are going to host educational dinners, community movie nights, blogging, and the other events they’ve already been doing, rather successfully in my opinion.

I really hope this works for them and they have continued success. There’s probably no company that deserves it more.

This is also a big event because of the recent passing of Jason Presley, their marketing guru and friend of mine. I’ve been in contact with LJ Urban owner Levi Benkert and he’s told me it’s been a really emotional time for him because everywhere he looks, Jason is there. This is not the only traumatic event that Levi’s been through recently. I don’t want to spoil it, so you can read Levi’s heart-wrenching stories here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3. The stories are definitely worth your time to read. There are some shocking things to read in this, even if you’ve never met Levi before.

You can get more information on the sneak peak and the Good Project by watching the video above, visiting LJ Urban’s website, or continuing to read this article (after the jump). Did I mention that there’s food and live music involved?
>>Continue Reading This Article>>

 

Category: Urban Living •• Region: Sacramento •• Comments

We've All Lost A Great Friend

Eric Fredericks • Monday March 31, 2008

UPDATE 4/1: A Memorial Service will be held for Jason on Saturday April 5 from 2-4PM at Redwood Covenant Church, 3175 Sebastopol Rd., Santa Rosa, CA 95407. The church phone is 707-528-8463.

Jason Presley, an inspirational and tireless advocate for a more sustainable world, passed away last week of complications from a liver disease. He was only 36. He leaves behind a wonderful family—his wife Michelle, and his two young daughters Aria and Lyra. He also leaves behind a legacy that no one will ever match here in Sacramento.

This is definitely the hardest article I’ve ever written. I’ve been avoiding writing it because his death has been consuming my thoughts and I thought it would be difficult to look at photos of him. I’m really glad that I did look through my photos, because it put a smile on my face to see that amazing things he accomplished.

I knew Jason through his work at the local development firm LJUrban. He served as their marketing and outreach guru and resident expert on eco-friendly building practices and communities. He used the term “eco-urban” to describe their developments in the urban cores of Sacramento and West Sacramento, a term that I absolutely love.

I first met Jason when he invited me to lunch last summer to chat about ideas. He had been following my website and other local blogging websites that discussed urban life in Sacramento. When we met for lunch, he was nothing like the person I expected him to be. He just had this glow about him and he exerted so much energy that you couldn’t help but absorb it yourself and be inspired to do anything you put your mind to. We were only supposed to meet for an hour or so, but we ended up talking for two hours and we dove into details about our personal lives. You just don’t meet many people like him. You felt like you were instant friends with him.

Jason and I kept in touch over the next few months—I went to some outreach and “smart growth” educational efforts that he organized. But, where I really got to work with him was organizing last year’s PARKing Day events here in Sacramento. There were about 7 of us that helped put the event together, but Jason was really the guy that made things happen. He did a fantastic job bringing the media to the event and answering difficult questions in interviews. He helped keep us energized and gave some incredibly inspirational speeches full of ideas for the park. As a result, the park we created (from what I witnessed on other websites) was the most beautiful park in all of dozens of cities that created parks last September. In fact, the event made such an impact in Sacramento that the Sacramento Bee mentioned the park in his obituary.

Aside from everything that Jason did for creating a more sustainable world, I think Jason reached far beyond that with his personal skills. There was never a time where I didn’t see Jason with a radiant smile on his face. You could also tell that he always had 1,000 brilliant ideas cooking in his brain at any given time. That is why it’s going to be so hard for everyone to pick up without him.

His death comes as a shock to me and everyone I knew that knew him… which is just about everyone I know in Sacramento! None of us knew that he had this liver disease, and it was not a long, drawn out illness. As my friend Jeffery Rosenhall pointed out in these comments, “I just read about Jason passing away this morning – what a blow to the gut. He was an amazing guy who could teach optimists about optimism.” I couldn’t say it better myself.

My heart goes out to Michelle and his daughters. It’s going to be tough going on without him. They had just purchased a beautiful house in Curtis Park last summer. It’s really tragic that Jason will not get to see his daughters grow up.

My heart also goes out to the rest of his family and LJUrban co-workers. LJUrban can’t possibly be the same without him and it’s going to leave a huge void. They were not only co-workers, they were like a family. Jason also did a lot to change the image of what developers could be like—and that they were not inherently evil. I’ve never had that feeling, but I would say the majority of people I know do… although many probably don’t now after meeting Jason.

Chris Morfas made a comment that we should continue the PARKing Day movement here in Sacramento and call the parks Presley Parks. I think that’s a wonderful idea. Though I know he will be on my mind the entire time we put the event together.

Jason’s visitation continues from 4-7 tonight (Monday) and tomorrow at Thompson Funeral Home, 3601 Fifth Avenue, in Oak Park, Sacramento.

Here are some more links and background about Jason:

LJUrban owner Levi Benkert’s article about Jason’s passing
SacBee: Obituary: Jason Presley was advocate of eco-friendly buildings
My photos of Jason
Photos from last year’s PARKing Day event
A blog post on Jason by his friend Jer.

Jason, you were amazing. You will be sorely missed.

 

Category: Tragedies •• Region: Sacramento •• Comments [2]

My Animal Rescue Story (And Another Reason to Hate Leaf Blowers!)

Eric Fredericks • Wednesday March 5, 2008

As I was walking to work Monday morning, I noticed a few people gathered around what appeared to be a leaf on the sidewalk. I figured that it must be somewhat interesting, so I walked up for a closer look once the people moved on. As it turns out, it was a tiny green hummingbird that was sitting on the ground, breathing very heavy. I could see that it was not able to fly. I felt really terrible for it and compelled to do something to help it out, but I wasn’t sure what I could do. So, I kept on walking. But, after just a few steps, I decided to go back and at least save the poor animal from being squished on the sidewalk.

I had never picked up a bird before, let alone a hummingbird, so I was very concerned. The hummingbird easily fit into my palm with room to spare. To be honest, I think it was somewhat happy that I picked it up, because I think it knew that it really needed help. I happened to be right by a little garden next to the Department of Education building, and thought that it would be safe to leave it there while I tried to find someone that could help it. I did consider taking it across the street to Capitol Park, but figured that there were too many predators there. Little did I know that it possibly would have been a better move.

When I got to the office, I did some Google searches hoping to find an agency to contact—but no luck. Most I found to be focused on cats and dogs. I e-mailed a few local friends and asked them if they knew of anyone. No luck.

I took a morning break and went to check on the bird. It was in the exact same place I left it—under a small tree mixed in with some leaves and grass up against a fence. A seemingly safe spot.

I had an errand to run at lunch, but checked on the bird on my way. Still fine.

When I was about to eat my lunch, I received a call from a friend that I had e-mailed earlier in the day. He said that he sent my e-mail plea around to his co-workers and received about 20 responses. From those responses, he picked out the best-sounding agency and graciously offered to call them for me. I said fantastic. I was feeling so optimistic at this point. >>Continue Reading This Article>>

 

Category: Urban Living •• Region: Sacramento •• Comments [1]

Condos, Lofts, and New Homes in Downtown and Midtown Sacramento

Eric Fredericks • Monday February 11, 2008

A local real estate agent contacted me for my recommendations on new condo, loft, and homes for sale in the urban core of Sacramento for a client. I compiled a list with a few comments and links to websites and sent my response back… then I found this fantastic thread that covers all of the projects going on in the Sacramento urban core. This thread is definitely worth checking out, even if you’re not from Sacramento. There are hundreds of photos and many of the projects are ready for construction.

Nonetheless, the information I gathered for the agent could be useful for those looking to buy because most other sites include apartments and commercial projects. Of course, the real estate market in Sacramento has crashed and burned. The urban core has held it’s own so far, but that’s a topic for another day. Here’s the list I compiled:

Midtown
L Street Lofts (L near 19th) – Perhaps the best current option for urban chicness. They are a bit pricey and not quite yet finished. Located in the best neighborhood in Sacramento in my opinion—my own neighborhood!

Whiskey Hill Lofts – Not passed by these much, but they look pretty nice… perhaps a little awkward. The neighborhood is rapidly becoming more lively.

Alchemy (R & 26) – They are quite ugly in my opinion, but are more affordable for Midtown—around $330,000 to start I believe. Also in between two light rail stops, definitely qualifying as a TOD in my book.

Metro Square – This is the established crown jewel of smart growth in Midtown, and has gained notoriety around the country. For us locals, it just blends in well with this quiet, beautiful part of Midtown.

A few others are just finishing construction on their first units or are about to do so:

Tapestri Square – Interesting neighborhood in Midtown, away from most of the action. A style that hasn’t been seen in Sacramento before.

Washington Park Village – Nice homes constructed in a transitioning part of Midtown.

1600 H Street Lofts – Coming on the market soon. Looks to be fairly hip, but located on car-friendly 16th Street.

Downtown
500 N Street – Perhaps the tallest for sale units structure in all of Sacramento. Old and outdated outside, but remodeled inside. Very near the Downtown Mall.

9 on F – Just opened and I’ve only passed by. Looked really cool from what I’ve seen and they’re the only LEED-H certified townhomes. Definitely a neighborhood in transition.

SoCap Lofts – Has some very nice units. While I’m not the biggest fan of the neighborhood—several state buildings and small industrial sites—I’m hoping these come down in price because they have my interest right now.

Some other homes and condos worth mentioning include:

12-13-P-Q quadrant – Very nice single family homes, but high density. Way out of most people’s price range, but this is my favorite residential development in Sacramento.

Condos on P around 15th and 16th Streets – Run around $320,000 and I think built in 1981. Quaint but poor interior layout. My former neighborhood, which was also fantastic.

There are also some condos at the top of the new Residence Inn at L & 15 that I know nothing about.

Analysis
We really don’t have that many multi-unit condo projects in Downtown-Midtown, at least that are newer. The newer projects are mostly rental right now. The ones that have entitlements are on hold because they don’t have financial backing in this market downturn.

If anyone wants to add more—I’m sure I missed many—please let me know and I’ll add them. Hopefully this gives some homebuyers a place to start in the Sacramento core.

 

Category: Urban Living •• Region: Sacramento •• Comments [1]

This Friday: Convert a Car Parking Space Into a Mini-Park With Me in Downtown Sacramento

Eric Fredericks • Monday September 17, 2007

Yes, that’s right. A group of us are going to be converting a car parking space into a mini-park, complete with sod and a parking bench. Local eco-urban developer LJ Urban beautifully described the event on their blog:

Ever wish for a world with more parks and fewer parking lots?

This Friday, September 21st, on J Street between 13th and 14th in one small 22 × 7 foot metered parking spot, you’ll find just that.

Imagine it. Car. Car. Car. Park. Car. Car. Car. This is just way too much fun.

Better yet. Come out and see for yourself. We’ll be there (most of the time). You’ll find us sitting on a large boulder dreaming big. Maybe you can sit a spell yourself. Play some chess. Listen to a live musician. And think about what its going to take to make this city better.

Its National Park(ing) Day 2007. Sacramento-style.

Brought to you by a dedicated group of eco-urbanists: artists, planners, bicyclists, landscape designers, photographers, bloggers…and a developer.

We still need volunteers to help us set up, tear down, and man the park in brief shifts during the day. We would also like talented musicians and artists to stop by the park and show off their skills. We could use your help spreading the word as well. We want as many people as possible to experience or hear about the event. So please, blog, e-mail, sing about the event—whatever it takes to get the word out. Most importantly: stop by and say hello!

If you’re interested in participating, please join our Google Group or contact me.

Also, there are many Park(ing) Day events happening in dozens of other cities this Friday, so stop by the TPL website to see if there’s an event happening in your community.

 

Category: Parking •• Region: Sacramento •• comments

Day 5: K Street Mall - Sacramento, CA

Eric Fredericks • Friday July 6, 2007

Today’s photo is from Sacramento, shot on the K Street Mall about 9 blocks from my apartment. The train pictured is the Sacramento Light Rail and behind it is an arts theater called the Crest Theater. The K Street Mall is a pedestrian and transit only street. Like most American pedestrian malls, it needs some work. Although, I do find myself on this street quite frequently, so it does have its plus sides. Just to the right of the Crest Theater is my favorite sushi restaurant in town – Taiko Sushi.

This probably isn’t the best that Sacramento has to offer by any means. I just haven’t shot that many photos of Sacramento. Out of about 8,500 photos I’ve taken, only about 200 are from Sacramento. I need to get out and start shooting my own town!

This article is a part of the Exploring the Walkability of America in 30 Days photo series.

 

Category: Public Transit •• Region: Sacramento •• comments

Day 4: Amtrak Station - Davis, CA

Eric Fredericks • Thursday July 5, 2007

The barrage of photos from California continues today, this time with a stop in Davis at the Amtrak Station. This station is the first stop west of Sacramento on the Capitol Corridor Amtrak train. It is truly a beautiful station.

Davis is an amazing town and the “Bicycling Capital of America.” There were many bikes parked at this station on the day I took this photo, and there are always many bikes parked every time I take the train to the Bay Area.

This station is adjacent to a beautiful new mixed-use TOD and is connected to the quaint downtown. I chose this photo over the hundreds of photos I shot here because most of my other photos had so much vegetation that it was hard to see anything. Yeah, Davis is that cool. It even has its own very popular wiki.

This article is a part of the Exploring the Walkability of America in 30 Days photo series.

 

Category: Public Transit •• Region: Sacramento •• comments [2]

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