Carmichael Man Part of Fan Group Trying to Keep Kings in Sacramento

A Carmichael man is part of a group of Sacramento Kings fans trying to raise money for a new arena in a last-minute attempt to keep the team from moving to Anaheim.

Tony Peric, an Internet manager by trade, is building a website HereWeBuild.com for a grassroots campaign called "Here We Build." The campaign, which started on the social networking site Twitter by Sacramento sports radio personality Carmichael Dave, is gathering pledges from individuals and businesses for a new arena that many say is the main reason for the Kings possible move.

"We're watching our city leaders take their time and nothing is being done," Peric said, adding that he expects his site to be up by Thursday. "(Former Sacramento) Mayor (Heather) Fargo did nothing; (current mayor) Kevin Johnson, a former player, is pushing hard but the economy is in a slump and people don't want to be taxed for a new arena."

On Wednesday, the same night the Kings won a thrilling game over the Phoenix Suns at the aging Power Balance Pavilion (formerly Arco Arena), the Anaheim City Council approved a $75 million incentive plan that would go toward arena renovations at the Honda Center and other costs, including an NBA relocation fee.

But fans have joined together in grassroots campaigns, including one called "Here We Stay" that has started fan chants and held signs at Kings games and lobbied Sacramento city leaders for support. Both campaigns are taking their names from "Here We Rise", the Kings' marketing slogan for this season.

Kings fans James Patterson and Kevin Fippin are also part of the campaign, which includes pages on Facebook and Meetup.

"We can show the Maloofs (the team's owners) and city leaders that when people come together, it's something good for all," Peric said. "If the team leaves, the city and region will be done; yes, there may be a new arena but what NBA team will want to move from a bigger city to Sacramento?"

Carmichael Dave is in the process of setting up an account where contributions can be made for the campaign, Peric said.

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ONLINE:

http://www.meetup.com/HereWeBuild/

http://twitter.com/#!/herewebuild

http://www.facebook.com/HereWeBuild

See what Carmichael basketball fans have to say about the Kings' possible move .