Through the generosity of The American River Messenger this column serves to provide an update about matters affecting the unincorporated community of Fair Oaks.    

EFFIE YEAW NATURE CENTER GALA

This year's annual Spring Gala and Auction benefitting the Effie Yeaw Nature Center has been transformed into a virtual live stream event with both live and silent auctions of experiences and juried art featuring creative interpretations of the local natural world.

The gala will occur on the evening of Saturday, June 13, and like before, it will be presented by Effie Yeaw Nature Center and the Sacramento Fine Arts Center – and serves as the Nature Center's biggest fundraiser of the year.

I’ve attended this event for many years and it is always a wonderful occasion to be in under the stars at the Nature Center with tickets always selling out.  The artwork is submitted and selected at the Fine Art Center’s "Where Wild Things Are" art show, and brought to the gala for auction.  Unlike in the past, you will be able to experience the excitement and fun this year virtually.

Registration is free.  For more information, please go online to sacnaturecenter.net

BRIDGE REPLACEMENT AT CHICAGO CREEK

The Winding Way Bridge Replacement Project at Chicago Creek is expected to open by the end of May according to Sacramento County’s Department of Transportation.

I know many Fair Oaks residents are looking forward to the project’s completion.  The construction effort encountered a delay last fall and the colder temperatures plus rain began shortly thereafter causing the completion of the roadway to halt until after the winter.  Some changes also had to be made to accommodate right-of-way constraints as well as finish the last of the retaining walls and the utilities.

When the project is done, hopefully users of the roadway will find the new improvements beneficial despite the prolonged wait.

BUSINESS RELIEF & ASSISTANCE

If you are a business owner and want to obtain current, accurate and correct information pertinent for your business survival, please go online to economic.saccounty.net and check out the link to the COVID-19 Business Resources webpage,  which includes information about the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the Small Business Administration loan program in effect, links to assistance available through the State of California and its agencies as well as local assistance including details on moratoriums relating to service disconnections by SMUD and PG&E.

The information at that webpage is compiled by Sacramento County’s Office of Economic Development, which is partnering with 32 local economic development and business support organizations to ensure a coordinated delivery of critical information, resources and services to local businesses experiencing economic hardship resulting from the COVID-19 virus outbreak.  Participating agencies include the Small Business Administration, Greater Sacramento Economic Council, Small Business Development Center, local chambers, property based improvement districts, banking institutions, etc.

There’s no question, many local businesses and their employees are hurting financially – and having been a former small business owner prior to being elected to office -- I understand how business people need information available to them in order to make important decisions affecting their future.  Please go online and visit the Office of Economic Development webpage referenced above to learn what help and assistance is available for your business.

Susan Peters represents the Third District on the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors.  She can be reached at [email protected].