Latest news with #RogerDickinson
CBS News
01-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
Splash pad opens at Del Paso Heights park as Sacramento reaches triple-digit heat
SACRAMENTO – After a year-long wait, the splash pad at Mama Marks Park is now officially open in Sacramento's Del Paso Heights community. The celebration unveiling the new spot to cool off was hosted by the city on Saturday morning, before the region reached triple-digit temperatures. The park has been the site of renovations over the years, working to help combat the stigma of gun violence that has rocked the community. Saturday, children and families came to splash in the park's waterworks and celebrate the new asset to the neighborhood. This, the city of Sacramento hopes, sends a strong message to community members. "The days of looking past Del Paso Heights, North Sacramento, are over," said Roger Dickinson, Sacramento City Councilmember for District 2. Dickinson called this a day of celebration, but also one of reflection. In addition to honoring Del Paso Heights' legendary philanthropist Mama Marks, the park is also in memory of Makaylah Brent, who was just 9 years old when she was shot in the park, an unintended target of a gang-related drive-by shooting in 2020. She died instantly while playing tag. The shooting injured three others, including another child. Brent's grandmother attended the park's grand opening and shared a message with the crowd gathered there. "My family is deeply grateful to everybody that helped. I'm just glad some recognition for our neighborhood has finally shown up," she said through tears. It's a place to build community in one of the most underserved parts of town, now getting some much-needed attention and a place for children to cool off in the hot summer months that is free and accessible. "Income is not the same as other areas. They don't have the finances to go to Cal Expo or Sun Splash, places like that. It is vital we have something like this," said Gregory Jefferson, president of the Del Paso Heights Community Association. Saturday, some longtime residents showed up at the park in protest, pushing back against the city. "You've gotta do better, gotta do more," said Deborah Wells, a 30-year Del Paso Heights resident. One sign in protest called it a "trash pad," as some residents said they feel the site would have been much nicer and included more amenities if it were in a different neighborhood. Those speaking out say the splash pad is a drop in the bucket of what this community needs and deserves, pointing to wanting real solutions to the community's crime problem and resources for young people. "Too many lives have been lost here. You've gotta do something. You come out here with a ribbon and some scissors and water and some Otter Pops? And here you go? Again, it's like throwing us crumbs when we've been hungry for so long," said Wells. "Unfortunately, there's a stigma behind this park. Some people are still fearful to come to this park, regardless of the splash pad." City leaders said this investment in the park represents one promise fulfilled, with more to come. "We are going to start paying the kind of attention, committing the kind of resources to this part of the city that for too long it hasn't received. It's been overlooked, bypassed and often left behind," said Dickinson. Jefferson says he is glad to see a positive step taken forward for his community. "Still, this is more than we had a year ago. I am grateful and I'm sure the city, as things improve financially, we will eventually get there," said Jefferson. Now, hoping one splash can make a big wave in Del Paso Heights. Dickinson says other projects in the works in this community include a traffic calming project, trying to bring in a farmers market or community gathering space, and working to attract economic investment to this part of the city. As for the park, soon the city says it will also unveil some type of memorial recognizing little Makaylah Brent, who lost her life far too soon.
CBS News
21-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Here's which councilmembers are accepting or rejecting raises amid $44 million city budget deficit
SACRAMENTO — While the City of Sacramento considers a wide range of cuts to address a $44 million budget deficit, the mayor and city council are eyeing pay raises. An independent commission met last week, voting to raise the base salaries for Mayor Kevin McCarty and council members. The mayor would get a 12% increase, raising his salary from $164,000 to $184,000, while council members would get 8% each, raising their salaries from $102,000 to $111,000. Since that vote, some have weighed in on whether or not they would be rejecting a pay increase. "I'm waiting to see how it all works out," Mayor McCarty said. "We have a month to decide." Among the councilmembers, Lisa Kaplan confirmed to CBS13 that she will accept the raise. Roger Dickinson will also be taking the raise, but his office says he is exploring ways to redirect his salary increase to support his district directly. Councilmembers Mai Vang and Rick Jennings are rejecting the increases, citing struggling constituents and the budget deficit. We're waiting to hear back from the others.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City of Sacramento awards grants to North Sacramento businesses
( — The City of Sacramento announced its goal of promoting economic growth and revitalizing commercial corridors in North Sacramento by awarding businesses nearly $1.7 million in grants and loans. Video Above: Local business in Old Sacramento focused on Eco-Friendly products The North Sacramento Business Investment Program provides funding for multiple business developments, including the completion of tenant improvements, the purchase of equipment that allows the growth of operations, and the funding for property owners to restore vacant buildings and prepare them for tenancy, officials said. 'These awards are another critical step toward creating lasting economic opportunity in our community,' said Councilmember Roger Dickinson, who represents the area. 'By supporting small businesses and helping them grow, we are not just revitalizing commercial corridors—we are investing in jobs, equity, and the long-term vitality of North Sacramento.' Renting far cheaper than buying in California's largest metro areas, report finds The full list of North Sacramento Business Investment awardees can be found on the city's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City council allocates $3 million for Old Sacramento dining deck repairs
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Repairs are in the works for an old dining deck in Old Sacramento. On Tuesday night, the Sacramento City Council voted unanimously to spend about $3 million dollars to replace the old deck overlooking the Sacramento River of formerly the Rio City Cafe. A 2019 study deemed the 30-year-old deck unsafe after years of deteriorating due to rain, wind, and other wear and tear. In April 2024, the owners of Rio City Cafe had to close the lower outdoor deck of the restaurant which accounted for a significant portion of the cafe's seating. The owners previously told FOX40 that losing that section of seating was extremely hard on business. Repairs to the deck were put on pause by the city due to a lack of funding in 2024. By August 2024, the cafe ultimately closed its doors due to the impacts of losing the deck and there being no clear timeline for when repairs would be made, if ever. 'I have heard so many comments from people that were deeply disappointed that the city did not find a way to address the deck in a timely manner,' District 2 Councilmember Roger Dickinson said at Tuesday's meeting. The city said money for the project wasn't available in 2023 or early 2024. However, later that year the state awarded the city $4.6 million dollars through the Budget Act. Fast forward to January 2025, the project was restarted and by March the city council accepted the grant. Several in the community and city leaders including Mayor Kevin McCarty have long cited a need for investment at the Old Sacramento Waterfront. 'We have Major League Baseball. People are walking from downtown through Old Sac to the ballpark and I want them to see a sign saying 'Hey, coming soon' and improvements being made to our Sacramento riverfront. This is very, very timely and I expect us to be done before October so this will be ready to roll and have a new operator,' Mayor McCarty said at Tuesday's meeting. Final construction costs for the deck are estimated to be around $2.9 million. Leaders at Tuesday night's meeting said the deck would be rebuilt to last for at least another 30 years. Repairs to the deck must comply with several agencies given the deck's location over the Sacramento River including the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife. Work is expected to begin in May and be completed by October 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City of Sacramento grants money to help renovate Marysville–Del Paso Boulevard
( The city of Sacramento has awarded $600,000 in support of the Marysville–Del Paso Boulevard commercial corridor renovation initiatives. Through the Forward Together Pilot Grant Program, 16 non-profits, businesses and individuals are set to receive funds as well. City of Sacramento to expand active transportation network 'This grant funding represents our commitment to bringing back North Sacramento,' said Councilmember Roger Dickinson, who represents the area. 'This community-led effort will build strength and sustainability through economic revitalization, enhanced community well-being, displacement prevention, increased community engagement, long-term infrastructure investment and local business support.' Managed by the Neighborhood Development Action Team, the program supports the enhancement of multiple projects including housing and community experiences. Key projects include small business assistance, efforts to celebrate Del Paso Heights and all ages community events. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
