Headline News

County Library Closures Slated Posted: 5/17/2012 Many County Libraries will be closing on Fridays due to budget shortfall. Sacramento Region – All Sacramento Public Library locations will be closed Friday, May 18; Friday, June 15; and Friday, June 29, 2012, due to staff furloughs. The Library’s telephone information service will be unavailable during these closures. The Library’s governing board recently approved three furlough days between May 1 and June 30, 2012, as a cost saving measure due to shortfalls in County property tax revenues and funding reductions from the City of Sacramento. “Funding shortfalls have left the library with few choices to maintain services to the public,” said Library Director Rivkah Sass. The library was faced with either laying off 15 to 18 staff, necessitating the permanent closure of as many as three locations; or furloughing staff, requiring temporary one-day closures of the whole system. “We believe furloughs are a better outcome, especially for those communities that would have faced the permanent closure of their neighborhood library,” Sass indicated. Sacramento Public Library’s website (www.saclibrary.org) is available 24/7. Visitors can access the Library’s catalog, apply for a library card, request and renew items, download eBooks, audio books and videos, use the research databases, pay fines, and see event and programming information. Please call 916-264-2920 with any additional questions.

Aerospace Museum Celebrates Armed Forces Day

Posted: 5/17/2012

Active Duty Military Personnel and Their Families Can Explore the Museum at No Charge and Discounted Admission Offered to the General Public

Sacramento REGION – On Saturday, May 19th from 9:00am to 5:00pm the Aerospace Museum of California will celebrate Armed Forces Day. A brief ceremony honoring the troops in conjunction with a Dedication Ceremony of the McClellan Memorial Rose Garden will be held in the Air Park at 11:00 a.m. followed by a United States Coast Guard C-130 flyby.

In honor of Armed Forces Day, the Museum will also be hosting an Open Cockpit Day where children of all ages can explore, climb into, or imagine what it would be like to soar through the skies in several of the many aircraft on the ramp. Guests will experience historic planes and displays representing over eight decades of aviation history, as well as a chance to view thrilling jets like a US Navy Blue Angels’ fighter, A-10 Thunderbolt, or a famous ‘Top Gun’ F-14 Tomcat just like the movie.

Activities are planned throughout the day, including an interactive remote control aircraft display by Mather Aerospace Modelers, Support 4 Soldiers, where attendees can color pictures, sign cards and flags for troops overseas. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet and speak with local Tuskegee Airmen, and author, Len Kovar, “WWII Prisoner of War, How I Survived.”

Swabbies On The River will be on hand selling their famous tacos, and hot dogs for the kids! Active duty military and their families will receive free admission. To receive free admittance visitors must present a military ID. Admission for the general public is $5.

The Aerospace Museum of California is located at 3200 Freedom Park Drive, McClellan, CA 95652.

The AMC is a non-profit foundation dedicated to inspirational and educational programs, honoring the rich military and aviation history of the greater Sacramento region, and highlighting the impact and innovation of the Museum’s many community partners. For more information visit www.aerospaceca.org.

Source: strongpr.com

Rancho Cordova Named a “Playful City USA”

Posted: 5/17/2012

Rancho Cordova – The City of Rancho Cordova is one of 213 American cities that earned the 2012 title, “Playful City USA”, awarded annually by KaBoom!, a national non-profit organization that is dedicated to saving play for America’s children by creating play spaces through participation and leadership of communities. And it is the first Playful City USA community in Sacramento County.

“We are honored to receive the Playful City title as it confirms that we are being successful in making our City a fun, healthy, and safe place for families,” said Mayor David Sander, whose main focus during his City Council tenure has been the Growing Strong Neighborhoods initiative.

Studies show that today’s children are spending less time playing outside than any previous generation. And the resulting play deficit is having profound consequences for kids physically, socially, and academically.

KaBoom! created Playful City USA in 2007 to help local governments address the play deficit. Rancho Cordova and the other 212 Playful City USA honorees have made a commitment to play and physical activity by developing unique local action plans to increase the quantity and quality of play in their communities.

KaBOOM! selected Rancho Cordova for its play agenda that has achieved great success thanks to partnerships across the community. One of the first joint use agreements in California was created through the collaboration of the Folsom Cordova School District and the Cordova Recreation and Park District.

In addition to the title, Rancho Cordova is now eligible to apply for $15,000, $20,000, and $30,000 grants via Let’s Play, a community partnership, to get kids and families active nationwide.

For the fifth consecutive year, Florida paced the nation with 29 Playful City USA communities. California earned second-place with 24 communities and Texas was third with 14 Playful City USA communities.

For more information on the KaBOOM! Playful City USA program, including Let’s Play grants and applications for 2013, visit www.playfulcityusa.org.

Source: Helen Brewer
Public Information Office
City of Rancho Cordova

Fair Oaks Bluffs Dedicated By Julie Parker Posted: 5/17/2012 Fair Oaks - Serenity, and a panoramic view of the Sierras and Mount Diablo, are just a couple of gifts we can enjoy from the Fair Oaks Bluffs, thanks to 14 years of community effort. A dedication ceremony was held on April 29, 2012 at the Fair Oaks Donor Plaza (designed by local artist Hugh Gorman), celebrating the passionate and determined individuals, citizen groups, public, and private entities whose contributions were vital in preserving the 4.5 acre nature area. Certificates of Appreciation were presented, interpretive sign sponsors recognized, and remarks by some of those involved with the project provided some additional insight. The ceremony was capped off with some tasty cake and cider, accompanied by music provided by Catherine Mandella. Treat yourself with a visit to the bluffs. The trailhead is located at the end of Bridge Street in Fair Oaks. If you aren’t able to walk up the semi-steep trail, there’s Mr. Gorman’s beautifully designed plaza to enjoy at its base, and the interpretive signs across the road provide interesting information (teachers often bring their students here to learn more about the history of the area and the natural environment). If you would like more information about the challenges met and overcome by 1,500 individuals and organizations to make this day a reality, and the stories behind the design of the Plaza, visit http://www.arnha.org/books/fobluff.html.

SMUD Completes Installation of Smart Meters

Very High Customer Satisfaction Highlights Effort

Posted: 5/17/2012

Sacramento REGION – SMUD has completed installation of smart meters for its more than 600,000 residential and business customers. The project, which started in late 2009, has been completed on time and on budget. It is a major success. SMUD is one of only a handful of utilities in the United States to complete such a large deployment effort.

Throughout the project, SMUD has maintained customer satisfaction levels in the mid-90th percentile. Ongoing surveys measure customer satisfaction with the meters, the installation process and associated communications. The complaint rate is only 0.09 percent.

SMUD smart meters provide SMUD customers with more flexibility and choice and immediate benefits. Customers can now see their electricity usage online, and start and stop service remotely.

Meters are now read automatically precluding meter readers from being on customers’ property. Fewer trucks will be needed to maintain the system. Smart meters also provide the foundation for the future smart grid, a comprehensive upgrade that will provide digital two-way communication to customers about rates, products and services and even help identify outages more quickly.

Quicker restorations and even some “self-healing” features will improve reliability and save energy.

“Smart meters and the smart grid will revolutionize the way we use energy in our lives in a very productive way,” said SMUD General Manager and CEO John DiStasio. “SMUD customers will be able to better gauge how they use electricity to better manage their usage, bill and comfort according to their needs,” DiStasio said.

From the very beginning, SMUD made its smart meter program customer-centric, always putting the customer’s satisfaction first and foremost. SMUD ensured customers knew when the meter would be installed and communicated in easy to understand literature in six languages explaining the process and the benefits. Customers were provided 14-day notices for installations with the option to schedule installation appointments within a one-hour window.

The smart grid ties together all aspects of electricity delivery and consumption. The resulting potential energy savings could help SMUD save roughly $8 million to $15 million annually in power supply costs. Those savings could help SMUD avoid a major transmission investment or a local large scale electric generation project.

For more information about the SMUD smart meter and smart grid projects, visit smud.org.

Wage Reductions, Furloughs and Layoffs More the Rule These Days

Posted: 5/3/2012

Sacramento REGION – The Sacramento Public Library Authority Board voted Thursday, April 26 to unilaterally implement its best offer on library workers represented by International Union of Operating Engineers Local 39. This action follows five months of negotiations in which the Library sought wage concessions and furloughs. Those negotiations reached an impasse on February 28, 2012.

Three furlough days are slated between now and the end of June 2012. Under the Authority Board’s April 26 decision, no more than 12 furlough days per year may be imposed in the next two fiscal years. The remaining changes in the Authority’s implementation start on July 1, 2012. For example, on a phased-in basis, employees will be required to pay their full contribution to retirement. A second tier retirement benefit was also approved for new employees.

Twelve furlough days per year equates to approximately a four-percent wage reduction. “Wage reductions, furloughs and layoffs are unfortunately more the rule rather than the exception in public employment these days,” observed Library Director Rivkah Sass. Most of the members of Local 39 working for the City of Sacramento, for example, were required to take 12 unpaid furlough days over the past two fiscal years.

“We saw furloughs as being far preferable to the alternatives of layoffs and service reductions,” Sass said.

The furloughs the Library is implementing will allow the Board to defer or avoid layoffs of 17 staff and the closure of at least three library branches.

“We don’t take this decision lightly, but we needed to avoid an action that would have devastating consequences on both the users and the employees of the library,” said Sacramento Public Library Authority Board Chair, Sophia Gonzalez-Scherman. Closing library branches, she noted, would also deprive affected communities of vital connections to information, the Internet, resources for children, and free family programming. Starting July 1 of last year, the library’s management team accepted more concessions than the Board is asking of Local 39. Library managers have accepted an increased contribution requirement for their retirement; reduced paid time off; and five unpaid furlough days between March 30 and June 30. The furloughs alone amounted to about a 5.5 percent wage reduction.

Sass and Gonzalez-Scherman expressed their gratitude for the hard work of employees during tough times. “The majority of our front-line staff have been incredibly supportive over the last three years as we have dealt with significant revenue reductions and increases in service demand,’” said Sass. “We are asking their union to work with us, just as Library management and the vast majority of public employees around the city, the county and the state have already accepted furloughs as a means of preventing Draconian service cuts.”

“These days shared sacrifices are needed to maintain quality library operations and to abide by our duty to our constituents,” Gonzalez-Scherman said. “In charting our course with diminished resources, we have to remember that at the end of the day, we all work for the same people.”

Farewell to a “Gentle Giant” By Susan Maxwell Skinner Posted: 4/28/2012 Pals till the end - Barry Smith and Poncho. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner. Businessman and community servant Barry Smith’s life was commemorated last week at Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church. Smith died after a long illness on March 28. He was 79. At 6’ 6”, the former football star was hard to miss around Carmichael, Fair Oaks and Citrus Heights townships. A real estate professional, he enjoyed decades of popularity at local chambers of commerce. Both Cypress Ave Baptist and Fair Oaks Presbyterian congregations boasted his fellowship. In contrast with his size, Smith was also identified by the tiny dog that invariably accompanied his outings. Chihuahua Poncho and Smith were inseparable. During his terminal illness, the pooch visited his hospital and hospice bedside. For Inglewood-born Smith, civic duty began in the Boy Scouts. Eventually an Eagle Scout, he excelled at sport and achieved school athletic records. At Stanford University, the defensive tackle pounced on a fumble and scored the winning goal in a Rose Bowl game. After graduation, he volunteered to serve in Korea. Here he commanded battery artillery and was credited with saving a brother soldier from a flash flood. Returning from war, he married Phyllis Ritchie and fathered two sons. A flair for real estate enabled the 1970 establishment of Barrett Smith Realty – serving Carmichael, Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks and Sacramento. Quiet, plain spoken, he was a committed community volunteer. “Big Barry” sat tall on the Carmichael Chamber’s board of directors and led the organization as its president and honorary mayor. He offered a strong arm for Founder’s Day chores and a solid presence for July 4 crowd control. Barry Smith’s surviving family defined him as hardworking, generous, fair and a good father. He loved family, God and his dog, Poncho. A memorial service speaker noted Smith as “one of an American generation that justified its privilege in sharing a wonderful community by continually serving it.” Footnote: Ageing Chihuahua Poncho now lives in the care of Barry Smith’s friends.

Women’s Empowerment Program Celebrates 900th Success Story

Posted: 4/17/2012

Women’s Empowerment graduated 29 women, once homeless, from its comprehensive job training program on March 22. Photo courtesy of Kristin Thébaud Communications.

SACRAMENTO REGION – Twenty-nine women graduated from Women’s Empowerment’s job-readiness program for women who are homeless on March 22, including the group’s 900th graduate, Stacey Jackson, age 53. Jackson is now in housing and enrolled in Paratransit Inc.’s vehicle operator training program.

“Women’s Empowerment showed me that you can do things and make changes after 50,” Jackson said. “I am now very proud to see what I see when I look in the mirror. The changes I’ve gone through have shed a whole new light on my life.”

Jackson was born in Missouri to a low-income military family that mostly ate rice and beans. She and her sisters slept in one room while her brother slept in the living room. She married, and 31 years later, her husband left her. She lost her house and turned to Women’s Empowerment for help. At Women’s Empowerment, she drew on her father’s work ethic and encouragement to continually “better themselves.”

“At orientation, I was asked why I wanted to come to Women’s Empowerment,” Jackson said. “I told them I have too much talent and too many skills not to share myself with the world.”

More than 200 community members, including graduates’ mentors and families, attended the graduation where each graduate shared her story and future plans through poetry, songs and speeches centered around the theme, “diamonds in the rough.” Each woman received a donated gift bag filled with a day planner and other items designed to help her succeed. The gift bags were donated by the Zonta Club of Sacramento and Soroptimist International of Greater Sacramento.

“We are profoundly proud of each of these 29 women who have joined 887 other women who were once homeless but have found a safe home, a steady job and a healthy lifestyle,” said Lisa Culp, Women’s Empowerment executive director. “They are breaking the cycle of homelessness for generations to come.”

Women’s Empowerment offers the only comprehensive job-readiness program in the Sacramento area designed specifically for women who are homeless and their children. The 2009 Nonprofit of the Year has graduated 916 homeless women and their 1,379 children. Last year, 94 percent of graduates found homes and 73 percent found jobs or enrolled in school. The program combines self-esteem courses, job training, health classes and support services to help homeless women across diverse ages, races and cultures. Women’s Empowerment is funded solely through private donations from the community. For more information and to donate online, visit www.womens-empowerment.org.

Source: Kristin Thébaud Communications

Board Selects Thompson as New Superintendent

Posted: 4/17/2012

Glynn Thompson selected San Juan Unified Superintendent of Schools. Photo courtesy of SJUSD.

SJUSD - After conducting an extensive search, the San Juan Unified School District Board of Education has selected Glynn Thompson as the District’s Superintendent of Schools with a unanimous vote. Thompson had been in the role on an interim basis while the search was being conducted and will assume his duties permanently effective May 1. His contract will run through June 2015 with an annual salary of $225,000.

“Throughout the search process we heard students, teachers, parents, principals and community members tell us that the number one priority in selecting a superintendent was to ensure that the work of our community-developed strategic plan continued,” said Board President Richard Launey. “Mr. Thompson has been a leader in implementing our strategic plan and we need his strong voice to provide leadership as we build upon the work underway in our schools to close achievement gaps and educate and inspire each student to contribute to our radically evolving world.”

Thompson was previously named the District’s interim superintendent of schools in June of 2011 while a search was conducted to find a permanent candidate for the position. He became San Juan Unified’s first chief academic officer in July 2009 building up on his more than 30 years of experience in New Haven and Los Angeles Unified school districts. He has previously served as a teacher, principal, professional development advisor, coordinator of special education and director of instruction.

“We cannot do more with less, we must do differently,” said Thompson. “As state budget cuts continue to take resources away from our schools and classrooms, we must work collaboratively as a community to rethink how we deliver services and educate students to produce 21st century learners and leaders. San Juan Unified has a long and proud history of success which we will continue together.”

A graduate of Texas Christian University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, Thompson also holds a master’s in educational psychology from the University of Houston and has completed post graduate studies at the University of California Los Angeles and Pepperdine University. His full bio can be found at http://www.sanjuan.edu/superintendent.

Source: SJUSD

Get Ready for the Annual Parkway Half Marathon

Posted: 4/17/2012

SACRAMENTO REGION ­– Sacramento Friends In Training (SacFit) and Capital Road Race Management (CRRM) announced recently that the Sixth Annual American River Parkway Half Marathon–a leading fundraising running event for the benefit the American River Parkway – will host over 4000 participants and 300 volunteers this weekend.

On Saturday, April 28, 2012, SacFit and CRRM will present the American River Parkway Half Marathon and 5K (www.parkwayhalf.com) for runners and walkers. The race and post-race festivities will be held on the American River Parkway. All the proceeds from the event are committed to supporting the American River Parkway.

Race Director Ken Press of SacFit reflected upon last year’s race, “The fifth annual American River Parkway Half Marathon continues as the only major race in the Northern California area to go Green including the first-ever race to feature race shirts made of 100% recycled materials.

The fifth annual race sold out at 4000 registrants – smashing all attendance records for community events along the Parkway and cementing the race as the largest and most popular community event along the American River Parkway.

Press added, “A major factor in the success of the race is it’s unique features–it takes place on one of the most scenic and tranquil sections of the parkway trail, away from traffic and urban congestion, and has separate race courses for runners and walkers – the only race in the world having this unique course format–enabling race amenities to be appropriately tailored for each group.”

Race Manager Rich Hanna of CRRM, and local endurance athlete legend, has recommitted to managing the race. According to Hanna, “The park and its beautiful trails are a jewel for bikers, runners and hikers in the greater Sacramento region. Thousands regularly train and work out on the trail, including myself, and we all benefit from a world class park. After only two short years, the Parkway Half Marathon is the community fundraiser for the American River Parkway much like what the Run To Feed The Hungry is to local food banks. Come support and join in this important civic event.”

Have a Heart… Donate Smart Program

Posted: 4/17/2012

Junior Lee (left), Rancho Cordova Code Enforcement Officer, confers with Gregory Steinhauer, Walmart’s Asset Protection Manager in Rancho Cordova. Steinhauer says he appreciates working as a team with businesses, residents, and the City to eradicate panhandling. Photo courtesy of City of Rancho Cordova.

Rancho Cordova - Have a Heart…Donate Smart is a joint effort of the City’s Police Department and Code Enforcement Division and deals with panhandling and vagrancy. Working together, the two agencies provide assistance, education, and information to those in need as well as to businesses and residents who experience panhandling.

“Rancho Cordovans are generous and giving people and by donating to shelters and service providers, their donations will go further in helping others,” said Mayor David Sander. Another part of the Have a Heart …Donate Smart program is the Police Department’s Transient Enforcement Detail (TED) that targets panhandlers and vagrants. “We don’t just make arrests and issue citations, we provide information on resources for assistance,” said RCPD Office Tyler Neff, who heads the local TED taskforce.

Panhandlers usually frequent areas outside of retail stores, gas stations, and restaurants, bothering patrons for money or cigarettes. They can be aggressive and refuse to take no for an answer, leaving people annoyed or fearing for their safety.

Although their signs ask for money for food, panhandlers openly admit that they use it for alcohol and drugs, not food and shelter. According to TED officers, panhandlers often collect $40 to $100 per day and then gather in public areas to drink high percentage alcoholic beverages, leading to intoxication and unsanitary behavior.

They also gather at freeway off ramps, waiting for a turn to get on the island. Officer Neff said that the typical vice of panhandlers who frequent center medians and off ramps is heroin and methamphetamine.

TED’s high profile and regular enforcement are deterring panhandlers from loitering in City areas. “Panhandling at freeway off ramps in Rancho Cordova has almost been eliminated,” said Police Oriented Policing Officer Chuck Gailey, who has worked the TED detail for more than three years. “The exception is Sunrise Boulevard with out-of-town drifters who are passing through.”

Several homeless camps have been cleaned up and removed. “Not only were the camps eyesores, they were filthy with unsanitary conditions,” said Gailey.In addition to providing panhandlers with resource information, TED educates and works with businesses on how to deal with panhandling at their locations.

Larger stores have security staff who may ask the panhandlers to leave. Business owners and managers as well as shoppers may call the RCPD non-emergency number (916) 362-5115 to make a report. The purpose of TED and GSN is to make Rancho Cordova a welcoming place for people to do business and enjoy life while being compassionate to those in less fortunate circumstances.

“Having worked with TED for several years, I believe the program is beneficial for the community as well as the panhandlers,” said Gailey.

San Juan District Honors Top Teachers By Susan Maxwell Skinner Posted: 4/12/2012 Music man Rick Baker (center) was among educators recently feted as 2012 teachers of the year by the San Juan School District. The band director posed with Arden Middle School’s jazz band, Gelato. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner FAIR OAKS – Months from retirement, Carmichael music teacher Rick Baker was among education professionals recently lauded by the San Juan Unified School District. The district hosted an awards banquet in honor of the 16 middle school teachers and counselors at Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church. A Rio Americano and CSUS graduate, honoree Rick Baker has been 33 years in San Juan District employ. Teaching 23 years at Arden Middle School, he has led many bands to competition victories. His protégés in the school’s Gelato jazz group recently won top honors at a CSUS competition. The jazzy eighth graders serenaded teachers and guests at the awards banquet. Now 61, their “Mister Baker” will retire this summer and looks forward to giving back to the community by playing his trumpet in volunteer bands. San Juan’s other middle school teacher/counselor awardees were: Amber Betzler and David Traversi (Arcade); Rick Baker and Takoa Stathem (Arden); Glenn Bisquera and Erin O’Brien (John Barrett); Pete Hinman and Marilyn Hesse (Andrew Carnegie); Jamie Masse and Ladonna Ray (Winston Churchill); Brandalyn Burke and Pete Ribadeneira (Louis Pasteur); Jinne Horger and Svetlana Popov (Will Rogers); Daniel Gamba, Jr and Jennifer James (Sylvan).

Job Demand and Hiring Looking Up

Posted: 4/12/2012

Survey says it’s a good time to start looking for a new job.

Sacramento Region – Hiring motivated by the need to grow workforces in Sacramento will rise above hiring only for replacements for the first time in several years in the Second Quarter of 2012.

In direct contacts by phone with Sacramento’s top regional companies, Pacific Staffing has discovered significant indications of economic improvement as seventy-one percent (71%) of employers say they are hiring in April, May and June 2012. For the first time in years, forty-two percent (42%) of planned hiring was motivated by the need to grow existing workforces. While just thirty-eight percent (38%) of Sacramento regional employers, polled directly between February 27th and March 17th, attributed hiring needs to attrition, or replacements within their existing workforces. Hiring attributed to growth demands has trended up for three Quarters in a row among Sacramento employers surveyed.

Warmer temperatures are also heating up hiring demand as Sacramento’s regional agriculture, recreation and hospitality companies begin seasonal hiring. Ten percent of hiring demand in the second quarter is attributed to seasonal change. While most of the regional economy is improving, some of those involved in residential construction, property development and some peripheral industries remain slow. Three percent of those surveyed report they will consider reducing workforces in the next three months as business remains slow for their individual companies.

Sacramento’s employment marketplace is warming back to life but recent strong spikes in gasoline costs were of great concern to those polled. In anecdotal conversations with company contacts, higher transportation costs for employees; and increased company transportation and petroleum related products costs could throw cold water on hiring plans quickly forcing a renewed slowdown.

While companies are getting a large number of applicants, many are noting the first problems in selecting specific qualifications. Finding applicants with specific skills are among first concerns as companies seek customer service, sales, technical, general office, manufacturing and warehouse workers in the next three months.

How does this Quarter compare to last Quarter, or last year?

For more information, employment blogs & market surveys go to www.pacificstaffing.com.

Source: Pacific Trends Quarterly

Homeless Programs for Veterans Awarded $995k

Grants will support local programs never before funded
by HUD
Posted: 3/29/2012

“These grants will support agencies that are on the front lines everyday helping men, women, and children who might otherwise be living on our streets in unsafe conditions,” said Phil Serna, Sacramento County Supervisor.

Sacramento County-The Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) announced this week that the Sacramento City and County Continuum of Care (CoC) was awarded $995,598 for new local homeless programs. Nearly $201 million has been awarded to 731 programs around the country that are aimed at helping the homeless. Read HUD news release.

“The grants are awarded competitively to local programs to meet the needs of their homeless clients and fund a wide variety of programs that provide transitional and permanent housing for homeless veterans and their families, and people with psychiatric disabilities,” said Don Nottoli, chairman of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors. The five new Sacramento homeless programs and awards are: $165,403: WISH Permanent Housing Program to Transitional Living and Community Support, Inc. will provide rental subsidies for 20 homeless adults with psychiatric disabilities $335,725: DREAM Permanent Housing Program to Transitional Living and Community Support Inc. will provide rental subsidies for 43 homeless adults with psychiatric disabilities $312,328: Coming Home Supportive Housing Program to Volunteers of America for 26 homeless, disabled veteran families – $100,396: Veteran’s Supportive Housing Program to Volunteers of America for 12 chronically homeless veteran households $81,746: Sacramento Homeless Management and Information System (HMIS) to Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance to supplement the current HUD mandated HMIS “This funding will help us meet our goal of ending chronic and family homelessness in Sacramento,” said Ben Burton, executive director of Sacramento Steps Forward. “It reinforces our commitment to strengthen public-private partnerships to meet the needs of the Sacramento community.”

Sacramento’s CoC is responsible for housing over 3,200 homeless men, women and children each night in shelters, transitional housing and permanent housing programs. HUD recently awarded Sacramento $13.9 million to renew funding for 33 existing local homeless programs operating throughout the County. The grand total of funding from the 2011 CoC application was $14,895,957, ensuring housing and service programs remained operating in 2012.

“These grants will support agencies that are on the front lines everyday helping men, women, and children who might otherwise be living on our streets in unsafe conditions,” said Phil Serna, Sacramento County Supervisor. According to the latest data reported by more than 3,000 cities and counties throughout the U.S., homelessness declined 2.1 percent between 2010 and 2011 and a 12 percent among Veterans. In Sacramento, chronic homeless decreased a remarkable 50 percent between 2007 and 2011, and experienced an overall decrease in homelessness of 15 percent since 2009.

Family homelessness, however, increased 11 percent between 2009 and 2011. Sacramento Steps Forward, a non-profit organization, has been working to build its capacity to take over the nearly $15 million in federal CoC grants and other homeless contracts from Sacramento County.

In early April 2012, SSF will take over one-half (20) of the HUD-funded contracts currently handled by the County’s Department of Human Assistance with local non-profit community based organizations. Sacramento Steps Forward recently formed the Continuum of Care Advisory Board to serve as the new mechanism for addressing funding and services for the region’s homeless.

The new Board will be responsible for ensuring federal funding continues to come to Sacramento each year, as well as the development of strategic recommendations and policies related tohomelessness. For more information, visit www.sacramentostepsforward.org.

Christian Brothers Senior Wins US Junior Olympic National Champonship

Posted: 3/29/2012

Hallsten’s victory placed him on the United States National Team that will compete for the World Championship in Moscow.

SACRAMENTO – John Hallsten, a senior at Christian Brothers High School defeated club team mate Kaito Streets to claim the Gold Medal in the Junior (under 20) Men’s Saber National Championship at the 2012 Junior Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. The win followed a club victory for the Junior Team Men’s Saber National Championship. The Team Saber Championship was the second consecutive Junior Olympic team Gold Medal for the Carmichael based Hristov Csikany Fencers.

Hallsten’s victory placed him on the United States National Team that will compete for the World Championship in Moscow the first week of April. For the team victory Hallsten was joined by Christian Brothers junior Kalan Miurelle as well as Streets and Isaac Buchwald of El Granada, California.

“What a great weekend” stated Mihaly Csikany, team coach. “First a second consecutive team championship on Friday followed my John’s Gold Medal on Saturday”.

John Hallsten has verbally committed to Notre Dame and Kaito Streets has verbally committed to Penn State pending NCAA signing dates in April. Hristov Csikany Fencers is a competitive fencing club located in Carmichael. The club offers a full range of fencing instruction from beginners through Olympians. For more information contact Kristiyan Hristov at (847) 902-3951 or Mihaly Csikany at (916) 529-2165.

For more information about fencing see usfencing.com the official website of the United States Fencing Association.

Help Kids Become Star Readers

Posted: 3/8/2012

United Way, Barnes & Noble to hold Starry Night reading event in March.

SACRAMENTO REGION – Local residents can help kids reach for the stars by participating in United Way California Capital Region’s STAR Readers Book Drive through March 23. The drive benefits the group’s STAR Readers project that is helping children read at grade level by fourth grade, a key indicator of high school graduation rates.

“Through third grade, children are learning to read; in fourth grade, they’re reading to learn,” said Steve Heath, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “Children reading at grade level entering fourth grade are far more likely to graduate high school. This book drive will help 615 kids have access to books that will set them on a path for success.”

The online book drive includes four books, three of which were written by local authors, for children in kindergarten through third grade. The goal is to collect 615 books, one for each child in the STAR Readers project. To purchase books, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org.

As part of the STAR Readers Book Drive, United Way is teaming up with Barnes & Noble in Citrus Heights for a children’s reading event. Families are invited to A Starry Night from 7-8 p.m. on March 14 at 6111 Sunrise Boulevard. Three of the authors participating in the book drive will read from their books, which will be available to purchase that night for the book drive. The event will include refreshments, and children are encouraged to wear pajamas. For more information, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org.

United Way is the region’s leading provider of innovative solutions on the community’s most pressing issues, including high school graduation rates, household financial stability and obesity. United Way’s team of nonprofits, businesses, donors and volunteers work together to provide positive, measurable results on these issues through United Way projects: STAR Readers, $en$e-Ability and Fit Kids. Community members can give, volunteer and advocate in support of the causes they care most about, benefiting United Way and hundreds of nonprofits in Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. United Way is an independent, local affiliate of United Way Worldwide. For more information, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org.

Source: Kristin Thébaud Communications

Fun and Healthy Eating Program at Children’s Museum

Posted: 3/8/2012

Sharon Stone Smith, Sacramento Children’s Museum (SCM) Executive Director, puts information into Chef Leo’s “tray dishes”, that will hold healthy and kid-friendly recipes that are being specially developed for SCM by Farm Fresh for You.

Rancho Cordova–Farmer Thaddeus Barsotti brought a bounty of produce with him as the special guest speaker at the Sacramento Children’s Museum on Saturday, March 3rd.

“Happy Heart, Healthy Eating” was the topic of Farmer Thaddeus’ message to his young audience and their families. He talked about how food grows, the different growing seasons, and what is in season now.

Farmer Thaddeus and his two brothers are the owners of Farm Fresh to You, a 300-acre organic farm that is about 30 miles northwest of Davis. The farm grows 85 varieties of fruits and vegetables. “I was lucky to grow up on a farm and know from an early age the importance of not only eating healthy but also connecting with where my food was grown,” said Farmer Thaddeus. “I love talking to kids about fruits and veggies and ensuring they know more about the food system than what they see in the grocery store.”

Designed for children who are eight years and younger, the Children’s Museum has seven exhibit and play areas that include water, airways and raceways, and cultural themes. Farmer Thaddeus will be featured at Leo’s Market, the Museum’s popular grocery store play area.

For more information about the Museum and the program, please call (916) 638-7225. The Museum is located at 2701 Prospect Park Drive, next door to the Rancho Cordova City Hall.

Source: Public Information Office, City of Rancho Cordova

Gasoline Prices Soar - Here Comes $6 per Gallon!

Gasoline tops $5 per gallon in Los Angeles and San Francisco
Posted: 3/8/2012

SACRAMENTO REGION, February 27 – Average retail gasoline prices in Sacramento have risen 24.6 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $4.19 per gallon yesterday. This compares with the national average that has increased 11.3 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.64 per gallon, according to gasoline price website SactoGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Sacramento during the past week, prices on February 26th were 50.3 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 55.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 26.6 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 29.8 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

“2012 is looking increasingly like 2008,” said Gregg Laskoski, Senior Petroleum Analyst for GasBuddy.com. “Gasoline prices are climbing aggressively as speculation drives crude oil higher; and once again, it’s an election year. But this time its the volatility in the Middle East that has everyone wondering ‘How high is up?’,” he added.

GasBuddy operates SactoGasPrices.com and over 250 similar websites that track gasoline prices at over 140,000 gasoline stations in the United States and Canada. In addition, GasBuddy offers a free smartphone app which has been downloaded over 20 million times to help motorists find gasoline prices in their area.

DA Report: Investment Fraud Results in Prison Sentence

Posted: 3/8/2012

SACRAMENTO COUNTY – District Attorney Jan Scully announced March 1st that the Honorable John Winn sentenced 57-year-old Rodney Andrews of Elk Grove to four years in prison. Last month, Andrews pled no contest to two felony violations of embezzlement, two felony violations of theft by false pretenses, one felony violation of diversion of construction funds, and one felony violation of unlawful use of personal identifying information.M

At the time he committed these offenses, Andrews operated a company known as Andrews Investment Group, which offered loan modification services. He was also a pastor at the Comeback Christian Church, where he solicited parishioners and low income property owners to refinance their homes, lower their mortgages, or stall out their foreclosures. He collected up front fees in violation of a statute passed by the California Legislature to prevent individuals such as Andrews from preying on vulnerable home owners facing foreclosure or unaffordable mortgage payments. He also failed to provide proper notifications as required by law, did not provide the services he promised he would do, and did not use the funds he obtained for the represented purposes.

Additionally, Andrews obtained money from one home owner that was supposed to be used on a project to improve her home. Andrews represented to the victim that he had a business known as Low Cost Construction, which is in fact a real company owned by another contractor. He hired a subcontractor to remodel the property, but paid him with insufficient funds checks. The subcontractor stopped working before the project was completed. Andrews never finished the remodel and the victim’s home was left in an uninhabitable condition. Andrews spent the money and did not use it on the project.

At the sentencing hearing, one of the victims stated that Andrews was an untrustworthy liar who took advantage of distressed homeowners seeking assistance in these tough times by making them fake promises and taking their hard earned money.

This matter was investigated and prosecuted by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office Real Estate Fraud Unit.

CASE: Rodney Andrews (03/01/12)
PROSECUTOR: Deputy District Attorney Lani Biafore, Real Estate Fraud Unit

Dedicated to Giving Back

Posted: 3/8/2012

Customer Service Specialist Evelyn Richardson holds a photo of granddaughter Bevin who was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis in November 2010. Photo Credit Rancho Cordova.

RANCHO CORDOVA– Behind the scenes at Rancho Cordova City Hall, City employees champion fundraising activities to support the community they live, work, and play in. In the last year, City employees participated in over 40 community events and fundraising activities.

The focus of the current fundraiser is a smiling 3-year old child named Bevin. Her photo hangs in the employee break room. Bevin is the granddaughter of Customer Service Specialist Evelyn Richardson.

The child was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) in November 2010. JRA affects her hips, knees, and left ankle causing her to walk with a limp and requiring daily medication and weekly injections. Since diagnosis, the family has been working with the Arthritis Foundation. They have formed a team called “Run Bubbas Run” to participate in this year’s Arthritis Walk at the Capitol on Saturday, May 5, 2012.

“Bubbas” is Bevin’s term of affection for her favorite stuffed animal. Throughout the day, City employees drop plastic bottles and soda cans into a collection bin beneath Bevin’s photo. The family is collecting recyclables to raise money for Team Run Bubbas Run to support the Arthritis Foundation in finding a cure.

“My family has been so honored and appreciative of the support we’ve received from the city and my co-workers for the recycling drive,” Richardson said. “It’s only recyclables, but every little bit has helped Bevin’s team.”

To date, Team Run Bubbas Run has raised a total of $1,260 and $255.42 of this amount is from recycling. To learn more about Bevin’s journey, visit http://bevinsadventureswithjra.blogspot.com. Many of the employee fundraisers are made possible because of the City’s Employee Advisory Team (EAT).

The EAT Committee was created in 2004 through the suggestion of a City employee. EAT’s purpose is to increase communication among employees and provide a forum for ideas and suggestions to enhance the unique workplace culture. “One component of the EAT Committee is to coordinate community fundraising activities,” said Lisa Brown, Human Resources Analyst and EAT member. “City employees are dedicated to giving back to the community year round through donations and volunteering.”

The EAT Committee is now fundraising to support a $500 employee-sponsored Community Public Responsible Innovative and Dedicated Employees (PRIDE) Scholarship awarded each year to a graduating high school student in Rancho Cordova.

The Community PRIDE Scholarship was started in 2008 by the EAT Committee to recognize the value of education and honor exceptional youth by helping them achieve their higher education goals. “Employees are honored to recognize local students who exhibit pride in their community,” said Brown. An employee Spaghetti Feed and Talent Show will be held March 2 to raise funds for the scholarship.

For more information about the scholarship or to apply, visit www.cityofranchocordova.org. Each time the City of Rancho Cordova receives feedback from the community, employees are driven to find additional ways to make a difference.

This week, a letter and Certificate of Appreciation were received from Maria Barrs, President and General Manager at News 10, thanking the City for participating in the news organization’s Coats for Kids drive. “Thanks to your generosity, we were able to meet and surpass our goal of collecting 25,000 coats,” Barrs wrote.“Together with your help and the help of many schools and businesses throughout our region, we were able to make over 26,000 coats available to children and family in need this winter!”

Through a fundraising drive, the City collected 45 coats to support the winter coat drive.

The City has donated about 450 coats in the last six years.

For more information on the fundraising and charitable activities of City of Rancho Cordova employees, go to www.cityofranchocordova.org.

Grange Supports GMO Labeling for November Ballot

Posted: 3/8/2012

Thousands of volunteers are now fanning out state-wide to launch a petition drive to get the California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act on the ballot in November. In the thick of the grass-roots initiative is the California State Grange, one of the leading partners in the effort.

The California State Grange has long supported the idea that GMOs (genetically modified organisms) in the food supply should be adequately tested and that consumers are entitled to know what’s in food they eat. The American people agree. Yet despite overwhelming support for GMO labeling, for over a decade regulators and legislators at the national and state level have largely ignored public concerns.

That’s why the Committee for the Right to Know is taking the issue directly to the voters of California. Now, with petitions in hand, over 1,500 volunteers will be gathering signatures at stores and farmers markets up and down the state.

“The bottom line is Californians have a right to know what’s in the food we eat and feed our children. It’s time to send a strong, direct message to those who govern us, whether they be agency or elected, that we want genetically engineered foods labeled,” says Pamm Larry, founder of the Committee For the Right to Know.

Check the website, www.labelgmos.org for more information on this issue.

Capitol Pops Concert Band Receives Grant

Posted: 3/8/2012

Capitol Pops Concert Band Director Jerry Lopes.

SACRAMENTO REGION – The Louise Hess Foundation of the Sacramento Region Com-munity Foundation has awarded a $1,500 grant to the Capitol Pops Concert Band, the Fair Oaks-based community band celebrating its 15th year in 2012.

CPCB Director Jerry Lopes, who has served as the band’s director since its first rehearsal on Feb. 6, 1997, announced the awarding of the grant.

The one-time grant will be used for the band’s upcoming concert season, which will feature more than a dozen free-to-the-public performances throughout the greater Sacramento region. The band recently resumed rehearsals in preparation for this year’s series of concerts.

The CPCB season will begin with the band’s 15th anniversary concert on April 21, 2012, in the gym at Rusch Park in Citrus Heights. Other performances include concerts in Roseville, Carmichael, Fair Oaks and other Sacramento-area locales.

Under the baton of Lopes, CPCB concerts feature Broadway show tunes, movie themes, marches and patriotic songs, as well as old/new popular standards. Through two decades, the band has performed at venues and events throughout the Sacramento area, including the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee and the annual Fourth of July celebration in Royer Park in Roseville.

About 75 musicians in the self-supporting, nonprofit CPCB span a wide range of ages, from students to nonagenarians. Concerts also feature musician soloists and vocalists. The CPCB scholarship fund provides private music lessons for interested students.

For more information on the band, call (916) 967-1461, visit www.capitolpops.org or visit the band’s Facebook page. Venues interested in booking the band should send e-mails to Lopes at glopes@macnexus.org.

Volunteer Center of Sacramento’s Adopt-A-Family Serves All-Time Record

Posted: 2/8/2012

The 2011 Adopt-A-Family program provided food and gifts for local, low-income families during the holiday season. Without this program, families may go without holiday dinner and gifts for their children.

Sacramento REGION – The Volunteer Center of Sacramento (VCS) would like to thank its sponsors and volunteers for helping make its 2011 Adopt-A-Family a record success.

Through the generosity of the Sacramento area, VCS was able to find adopters for 412 struggling families in our community, which includes a whopping 1,246 children. This amounted to about $176,100 in clothing, food and toy donations distributed throughout the Sacramento community.

VCS more than exceeded its goal of helping 300 families, and almost doubled last year’s program, which adopted 222 families for a total of 567 children.

“Words cannot convey how truly humbled we are by the generosity of the Sacramento area,” says Frank Kennedy, executive director of The Volunteer Center of Sacramento. “This program would not be possible without the amazing support of our sponsors and volunteers. It just goes to show Sacramento may be a city, but we are a tight-knit community that truly cares about each other.”

The 2011 Adopt-A-Family program provided food and gifts for local, low-income families during the holiday season. Without this program, these families may go without holiday dinner and gifts for their children.

For more information about the Adopt-A-Family program and to get on the list to help out in 2012, email info@volunteersac.org, call (916) 567-3100, or visit www.volunteersac.org/adopt-a-family.

The Volunteer Center of Sacramento was founded in 1962, The Volunteer Center of Sacramento works to strengthen the Sacramento community by connecting volunteers with opportunities to serve. The Center acts as a central location for all volunteers to learn about new volunteer opportunities.

For a full list of volunteer opportunities in the Sacramento area, visit www.volunteersac.org.

Rancho Cordova Wins National Budget Award

Posted: 2/8/2012

Donna Silva, Rancho Cordova’s Finance Director, is “thrilled about this distinguished budget award.” Photo provided by Helen Brewer, Public Information Office, City of Rancho Cordova.

Rancho Cordova – The City of Rancho Cordova has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its current budget. Awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), the award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting.“This represents a significant achievement by your organization,” said GFOA’s Technical Services Center Director. “It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meet the highest principles of government budgeting.”

To receive the award, Rancho Cordova had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines that assessed how well the budget serves as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communications device. The budget document had to be rated “proficient” in all four categories plus the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories.

“We are extremely proud of our City’s budget,” commented Rancho Cordova Mayor David Sander. “In these difficult economic times, we have been able to have a balanced budget while continuing to effectively provide services to our community.”In addition to the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, the Rancho Cordova Finance Department was given a Certificate of Recognition for Budget Presentation.

“We are thrilled to receive this distinguished budget award. I am incredibly proud of the City’s budget team and their commitment to excellence,” said Donna Silva, the City’s Finance Director.GFOA is a nonprofit professional association that serves nearly 17,400 government finance professional throughout North America. The Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program is the only national awards program in governmental budgeting.

New Year, New Motor Laws

Posted: 1/19/2012

Motorists need to know that many new laws came into effect January 1st in California.

As we begin a new year, California motorists should be aware of some of the new laws going into effect this past January 1, 2012. These new traffic laws were passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor earlier in 2011, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is asking the motoring public to familiarize themselves with the changes before they take effect.

“Our hope is by educating the public of these new traffic safety laws in advance, more lives will be saved in the new year,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.

The following are highlights of a few of the significant changes for the upcoming year:

- A change to California’s Child Passenger Safety Seat law will now require children to ride in either a car seat or booster seat until the age of eight, or until they reach a height of 4 feet 9 inches. This law also requires children who do not meet the age or height requirement to ride in the rear seat of a vehicle unless the vehicle has no back seats, the restraint system cannot be properly installed or the rear seats are already occupied by children under age eight. However, the law still maintains that a child may not ride in the front seat of a vehicle with an active passenger airbag if they are under one year of age, less than 20 pounds, or riding in a rear-facing child safety seat. (SB 929, Evans)

- Drivers are required to stop and submit to a sobriety checkpoint. However, peace officers will be prohibited from impounding a vehicle for 30 days out of a sobriety checkpoint if the only offense by the driver is failing to hold a valid driver license. The new law requires that the officer make a reasonable attempt to identify the registered owner in order to release the ehicle. (AB 353, Cedillo)

- Anyone who is convicted of reckless driving under Section 23103.5 of the Vehicle Code can apply for a restricted driver license prior to the completion of their one-year suspension, provided they meet specified conditions, including the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device in their vehicle. (AB 520, Ammiano)

- Vehicles will be prohibited from crossing double parallel solid white lines except where permitted. (AB 1105, Gordon)

- Electric Vehicles (EV) must now be plugged in for refueling when occupying an EVdesignated parking space, otherwise they may be towed. In addition, the law prohibits a person from obstructing, blocking, or otherwise barring access to an EV-designated parking space. (AB 475, Butler)

- Local governments can now regulate advertising signs on any motor vehicle parked or left standing upon a public street, except for signs painted directly upon or permanently affixed to the vehicle for permanent decoration, identification, or display that do not extend beyond the overall length, width, or height of the vehicle. (AB 1298, Blumenfield)

- A law dealing with repeat driving under the influence (DUI) offenders that was passed in 2010 also goes into effect on January 1:

- Section 23579 was added to the Vehicle Code, which authorizes courts to revoke a driver’s license for 10 years if a person is convicted of three or more DUIs. Under this law enacted in 2010, a motorist may be allowed to apply for reinstatement of his or her driver’s license with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) after five years, if the person installs an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in their vehicle. The law allows the DMV to terminate this restricted license if the IID requirements are not met. (AB 1601, Hill)

The points above are only a synopsis of the new laws listed here and only a partial list of California’s new laws adopted for 2012. For complete information on chaptered bills enacted in 2011, please refer to the Legislative Counsel website at www.LegInfo.ca.gov.

Source: CHP

Rancho Cordova Deals with California Supreme Court Decision to end Redevelopment

Posted: 1/19/2012

Rancho Cordova – On December 29, 2011, the California Supreme Court ruled that the abolishment of Redevelopment Agencies is a “proper exercise of legislative power”, which effectively eliminates redevelopment in its current form. The Supreme Court decision has substantial implications for over 400 local redevelopment agencies, including the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Rancho Cordova. Redevelopment agencies throughout the state are now forced to suspend work on projects and sell properties in which they have already invested money and time.

Mayor David Sander said, “Rancho Cordova is faced with the same situation as other communities around the state. We have to set aside our immediate plans to build projects and improve properties that we have spent years planning and purchasing.”

The Supreme Court’s decision will mean that the Rancho Cordova Redevelopment Agency (RDA) will not purchase the property near Folsom Boulevard and Mather Field Road that had been the focus of an eminent domain lawsuit and which was part of a larger plan to redevelop an entire block along Folsom Boulevard. The RDA will be forced to sell two other parcels that it had previously acquired for redevelopment on Folsom Boulevard in this block.

Although the new law and Court decision will eliminate the RDA’s ability to purchase the property, the City is still working with Los Rios to bring a community college to Rancho Cordova.

The Los Rios Community College District (CCD) still plans to build a college campus on Folsom Boulevard. The City encourages future negotiations between the CCD and Folsom Boulevard property owners who may be interested in selling suitable parcels.

“The City Council remains committed to improving Rancho Cordova by increasing jobs, cleaning up Folsom Boulevard, and bringing educational opportunities to the city. The State Supreme Court decision eliminated a critical tool for redevelopment, but it doesn’t stop our continuing efforts to improve Rancho Cordova,” stated Mayor Sander.

Even with the end of redevelopment, the City will continue to improve Folsom Boulevard. The City has a balanced budget and the possibility of pursuing grants and other funding to improve Folsom Boulevard and other high priority projects in Rancho Cordova.

“The State Supreme Court’s ruling is very disappointing. That ruling abolished Rancho Cordova’s Redevelopment Agency, along with all other redevelopment agencies in the state.

The Rancho Cordova Redevelopment Agency would have been able to make great improvements in our community,” said Mayor Sander.

In the wake of the Supreme Court ruling, the California Redevelopment Association and League of California Cities vowed to work with state legislators immediately to develop legislation to revive redevelopment in order to protect local communities, job creation and the economy.

“Fortunately, we are still better off than many other cities,” Mayor Sander said. “Our Growing Strong Neighborhoods initiative will allow us to continue improving our community in other ways.”

Metro Fire Responds to House Fire

Posted: 1/19/2012

Fair Oaks – January 13th, 6:14am – Metro Firefighters responded to the report of a garage fire at 4232 Niblick Way. While responding to the fire call, firefighters were alerted that a man had come out of the home that was on fire, but then went back inside.

With that information, prior to firefighters arriving the Battalion Chief in charge advised responding crews this was a rescue mode fire which alerts firefighters to use a more risky rescue technique known as Vent-Enter-Search (VES) to search for potential victims.

Firefighters arrived and found a fully involved garage fire with fire extending to the attic, and kitchen area of the home. Firefighters found the male occupant outside the home. Firefighters extinguished the fire.

Fire Crews later learned a neighbor noticed the homes garage on fire. The neighbor knocked on the door alerting the homeowner of the fire who was reported as still sleeping. After seeing the fire, the homeowner returned into the home to retrieve his two dogs, then escaped uninjured.

The fire was contained with one alarm of twenty-four firefighters, and no reported injuries. Two dogs also escaped without injury. Fire Investigators could not eliminate a malfunctioning appliance in the garage as a cause. Damage is estimated to be $110,000.

Metro Fire wants to remind citizen not to return into a structure that is on fire. Conditions change rapidly.

Source: Sac Metro Fire

Sacramento County Grand Jury Seeks Applicants

Posted: 1/19/2012

SACRAMENTO COUNTY–The Sacramento County Grand Jury is currently accepting applications for jurors for the 2012-2013 session. Applications are due no later than February 6, 2012. The upcoming term will run from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013.

The Grand Jury is comprised of a diverse panel of 19 citizen volunteers who provide oversight of governmental activities within Sacramento County. During the session, the jury may respond to community complaints and examine county and city governments, schools, and special districts.

Objectives of investigations include saving taxpayer dollars, eliminating waste and fraud, and verification of compliance with the law.

For applications or to learn more about the Sacramento County Grand Jury go to www.sacgrandjury.org.

For additional information, contact Rebecca Castaneda, Grand Jury Coordinator at (916) 874-7559.

New Year’s Cheer in Rising Trends

By Rick Reed
Posted: 1/4/2012

Sacramento Region – Hiring in Sacramento will begin the New Year on an upward trend, as Pacific Staffing has discovered fifty-eight percent (58%) of top companies are motivated to hire in the First Quarter of 2012. This trend toward local economic recovery maintains a slow rise that began with forty-six percent (46%) hiring at this time in 2010, fifty-one percent (51%) in the first three months of 2011.

In the recession-driven First Quarter of 2009 more than half of Sacramento’s regional employers surveyed weren’t hiring anyone while another twenty percent (20%) planned staff cutbacks and three local companies closed laying off their entire workforces.

In polling the top companies directly by phone between November 21st and December 14th, Pacific Staffing learned that just two companies planned layoffs; one for seasonal reasons with another citing slow business in the First Quarter of the new year.

A positive trend was also evident in demand for new workers in January, February and March. Thirty percent (30%) of employers are motivated to hire for growth in the first months of 2012, maintaining demand levels from the previous quarter of 2011. Another thirty-five percent (35%) reported hiring in the first three months of the new year due to attrition in their existing workforces.

While benefit cost and management is still a major concern, a new challenge was noted, as companies report finding qualified applicants is becoming an issue. Specific skills in high demand in the first three months of 2012 include sales and customer service workers, technical, warehouse and manufacturing experience.

When asked if their company has a retirement plan, thirty-one percent (31%) of companies polled say No. In addition, twenty-seven percent (27%) also say they have no plan to offer any retirement option in the future. While many companies did have some retirement plans, most were oriented to employee 401K account options, with just a few offering a contribution match. While some companies couldn’t or wouldn’t answer, Service firms were most likely to offer retirement while Retail industry companies were least likely.

The top 100 Sacramento Regional Companies By Industry; 40% are Service, 30% are Manufacturers, 20% are Construction and 10% are Retail.

How does this Quarter compare to last Quarter, or last year? Find out for yourself.

For more information, employment blogs & market surveys go to www.pacificstaffing.com.

New Mayor and Vice Mayor for Rancho Cordova

Posted: 1/4/2012

Linda Budge

Dr. David Sander

Rancho Cordova – Dr. David Sander and Linda Budge were sworn in as Mayor and Vice Mayor, respectively, at the Rancho Cordova City Council meeting on Monday, December 19th. Both have been members of the City Council since Rancho Cordova incorporated in 2003.

Mayor Sander was sworn in by his wife, Dr. Margaret Parsons, with their six-year-old son, Charles, holding the family Bible. Vice Mayor Budge’s special guests were her husband, Lee Garrison, and her 90-year-old mother, Norma Niblett from Tucson, AZ.

Serving his second term as Mayor, Sander said that he wants to keep moving forward on Growing Strong Neighborhood goals with a special focus on economic development efforts and citizen engagement with community meetings, projects, walks, and other activities.

“We’ve made great progress in reinventing Rancho Cordova and changing it from a suburb facing decline to a city with a bright future, but there is much more remaining to be done,” he commented. “We will continue our efforts to bolster the health of our neighborhoods, raise our residents’ quality of life, and provide every opportunity for future growth and economic development.”

Mayor Sander served as Rancho Cordova Mayor in 2007 and as Vice Mayor in 2006 and 2011. He is the Principal and Founder of Sander and Associates, a public affairs and internet consulting/development firm that specializes in medical and scientific projects. He is a member of the National Civic League board of directors and represents the City on several other national, state, and area committees and boards.

Vice Mayor Budge is an American Institute Certified Planner and the owner of Geometra Planning & Permitting. She is a 2011 graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education program. She served as Mayor in 2004 and 2008 and as Vice Mayor in 2007 and Mayor Pro Tempore in 2003.

Other members of the Rancho Cordova City Council are Robert McGarvey who just completed his second term as Mayor; Ken Cooley, and Dan Skoglund.

City Council meetings are held the first and third Mondays of the month (except on Monday holidays) at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, located at 2729 Prospect Park Drive.

For more information about the Council meetings, please contact the City Clerk’s office at (916) 851-8720

Fair Oaks Village Gets New Funding

Posted: 1/4/2012

Sacramento – At their December 15, 2011 meeting, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) Board of Directors approved $513,000 in Community Design funding for the “Fair Oaks Village Streetscape Project.”

The Sacramento County Department of Transportation will receive these funds to construct a “streetscape” project that will provide improved bike routes, pedestrian facilities including an additional mid-block crossing, increased parking, accessibility upgrades, landscaping, and added decorative street lighting within the Village area. This construction project builds upon a 2010 SACOG grant award of $136,000 for the Fair Oaks Village streetscape planning and design phase.

According to Supervisor Susan Peters, “This project enables the County to partner with The Fair Oaks Village Enhancements Committee (FOVEC) efforts and Village businesses and residents to make this a more attractive local and regional shopping and entertainment district with a small-town feel ­— right in Fair Oaks. I’m pleased that SACOG funding has been secured, and look forward to breaking ground on this project in 2012.”

In 2007 FOVEC was established to initiate efforts to develop and implement a plan for improvements that enable the Village to increase its viability as a business district, and to create a destination where local residents and visitors have shopping, entertainment and dining opportunities. The Fair Oaks Village Streetscape Project is a first big step in helping FOVEC realize this vision by providing streetscape improvements along the portion of Fair Oaks Boulevard that runs through Fair Oaks Village. This will help create a small town appeal resulting in less dependence on cars while encouraging people to live, work and shop in Fair Oaks Village.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

By Paul V. Scholl, Publisher
Posted: 12/22/2011

The Christmas season is the time of year we all show our love and gratitude for those around us who play significant roles in our lives. We express our love to our husbands and wives, our children, our parents, our brothers and sisters. Most grant well wishes to neighbors, co-workers and friends. Few well-wish to other drivers on the freeway or in the parking lot. Maybe we should? It might make it all just a little less challenging.

Let’s not forget to spread our love to those who must work through the holidays behind the check stand counters or on the sales floor. Let them know how much you appreciate them, even if they may seem a little disinterested. They are probably tired, and wishing they were somewhere else for the holidays.

I am truly grateful this Christmas for the gifts I have in my life. My wife, my son, my mother and her health at 88, my large family of ten brothers and sisters, and all those who work for my company that help to bring you our news products.

I am grateful to all those organizations with which we do business. A special thank you goes out this season to all of our loyal advertisers, our vendors, our suppliers, to all of the Chambers of Commerce, all of the media firms and public relations people. You make this business a joy.

Remember to be kind to one another. After all, that was the Great Example we were given. Remember the Reason for the Season. Merry Christmas!

Meals on Wheels and Maita Subaru Help Local Seniors

Posted: 12/22/2011

Rachael Van Cleave from Maita Subaru, Mary Hardesty from Meals on Wheels, and Carol Keehner, Meals on Wheels Volunteer Driver from Carmichael. Photo by Meals on Wheels by ACC

SACRAMENTO REGION - Maita Subaru and Meals on Wheels by ACC teamed up to help deliver meals to homebound seniors on Monday, December 12. Subaru representatives and Meals on Wheels volunteers driving new 2012 Subaru vehicles delivered meals in the Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights, North Highlands and Orangevale areas.

“This is a great way to help spread the word that volunteers are needed to help deliver meals to homebound seniors throughout Sacramento County,” stated David Morikawa, Volunteer Director for Meals on Wheels by ACC. “It’s gratifying to see local businesses support the community with so much personal interest and commitment,” he added.

Maita Subaru representative, Rachael Van Cleave, stated “This is a great opportunity to have our team learn and experience first-hand Maita Auto Group’s commitment to residents in the Sacramento area.”

Subaru dealerships across the country are supporting local service organizations like Meals on Wheels during December as part of their “Share the Love” event.

To become a volunteer driver and deliver meals to homebound seniors, please contact Meals on Wheels at (916) 444-9533.

Santa’s Elves Gather Early in Fair Oaks

Posted: 12/22/2011

Mary Martinez (Santa’s helper outfit) and her husband Daniel (being hugged by Mary) are surrounded by many of Santa’s helpers.

Fair Oaks – Some of Santa’s elves gathered throughout the afternoon on December 10th at the home of Mary and Daniel Martinez, Gold Country For The Troops, to share in a little Christmas cheer. The open house was held by Mary and Daniel to thank all of those who have helped support their cause this past year and to invite local service member families to open hearts and open arms. Those who stopped by enjoyed holiday season appetizers, refreshments and holiday cheer.

Unclaimed Checks Listed on SMUD.org

Posted: 12/22/2011

SACRAMENTO REGION - The Sacramento Municipal Utility District has posted the names of customers and vendors with checks dated October 1, 2008 or earlier who have not yet cashed them. The list of names will remain online until December 27, 2011.

Each year SMUD posts this information in an effort to locate the money’s rightful owner. Claims against these uncashed checks should be filed on or before December 27, 2011 with SMUD Unclaimed Monies, 6201 S Street, Mail Stop B302, Sacramento, CA 95817-1899 or by calling (916) 732-5556. Replacement checks will be issued only to the payee whose name is on the list. Checks not claimed by December 27, 2011 become SMUD property under California Code Section 50050-50056.

Sac Metro Fire Announces Board Vacancy

Posted: 12/22/2011

SACRAMENTO REGION – The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District is accepting applications to fill a vacant position of Director for Division 4 on its nine-member Board of Directors. The selected applicant will serve the remainder of a four-year term expiring the first week of December, 2012. Applicants must be a registered voter, residing within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District.

While all interested applicants within the District will be considered, preference will be given to applicants from Division 4. The approximate boundaries for Division 4 are Elkhorn Boulevard to Auburn Boulevard on the north, Cypress Avenue to Edison Avenue on the South, Manzanita Avenue on the east, and Watt Avenue to Elkhorn Boulevard on the west.

Interested persons may apply for the position by submitting the Board of Directors District Employment Application and a letter of interest to Board Clerk Charlotte Tilson, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, 10545 Armstrong Avenue, Suite 200, Mather CA 95655. Application must be received by noon on Friday, January 6, 2012. A Special Board of Directors meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at the City of Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA for the purpose of interviewing qualified candidates.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting Charlotte Tilson, Clerk of the Board, at 859-4305, or visiting the District website at www.sacmetrofire.ca.gov for the Board of Directors District Employment Application form and division map.

County Stepping Up Safety Efforts on the American River Parkway

Posted: 12/8/2011

Private and public partners coordinate efforts for safety and maintenance, changing parks operations to insure public safety and protection of the American River’s sensitive habitat. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

Sacramento COUNTY – With the popularity of Sacramento County’s Regional Parks remaining high, especially the American River Parkway, the County is leveraging resources, collaborating with the private/public sector, and changing parks operations to insure public safety and protection of sensitive habitat.

“The Parkway is bordered by cities, neighborhoods, businesses and state land, all of whom have a vested interest in keeping the Parkway safe and clean,” stated Supervisor Phil Serna, District 1. “To help address the illegal camping situation on the Parkway, we are collaborating with private interests dedicated to funding homeless services and partnering with the broader law enforcement community to maximize public safety.” To address security, Regional Parks is partnering with the Sacramento Police Department to increase patrol presence in the lower Parkway, where most illegal camping occurs. The joint patrol operates seven days a week and will conduct warrant sweeps throughout the year in collaboration with County Probation and other law enforcement agencies. Ranger Assistants are helping to increase presence during periods of peak bicycle and recreational traffic.

Rangers and police follow strict protocol with illegal campers: campers are “noticed” to leave within 48 hours in writing and in person. If campers do not vacate within the allotted time, they are issued a citation and their possessions are confiscated and safely stored. If outstanding warrants or probation/parole violations exist, campers are arrested and booked into the County Jail.

In addition to noticing campers, rangers may be accompanied at times by County social workers and volunteers from Sacramento Steps Forward who provide information about temporary shelter options, meals, and other social service programs. Information about pet kenneling and where their personal belongings will be stored is also provided.

To protect the environment from camping garbage and other waste, Parks has increased cleanup of the campsite areas from one to two days a week. Cleanup is done by Sacramento County Sheriff Work Release crews within and also adjacent to the Parkway. The County Department of Regional Parks is partnering with the American River Parkway Foundation to increase cleanup in targeted areas. In addition to five major cleanups in 2011, one hundred Foundation volunteers, including Rob Leonard, the County’s Interim Parks Director and Supervisor Serna, removed over three tons of debris from the Northgate Area in November.

Illegal camping can be reported to Park Rangers at 916-875-7275. To support Sacramento Steps Forward and the Winter Sanctuary Program, donations can be made on line at sacramentostepsforward.org.

RT Offers Free Rides on the Annual Holiday Bus

Posted: 12/8/2011

Holiday bus rides again.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY – The Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) will usher in the holiday season with free rides on the RT Holiday Bus. As a thank you to riders, the bright and festive Holiday Bus will travel on a different route each day from Thursday, December 1, 2011 through Sunday, January 1, 2012.

In the spirit of giving, passengers will have the opportunity to place a cash donation in the farebox or contribute a non-perishable food item. All donations will benefit River City Food Bank, a non-profit organization that provides emergency food and housing assistance to over 40,000 clients annually in Sacramento County.

Continuing a 19-year tradition, RT employees and their families painted the exterior of the Holiday Bus with colorful poinsettias, ornaments, drums and bells. Rick Sloan, retired RT graphic designer and long-time Holiday Bus artist, pre-painted the outline on the bus, which allowed participants to complete the design using a “paint-by-numbers” technique.

For Holiday Bus route and schedule information, call 916-321-BUSS (2877) or visit www.sacrt.com.

Intern Program Plaque is Given to Rancho Cordova

Posted: 12/8/2011

Rancho Cordova–The City of Rancho Cordova received a City Semester Intern Program perpetual plaque at the City Council meeting on Monday, December 5th.

Participating in the presentation were (in photo above, from left) Vanessa Martinez, the 2010-11 intern; Sara Carrillo, the 2011-2012 intern; Cameron Billeci, Faculty Advisor for the Intern Program at Cordova High School (CHS); Stacy Delaney, the City’s Intern Supervisor; City Manager Ted Gaebler; Mayor Robert McGarvey; and CHS Principal Dan Anklam.

The plaque lists each year’s intern and will be placed in a prominent public area in the City Hall building. Proberts Engraving in Rancho Cordova is a major sponsor of the plaque project. Started in 2007, the City Semester Program provides an opportunity for a CHS social studies student to experience city government and introduces them to civil service and politics.

At the end of the school year, the intern receives a scholarship from the City and units of school credit. During their internship, students work in the City’s Administrative Support Division, the Human Resources Department, and the City Manager’s Office.

Source: Helen Brewer, PIO, City of Rancho Cordova

First Bank Welcomes New Manager

Posted: 12/8/2011

Jane Daly

Rancho Cordova–Jane Daly has joined First Bank’s Rancho Cordovaoffice (2880 Blvd-Suite 100) as the Vice President/Branch Manager for this location.

Daly, who has more than 15 years of banking experience, re-joined First Bank earlier in the fall after serving as a business development officer from 2000-2007. She is the Past President and former Executive Director of the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce.

Jane and her husband continue to reside in Citrus Heights.

First Bank firstbanks.com is one of the largest privately owned banks in the country with $6.82 billion in assets and 149 locations in California, Missouri, Florida, and Illinois.

Donation Drive Collects Winter Coats for Regional Shelters, Nonprofits

Posted: 12/1/2011

SACRAMENTO REGION – More than 3,000 people and children in need throughout the Sacramento region can now count on new, warm coats to get through the coming winter, thanks to an all-out effort by Lyon Real Estate agents.

Working with the national nonprofit One Warm Coat, Lyon’s regional team of agents, brokers and support staff threw themselves into a month-long winter coat donation drive during October. Given their busy schedules, many in the company expected to hit the 500 mark. But when you have 17 regional offices full of dedicated, creative professionals, then stand back.

“When we added up coats collected from everyone’s efforts, from offices in the Foothills to agents based throughout the Sacramento region, it came to a whopping 3,110 coats,” said Lyon Real Estate President Pat Shea. “It was an amazing example of how a large group of people can achieve a great amount of good by working together.”

The coat donation drive started out as an idea at Lyon’s annual Fun Realtor Education Day — FRED for short. To supplement the coat drive, Lyon employees partnered with Kohl’s Department stores to obtain 50 new children’s coats for the Kids First organization in Roseville and Auburn and the Sacramento Food Bank’s Mother Baby Program. Those coats, and all the donated coats, had to be either new or lightly used to qualify for donation.

Another truck load of coats were given to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. In all, more than 17 agencies received coats collected by Lyon agents and employees that will be distributed to people in need in Sacramento, Placer, Nevada, Sacramento and El Dorado counties.

Before distributing the coats, employees at the company’s Sacramento headquarters converted their administrative offices into storage space for thousands of winter coats.

“We had mountains of them. It really brought home all the hard work our agent team did in reaching out to the community,” said Lyon Marketing Director Christi McDowell, who helped organize the coat donation drive.

This year, we are on pace to collect and distribute our 3 millionth coat — and Lyon’s 3,110 coats made a fantastic contribution to that effort,” said Sybil Hunt, community outreach director for One Warm Coat.

With real estate agents in 17 regional offices in Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado and Yolo counties, Lyon remains the region’s leading real estate company.

Helping Small Businesses Start, Grow and Succeed

Free Small Business Forum “Getting It Right” Coming Next Week to Sacramento Area
Posted: 12/1/2011

SACRAMENTO REGION – The Internal Revenue Service will soon team up with other federal and state tax agencies helping regional small businesses at a free tax forum to be held in Citrus Heights. Themed “Getting It Right,” the forum will provide important information for business leaders to better understand and meet their tax responsibilities. The program will also highlight significant government resources available that can help small businesses grow and succeed.

“One of the forum’s goals is to promote awareness of the programs, services, and assistance government tax agencies have to offer,” said IRS spokesman David Tucker. “If our local entrepreneurs and business leaders understand basic federal and state tax rules and how to get help when they need it, they can meet challenges that can sometimes be barriers to success.”

The Small Business Forum is sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to facilitate the exchange of information between the government and the small business community in Northern California. Other state agencies participating include the California Franchise Tax Board, Board of Equalization and Employment Development Department.

All local small businesses and chambers of commerce in Northern California are invited. The event is Thursday, December 8, 2011, 8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. It will be held at the U.S. SBA, 6501 Sylvan Road, Main Conference Room, Citrus Heights, CA 95610

Registration is required for this free forum. Limited seating will be assigned on a first-come first served basis, so register soon to guarantee you won’t miss out of this popular event. To register send an e-mail to SBEDSacramento@irs.gov. If interested businesses have questions or want more details about the event please call Christella Sanchez at 916-974-5117.

About The Messenger | Copyright Notice
American River Messenger | Paul V. Scholl, Publisher
7405 Greenback Lane, #129 | Citrus Heights, CA 95610-5603 | Telephone: 916-773-1111 | Fax Line 916-773-2999
Email: publisher@AmericanRiverMessenger.com | Site Designed and Hosted by TheSiteBarn.com
ISSN#: 1948-1969