Something of a "brewhaha" is developing over the possible relocation of a noted downtown Sacramento coffee shop.

We're talking about Temple Coffee, the popular 10th Street gathering spot.

After six years in what was formerly Levinson's Book Store, Temple's owner is considering a move to the CIM Group's loft apartments complex on J Street between Eighth and Ninth streets.

In response, the cafe's current landlord, developer Moe Mohanna, is crying foul. He says L.A.-based CIM received city subsidies for its project and therefore can offer below-market rents to lure away his prized tenant.

He has dashed off letters of complaint to CIM and execs of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership – and tells us: "I simply cannot compete with subsidized projects."

CIM reps didn't return our calls for comment, but they've told others that their rent offer is at market rates.

Temple owner Sean Kohmescher's take on this tempest in a coffee pot? "No comment."

Looking for loans

It's facing long odds. But the Capitol Area Development Authority is seeking federal financing for another housing complex on Sacramento's 16th Street corridor.

This one would be a 52-unit apartment building for low-income seniors – and would be an addition to the four market-rate residential projects CADA is planning on the same street.

"It contributes to the mix to have (different) economic groups there," says Tom Kigar, the agency's development director.

Kigar says that San Francisco-based Bridge Housing would develop the project at the southeast corner of 16th and N streets. Eskaton, the operator of senior communities, would be involved.

But getting financing will be tough.

A loan is being sought through the HUD Section 202 program, which has money available for just 171 total apartment units in its entire Western U.S. region.

"It could be really great," Kigar says of the project. But, he adds, demand for HUD money is "super-competitive."

Talking it out

Filmmaker Matt Oates is a self-described "comic book nerd."

So it's fitting that the Sacramento native – and current L.A. resident – has just made a series of shorts featuring superheroes.

The funny twist: The dauntless crime fighters are all undergoing therapy.

The six shorts were made for Sony Pictures' online network, Crackle, and have animated characters – a Batman type, among them – sitting on the couch, discussing their problems with a shrink played by actor Josh Cooke.

The Sony gig was a great break for Oates after a couple of years of what he calls "development hell" – time spent on projects that were going nowhere.

The online series, called "Issues," debuts July 20. A comic book based on the same concept is due out this fall. A TV version could be ahead.

Now other doors are opening for Oates, whose grandfather is local developer Buzz Oates.

"This is my first studio gig," says the 29-year-old. "And some good things are coming from that."

Tale of Tower

Speaking of films, that grass-roots campaign to raise money for a documentary on Tower Records was a huge success.

Actor Colin Hanks hoped to get at least $50,000 in donations for the project through the www.Kickstarter.com website. As of Wednesday, with one day remaining in the online campaign, he and his partners had received pledges for about 80 grand.

One of Hanks' partners, Sean Stuart, says the cash should be collected by early August.

After that, the filmmakers will start doing interviews and chronicling the rise and fall of a Sacramento icon.

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