Marcos Bretón: Eateries up in arms over proposed city subsidy
Sacramento Bee
Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009
History has known a "War of the Roses" and a "Battle of the Bulge."
In Sacramento, some of our city's finest restaurateurs are massing to block a group of hot new bars proposed for a depressed area of K Street Mall.
We'll call this "The Fight of the Foodies."
Involved is Mason Wong, owner of Mason's – which graces the corner of 15th and L streets. Next to him is Ernesto Jimenez, owner of Ernesto's and Zocalo – possibly the finest Mexican restaurant in the capital city.
And Randy Paragary – a Don Corleone to Sacramento food barons – is mixed up in all this, but his position seems to change daily.
Last week The Bee detailed the business angle of this brouhaha. The city is considering a $5.4 million subsidy to secure entertainment venues for a struggling area near the corner of 10th and K streets.
San Francisco nightclub owner George Karpaty is poised to move in. There is talk of a dance spot for the over-30 crowd, a high-end pizza place and a modern take on the "dive bar" concept.
Opponents object that in a perilous economy, the city will subsidize competition against them.
But this is about more than mere business.
"The city might damage hospitality offerings in other parts of town in favor of K Street," said Rob Kerth, executive director of the Midtown Business Association.
Ah, Sacramento politics. It always includes a neighborhood skirmish. In this case, midtown eateries (which have flourished while downtown has languished) are seemingly unmoved by a righteous push to clean up a blighted stretch of downtown.
A vibrant downtown Sacramento is in everyone's interest – that's what local pols always say.
This is headed for a City Council vote March 3. It will be interesting to see how Mayor Kevin Johnson handles the dispute.
Mason Wong was a big supporter of Johnson's mayoral campaign. Developer David Taylor – who would bring Karpaty to Sacramento – supported Johnson's opponent – former Mayor Heather Fargo.
"I don't like being in the middle of a controversy," Taylor said. "I don't like being the bad guy."
Taylor is not the bad guy, and the disgruntled restaurateurs have reasonable arguments. They've worked hard to make Sacramento better.
But you can't vote down needed development because you fear competition – that's un-American. And you can't approve Karpaty's bid, then prevent construction of other downtown bars and restaurants – another bad idea now kicking around City Hall.
So far, Mayor Johnson has been great at press conferences and CNN appearances.
However, on this issue, it's time for him to become a real leader and do what's right.
Sacramento needs more bars – more activity – downtown. These days, who doesn't need a drink?
http://www.sacbee.com/breton/story/1643330.html
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