Friday, June 28, 2013

Followup on Homeless Bill of Rights: on hold till Jan 2014

The Homeless Bill of Rights we spoke about in a Lincoln-Barrett Neighborhood and Park Watch recent blog post has passed the Assembly's Judiciary Committee, but has been put on hold till next year by the Appropriations Committee.

 This bill would allow for:

"The bill would bar discriminating against homeless people while they seek or maintain tax-funded benefits. It would also assert a right to be in public places, safeguard personal property, guarantee use of public facilities, protect confidentiality of medical records and provide legal representation in low-level criminal proceedings, not just those that rise to the level of misdemeanors."

For more information  See : http://sfpublicpress.org/news/2013-05/state-homeless-bill-of-rights-put-on-hold-until-next-year#sthash.8zIXcMnQ.dpuf

There was also a recent article in the Sac Bee blog: http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2013/05/ammianos-homeless-rights-bill-fails-in-assembly-committee.html

If you have opinions about this bill coming back up next year, please consider contacting our local state representatives, Ken Cooley in the Assembly and Jim Nielsen in the Senate.


Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Keeping Up Appearances

This is part of our reports to Carmichael Recreation and Park, as well as other enforcement entities that help us enjoy our neighborhood and park. Keep calling in suspicious behavior and reporting vandalism to the Sheriff's Dept. Keep being involved and taking an active approach to safety, and we'll keep doing our best to share everything we can with our local helpful agencies. Thanks so much to all our neighbors!


Item
Description
Action Taken
Status
1
Graffiti (photos attached)
We’ve cleared most of the graffiti last week and again this weekend.
Done – No Action Needed
2
Jan Drive dry vegetation cleared
BHNA went out this Saturday to clean out the vegetation along Jan Drive—looks good
Need Help  – Piles on Jan Drive
3
Picnic Tables under shade – someone used some type of salts and spread the salts on tables.  
I called the maintenance shop to report several items last Monday, this being one of them. I called to see if there was a way to connect a water hose to clean the salts off. I checked the tables this weekend, the salts are still there and there is now rust on the tables.  
Need Help – Need to clean tables and paint over rust (I already purchased the paint for the tables). Do we need to sand tables first?
4
Drinking fountain clogged (medium)
I called last Monday to report. One of the neighbors tried to unclog drain but the medium drain is still clogged. There is standing water in the medium fountain.
Need Help -  Need to unclog fountain.







Sunday, June 23, 2013

People in park at night every night this week

We are seeing a rise again of people coming to our neighborhood park at night, tagging the playground equipment, moving benches, drinking alcohol, and possibly involving narcotics. Sac Sheriff Dept has been very slow to respond, if at all, and I do end up making personal contact with people occasionally (which is a no no!) in an effort to move them out of the park.

It's important that we keep this lovely neighborhood gem as just that, our neighborhood park. Please call law enforcement on any suspicious behavior you see or hear, and thank you to the vigilant Park Watch neighbors across from the park who make the calls and keep our park safe.



Thursday, June 20, 2013

4th of July Fun in Carmichael-Note from Susan Peters


Dear Friends,
This year there will be two local parades held on Independence Day, the Fourth of July.  Enjoy the celebration by either viewing the fun as a spectator or joining in as a parade participant. 
Arden Arcade’s 12th annual parade will start at 10:30 a.m. beginning at the Sacramento County Building, 2700 Fulton Avenue.  The route goes south past El Camino Avenue and turns on Cottage Way continuing west to Bell Street where it will turn north and finish at Howe Park.   Afterwards there will be food, fun and family activities at the park.  The Fulton-El Camino Recreation and Park District is coordinating the event.  For more information and an entry form, please visit the Fulton-El Camino Recreation and Park District’s website. 
Carmichael’s celebration kick-offs with a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Kiwanis Club from 7 to 11 a.m. at Carmichael Park followed by the 55th Annual Elks Club Parade on Fair Oaks Boulevard starting at 10:30 a.m. at Marconi Avenue and continuing to Manzanita and Cypress Avenues. The parade features floats, antique automobiles, marching bands, equestrian entries, and much more.   And fireworks will later light up the evening sky over Carmichael at the La Sierra Community Center,5325 Engle Road.  The first sky rocket is expected to go off at approximately 9:30 p.m. but before the big show you can enjoy plenty of free activities starting at 7 p.m.  To learn more about all the Carmichael fun, including parade entry information, please visit the Carmichael Recreation and Park District’s website. 
Happy Fourth of July! 


SUSAN PETERS
Supervisor, Third District

Crime Report - 6/20/13



Remember you can sign up for updates and check out this map from your smart phone. Go to crimereports.com and type in your address :)

Monday, June 17, 2013

Updated Neighborhood Watch Map

We're getting great coverage in our area of Neighborhood Watch groups, and motivating people to step up and be part of an organized street group. Congrats to everyone for making our neighborhood safer and spreading the word that Neighborhood Watch groups work!

Reminder for Street Coordinators:

Don't forget to  email Olivia and let her know if you can make a group meeting coming up! Check your email and RSVP if you can :) Thanks!

Deer sightings on Lincoln -doe with fawns- please drive carefully!

Just wanted to share with all of you that we are continuing to see deer within the neighborhood, and ask that you please help our local wildlife by driving carefully, keep your dogs on leashes, and do not approach or interfere with these animals. Deer with babies can become aggressive to protect their young, and their hooves are very powerful. It is also illegal in the state of California to feed large game mammals, or to allow harassment (including chasing) by dogs without permits, during the off season, and without proper hunting licenses. Please spread the word and help us keep your families and our local fauna safe!

These deer were seen off Clover Knoll in the afternoon last week.




Monday, June 10, 2013

Update on black-tailed deer in Jan Park

(previous title was altered since black-tailed deer are a subspecies of mule deer found in the Pacific Northwest)

Greetings all,

I am working to make contact with the correct agencies and make sure that we are doing everything we can to help the female deer currently residing in Jan Park, however the current information we are receiving is that unless the deer is showing aggression towards humans or pets, or is causing structural damage to property, California Fish and Wildlife will not relocate the animal due to the potential stress on the animal.

To this end, it's extremely important that we educate everyone in our area in how best to handle living peacefully with a wild animal.

First and foremost, it is extremely important to never engage or approach a wild animal, or allow your pets to do so by allowing them off leash. Close proximity puts you, your loved ones, and the animal in significant danger, and is illegal according to fish and game code Div 4. 3960. It also illegal in the state of California to feed mule deer, so please do not under any circumstances try to feed this animal, even in a passive manner. 

The following information is from the CAFWS website http://www.dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild/deer.html:

When you attract deer to your property, you may also be attracting mountain lions.
More than half of California is considered deer habitat. And where there are deer, there are mountain lions. That’s because deer are the mountain lion’s primary prey.
Allowing deer access to your garden and landscaping, or intentionally feeding deer, can be deadly. Wild animals naturally fear people, keep a distance, and will not bother you, so long as they remain truly wild. But if they become accustomed to humans, their natural ways are ruined. Their normal wildlife and fear of humans is lost. That’s when conflict occur.
  • Never intentionally feed deer.
  • Landscape with deer-resistant plants.
  • Enclose gardens with eight-foot fencing or use deer-proof fencing.
  • Pick up fallen tree fruit.
  • Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house and garden.
  • Consider using commercially prepared deer repellents (available at garden supply stores.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We are doing our best to make sure the Carmichael Recreation and Park District are aware of the deer's presence, and to continue to report to the CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife any changes in the deer's location or behavior, so please report any unusual behavior by the animal to California Fish and Wildlife Service Northern Central Region 
Main Office
   1701 Nimbus Road
   Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
   (916) 358-2900
   FAX: (916) 358-2912
Sales Hours
   8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
   Monday - Friday
Regional Manager:
Tina Bartlett
North Central Region Map

Please be safe and spread the word. Wild animals should be left wild!





Sunday, June 9, 2013

Deer in Jan Park-Please Do Not Approach

Greetings all,

We have had a sighting of a doe in Jan Park this morning, most likely foraging for food and following the water sources in this intense heat. Animal control has been called but cannot respond till at the earliest Monday so please, do not approach the animal or engage her in any way and make sure to keep your dogs on a leash in the park so as not to unnecessarily spook her. We will keep you updated about her conditions, but for now, let's be kind stewards to the local wildlife and watch her from afar. Please contact the County if you happen to see her outside of the park at 875-5000.

Stay cool today!

Saturday, June 8, 2013

June Newsletter from Supervisor Susan Peters

july

June 2013

 

Volume 3, Issue 6


Supervisor Susan Peters’ electronic newsletter is a cost-effective and efficient method to keep you updated on what is going on in your community and with the County of Sacramento.  Because you previously emailed District 3 on a matter of interest, your email address has been added to distribution of this newsletter (If you do not wish to receive it please click to opt out.)  


IN THIS ISSUE:

  • THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR VIEWS
  • FREE BAND FESTIVAL
  • EFFIE YEAW NATURE CENTER GALA
  • PEDDLE FOR THE PARKWAY
  • BUY A PARKWAY PASS
  • FAIR OAKS CONCERTS IN THE PARK
  • MAKE PICNIC RESERVATIONS ONLINE
  • COTTAGE POOL MOVIE NIGHT
  • MUSICAL FUN IN CARMICHAEL 
  • PROTECT YOUR PETS
  • LIBRARY WAREHOUSE SALE
  • FUN AT SWANSTON COMMUNITY CENTER
  • FACEBOOK FAN PAGE 

Supervisor Susan Peters

Third District

Sacramento County

Board of Supervisor

700 H Street, Suite 2450

Sacramento, CA 95814

susanpeters@saccounty.net 

  

PHONE: (916) 874-5471

FAX: (916) 874-7593

facebook


THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR VIEWS

Last month I enjoyed having the opportunity to meet and chat with many residents about items of concern or interest during several community forums.
I started the month participating at the Sheriff’s Community Meeting for the North Highlands/Foothill Farms area that was held on May 1 at the North Highlands Community Center. That weekend I also held “Office Hours” on Saturday, May 4, in Fair Oaks Village during the annual “Fiesta Days” celebration.
On Mother’s Day I visited with members of Unity Church and presented to Reverend Kevin Kitrell Ross and the congregation a resolution adopted by the Board of Supervisors commemorating the church’s 66th anniversary.
Later I returned to Fair Oaks on May 15 to host my Community Coffee Meeting featuring Sheriff Scott Jones as the guest speaker.  Also attending was Deputy District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert who supervises the Special Assault and Child Abuse Unit for District Attorney Jan Scully.
On May 16 I visited with participants in the first “Business Walk” held in Carmichael sponsored by that community’s local chamber of commerce and the Sacramento Metro Chamber.  Next I was back in North Highlands holding another “Office Hours” at Freedom Park on Saturday, May 18, during the second annual “Kick Off to Summer” celebration that was sponsored by the North Highlands Recreation and Park District.  And over Memorial Day weekend on May 25 I had the honor to speak at the annual Memorial Day and Avenue of Flags Ceremony at Fair Oaks Cemetery.
Because both “Office Hours” were outside, I was accompanied by my dog “Ernie” who greeted everyone who came to visit (he seemed to have a good time, too). 
Thanks to everyone who came by to talk.  I found the discussions informative and helpful with respect to arranging priorities for the County.  After the summer recess I will resume “Office Hours” in August.  Times and locations will be posted in future newsletters and on my website.
Photo courtesy of Susan Maxwell Skinner
Susan and Ernie

FREE BAND FESTIVAL

The annual Carmichael Park Community Band Festival will be held during the weekend of June 1-2 at Carmichael Park’s amphitheater featuring 14 performances.
Sponsored by the Sacramento Valley Symphonic Band Association and the Carmichael Recreation and Park District, this year’s event is expected to be one of the largest community band festivals in California in more than 20 years.  There will be a community band playing on the hour every hour starting at 12 noon through to 7 pm. both Saturday and Sunday.
This free event is perfect for the entire family so pack a picnic, bring a blanket and some lawn chairs -- and enjoy two lovely afternoons of music!
Carmichael Park is located at 5750 Grant Avenue off Fair Oaks Boulevard.  For more information call 489-2576 or go online to the Sacramento Symphonic Winds website. 

EFFIE YEAW NATURE CENTER GALA

Please join me and support the Effie Yeaw Nature Center Saturday, June 8, by attending a special gala and art auction.   Tickets are only $50 per person.
This special event will feature delicious food, wine, music, and art depicting the American River Parkway – and the nature center is the perfect venue for viewing “Painting where the Wild Things are” (the gala’s theme) since the center is located within the beautiful confines of Ancil Hoffman Park in Carmichael.  Proceeds benefit the nature center and the American River Natural History Association, a nonprofit organization that supports educational and interpretive activities in the American River Parkway.
Your support is especially welcomed since the operation of the nature center is being handled by the American River Natural History Association as the result of a cooperative public-private partnership with Sacramento County’s Department of Regional Parks.
For tickets, please call 489-4918 or emailinfo@sacnaturecenter.net.

PEDDLE FOR THE PARKWAY

The Rex Ride is a charity ride that benefits the American River Parkway Foundation with all proceeds going to the Foundation’s Grant Giving Fund that supports causes that benefit the vitalization and preservation of the parkway.
The ride will occur on Sunday, June 9, starting and ending at William B. Pond Park with three rest stops.  You may ride as much or as little of the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail as you wish.  Check-in will be from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

For more information or to register for the Rex Ride, please click here.  Registration includes the ride, all refreshments, a cool t-shirt,  water bottle, catered meal by Hickory Hank's BBQ, and much more!  Call the Foundation office at 486-2773 if you have any questions.
Photo courtesy of Susan Maxwell Skinner
American River parkway with riders

BUY A PARKWAY PASS

The American River Parkway is a unique 23-mile long natural resource that provides a quick escape from the stress of urban life and offers plenty of outdoor recreational amenities.  It is a public asset worth protecting and preserving – and your support is needed!
Please show your support by purchasing a year long unlimited Parks Pass.  This convenient annual parking/day use pass is great for joggers, bicyclists as well as outdoor and nature enthusiasts who frequent the Parkway.  The pass costs only $50 per year – and pays for itself after ten trips. 
Parks Passes are sold at The American River Parkway Foundation Office in the William B. Pound Recreation Area or online at the American River Parkway Foundation website. 

FAIR OAKS CONCERTS IN THE PARK

The annual free Thursday night concert series in Fair Oaks Village kicks off on June 13 with the band Proxy featuring hits from the 60’s to the present.  The popular program is held in Village Park and will continue through the summer with each show beginning at 7 pm.
Bring a blanket, some lawn chairs and your picnic dinner or buy some comfort food (pizza, hot dogs or ice cream sundaes) on sale at the park and plan to have a fun time.
The musical program is sponsored by the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce, Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District, Fair Oaks Foundation for Leisure and the Arts, as well as the Fair Oaks Water District.
The concert series continues into July and August.  For a complete listing of the bands, please visit the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce website.  

MAKE PICNIC RESERVATIONS ONLINE

The Department of Regional Parks offers excellent venues to celebrate a big birthday, anniversary, wedding reception, etc.  Scout out potential locations by viewing pictures of the sites, check availabilities and get all the information online at the Group Picnic Reservations website.   
Picnic area

COTTAGE POOL MOVIE NIGHT

The Fulton-El Camino Recreation and Park District is sponsoring an evening swim and movie at Cottage Pool on Friday, June 28.  It is the perfect setting to enjoy an evening dip in the pool, and then have a picnic with the family while watching a fun Summer flick.
Cottage Pool is located at 3097 Cottage Way and the evening swim will be open 7:30 to 8:30 pm.  The movie will begin at dusk (approximately 9 pm).  Pool access is $2.50 per person but there is no fee to watch the movie.  Concessions will be available for purchase.
 For more information call the Park District’s Jaden Delfer at927-3802 x 125 or email jdelfer@fecrecpark.com.

MUSICAL FUN IN CARMICHAEL 

Enjoy music under the stars by attending free summer night concerts at Carmichael Park during June continuing into August.
Each summer concert will be held at Carmichael Park, 5750 Grant Avenue, and this month there will be a total of six performances starting on Sunday, June 9, with the Capital City Concert Band, a 50-60 piece band.  Saturday June 15, the headliner will be Because– a Beatles tribute band complete with costumes including Sgt. Peppers through Abby Road.  The next night enjoy big band tunes and swing music on Sunday, June 16, by the Swing Masters.
Rounding out the month will be the Lincoln Highway on Sunday, June 23, a 50’s-90’s Country/Rockabilly band.  And for the last weekend of June get ready for classic rock and R&B performed by Group Therapy on Saturday, June 29. Andon Sunday, June 30, the headliner will be the Songbird Trio, playing songs of the 50's-90’s including oldies, country, pop and rock.
All Carmichael concerts start at 6:30 p.m.  A list of all the summer bands can be obtained by going online to theCarmichael Recreation and Park District’s website. 

PROTECT YOUR PETS

The County Animal Shelter reminds you that a pet left in a vehicle can quickly turn deadly on warm days.  Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a parked car can jump 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. Being outdoors in temperatures over 90 degrees can also be dangerous. It’s important to provide Fido with shade and plenty of water if you can’t bring your four-legged friend inside.
For more hot weather pet tips, visit the Animal Care and Regulation website.
Puppy

LIBRARY WAREHOUSE SALE

The Friends of the Sacramento Public Library will be holding a massive weekend warehouse book sale in June.
Members of the Friends will have special access and the first opportunity to search through the literary treasure trove on Friday, June7, starting at 5 to 8 pm.  If you are not a member of the Friends, membership can be purchased at the door.
The warehouse doors will open to the general public on Saturday, June 8, at 9 am with no restrictions through to 4 pm.  The same hours apply on Sunday, June 9.
The Friends of the Library Warehouse is located at 8250 Belvedere Avenue, rear suite E (located off Power Inn Road, on block south of 14th Avenue).
For more information call 731-8493 or email fspl@att.net.

FUN AT SWANSTON COMMUNITY CENTER

Come celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the Community Center at Swanston Park this Saturday, June 1, between the hours of11 am to 2 pm.  The activities include carnival games, live music, food trucks and lots of water fun at the splash park.  Swanston Park is located at 2350 Northrop Avenue and operated by the Mission Oaks Recreation and Park District.  The celebration is being co-sponsored by the Sheriff’s Community Impact Program and the Sac Food Mob.  For more information, please contact the Mission Oaks Recreation and Park District.

FACEBOOK FAN PAGE 

For all of you that have a Facebook account please feel free to check out my Facebook fan page and I invite you to like my page so you can be notified of my postings.  I will be putting information about events, activities and constituents within the Third District on the page periodically.  Also please be sure to check out the pictures posted that commemorate events or accomplishments by citizens in the district.  The page can be found by searching for Supervisor Susan Peters within the facebook site or you can access my page byclicking the link. 


GovDelivery, Inc. sending on behalf of Sacramento County, CA · 700 H Street, Suite 7650 · Sacramento CA 95814 · 1-800-439-1420Powered by GovDelivery

River Safety-Assemblymember Ken Cooley


River Safety

Dear Friend,
Part of the beauty of living in the Sacramento area is the easy access to the American River and the river parkway.  On any given warm day along the American River, many find relief from the valley heat in the cool waters that come from the Sierra Mountains to our east.  Unfortunately, dangers can also lurk here, and sadly unexpected drownings occur every year. 
However, with simple planning and a basic knowledge of river hazards, fun and enjoyment can be had by all seeking to enjoy this scenic waterway.
On this River Safety Resource page you will find information on river safety and how and where to borrow a life jacket from the Sacramento Metro Fire Department.
I encourage you to enjoy our beautiful parkways and rivers, but please be safe and responsible. Learn more by familiarizing yourself with the information provided below.
Sincerely,
Ken Cooley
Assemblyman, 8th District

Life Jacket Loan Program

The California Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) has partnered with public and private entities to make life jackets available to the public on a loan basis. DBW has provided life jackets to the Sacramento stations listed below so that an individual or family can check out a life jacket for a day or a weekend by simply completing a loan form. Some stations have life jacket use requirements, so please contact participating locations for specifics.
For information on life jackets laws or what type of life jacket to use, please visit: California Department of Boating and Waterways www.BoatResponsibly.com
Life Jacket Loan Stations
Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District (916) 859-4300 
Stations 31: 7950 California Avenue near Sunrise Blvd and the Fair Oaks Village
Station 32: 8890 Roediger Lane at Hazel Ave. near Sunset Blvd in Fair Oaks
Station 59: 7210 Murieta Drive near Jackson Road in Rancho Murieta and the Consumes River
Station 61: 10595 Folsom Blvd. between Colma Road and Zinfandel Blvd.
Station 63: 12395 Folsom Blvd. at Hazel and Hwy 50
Station 65: 11201 Colma Road near Sunrise Blvd and Gold River
Station 110: 1432 Eastern Avenue between Arden Way and Fair Oaks Blvd.
Sacramento Fire Department (916) 808-1300
Station 5: 731 Broadway near 8th Street
Station 8: 5990 H Street near the Scottish Rite Masonic Temple
Station 11: 785 Florin Road near Heavenside Drive in the Greenhaven neighborhood
Station 15: 1591 Newborough Drive near Truxel Road
Station 60: 3301 Julliard Drive near the Raley’s on Folsom Blvd.
Folsom
Folsom City Fire Department
Station 35: (916) 984-2280
Sacramento State Aquatic Center
Lake Natoma: (916) 278-2842
Boating Safety Classes: The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadrons offers classes that explain the required and recommended equipment for small boats and offering training in good seamanship. Classes are conducted throughout California by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadrons, aquatic centers at colleges and universities, and certain chapters of the American Red Cross. For information on Coast Guard Auxiliary and Power Squadron classes, call (800) SEA-SKIL (732-7545) or (800) 368-5647.
The Department of Boating and Waterways offers a free home study course entitled California Boating Safety Course. For more information, e-mail at pubinfo@dbw.ca.gov, or phone (916) 263-1331 or tollfree (888) 326- 2822, or write: Department of Boating and Waterways, 2000 Evergreen Street, Suite 100, Sacramento, California 95815-3888. Visit CAL Department of Boating and Waterways Website at www.dbw.ca.gov

Boat Safety Guide

Paddling Safety Hints on the Lower American River
Canoeing, kayaking, and rafting down the lower American River are popular means of recreation for thousands of Californians. Unfortunately, a number of boating accidents occur every year on this river. This need not be so. Paddling can be safe and fun if you follow a few safety hints.
Wear a Life Jacket.
All canoes, kayaks, and inflatable rafts must carry a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal  flotation device (life jacket) for each person on board. Children and non swimmers should wear them at all times. For that extra margin of safety, all boaters should have life jackets on when going through turbulent waters or rapids. When in Doubt. . .Put it On.
Survival in cold water
Survival in cold water is another reason for all boaters to wear a PFD when in and around the river during the fall, winter, and spring months. The shock of sudden immersion in cold water can deplete the strength of even the strongest swimmer and hypothermia can render a person unconscious. Wearing a PFD will help keep you afloat.
Be Prepared.
Additional equipment for the float trip could include a bailer, extra paddle, suntan or sunscreen lotion, waterproof trash bag, and a boat patch kit. Keep all loose items in a floatable container. It is also a good idea to wear a pair of old tennis shoes. Cut feet account for 80 to 90 percent of the injuries along the river.
Scout the Unknown.
If you have never paddled through Suicide Bend, San Juan Rapids, or Arden Rapids, first scout these areas thoroughly from the shore. While paddling, if you are in doubt about a stretch of the river ahead, stop and scout the area. Carry your boat around any areas you are not sure of. Play It Safe.
Watch for Hazards.
Watch for snags such as fallen trees, brush, bridge abutments, or old pilings. The current may pin the boater or boat against these obstacles or cause a boat to capsize. Also beware of reversals (reverse flows) that may form at the dam, in the various rapids, or behind snags. The surface water in a reversal is going upstream. Boaters and their small boats can become trapped and held in this reversal. If you cannot swim out of a reversal, dive deeply into the undercurrent, and the downstream flow may carry you out. If you become separated from your tube, paddle or other belongings, don't try to recover them unless it is safe to do so. While you might risk losing or damaging a raft, paddle or other equipment to reach someone in trouble and save a life, NEVER risk a life to save equipment or belongings.
Courtesy Afloat.
Courtesy on the river is an essential part of boating. On weekends, when the raft brigade is out in full force on the water, be especially courteous to your fellow boater and the people along the shore. Do not intrude on their fun. Keep an eye out for a boater in trouble and lend a helping hand if you can.
Pitch In.
Garbage accumulating along the shoreline or floating beside your boat ruins the beauty of this river and creates a health hazard. Pitch in and do your part to keep this area clean. Take a waterproof trash bag with you and carry out what you carry in. Avoid using glass beverage containers.
Hang On.
If your boat capsizes or you fall overboard, STAY WITH THE BOAT, unless it is unsafe to do so. Try to right your boat so that you can climb in and paddle for shore. If this is not possible, hold on to the craft at the upstream end. This allows better visibility to enable you to swim your boat to shore. More importantly, it prevents the possibility of your being pinned between your boat and an obstacle. If you are separated from your craft, float downstream feet first. This will enable you to fend off rocks or other obstructions in the river while floating to safety.
Know the Flow.
High flows on the American River can be dangerous. Do not overestimate your skill or underestimate the power of the river. Knowing what the flow is on the day of your trip is one way to determine if the river is boa table for your level of paddling experience. For a current recording of the river flows on the American and other rivers throughout the state, call the Department of Water Resources at (800) 952-5530, or visit their Website at wwwdwr.water.ca.gov. For additional river information, call the Sacramento County Department of Parks and Recreation at (916) 875-6672.
We Are Here To Help.
For more information on the American River or boating safety, call either the Sacramento County Department of Parks and Recreation at (916) 875-6672 or the California Department of Boating and Waterways at (916) 263-1331. The staff at these agencies will try to answer any questions you may have. Be sure to ask them about river safety classes. Additional boating safety information can be found on the kiosk located at the Sunrise Bridge parking lot.
FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE, DIAL 9-1-1.
For More Information.
Other maps and brochures on the American River Parkway are available from the Sacramento County Parks and Recreation Department at park entrance stations or the main office at 3711 Branch Center Road. (916) 875-6238

Online Resources

Don’t Forget About River Safety for Our Four Legged Friends
Four-legged family members need to stay safe on the water, too. There are a variety of life jackets made specifically for dogs. Check for them at marine and pet supply stores.