STEN’S HOT SEAT
Everyone and their mother are contemplating a run for Erik Sten’s
city council seat following last week’s announcement of his early
departure. Confirmed so far are: lawyer and affordable housing advocate
Nick Fish, Dan Saltzman’s Chief of Staff Brendan Finn, and planning
consultant Nick Popenuk, who is switching from the mayoral race. Cal
Skate owner Howard Weiner is still mulling a switch from the race for
Adams’ seat, while Tom Markgraf, a former aide to Earl Blumenauer, is
also reported to be considering a run. County Commissioner Maria Rojo
de Steffey, meanwhile, has decided not to give it a go—contrary
to earlier rumors. MATT DAVIS
SHIN UP
Shins keyboardist Marty Crandall will not face charges in Sacramento
following his arrest last week for alleged domestic violence. Neither
will his then-girlfriend, Elyse Sewell, who—after making
bail—blogged about the entire incident. “Both defendants have not
been charged,” said Diane Richardson of the Sacramento County District
Attorney’s office, on Tuesday, January 8. “The case was rejected due
[to] insufficient evidence.” Sewell responded on her blog by saying it
was “incredibly naïve of me not to realize that my blog entry
about this incident would become tabloid fodder.” She continued: “I
will never speak of this again, nor malign Marty in this space. And
tomorrow this’ll be fish wrap.” EZRA ACE CARAEFF & MATT DAVIS