The politics of the small Wilton Rancheria tribe — the only federally-recognized native American tribe in Sacramento County — are inextricably intertwined with the City of Elk Grove’s, thanks in large part to their plans to build a $500 million casino and resort on 36 acres in the southernmost area of the city, at the junction of Grant Line Road and Highway 99. Proponents say the project would catalyze development activity on roughly 900 acres of land surrounding the project. But while the project has support from city officials, some residents and special interest groups continue their attempts to stall it.
Written and read by Robin Epley
We're revisiting our pilot episode: Justin Knighten, vice president at Lucas Public Affairs and Bernadette Austin, associate director of the Center for Regional Change, join host Tre Borden to discuss the importance of mentorship. We talk about leadership transitions, diversity and inclusion, and hitting up potential mentors at the gym.
Music: "Thinking Time" by Lunaverse; "Motivation" by Scott Holmes
If you imagine a humming city as a living body, the conventional alleyway might be the large intestine. It’s a lonely grey loading zone, a collection point for garbage, and a covert space for drug use and violence. But as U.S. cities grow denser, urban passageways that were once ignored and crumbling are enjoying a renaissance. Alleyway activation is a designer buzzword for modernizing utilitarian corridors into well-lit public spaces. City planners say Sacramento is home to 350 alleys or 37 total miles of back-street pavement and the City is attempting to encourage downtown development by streamlining the rules around construction, a move that would affect alleyway upgrades.
Written and read by Allen Young
On this episode of Action Items,Yolo County Supervisor Don Saylor and cannabis entrepreneur Daniel Conway join host Tre Borden to discuss how cannabis can be incorporated into a vision for a new economy in the Capital Region.
Music: "Thinking Time" by Lunaverse; "Motivation" by Scott Holmes
In 2016, business and government leaders in Nevada County had an “ah-ha” moment: A report, commissioned in part by the Nevada County Economic Resource Council showed stakeholders that the county’s local workforce needed easy access to tech-based skills. These findings prompted local residents who work in the technology industry to create the Connected Communities Academy — a motivated task force of CEOs, engineering directors, human resource professionals and solopreneurs who work together to bring a one-stop-shop technology skills training center to life in rural Nevada County.
Written by Trish Moratto; read by Katie Tortorice