The Union hit the streets last week to inquire what resolutions people around the community might have for the present new year and how they felt about 2008.

The survey, as one might suspect, resulted in a variety of responses, many of which concerned the struggles of the local, state and national economies.

Sacramento resident Paulette Sylvester said that she is quite aware of the struggles that California’s economy experienced in 2008.

“I think we are in trouble in our state, because of the mishandling of everything with our governor and his staff,” said Sylvester, who has 18 grandchildren. “I think everything was placed into the wrong hands and misappropriated. [Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger] has got us in deep, deep trouble and the recovery here is going to take [the assistance of] some people who have been through some struggles, who know what it takes to stick to a plan; not somebody who has been filthy rich and has made it all the way.”

Another local resident, Fellistus Munakombwe, described 2008 as a year of many surprises.

“Things were just so unpredictable and there is a lot of unrest with people,” Munakombwe said. “I think it really did bring America in the [direction] that most people never predicted it would [go]. You really can’t say, ‘Everything is great with me’ when you see your neighbor losing their house or job. My resolution is to try to avoid anything that would cause me to look back and regret. When things are not stable, you don’t want to lead a reckless life. So, just be careful.”

Ashley Feeney said that as a Sacramento homeowner and one who works in the building industry, he was disappointed to see home prices plummet in 2008.

“I’m still working, so basically my situation is okay, but having to wake up every day having the psychological tolls of the newspapers and the media reporting the pain of the nation is a little depressing,” Feeney said.

Ruth Harry, who lives in the Pocket area of Sacramento, said that 2008 was not a good year for her, since she was unemployed for all 12 months of the year.

“I’m a single mom with a 13-year-old and no income,” Harry said. “I was in the mortgage business and I had my own loan processing business and I had to close that. My resolution is to find a job and help my daughter through school.”

Harry added that she is disappointed with the work Schwarzenegger has done while in office.

“I was never a registered voter until Arnold Schwarzenegger came here, so I voted for him and now I’m very sorry I did,” she said. “Look what it has done to California.”

Sacramento resident Elisa Ramirez said that she also struggled finding a job this year.

“The job search was very difficult for me,” Ramirez said. “I think a good resolution is to get all of our financial situations back on track. I mean as far as California, as well as myself.”

Bob Dutra, owner of Bob’s Glass at 2415 23rd St., said that he has a new outlook for 2009, considering that he won a battle with cancer last year.

“I’m not really a resolution type of person,” Dutra said. “It’s not like I’m going to wake up [on New Year’s Day] and everything is going to be different. But because of what I went through [with cancer], I feel like I’ve been given a second shot in life and I’m definitely going to take advantage of that.”

Miles Stanich, the son of former Sacramento Union sports columnist Vince Stanich, said that he plans to positively assist the environment in 2009.

“I’m going to get a compost bin, so I can compost part of my garbage,” Stanich said. “I don’t know how much difference that makes, but it will make me feel like I’m doing something.”

Sacramento resident Derek Winkelhaus said that he had a very active 2008.

“I graduated from high school, started college and enlisted in the Marines,” Winkelhaus said. “I leave for boot at Pendleton [in San Diego] in February. As far as my goals, it’s going to take four years to do it, but I’m going to become a Marine officer and be a pilot.”

Cait Ferguson, who moved to Sacramento two months ago, said that she had a successful 2008, which included graduating from the University of California, Chico and receiving a work promotion.

Ferguson said that in 2009, she plans to “take care of [her] mind, body and soul.”

“Without saying, ‘I’m going to lose weight’ or ‘I’m going to read more or something,’ my resolution is nice and easy and keeps me going in a positive direction,” Ferguson said.

Another Sacramento resident, Anthony Short, said that he is more focused on the year 2012 than 2008 or 2009.

“I’m a member of the Chippewa tribe and my mom says we’re Aztecs, so I’m thinking about the year 2012 as the end of the world,” Short said. “I’m trying to live my life, take care of my family and enjoy it with perspective.”

Susan Barrett of Sacramento said that she hopes that this year will be a more peaceful year than 2008, adding that she plans to “try to be more tranquil.”

“I’m a microcosm of the macrocosm and peace begins with me,” Barrett said.

Perhaps the most positive-minded individual to be interviewed for this story was Sacramento resident Dorothy Kamada, who simply said, “Everything was good for me [in 2008]. I just look at it that way, even though it was bad. Thinking like that keeps me happy.”

Prosperity in Politics
In addition to seeking responses from the general public, The Union also contacted the city and county to learn how Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and County Supervisor Roger Dickinson felt about 2008 and what their goals are for the current year.

By the deadline for this article, The Union was still awaiting a response from Johnson, but has extended the opportunity for him to provide a comment that would be printed at a later time.

Like many people in the community, Dickinson commented about the struggling economy.

“This year has, obviously, been a difficult one with the economic downturn causing hardships for many Sacramentans and requiring Sacramento County to reduce the level of services it can provide as a result of cutting about $85 million out of our budget,” Dickinson said. “Even in the struggle of the year, however, there were many bright spots, such as breaking ground on three new major county facilities, including the new terminal at Sacramento International Airport.”

Dickinson also noted “great progress” in regard to major environmental, social and economic challenges relating to climate change through local initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency, and the adoption of the local metropolitan transportation plan.

Another positive of 2008, said Dickinson, was what he referred to as “the great capper of the year,” the Grant High School football team’s victory in the state championship last month.

Looking forward to a prosperous 2009, Dickinson said that in addition to the county’s attempts to reduce the costs and burdens of local enterprises, “more effective and efficient methods of helping those who are the most vulnerable and in need” will continue to be explored.

Dickinson also expressed his interest and anticipation in the federal stimulus package, which would directly assist local government projects such as extending the light rail system, continuing improvements in North Highlands that assist local businesses and residents and breaking ground on a new Rio Linda library.

Although the current year presents many challenges, Dickinson said that he foresees bright times ahead.

“The year ahead will continue to test us as we search for the ways and means of re-energizing our local economy and putting people back to work,” Dickinson said. “I remain an optimist about our region. While dark clouds encircle us at the present, I see the rays of sunshine over the horizon and believe that better times will come before the end of 2009.”

And with the concerns and desires of the people who provided their input for this story, hopefully Dickinson’s optimistic words will be right on target.

What is your New Year’s resolution? Email .