Judge Kimberly Mueller to Speak at Annual Awards Lunch

Recently appointed Judge of the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California, Kimberly J. Mueller will address participants at the 17th Annual Awards Luncheon, March 17 at the Sac State Alumni Center.

Former Sacramento District 6 Councilmember Kimberly Mueller, recently appointed by President Obama to a U.S. District Court judgeship will be the featured speaker at the 17th Annual Awards Luncheon on Thursday, March 17 at the Sac State Alumni Center.

Judge Mueller, who represented District 6 on the City Council from 1987 - 1992, received her law degree from Stanford Law School in 1995 and went into private practice in Sacramento specializing in internet and intellectual property law.

The Annual Lunch features several awards to local businesses and organizations, including Best New Development, Best Infrastructure Improvement, Business of the Year and Member of the Year.  In addition, in cooperation with the Sacramento Police Dept., The Alliance makes an award to the Top Cop, an officer of outstanding accomplishment who represents all officers working this area.

Tickets are $65 members; $75 non-members.  Table sponsorship is $700.

Business District Renewal Campaign Off to Fast Start

Ted Chima, owner of Chima's Towing Service, is one of the first to sign the petition to renew the Property and Business Improvement District.

Renewal for the Power Inn area Property and Business Improvement District (PBID) got off to a fast start recently at a Launch Breakfast in Depot Park. The District, which augments city services to improve business, will end its first five-year run at the end of 2011 and must be renewed by a vote of property owners and the City Council. Property owners signed petitions to request the city to send ballots to give all property owners in the area the opportunity to vote "yea" or "nay."

"Property owners are getting a great deal," said Power Inn Alliance CEO Jerry Vorpahl. "Currently, owners pay $202 per acre per year on their property taxes but, by expanding, the economies of scale make it possible to reduce the assessment to $182." He added, "When was the last time a tax district announced reducing taxes?"

The new district will be 78% larger, expanding primarily south of Elder Creek and east of Florin-Perkins Rd. "Many businesses in that area have asked for the same services we've been providing in the current district." Vorpahl said, "primarily trash clean up, security, business development and business advocacy." The new PBID will add Transportation Infrastructure to its scope of work. (See next story). 

14th Avenue Widening & Extension to Florin-Perkins Underway 

The long-awaited completion of 14th Ave. to Florin-Perkins Rd. is underway and preliminary studies and designs have been approved. Three alternatives, ranging in total cost from $9.2 million to $6.9 million, were reviewed, from a full six lane with curbs and sidewalks on both sides to a double lane with two bike lanes and curbs and walks on one side only (See diagram). City Department of Transportation decided the least expensive alternative was the most reasonable and could be completed sooner. The Alliance Board of Directors agreed. Funding has been allocated for engineering design and the EIR, which are expected to be completed in 18 months. 

Looking east along 14th Ave. from Power Inn Rd.