Susan Peter's- "Office Hours"

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Dear Friends,

Next month on Saturday, March 5, I will resume holding “Office Hours” which involves me setting up a table at various community events where residents can drop by and talk about items of interest with no appointment necessary.

My first 2016 outing will be on that Saturday, March 5, at the annual trout fishing derby held in Howe Park, 2201 Cottage Way, being sponsored by the Fulton-El Camino Recreation and Park District.  My “office” will be open from 10 to 11:30 amduring the angler event to meet with residents that morning on a “first come basis.”  For more information about the fishing derby, call the Park District at 927-3802 or visit their website.  

Later in the month I will hold another no appointment necessary “Office Hours” at theCarmichael Egg Hunt between 9:30 to 11 am on Saturday, March 26. The Egg Hunt starts at 10 am sharp rain or shine.  In addition, there will be a pancake breakfast that runs from 7 to 11 am.  The Carmichael Recreation and Park District along with theKiwanis Club of Carmichael are sponsoring the two activities at Carmichael Park, 5750 Grant Avenue.  For more information about the egg hunt, call the Park District at 485-5322 or visit the Carmichael Recreation and Park District website.  

I hope to see you at either event or both – and I’ll hold move “Office Hours” to other locations throughout the year. Future dates will be posted on my webpage, via my monthly enewsletter or by email notice like this one.

Best Wishes,

SUSAN PETERS
Supervisor, Third District

District 3 - Susan Peters

Susan Peter's Newsletter-November

NOVEMBER 2015 Volume 5, Issue 11 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: DEPUTY DANNY OLIVER TO BE HONORED CHANGES FOR CARMICHAEL’S MAIN STREET HOW WOULD YOU BE NOTIFIED IN CASE OF A FIRE OR FLOOD? COMMUNITY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FAIR PASTA FEED FOR YOUTH PROGRAMS MORE SIDEWALKS GAPS TO BE FILLED ARDEN ARCADE BUSINESS WALK FALL AND WINTER NATURE CAMPS CARMICHAEL HISTORY LECTURE HOME FIRE PREPAREDNESS VISITING WITH NEIGHBORS UNMET TRANSIT NEEDS CHECK BEFORE YOU BURN SHERIFF’S TOY PROJECT STOP THE CLOG CALIFORNIA INTERNATIONAL MARATHON SACRAMENTO SYMPHONIC WINDS FACEBOOK FAN PAGE Supervisor Susan Peters Third District Sacramento County Board of Supervisors 700 H Street, Suite 2450 Sacramento, CA 95814 susanpeters@saccounty.net   PHONE: (916) 874-5471 FAX: (916) 874-7593 DEPUTY DANNY OLIVER TO BE HONORED Patriots Park serves as a lasting monument honoring a special group of individuals who served our community and nation – and their names are listed on the park’s Wall of Honor. On Saturday, November 7, at 10 a.m. the Carmichael Recreation and Park District will sponsor a special ceremony recognizing those heroes previously honored and adding the name of Sheriff’s Problem Oriented Policing (POP) Deputy Danny Oliver who was killed in the line of duty in 2014.   Located at 6827 Palm Avenue, the park and its Wall of Honor is a special place to reflect upon and never forget the special meaning ofsacrifice made by those who served us wearing different uniforms – the U.S. Armed Services, law enforcement, and fire protection. Each honoree has a connection to the area and the memorial provides a source of pride and remembrance for their families, loved ones and friends. The public is welcome to attend and I hope you can join me that morning showing support for Deputy Oliver and paying tribute at the ceremony to all of the wall’s fallen heroes.  A complete listing of honorees is available on the Park District’s website.  CHANGES FOR CARMICHAEL’S MAIN STREET The second phase of improvements for Carmichael’s main street, Fair Oaks Boulevard, targeting the segment from Landis to Shirley Avenues began last month with a ceremonial groundbreaking.  The initial work will consist of installing trench and conduit systems to replace overhead utility lines with underground facilities. Once the undergrounding is completed, streetscape improvements will proceed.  Plans call for bicycle lanes, landscape medians and sidewalks, including the installation of a pedestrian path on the south side of Grant Avenue adjacent to Carmichael Park.  A new traffic signal also will be installed at the intersection of Fair Oaks Boulevard and Landis Avenue along with modifications to the existing signals at Grant Avenue and Engle Road.  A new signal interconnect will be installed, too, to provide traffic congestion relief. Teichert & Sons, Inc. was the winning bidder on the project that will cost almost $6.5 million.  Construction is anticipated to be completed in December 2016. The first phase of improvements for the boulevard consisted of the intersection improvements at Marconi Avenue and Fair Oaks that resulted in enhanced landscaping and the planting of several majestic palms.   During construction, one through lane in each direction will be maintained at all times and two through lanes in each direction will be maintained during morning and evening rush hours.  Night work is anticipated and advisory signage will be placed 10 days in advance of any evening work.  Access will be maintained to all residences and businesses during construction plus access will also be maintained for pedestrian and bicycle access. Funding for the project is being provided by revenue from the Federal Regional Surface Transportation Program, the State Transportation Improvement Program and development fees. HOW WOULD YOU BE NOTIFIED IN CASE OF A FIRE OR FLOOD? Sign up now to receive emergency alerts.  The Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services, in partnership with Yolo and Placer emergency agencies, has established an emergency alert system known as Sacramento Alert to provide information to residents about emergency events quickly and through a variety of communication methods.  The alert system currently includes all listed and unlisted landline telephone numbers in Yolo, Placer and Sacramento counties that are serviced by AT&T and Verizon. If neither is your service provider, then you need to register to be included in the alert system. To ensure emergency notices are received quickly both at work and home, residents are encouraged to log onto the Sacramento Alert Self- Registration Portal and provide phone numbers for both home and work, including land and cell phone numbers, email addresses, TTY device information and instant messaging information. All information in the Self Registration Portal will be kept strictly confidential. Residents of the unincorporated areas as well as those residing in any of our cities are urged to sign up on the website.    Residents will only receive alerts that are critical and time-sensitive, including: flooding, levee failures, severe weather, disaster events, unexpected road closures, missing persons, and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods in specific geographic locations. For additional information about how to prepare for an emergency, please go to the website. COMMUNITY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FAIR The recent devastating forest fires that destroyed homes illustrate the need to be prepared for any type of emergency.  To learn how to prepare yourself and your family, the public is invited to attend a Community Emergency Preparedness Fair, Saturday, November 7, 1 to 4 pm, to be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4352 Garfield Avenue (at the corner of Garfield and Locust Avenues).  Activities include information about family emergency plans, food storage, first aid, document preparation and security, living without electricity, household safety and other topics.  For more information, please contact Janet Harry at 560-8922. PASTA FEED FOR YOUTH PROGRAMS On Saturday, November 7, the 4th Annual Arden-Arcade Community Pasta Feed will be held to raise funds benefitting the youth programs provided by the Sheriff’s Community Impact Project (SCIP) and the Swanston Community Center operated by the Mission Oaks Recreation and Park District. The fun starts with a social hour at 6 pm followed by dinner at 7 pm. at the Mission Oaks Community Center at Gibbons Park, 4701 Gibbons Drive, in Carmichael. Tickets are only $30 per person and the proceeds go to a good cause – SCIP which works to lessen negative influences facing many youth in the Arden Arcade community so as to avoid juvenile delinquency and gang involvement.   While attendees will receive a delicious dinner, the true beneficiaries will be the students at Greer Elementary School, Thomas Edison Language Institute and Encina Preparatory High School involved in SCIP sponsored athletic programs and educational opportunities in conjunction with school administrators and other community based organizations. SCIP members include retired and active law enforcement personnel, school administrators, business and community members.  For more information about SCIP and the pasta feed, visit the SCIP website.  MORE SIDEWALKS GAPS TO BE FILLED A series of sidewalk gaps are being filled this fall as part of several road construction improvement projects and efforts to close more gaps are going out to bid for construction next year. Gaps along Howe Avenue from El Camino Avenue to Red Robin Lane will be filled this year.  Bids also are being sought for a new sidewalk along the north side of Hurley Way between Jonas and Morse Avenues which will be installed next year.   This will improve the safety for students attending Thomas Edison School in Arden Manorand work should be done before school starts in fall 2016.  In 2017 the remaining sidewalk gaps along Hurley Way will be filled to benefit that school. Next spring sidewalk infill will be constructed along the west side of Watt Avenue between Shady Lane and Sierra View Lane and between Cottage way and Alta Arden Express way.  A temporary four foot wide pedestrian shoulder is being added now on the north side of Cottage Way from Trimble Way to about 270 feet west of Butano Avenue.  A permanent sidewalk will be installed at that location for construction in 2017. ARDEN ARCADE BUSINESS WALK Friday, November 13, the Sacramento Metro Chamber and Arden Arcade Business Council will be sponsoring its annual “Business Walk” in the community that morning which involves volunteers canvassing local businesses about the area’s economic climate. In return for spending a few hours of your time, volunteers will receive a complimentary breakfast before receiving survey instructions and assignments then later lunch is served as results of the walk are reported to the group. Past efforts provided valuable input that led Sacramento County to make infrastructure improvements on major commercial corridors, respond to code enforcement issues as well as address public safety concerns.  For more information about the business walk, please contact the Sacramento Metro Chamber at 552-6800 or visit their website.   FALL AND WINTER NATURE CAMPS Parents during the busy holiday season the Effie Yeaw Nature Center is providing animal adventures, hikes, storytelling, survival skills, art and more for youngsters.    The available programs are designed for specific age categories.   The camps will operate November 23 and 24 as well as December 21 - 23 and 28 -30.   Information containing camp descriptions, dates, times and fees are listed under each camp title on the Nature Center’s webpage.  CARMICHAEL HISTORY LECTURE Authors Susan Maxwell Skinner and Toni Christman will join forces on Saturday, November 7, to present fascinating tales linking two Central Valley towns – Carmichael and Lodi – at a free presentation that afternoon at 2 p.m. at the Carmichael Park Club House. Skinner, a noted photojournalist and archivist, will discuss Carmichael’s past and the colorful life of its founder Daniel Webster Carmichael whose career included oil-drilling, real estate development and politics.  He established his Carmichael Colony between Fair Oaks Boulevard and the American River in 1906. Speaking separately, author Toni Christman will reveal the intriguing history of Lodi, which also has links to the founder of Carmichael. Both authors have interviewed family descendants of the man whom Carmichael is named after with many still residing in the Carmichael-Arden area as well in Lodi.  The presentations will offer glimmers into the past of both communities and both authors will offer books on their respective towns for signing. Carmichael Park Club House is located at 5750 Grant Avenue. For information, call (916) 481-0334. Photo courtesy of Susan Maxwell Skinner HOME FIRE PREPAREDNESS Six times a day a home fire occurs in the United States resulting in a person’s death and nearly two-thirds of such deaths happen in a home either without a smoke alarm or a non-working unit. The local chapter of the American Red Cross wants to reduce those odds by installing 1,000 free smoke alarms in several targeted areas including the underprivileged neighborhoods on the border of Arden Arcade west of Howe Avenue across from Howe Park and Bellview Park. To reach that goal, volunteers will assemble first on Friday, December 4, to canvass the areas informing people about this free service. The next day, Saturday, December 5, volunteers will proceed to install the smoke alarms 8 am to 3 pm. If you are interested in participating as a volunteer, please visit the Red Cross website.   VISITING WITH NEIGHBORS Last month was busy. First I concluded my series of “Office Hours” which I began in 2005 and now hold as an annual tradition starting in the spring and concluding in the fall.  The latest one was at the Concert in the Park inOld Foothill Farms on October 3 that featured the John Skinner Band.  These no appointment outings allow residents to chat with me about issues on a “first come basis” in a casual setting without the need to make an appointment to meet downtown at the County Administrative Center.  After the holidays, I will be starting a new round beginning in 2016. On October 14 I met with residents of Arden Arcade and provided an update on activities occurring in their neighborhood, which was held at the Sacramento Suburban Water District.  The guest speaker that evening was Ryan Loofbourrow, executive director of Sacramento Steps Forward, which is the lead non-profit agency working to address homelessness in the area by collaborating with the Sheriff’s Department in assisting transients to get services and off the streets.  Recently the Board of Supervisors approved funding for a SSF navigator that works one-on-one with transients through referrals by the Sheriff’s North Division Transient Enforcement Detail. The ensuing discussion provided insight on efforts to reduce homelessness in the area since Sacramento Steps Forward takes a data-driven, outcomes-based approach in helping individuals access housing, health services and employment.  That meeting concluded my series of meetings held throughout 2015 in Arden Arcade. A new schedule for 2016 will be posted on my webpage prior to January 2016. A few nights later I attended the San Juan Education Foundation’s STARS Hall of Fame dinner recognizing three outstanding graduates of the San Juan Unified School District.  The honorees for 2015 were Facebook Security Chief Officer Alex Stamos (Bella Vista High School), Teichert Chief Operating Officer Mary Rotelli (Rio Americano High School) and Tony nominated award-winning actress Kate Levering (El Camino High School).  The San Juan Foundation believes inspired and innovative teaching better prepares students for success by utilizing science, technology, arts, and reading (STAR).  For more information about the foundation, please visit theSan Juan Education Foundation’s website. I also held my Community Coffee during the morning of October 21 at the headquarters of the Fair Oaks Water District.  Carmichael-based journalist Susan Maxwell Skinner provided a photographic narrative of the recent Hometown Heroes Parade held in September to honor the three young men (Anthony Sadler, Alex Skarlatos, and Spencer Stone) who thwarted the terrorist attack on a European passenger train. Our community recognized the bravery of these three local hometown heroes on September 11th with a parade down Capitol Mall followed by a special ceremony on the West Steps of the Capitol. All three had grown up in the Sacramento area and formed a bond of life-long friendship when attending middle school in Fair Oaks (Alex and Spencer attended Carmichael’s Del Campo High School; Anthony attended Rosemont High School).   Later that day I participated in a ground-breaking ceremony to kick off the second phase of street improvements for Carmichael’s Fair Oaks Boulevard from Landis Avenue to Engle Road. This project will involve undergrounding utilities along this stretch plus the addition of bicycle lanes, landscape medians and sidewalks plus a new traffic signal at the intersection of Fair Oaks Boulevard and Landis Avenue along with modifications to the existing signals at Grant Avenue and Engle Road.   Also in October the Board of Supervisors honored 16 special individuals for their community service at the Ninth Annual Heroes of Human Service Awards Recognition Ceremony.  One such honoree was Albertine “Grandma Tina” Johnson, who has been a bright face in the Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento since 2007. As a part of the Foster Grandparent Program, she has dedicated more than 10,000 volunteer hours to spending time with children coloring books, working on puzzles, reading stories, and listening to their needs. To learn about how you can be a hero in your own community in a way that fits you, please visit the Volunteer Match website.   October ended with me handing out candy to visiting trick-or-treaters on Halloween. UNMET TRANSIT NEEDS The Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG), Regional Transit, Paratransit and other service operators are looking for feedback to help plan and improve transit services in Sacramento County.  A special hearing will be held on Thursday, November 5, at 2 pm at the North Highlands Community Center, 6040 Watt Avenue, The public is invited to attend and share their thoughts on transit services.  Comments can also be provided via email, telephone or online.  More information can be obtained by visiting the SACOG website.   CHECK BEFORE YOU BURN Effective November 1, 2015 through February 29, 2016, wood burning is restricted in the unincorporated area as well as in the cities of Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, Isleton, Rancho Cordova and Sacramento in accordance with air quality regulations.  The restrictions are applicable to fireplaces, wood stoves, fire pits or chimneys.  Implementation of these restrictions has helped reduce pollution and allowed our area to stay in compliance with federal air quality standards.  Before you burn, please check the daily status by calling 1-877-No Burn-5 or visit the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District website. Note that through the reduction of air pollution for our region for the years 1970-2014, the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Board estimates the average increase in life expectancy to be 1.27 years. SHERIFF’S TOY PROJECT The Sheriff’s Toy Project has been serving our community since 1984 providing gifts as well as food boxes to less fortunate families. The program provides a character-building environment for Work Project participants who spend their court-ordered jail sentence making toys, building furniture, and refurbishing computers plus donated bicycles.  Items are distributed to those in need, including donations to schools for special needs and homeless children.   Referrals for recipient families come through the Sheriff’s service centers, deputies, detectives, probation officers, social service agencies, schools and other local non-profit organizations. Work Project participants develop a great sense of accomplishment during and upon completion of their sentences and many request to volunteer at the workshop after their release.  Donations are welcomed.  For more information, please visit the Sacramento Sheriff’s Toy Project website.  STOP THE CLOG Grease in sinks and garbage disposals cause a significant percentage of the sewer blockages in the service areas of our regional sanitation district serving both the unincorporated area and the City of Sacramento.  Combined with fats and oils poured down the drain, the accumulation can ultimately restrict flow and cause blockages -- so please take that into consideration when do your holiday cooking.  Improper grease disposal can lead to costly plumbing repairs and sewer back-ups in homes and our neighborhoods.   Save time, money and the environment by keeping your household pipes clear and clean. For more information, please visit the Sacramento Area Sewer District website. CALIFORNIA INTERNATIONAL MARATHON Next month thousands of runners are expected to be racing through our neighborhoods in the Third District on Sunday, December 6, during the annual California International Marathon. The 26-mile grueling trek begins 7 am in Folsom and concludes at the State Capitol. This event attracts world-class competition.  Several thousand out of town visitors travel to the area to participate in or watch the marathon.  This influx contributes to our local economy via renting lodging, dinning in restaurants, retails sales, etc. Residents can come out and cheers the runners.  Fair Oaks Boulevard is part of the route so Fair Oaks, Carmichael and Arden Arcade residents south of that roadway may find themselves “land-locked” while the race is in progress due to street closures. These closures may cause some inconvenience so please be cognizant of that when planning your morning activities.  Residents can view specific street closures on the marathon’s webpage.  SACRAMENTO SYMPHONIC WINDS Throughout the year you may see announcements in this newsletter about concerts being performed by the Sacramento Symphonic Winds, an all-volunteer 60-piece symphonic wind ensemble that was founded in 2002. The group is a member of the Sacramento Valley Symphonic Band Association which supports many community bands in California by maintaining a large music library as well as handling bookkeeping, banking, insurance and other services.  Recently it was reported that the association’s bank accounts were breached and a criminal investigation is underway by the Sheriff's Department.  While additional safeguards have been implemented, theSacramento Symphonic Winds alone lost over $15,000 with recovery doubtful putting at risk its 2015-16 concert season. If you would like to help the Sacramento Symphonic Winds as the group deals with this tragic setback, donations are welcome and tax deductible. Checks should be made payable to SVSBA and put SSW in the memo line. Mail to: SSW, PO Box 1503, Carmichael, CA 95609. 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 put information on my fan page periodically about events, activities and constituents with respect to the Third District.  The page can be found by searching for Supervisor Susan Peters within the Facebook site or you can access via my website and click on the Facebook logo under District Links. Our free news notifications are not a substitute for official means of notification where such exist. You can view or update your subscriptions at any time on your User Profile Page by just using your email address. For questions or assistance, contact subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com. Unsubscribe. GovDelivery, Inc. sending on behalf of Sacramento County, CA · 700 H Street, Suite 7650 · Sacramento CA 95814 · 1-800-439-1420

Reply Reply to All Forward More

Next Community Meeting with Sheriff-Save the Date!

Carmichael
Tuesday, September 15, 6:00pm
Del Campo High School, Library
4925 Dewey Drive, Carmichael
Contact: Sherrie Carhart, Crime Prevention Specialist (876-5700)

Help w/ Robbery Suspect!

Carhart, Sherrie

To

Today at 12:52 PM

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                

July 16, 2015

BANK ROBBERY SERIES

Sacramento Sheriff Robbery Detectives are asking the public’s assistance in identifying the female suspect involved in a bank robbery series that began on July 1^st, 2015. 

The suspect is described as a black female adult in her late teens to early 20’s, who stands between 5’0”-5’5” and has a medium build.  She wears shoulder length hair and dark rimmed eye glasses.  In each of the five bank robberies, the suspect passed a note to the bank teller claiming she is armed with a handgun before demanding money.  There is no suspect vehicle identified at this time.

The five financial institutions victimized by this series are:

Citibank                    July 1 @ 2:42PM                 4005 Manzanita Avenue

Bank of the West    July 9 @ 10:43AM               4001 Manzanita Avenue

Chase Bank             July 14 @ 11:39AM            9165 Kiefer Boulevard

Chase Bank             July 15 @ 1:17PM              3600 El Camino Avenue

Chase Bank             July 15 @ 2:01PM               3601 Fair Oaks Boulevard

Sheriff’s Detectives are asking anyone with information on the identity of this robbery suspect to contact the Robbery Bureau at (916) 874-8394 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP.  Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com, by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering the keyword ‘SSD’, or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).     

Sergeant Lisa Bowman

Sheriff’s Spokesperson

Sherrie Carhart, North Crime Prevention Specialist

Sheriff’s North Patrol Division

scarhart@sacsheriff.com

Susan Peter's Newsletter

MAY 2015 Volume 5, Issue 5 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 VOLUNTEERS! FBI SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE TO SPEAK BIG DAY OF GIVING U.S. SENIOR OPEN NEXT MONTH REMEMBER -- CALL 311 TO CONNECT WITH THE COUNTY RETURN OF THE UMBRELLAS SHERIFF COMMUNITY MEETINGS OFFICE HOURS UNDER THE UMBRELLAS RED SHOE WALK TASTE OF CARMICHAEL BE WATER WISE THIRD DISTRICT HAS IT ALL HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED NEW DEVELOPMENT FOR NORTH HIGHLANDS FAIR OAKS FIESTA DAYS MEMORIAL DAY PARADE EFFIE YEAW NATURE CENTER GALA  ALCOHOL BAN KEEPS PARKWAY FAMILY FRIENDLY   FAMILY FUN AT THE COUNTY FAIR SLAVIC COMMUNITY EVENT AT CARMICHAEL PARK LIONS SPECIAL KIDS DAY FACEBOOK FAN PAGE  Supervisor Susan Peters Third District Sacramento County Board of Supervisors 700 H Street, Suite 2450 Sacramento, CA 95814 susanpeters@saccounty.net     PHONE: (916) 874-5471 FAX: (916) 874-7593

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS! During 2014 three thousand individuals and groups participated as volunteers and together they gave more than 400,000 hours to Sacramento County Programs. The range of activity varied but the combined effort of hours translated into a cost savings of $10,694,330 to Sacramento County.  To mark the momentous contribution volunteers make, a giant check was presented to the Board of Supervisors last month as volunteers were recognized in a special ceremony. Since 2004, more than 75,000 volunteers and interns have donated more than six million hours of service to Sacramento County.  Whether it’s directing customers at the airport, helping with events, assisting seniors, mentoring children, interviewing veterans, doing clerical tasks, or helping with animals, Sacramento County has a project or service that can use your help. Anyone can volunteer. Many positions do not require special skills and training is provided.  If you are interested in making a difference in your community or gaining experience in a particular field, please visit the Sacramento County Volunteer website.   FBI SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE TO SPEAK At my next Community Coffee Meeting on Wednesday morning, May 20, FBI Special Agent In Charge Monica Miller will be the guest speaker. She will present an overview of the FBI, its domestic and international presence, the local structure, what violations they pursue, and then open the floor for questions.  I hope you can join me for what should be a most informative session. These informal morning gatherings are held four times throughout the year and include guest speakers on topical issues.  The May meeting will begin at 7:30 am at the Fair Oaks Water District’s conference room, 10326 Fair Oaks Blvd. near Winding Way.  Coffee, of course, will be provided.  For a list of dates for the remaining Community Coffee Meetings for 2015, please visit my webpage.   BIG DAY OF GIVING Tuesday, May 5, our region will have another opportunity to increase philanthropy in the Sacramento area and help local charities in our community. Presented by GiveLocalNow along with local community foundations, including the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, the “BIG Day of Giving” will take place during a 24-hour period that day – May 5.  Starting at midnight, donations will be accepted online through givelocalnow.org with the goal to inspire and unite our community insupporting more than 500 local nonprofits.   It is an amazing opportunity to raise unrestricted dollars and shine the spotlight on our vibrant nonprofit sector that does so much for the underprivileged, the arts, and the environment to name just a few worthy causes. Last year our region participated in the nationwide “Give Local America” campaign which involved 129 communities.  As a result of our area’s generosity, our 2014 Big Day placed second nationwide in funds donated.  18,915 donors in our area went online that day and donated over $3,022,000 to 394 local nonprofit groups (Sarasota County Florida came in first raising $3,127,801 from 18, 799 donors). This year please again show your support and generosity when the Big Day commences on May 5.  For more information, please visit the Big Day of Giving website.   U.S. SENIOR OPEN NEXT MONTH Next month the 2015 U.S. Senior Open Championship will be held during June 22-28 at Sacramento’s storied Del Paso Country Club. The tournament will feature 156 of golf’s elite professionals and amateurs.  More than 140,000 spectators are expected to attend the seven day event which is estimated to pump $17 million into Sacramento’s regional economy. All general public parking will be free at Cal Expo with bus service to the Country Club.  The following roads will be closed during the championship’s hours of operation (5 am - 9 pm): Marconi Avenue from Lacy Lane to Watt Avenue; Morse Avenue from Marconi  to Pope Avenues; and Pope Avenue from Morse to Watt Avenues.   For information about the tournament, please visit the 2015 U.S. Senior Open website.  REMEMBER -- CALL 311 TO CONNECT WITH THE COUNTY There is a simple one number solution to call to connect with virtually any Sacramento County service; on the web, by mobile app or by phone; the number is 311.  311 is the easy way for residents of the unincorporated area to report concerns and call center representatives are ready to do the rest.  Issues reported to 311 can range from potholes to a stray animal to illegal dumping, even graffiti on a public building to mention a few. And now on the new smartphone app (available in the app store for Apple and Android users), you can take a picture of the issue and attach it to your report from your phone.  RETURN OF THE UMBRELLAS Enjoy the parade of Art Umbrellas as these decorative shades return toCarmichael Park on Saturday, May 16.  This Christo-like display of 80 artist-decorated umbrellas will wind through the park on the green grass and among the trees. Artists have been working for months painting and decorating these 9-foot umbrellas that will be sold at both live and silent suctions.  There will be vendors, children activities, artists painting, food and music all occurring from 10 am to 4 pm.  This special fundraising event benefits the Sacramento Fine Arts Center as well as the Carmichael Recreation and Park District.   For a sneak preview and pre-bid, you can view the art May 12-15 from 11 am – 3 pm at the Fine Arts Center, 5330B Gibbons Drive.  An artist reception will be held on Friday night, May 15, 5:30-8:30 pm at the center, too. For more information, please visit the park district website or the Fine Arts Center website.  SHERIFF COMMUNITY MEETINGS The Sheriff’s Department holds regular community meetings to share information about trends in crime and recent activities. These sessions are open to the public and residents are encouraged to attend. The Arden Arcade meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 6 pm at the Sacramento Suburban Water District, 3701 Marconi Avenue (Note new location). The North Highlands/New Foothill Farms meeting will be held onThursday, May 7, 5:30 pm at the North Highlands Community Center, 6040 Watt Avenue.  The Old Foothill Farms meeting will be on Wednesday, May 13, 6:30 pm at Pioneer Elementary School, 5816 Pioneer Way. The Carmichael meeting will be on Tuesday, May 19, 6 pm, at the Del Campo High School Library, 4925 Dewey Drive.  The Fair Oaks meeting will be on Tuesday, May 26, 6 pm, at La Vista School, 4501 Bannister Road (North of Winding Way). Becoming involved by participating in Neighborhood Watch, attending these meetings, and learning about recent criminal activities makes us all more cognizant about how to better secure our property and make our communities safer. OFFICE HOURS UNDER THE UMBRELLAS My next “Office Hours” will be held this month during the Shades of Carmichael featuring a Christo-like display of 80 artist-decorated umbrellas at Carmichael Park, on Saturday, May 16.  I’ll have a table at the event and residents can drop by and talk about items of interest with no appointment necessary as they view the art umbrellas planted on the green grass and among the trees. My “office” at the park will be open 10-11:30 am; the art display runs 10 am to 4 pm.  No appointment is necessary but visits will be handled on the first come basis.  Holding “Office Hours” at community events provides a more convenient way for residents to visit than scheduling a formal appointment downtown at the County Administrative Center.  My first 2015 outing was in March at the annual Trout Fishing Derby held in Howe Park.  Later I moved my “office” in April to Carmichael Park during the annual Egg Hunt.  Future “office hours” gatherings are being planned for the remainder of the year. RED SHOE WALK WEAVE has been Sacramento County’s primary provider of domestic violence services since 1978 and the sole rape crisis center since 1988.  This effort depends on community support since WEAVE must raise $1.50 in donations for every $1 in government support it receives to maintain basic crisis intervention services. On Sunday, May 3, WEAVE will sponsor the fifth annual fundraising event “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.”  The  goal is to raise funds to address domestic violence as well as to to set a Guinness world record with 1,000 men walking the Capitol Mall in high heels. The walk, which commences at 11 am, is part of a family-friendly festival that runs from 10 am to 3 pm that day on the mall.  For more information including registration please visit the Weave website.  TASTE OF CARMICHAEL The annual Taste of Carmichael will be held on Friday, May 15 from 5:30-8:30 pm at the La Sierra Community Center, 5325 Engle Road in Carmichael. This special event is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Carmichael and features live music, the opportunity to sample many fine wines, beers and delicious food plus there will be a car display, raffle and a silent auction. The proceeds benefit children, youth, schools and local charities.  Tickets are only $40 per person and available through Karen Borman by calling 489-4476 or emailing her at bormank@aol.com.  To see how fun last year’s event was, please visit the Kiwanis Club of Carmichael website.   BE WATER WISE Did you know that the best way to tell if you need to water is by testing? Here's how:  stick an eight-inch screwdriver into the ground. If you can push it more than three inches below the surface, your landscape does not need to be watered.  Remember, too, to adjust your sprinkler timer at least monthly to reflect the changing weather conditions to ensure your system operates at maximum efficiency. If you set your timer once and let it run all season, you’ll both waste water and potentially hurt your plants. If you cannot find your manual for your timer, you can probably find it on the Web.  Watering early in the day or later at night conserves water by allowing water to soak into the soil before evaporation can whisk it away.  Watering in the morning instead of the hot afternoon, a typical suburban landscape can save 50 gallons every time you water.  Learn more water-smart tips on the Regional Water Authority website, Be Water Smart.    THIRD DISTRICT HAS IT ALL With Mother’s Day approaching and school graduations not far away, there is always the question of how to show one’s appreciation – and the choices are endless. The Third District includes the communities of Arden Arcade, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Foothill Farms, and North Highlands and each offers many services and shopping possibilities to find that special gift.  There are florists abound, plenty of  restaurants for a special brunch, lunch or dinner, numerous retailers offering gift items ranging from keepsake jewelry to luxury cars for a thrilling ride or delightful bakeries to satisfy any sweet tooth. Commercial shopping centers include Carmichael Village, Country Club Centre, Country Club Plaza, Crestview Shopping Center, Howe About Arden, Fair Oaks Village, Muller Corners, Pavilions, Taylor Center, Town & Country Village – and many more.    And you can find stores, shops and , of course, specialty vendors on the many commercial corridors including Auburn Boulevard, El Camino Avenue, Elkhorn Boulevard, Fulton Avenue, Fair Oaks Boulevard, Hazel Avenue, Howe Avenue, Madison Avenue, Manzanita Avenue, Marconi Avenue, Sunrise Boulevard, Watt Avenue just to name a few .     Whatever you’re looking for, you should find it in District 3!  Remember Shop Local, Stay Local. HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED Memorial Day is a special occasion we as a nation remember those who served in the Armed Forces and made the ultimate sacrifice for our country – and the Fair Oaks Cemetery District will be holding its annualMemorial Day and Avenue of Flags Ceremony at the cemetery onSaturday, May 23.   Located at 7780 Olive Street in Fair Oaks, the cemetery will be decorated with hundreds of flags lining its roadways and the program will include military honors as well as the laying of the wreath at the memorial in honor of the more than 1,700 veterans at the cemetery.  The formal ceremony starts at 10 am.  For more information, please visit the Fair Oaks Cemetery District website. NEW DEVELOPMENT FOR NORTH HIGHLANDS A new 118,000-square-foot store Wal-Mart Supercenter opened its doors last month on Watt Avenue in North Highlands.  The site was formerly occupied by the old Cargo Largo store, which had been vacant since 2008. Because the project had to obtain several land use approvals, a number of public hearing were held and at each many local North Highlands residents turned out testifying in favor of the store.  The decision to build the store represents a major investment in the North Highlands areaand will provide economic revitalization by way of additional sales tax revenue for the county along with increased foot traffic from new shoppers for the surrounding merchants on Watt Avenue. Residents no longer have to travel a long distance for groceries.  The store employs approximately 250 workers. FAIR OAKS FIESTA DAYS Fair Oaks Village will be holding Fiesta Days during the weekend of May 2-3 and activities include – among other things -- a parade, one-of-a-kind Toilet Bowl Race, crafts, games for children, and a huge classic car show.   For more information about Fiesta Days, please visit the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce website or call 967-2903. MEMORIAL DAY PARADE The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4647 is proudly sponsoring the 49th Annual North Highlands/Antelope Community Memorial Day Parade, which is one of the oldest and largest events in our region.   The parade begins at 10 am travelling down Watt Avenue starting at I Street/Bolivar Avenue and concluding at A Street. The Family Community Church will offer a Pancake Breakfast from 8 to 10 am and following the parade VFW Post 4647 will have available food and refreshments.  More information is available online including parade entry forms on the VFW Post 4647 website.  EFFIE YEAW NATURE CENTER GALA  Tickets are now on sale for the upcoming Annual Gala and Art Auction benefiting the Effie Yeaw Nature Center that will be held onSaturday, May 30. This special event will feature delicious food, wine, music, and art depicting the American River Parkway and its “wild things.”   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 has been assumed by the American River Natural History Association as the result of a cooperative public-private partnership with Sacramento County’s Department of Regional Parks.  A significant portion of the funds raised at this event will be used to provide free science enrichment programs to schools who cannot otherwise afford them. To make your reservations, please call 489-4918 or visit the Effie Yeaw Nature Center website.   ALCOHOL BAN KEEPS PARKWAY FAMILY FRIENDLY   If you are planning to enjoy the American River Parkway over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, there will be a complete ban on alcoholconsumption and possession both on land and in the water between Hazel and Watt avenues (an exception exists for Ancil Hoffman Golf Course). In past years summer holiday weekends had become major problems along the American River due to excessive alcohol consumption making the parkway less of a family friendly outing because of fights, public nudity, profanity and littering.   The problem was very apparent Fourth of July in 2006 when hundreds of rafters and partygoers consuming excessive amounts of alcohol created what one observer called a “chaotic scene” along a portion of the parkway. Besides Memorial Day weekend, the restriction is also applicable for the holiday weekends of Independence Day as well as Labor Day.  In addition, the Board of Supervisors delegated authority to the Director of Regional Parks in consultation with the County Executive the ability to prohibit alcohol in the Parkway on any additional days between Memorial Day and Labor Day when such a ban is needed to maintain order to address excessive alcohol consumption encouraged by social media.  After the Board restored decorum through the ban, families I have talked to have expressed appreciation for making the holiday weekend a time again for everyone to enjoy the Parkway.   FAMILY FUN AT THE COUNTY FAIR The 2015 Sacramento County Fair will be held May 21 - 25 at Cal Expo.  Activities include a carnival, food, barn animals, music, and shopping.    General Admission is only $5. Children age 12 and under are admitted free. Separate special entertainment includes a demolition derby on Friday night, May 22, and the Stars and Stripes Invitational Bull Riding Eventon Saturday night, May 23. Please visit the Sacramento County Fair website for more information about hours, general admission entertainment schedules, tickets to the demolition derby and bull riding competition, etc. SLAVIC COMMUNITY EVENT AT CARMICHAEL PARK Carmichael Park will be the site of this year’s annual Slavic Community Health, Safety and Job Fair, which will be held on Saturday, May 19, between 11 am to 3 pm.  This marks the event’s 13th year under the sponsorship of the Slavic Assistance Center, an organization created to assist Slavic refugees in their integration into American society. The annual gathering is festive and a celebration of culture as well as provides educational information about disease prevention, healthy living, employment opportunities and access to community resources.  For more information contact the Slavic Assistance Center at 925-1071. LIONS SPECIAL KIDS DAY If your family has a child with emotional, developmental, and physical disabilities, the Lions Club is hosting a special free kids day at the Ride to Walk Facility in Lincoln on Saturday, May 16, from 10 am to 3 pm. Designed to be a day of food, fun and friendship, the Lions are providing an enjoyable recreational opportunity for families with children with special needs.  The Ride to Walk Facility is located at 1630 Highway 193 in Lincoln. The facility’s purpose is to enhance the lives of children and young adults with neurological disabilities by providing innovative therapeutic horseback riding activities that are recreational in nature and adapted to the individual's needs and abilities as well as provide a positive support system for individuals with disabilities and their parents/caregivers. While this is a free event, the Lions are requesting families who want to participate to please make a reservation.  For more information on the Lions Club Special Day please visit the link. 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 by clicking the link.