Joe Sacramento took to the streets today to have a look downtown and talk to citizens. Joe talked to 15 residents, and without exception we found all of them categorically disagree with Fargo’s definition of “progress” (a word stamped on her campaign signs).

Here is a sampling of how residents responded to our question: “Heather Fargo says Sacramento has seen a lot of PROGRESS since she has been mayor. Do you agree?”

“You can’t drive more than a mile downtown without shaking your head. I can’t believe the number of boarded up buildings and storefronts. And it’s been that way for as long as I can remember.. so no, I don’t haven’t seen much progress unless you call a new target progress”
David R, South Natomas resident for 13 years

This is progress? J Street, Downntown Sac

“ I guess it depends on your definition of the word ‘progress.’ She might think progress means several thousand new homes and businesses in North Natomas, but c’mon, right after they were built the government told the residents there they needed flood insurance because the levees were about to collapse. That’s not progress. That’s scandalous. I’m surprised she has not been recalled.” -Max B, Midtown resident, 9 years

You won’t find the old Biltmore Hotel on
hotels.com. Another abandoned bldg. on
J Street in downtown Sacramento.

“Oh hell no. I have lived downtown my entire life. I have NEVER seen the city this bad. But then again, there are some areas that look ok, but they for people who got mad money. So don’t nobody care about the poor folks down here, not even the police. I see tricks and pimps all over the place without no interference. They say Kevin Johnson is a slum lord? City of Sac got way more prostitutes and rats than Oak Park. Put that sh$# i print. ” -Jermaine R., downtown resident, 26 years.

If this is progress, we are in trouble, Sacramento

“No. And what’s sad is that I actually voted for Heather Fargo both times. To be perfectly frank, my husband and I made a decision to move from here last summer because of all the crime. (Ed note: husband chimes in) We feel very betrayed because when we moved here, no one told us they were going to build all these apartments and condos. We keep seeing on the news that this area is some great accomplishment by Fargo and council, and people need to know that so far it is not. It’s shocking that people are not screaming about the levee situation. We don’t call that progress where I’m from.” -Tom and Brenda C, Natomas Park residents, 7 years

“Fargo is on something. I can’t believe the crap she has been saying. If i were her, I’d be so grateful I hadn’t been indicted by now.” -Samuel G, Downtown Sacramento resident, 15 years

I think we can all agree residents do not define PROGRESS the same way Fargo does,