Turkey Program from Susan Peter's Office

You are subscribed to updates from District 3 - Susan Peters for Sacramento County.  Dear Friends, With the Thanksgiving Holiday fast approaching, many of us begin to reflect upon our blessings and realize that there are those among us who are in need. Next week starting on November 24th the Sacramento Food Bank will begin its annual Turkey Distribution providing those in need with a fresh or frozen turkey or ham and two bags of meal items with dry and canned foods for basic Thanksgiving dishes. If you can, please consider donating to the extent possible. For more information, please visit the Sacramento Food Bank website.    Another way to show your support is to participate in the annual Run to Feed the Hungry event on Thanksgiving morning. This Sacramento tradition is not only the largest run in Sacramento but also the   largest Thanksgiving Day fun run in the country with all net profits benefiting the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. To register, please visit the Run to Feed the Hungry website.  Thanksgiving is a special time to share with family and friends – and I hope you have a happy holiday. Sincerely, SUSAN PETERS Supervisor, Third District District 3 - Susan Peters

Fourth of July- Celebrate Safely!!

Illegal Fireworks are already a problem:

http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/video/10305470-illegal-fireworks-in-spotlight-as-fourth-of-july-draws-near-during-california-drought/

Please be very careful this holiday, particularly with the record drought conditions we are experiencing. CalFire will be strictly enforcing all ordinances and aggressively responding to illegal firework holders. Everyone's safety is in your hands, so do be sure to stay cool and comfortable while you celebrate, but most of all, be sure to be safe and encourage fire safety around you.

From Cal Fire Fireworks Safety:

Fireworks Safety Guide

Fire Danger is High this 4th of July!

Serious injuries and millions of dollars in property loss happen each year from wildfires sparked by fireworks. This year's extreme drought poses a particular threat for devastating wildfires throughout all of California.

California has a zero tolerance for the sale and use of illegal fireworks. Illegal fireworks include sky rockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers and other types that explode, go into the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner. It is illegal to sell, transport, or use fireworks that do not carry the “Safe and Sane” seal, as well as possess or use any fireworks in a community where they are not permitted. If convicted, a violator could be fined up to $50,000 as well as sent to jail for up to one
year. There are nearly 300 communities within California that allow “Safe and Sane” fireworks.

See more at: http://www.readyforwildfire.org/Fireworks/#sthash.0CrptP5l.dpuf

Fireworks Safety Tips:

• Use only State Fire Marshal approved fireworks
• Local ordinances should be verified before purchasing and/or using fireworks
• Always read directions
• Always have an adult present
• Use fireworks outdoors only
• Never use near dry grass or other flammable materials
• Light one at a time
• Have a bucket of water and a hose handy

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Fireworks Injury Prevention Safety Tips:

• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse
• Back up several feet immediately after lighting fireworks
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person
• Never experiment with fireworks
• Never attempt to re-light or “fix” fireworks
• Do not wear loose fitting clothing
• Never carry fireworks in your pockets
• Fireworks are not toys

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Know the Law:

Parents are liable for any damage or injuries caused by their
children using fireworks. - See more at: http://www.readyforwildfire.org/Fireworks/#sthash.0CrptP5l.dpuf


Alcohol Restriction:

Remember, no alcohol is allowed on the American River between Hazel and Watt Avenue for this holiday.

Here is a link to the Assembly Bill as it was passed: ftp://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_0951-1000/ab_951_cfa_20070921_121252_sen_floor.html




Here is a link to some events going on here in town:

http://www.sacramento365.com/categories/index/8/283

http://sacramento.about.com/od/areaadventures/a/4th-Of-July-Fireworks-In-Sacramento.htm

http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-fourth-of-july-parties-in-the-sacramento-area/

KCRA's safety tips:

http://www.kcra.com/Fourth-of-July-firework-safety-tips/26744474#!7l416

A note from Susan Peters-Fourth of July Fun!

You are subscribed to updates from District 3 - Susan Peters for Sacramento County. 

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 13th annual parade will start at 10 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 56th 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.   For parade entry information, please contact Jim Warrick at jdwarrick@lanset.com or call the Elks Lodge at 489-2103.

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 7 pm.  To learn more about all the Carmichael fun, please visit the Carmichael Recreation and Park District’s website. 

Happy Fourth of July! 

SUSAN PETERS
Supervisor, Third District

District 3 - Susan Peters

Email from Sherrie Carhart regarding theft

 I’m receiving a larger number of emails and phone calls about property theft/burglaries this month and last.   This time ofyear is seemingly high theft season:

 

If you’re home or off at work or on vacation, make sure that everything is locked up securely.  This includes backyard gates, all doors to your garage, doors from your rear yard to your house and doggy doors when not in use. 

 

Suspicious people loitering, lingering, wandering around going door to door or up on properties in your neighborhood at night should be reported to dispatch as being suspicious.  Describe their behavior to the dispatcher.  If they have a vehicle, get a  good description of everything and be a good witness.  Call immediately, don’t wait.  874-5115.   Don’t tell them you’re calling the cops or tip them off.  DON”T FOLLOW OR CONFRONT.

 

If someone knocks or rings your doorbell, talk through the door.  Teach your kids to talk through the door, but not to open it. 

 

Leave lights on timers on inside your home.  Have timers go off in different parts of your house at different times to mimic that you’re actually home.

 

If you have a work vehicle or trailer, and it contains tools it is a target if it is parked on your driveway or street.

Work vehicles/trailers containing tools must be parked in an enclosed yard or garage.

In the Arden area we are having multiple reports of trailer hasps being cut with saws and metal around the hasps being sawed to enter and steal high dollar items.  Lots of $150 to $3,000 bikes being stolen. Also many vehicle break-ins and gas thefts and numerous mail thefts in many areas of the county.  Cars and motorcycles and dirt bikes and power tools and hand tools and coins, any and all electronic digital cameras and laptops, phones and  presents in the car or wrapped under the tree, designer goods; eye glasses to shoes, cash, guns, jewelry, alcohol are being stolen.  LOCK UP VALUABLES.   Buy an engraver and put your driver’s license number on expensive tools and bikes.  

 

Check your mailbox regularly if your mail is coming late in the day.  Don’t leave mail overnight in your box.  Report mail theft to the US Post office or to the Sheriff’s Department.  Report ID theft/ fraud to the Sheriff’s Department.

NEVER mail outgoing mail from your mailbox.  If you see someone taking mail, call emergency line 874-5111.

 

If you have a vacant house nearby please or know that your neighbor is gone, be alert to unusual lights/activity in the house/garage at night.  Call 9-1-1 if you think that a burglar may be there.    The early cover of darkness and , cold and rain will keep most people inside as soon as they get home.  Its perfect weather for burglars.

 

When you shop, go store to store or arrive home, take everything, out of your vehicle.  Never leave anything including jackets or bags.

 

Finally,  please go and visit the elderly neighbors down the street.  See if they have their heat on, if they need to take a trip to the grocery store or might need someone to talk to.     

 

Sherrie Carhart

Crime Prevention Specialist

North Division

scarhart@sacsheriff.com

Board of Supervisors- Susan Peter's News Bulletin

October 2013  Volume 3, Issue 10 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: FREE FALL CONCERT IN THE PARK MORE INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC SAFETY KUDOS TO KUNI CARMICHAEL PARK GOES PINK CAPITAL AIR SHOW SOARS AGAIN CSI SACRAMENTO STATE OF THE COUNTY’S SUBURBS NORTH HIGHLANDS NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN UP SYMPHONIC WINDS SWING DEDICATED TO SERVICE LIBRARY WAREHOUSE SALE FRIENDS OF LIBRARY DINNER PASTA FEED FOR YOUTH PROGRAMS ONE CLEAN PIZZA RESTAURANT! NEW PEDESTRIAN SIGNAL LIGHT FOR HOWE AVENUE VISITING WITH NEIGHBORS ARDEN MANOR COMMUNITY EVENT  CARMICHAEL BEAUTIFUL! 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 FREE FALL CONCERT IN THE PARK Enjoy the fun at the eighth annual “Concert in the Park” this Saturday, October 5, at Pioneer Park, 5100 Verner Avenue near Pioneer School, in Old Foothill Farms. Activities begin at 1 pm with the concert featuring the John Skinner Band from 2 to 4 pm.   In addition to a great selection of family friendly contemporary and easy-listening music, there will be children’s games, face-painting, and information booths. The concert is being co-sponsored again by Sacramento County and the Sunrise Recreation and Park District with corporate support being provided by McClellan Park, Dignity Health’s Mercy San Juan Medical Center, Recycling Industries, and Walmart. Photo courtesy of Susan Maxwell Skinner MORE INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC SAFETY When the Board of Supervisors last month adopted the final budget for Fiscal Year 2013-14, we made a deliberate decision to invest more in public safety.  As Sacramento County weathered the recession the Sheriff’s budget remained a priority of the Board of Supervisors.  Now the fiscal outlook is better for the second year in a row.  After reconciling accounts and making adjustments to June’s $3.6 billion proposed budget, the County is in the black. Because the departments held the line on expenses last year, the Board was able to allocate more resources across a variety of programs to optimize the use of those funds, while paying back loans and building up our contingency funds.  This included adding $4.9 million to the Sheriff’s Department which will include the addition of four more Problem Oriented Policing (POP) Deputies. For a second consecutive year, Regional Parks, too, will be adding rangers to its force to assure public safety and maintain our regional parks including the American River Parkway. Two rangers were added last year and four new positions were approved last month now bringing the total count of rangers to twenty.  In addition, resources were added to Code Enforcement, District Attorney’s Office, Animal Care and to Public Healthto address communicable diseases. At the same time, the Board exercised prudence by paying down County debt by $11.7 million and increasing our reserves by $2.2 million. While this year’s investments are the result of savings from last year’s careful money management, the next few years will continue to be challenging because of the expected continuing slow economic growth our region is experiencing.  KUDOS TO KUNI Last week I attended the official groundbreaking that kicked off construction of the Kuni Chevrolet Cadillac dealership at the corner of El Camino and Fulton Avenues. The new facility will be state-of-the-art among automotive dealerships in the area and represents a significant capital investment. While the Kuni name is a recent addition to the who’ who of dealerships on Fulton Avenue, it represents 33 years of being an established GM dealership in the Sacramento Valley – and its sales and service team has 350 combined years of experience. CARMICHAEL PARK GOES PINK Carmichael Park is going pink on Thursday, October 3, to help support breast cancer awareness between 5 to 8 pm at the monthly food truck rally. Gourmet food truck dining will be available and 5 percent of the food truck sales (along with all donations) will go toward the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  Participating trucks include Chando’s, Krush, Green Papaya, and Simply Southern.  Here’s an opportunity to enjoy great food al fresco in the park for a good cause. For more information, please visit the Carmichael Recreation and Park District website. CAPITAL AIR SHOW SOARS AGAIN There will be plenty of high flying excitement available during the weekend of October 5-6 as the California Capital Air Show returns to Mather Airport.  One of this year’s highlights will be the Royal Canadian Air Force Jet Demonstration Team known as the Snowbirds.  In addition, there will be an array of gravity-defying aerobatic performers and the rumble of historic aircraft that will make every aviation fan scream with excitement.   Mather Airport is located in Rancho Cordova off Highway 50.  Formerly an Air Force Base, the airport was converted to civilian use and is part of Sacramento County’s Airport System. For more information about tickets and presentations, go online and visit the California Capital Air Show website.  CSI SACRAMENTO If you are a fan of the popular television series, mark your calendar to attend my Community Coffee Meeting in Fair Oakson Wednesday, October 16, at 7:30 am for a special presentation about the District Attorney’s Crime Lab and how that research is used for prosecutions. We will meet in the Fair Oaks Water District’s conference room, 10326 Fair Oaks Blvd. near Winding Way.  The guest speakers will be Supervising Deputy District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert and Crime Lab Director Jill Spriggs. STATE OF THE COUNTY’S SUBURBS Please join me at the annual State of the County Luncheon co-sponsored by Sacramento County and the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce next month Friday, November 15, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Downtown Sacramento. This year's theme is “Popular or Politically Incorrect?  The Importance of having Prosperous and Livable Suburban Communities” and will focus on the importance of our suburban neighborhoods in unincorporated Sacramento County.  Did you know that if the population of the unincorporated area were counted as a city, then unincorporated Sacramento County would be considered the fifth largest city in California?  It’s true; according to the California Department of Finance our unincorporated population of 564,657 is larger than the City of Fresno’s 508,453 and just behind San Francisco’s 825,111 (the City of Sacramento is after Fresno at 473,509). The luncheon’s guest speaker will be Joel Kotkin, professor of urban development at Chapman University, who is known for his columns in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, etc., defending suburbia, which he notes has been a favorite whipping boy of urbane intellectuals for many years.  Professor Kotkin is the author of a new book, “The Next Hundred Million: America in 2050.” You can visit his website to learn more about our guest speaker.  It should be a thought provoking discussion.  Tickets are available.  For more information, please call the Metro Chamber at 319-4261 or go online go to the “Events” tab at theSacramento Metro Chamber website. NORTH HIGHLANDS NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN UP Community residents and County Staff are joining together on Saturday, October 12, to spruce up the neighborhood of North Highlands bordered by Watt Avenue, Elkhorn Boulevard, Walerga Road and Don Julio Boulevard. The County is providing collection bins at two locations and staff will be there to help residents get rid of junk and rubbish.  Area residents were issued flyers in advance about the clean-up that can be used to access the bins with photo I.D.  Please remember that residents should not put their items out on the street because it is considered illegal dumping but you can utilize this opportunity at these collection sites to get rid of unwanted items and junk.    For more information about this particular clean-up, contact Code Enforcement at 874-6444. The success of this effort may lead to similar efforts for other neighborhoods. SYMPHONIC WINDS SWING Bring the entire family to this month’s concert of the Symphonic Winds entitled “Swing” featuring a series of Big Band songs.  The performance kicks off on Sunday, October 20 at 2:30 pm at the Crowne Plaza, located at 5321 Date Avenue off Madison Avenue near the I-80 Freeway, Conducted by Dr. Les Lehr, the concert will feature drum soloist Gary Hobbs, formerly of the Stan Kenton Jazz Orchestra, performing numbers honoring the Big Band legends like Harry James, Benny Goodman, Stan Kenton, and Glenn Miller. Tickets will be sold at the door (Children under 8 Free; Student/ Senior (65+) $5; and General Admission $10.  For more information, visit the Symphonic Winds website.  DEDICATED TO SERVICE A bronze plaque honoring County Animal Control Officer Roy Marcum is on permanent display in the courtyard of Sacramento County’s animal shelter.  It serves as a memorial reminding all of us about this dedicated public servant killed in the line of duty who was passionate about animals. Officer Marcum served the people of Sacramento County and was dedicated to the welfare of the animals within it.  He had been employed with the Department of Animal Care and Regulation for 14 year before his life was taken during an animal welfare inspection. Recently Officer Marcum was recognized nationally with the R.D. “Bob” Ward Memorial Posthumous Award from the National Animal Control Association at its conference in Atlanta on September 5.  Dr. Ward was a Texas pioneer among those striving for professionalism in the Animal Control field and was an outstanding example of the type of person who gives their all for a just cause. The public can view the Marcum Memorial Plaque at the shelter, located at 3839 Bradshaw Road, one mile south of Highway 50, during normal business hours Wednesday through Friday from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. as well as Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 4:30 p.m. At the shelter, visitors can view the many lost and abandoned animals available for adoption – the types of animals Officer Marcum rescued in service to the residents of Sacramento County.  LIBRARY WAREHOUSE SALE The Friends of the Sacramento Public Library will be holding a massive weekend warehouse book sale this month. Members of the Friends will have special access and the first opportunity to search through the literary treasure trove on Saturday morning, October 5, starting at 9 am to noon.  If you are not a member of the Friends, membership can be purchased at the door.  Later the warehouse doors will open to the general public from 12 - 4 pm.   Sunday, October 6, doors open at 9 am with no restrictions through to 4 pm.  The Friends of the Library Warehouse is located at 8250 Belvedere Avenue, rear of suite E (located off Power Inn Road, on block south of 14th Avenue). For more information call 731-8493 or email splallfriends@gmail.com.  FRIENDS OF LIBRARY DINNER The Annual One Book Sacramento Dinner to benefit the Sacramento Public Library Authority will be on Friday, October 25. The theme this year involves the works of Edgar Allan Poe. This dinner provides a low-key, affordable, family friendly way to show your support for the library authority which serves our community with its many branches. Besides a delicious meal served by costumed waiters, there will be live performances, and games with prizes. The dinner will be held at the Elk’s Lodge #6, 6446 Riverside Boulevard, down in the Pocket area on Friday, October 25, 7:00 pm, with a no host bar opening at 6:30 pm.  Dinner tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for children.   Costumes are optional but encouraged. Last year’s dinner was sold out, so buy your tickets today! For ticket sales, please call Kathi Windheim at (916) 392-0101 or email zaw2000@msn.com PASTA FEED FOR YOUTH PROGRAMS Next month on Saturday, November 9, the annual Arden Arcade Community Pasta Feed will be held to raise funds benefitting the youth programs provided by the Sherriff’s Community Impact Project (SCIP) and the Swanston Community Center operated by the Mission Oaks Recreation and Park District. The fun will be held between 6 to10 pm at the Mission Oaks Community Center at Gibbons Park, 4701 Gibbons Drive, in Carmichael. While tickets are only $30 per person, sponsorship packages are available: Table sponsor package ($500) - 8 seats, wine at table, and recognition at event and in event program Bar Sponsor ($500) - 4 seats, signage on bar, logo placed on event banner and recognition in event program (note only 2 available) Key Event Sponsor ($1,500) - 8 seats, wine at table, Logo on all marketing material, logo on event banner and recognition in event program (note only 1 available) For more information, please contact Danny Curtola at either 333-6464 ext. 3101 or via email at dcurtola@morpd.com.  ONE CLEAN PIZZA RESTAURANT! There’s more to running a restaurant or food facility than cooking delicious meals.  “Safety first” must be a daily practice for all food-related businesses. In recognition of National Food Safety Education Month, the Board of Supervisors in September honored several area businesses for their outstanding food safety records including Wenelli’s Pizza, located at 4215 Arden Way. Co-owners Shelly Tyler and Wendy Williams, best friends for 30 years, founded the restaurant more than 20 years ago, and I had the pleasure of presenting to them an Award of Excellence issued by the County’s Environmental Management Department. To earn the certificate, food facilities must have had no major violations noted during its last three consecutive health inspections.  The reason for Wenelli’s success Shelly Tyler says is that “we do all of our safety training in-house so we’re very proud to receive this award for our restaurant and our employees.” And the pizza is great, too!  For more info, visit the Wenelli’s Pizza website.  NEW PEDESTRIAN SIGNAL LIGHT FOR HOWE AVENUE Installation of a new mid-block pedestrian signal on Howe Avenue near Bellview Park is expected to begin this month and should be completed in November. The pedestrian signal is phase 1 of the Howe Elementary Safe Routes to School Project.  The second phase includes new sidewalks on the east side of Howe Avenue between El Camino Avenue and Shaw, which is just past Belleview Park.  Sidewalks also will be installed on the west side of Howe between El Camino and Red Robin Lane. Phase 2 is expected to begin in Spring 2014 once the environmental review and engineering design processes are completed. Funding for both phases is from a combination of federal and state grants recently awarded to Sacramento County. VISITING WITH NEIGHBORS This month I will be speaking at several community meetings in North Highlands, Fair Oaks and Arden Arcade. Tuesday, October 1, I will be participating in the North Sacramento Chamber of Commerce’s “Latte & Leaders”program meeting with business representatives to discuss items of interest. Later on Thursday, October 3, I will join the “Lunch Bunch”during the noon hour at Pancake Palace on Watt Avenue inNorth Highlands to provide an update on county issues.  This is an informal gathering of residents from North Highlands, Elverta, Antelope and Rio Linda that come together monthly to visit and talk about matters affecting their respected communities. I will be holding my final Community Coffee Meeting for 2013 on Wednesday, October 16, at 7:30 am at the Fair Oaks Water District’s conference room, 10326 Fair Oaks Blvd. near Winding Way.  Supervising Deputy District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert and Crime Lab Director Jill Spriggs will be speaking on the District Attorney’s Crime Lab and how that research is used for prosecutions, which should be of interest to all you fans of the popular CSI television show. (Please note there will be no further community coffee meetings for the reminder of the year in November and December due to Thanksgiving and the upcoming holidays.  A complete schedule for 2014 has not yet been prepared but I anticipate having the list posted on my webpage before the end of the year.  The 2014 schedule will also be noticed in the December electronic newsletter.)    On Thursday, October 17, I will return to Fair Oaks to speak at the Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon. If you are interested attending, please contact the chamber at 967-2903 or visit the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce website.  Later that evening I will participate in the Arden Park/Vista Area Neighborhood Watch Meeting. The following week on Thursday, October 24, I will be speaking at the meeting of the Watt Avenue Merchants Association (WAMA) in North Highlands.  ARDEN MANOR COMMUNITY EVENT  Arden Manor residents are invited to a Community Celebration and Resource Faire at Deterding Park, 1415 Rushden Drive, which will be held on Sunday, October 6, from 1 to 4pm. The Arden Manor Community Action Group and the Arden Manor Recreation and Park District are encouraging residents and children to attend this neighborhood, family-friendly event that will have information tables about services offered by public agencies and private organizations. Admission is free – and there will be food, fun, music, raffle and face painting!  Please call 502-2405 for additional information. CARMICHAEL BEAUTIFUL! Saturday, October 26, Carmichael residents and businesses will be gathering together between 8 to 11 am to spruce up their properties as part of the first annual Take Pride in Carmichael Day. The event will run simultaneously with the Fair Oaks Boulevard Brush-Up where volunteers pick up litter along Carmichael’s main street.  Participants have the option of working on their own property or can meet at Carmichael Park by the tennis courts at 8 am to be assigned to a project.   This united community effort has a wide range of support from neighborhood groups, service clubs, organizations and government including the Barrett Hills Neighborhood Association, Carmichael Colony Neighborhood Association, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Elks, Kiwanis, Rotary, Carmichael Chamber of Commerce, Carmichael Recreation and Park District, Mission Oaks Recreation and Park District, and Sacramento County. For more information, please call the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce at 481-1002. 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.

Gleaned Safety Info from Susan Peters News Bulletin

Just a few reminders from Susan Peters News Bulletin about safety on the water, the Sheriff's Vaction Watch program, alcohol bans on the American River, and keeping your animals safe for the 4th. Stay safe and stay cool!

PROTECT YOUR PETS

Remember fireworks can be very stressful for your pet possibly causing fear and anxiety.  The volume of missing pets significantly increases during the Fourth of July holiday.

Leaving a pet outside unattended even in a fenced yard or on a chain can lead to disastrous consequences. With fireworks occurring, in their fear, pets who normally would not leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.  Also please make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so if they become lost, they can be returned home promptly. 

And to help reunite lost pets and their owners, the Department of Animal Care and Regulation is posting every 30 minutes on its twitter feed, SacLostPet, a link to a photo of all stray animals that come into the shelter.   Additionally, the department now updates its websiteevery 30 minutes where you can see all of the stray and available pets for adoption. 

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SHERIFF’S VACATION WATCH PROGRAM

Summer is a time when many of us leave town and travel on vacation which means our homes are unoccupied and vulnerable.  For residents of the unincorporated area, you can arrange to have your home be subject to regular security checks while you are gone through a special program operated by the Sheriff’s Department. 

Volunteers In Partnership with the Sheriff – VIPS -- are trained, dedicated and trusted volunteers who perform vacation watch assignments for the Sheriff’s Department.  In addition to having completed the required orientation and training, each VIP possess a clear criminal history and has passed a required background investigation as well as demonstrated good moral character and reputation.

Since 1993, the Sheriff’s Department has relied on these volunteers to assist with many various needs.  The Vacation Watch Program is just one and you can utilize that service by letting VIPS perform regular security checks on your home while you are away.

To participate, please contact Neighborhood Community Service Center, at 2500 Marconi Ave Suite 100, which is open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or call 876-5700.

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KIDS DON’T FLOAT

Please practice water safety when around our area’s rivers this summer.  Local ordinances require all children under the age of 13 to wear a life jacket. 

Through a donation by The American River Parkway Foundation, the free life jacket loaner program will continue this summer. If you need a life jacket for a child during a visit to the river, there are several stations along the Parkway where you can borrow one and return it afterwards: Howe Avenue, Watt Avenue, Ancil Hoffman Park, River Bend Park, two sites within Discovery Park, Negro Bar, Folsom Point, Nimbus and Sunrise.

PARKWAY ALCOHOL BAN

This Fourth of July through July 7 there will be a complete ban on alcohol consumption and possession both on land and in the water within the American River Parkway 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 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 -- one person filmed the goings-on and posted a video on myspace.com depicting half naked women and men wrestling in the mud.

The Board of Supervisors restored decorum beginning with the 2006 Labor Day weekend and the ban is also applicable for Independence Day as well as Memorial Day.  In addition, the Board last year 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.

Since the restriction has taken effect, families I have talked to have expressed appreciation for making these holiday weekends once again a time for everyone to enjoy the American River Parkway.

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

Newletter from Sherrie Carhart-Sacramento Sheriff's Dept.

 Please contact Sherrie Carhart to get on her email list for better copies of these materials, so she can keep you informed on Neighborhood Watch events and tips, and be aware of the amount of interest out in the community. Thank you.

Holiday Safety Tips

This list is borrowed from the Baltimore County Sheriff's Dept's website in Maryland. These are excellent tips to share with family and friends so that everyone is safe this holiday season.

http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/police/media/holiday_crimeprev.html

other great links for staying safe this holiday season are:

From the Elk Grove Police Dept. a handy little foldout:

http://www.elkgrovepd.org/prevention/printables/holiday.pdf

From the Los Angeles PD:

http://www.lapdonline.org/crime_prevention/content_basic_view/1376

“Be Aware,” Says Police Chief Johnson

Shopping takes up a lot of time during the holidays. Shoppers are so busy thinking about all the things that need to be done, they fail to be aware of their surroundings. It can also make people careless when they are out and about. This makes them easy pickings for purse snatchers and street robbers.

“It doesn’t have to be this way,” says Chief Jim Johnson. He says that people are not reading their environment and in too much of a hurry to add safety to their list of things to do. He says to scan your immediate area. Don’t assume that because there are people around you are safe and secure.

The Chief advises everyone, “Focus on your personal safety and the safety of those with you. Every good police officer is trained to read the environment. Likewise, you should ask yourself questions when you are out and about.”

When you are in a parking lot or garage, be alert to someone who appears to be standing around for no good reason. He or she might be waiting for someone or that person could be an opportunist waiting to grab your shopping bags or your purse.

Here are some things to think about when shopping:

• Always park in well-lit areas and park close to the entrance of the store or mall.
• Don’t talk on a cell phone when walking to and from your vehicle. Keep your full attention on your surroundings.
• Don’t electronically unlock your vehicle until you are within door opening distance. This helps stop a thief from getting into the car and waiting to strike when you least expect it.
• If you are ready to leave the mall and feel uneasy about entering the parking lot or garage by yourself, stay in the mall and ask for a security escort.
• Do not open your car door to anyone in a parking lot or garage. If you believe you are in danger, call 911 immediately.

Enjoy The Holiday Bustle - But Be Aware

The end-of-year holiday season - with all its hustle and bustle - is fast approaching. With all the distractions and activity, we sometimes forget the basics about safety on the streets and at home. Opportunity is the criminal's key to crime. By staying alert and following a few crime prevention tips, you can ensure a holiday season that is happy and safe. Crime prevention involves being aware of our surroundings and potential areas of danger, thereby closing the criminal's window of opportunity.

Busy shoppers can be targeted for purse snatching and other forms of street robbery. The malls are full of folks with money to spend. As we speed along, focused on getting through our treasure hunt, a criminal can size up a potential victim.

• Outside of the mall, stick to well-lit, well-traveled streets, walkways and parking areas for both walking and parking.
• Stay off the cell phone as you walk through parking lots and streets. It is a distraction that makes you vulnerable to robbers, and your cell phone itself is a tempting target.
• Don't flash large amounts of cash or offer tempting targets for theft such as expensive jewelry or clothing.
• Carry a purse or shoulder bag close to your body, not dangling by straps. Put a wallet in an inside pocket of your coat or front pants pocket.
• Don't fumble for house or car keys. Have them in your hand, ready to use when you reach the door.

Here are some additional tips regarding the car or house you've left behind while on your travels.

• ALWAYS lock your car and residence, even if you are away for only a few moments.
• Do NOT leave valuables - gifts, cell phones, purse or clothing - in open view in your car. Take valuables with you, lock them in your trunk, or cover them in an unobtrusive way. 
• Leave lights turned on both inside and outside your residence after dark. Criminals don't like bright places.
• If you will be away from home for several days, make arrangements for someone to pick up your mail and newspapers. An overstuffed mailbox is a sure sign that no one is home, and burglars are tempted to check those envelopes for holiday gifts.

'Tis The Season: Beware Of Purse Snatchers

The holidays are swiftly approaching. The stores are putting up decorations, and purse snatchers are practicing their skills. The Baltimore County Police Department wants everyone to be aware that thieves look forward to holidays as much as everyone else - maybe more so! The department asks women to beware of purse snatchers; women carrying pocketbooks are easy prey. The thieves know that during the holidays, shoppers are distracted and are not as careful as they should be when out. 

Here are some things that can be done to thwart the would-be thief.

• Keep your purse close to your body.
• If the pocketbook has long straps, shorten them.
• If possible, avoid carrying a large purse when shopping.  A fanny pack is compact and more difficult for a thief to grab and run.
• Carry only the credit cards you intend to use, leave the others behind.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use checks or check cards.
• Use ATMs wisely. Have the card ready before approaching the machine, and use ATMs in high traffic areas.
• Be aware of the environment. Don't walk or park in poorly lit areas. Don't take shortcuts through wooded areas. Don't be distracted by a cell phone conversation.
• Have car keys ready before leaving the office, store or mall.
• If you believe someone is following you, cross the street, switch directions, walk into a store or restaurant. If you are really scared, yell. Don't be embarrassed. Your safety is more important.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

A Holiday Shopping Reminder

As you do your holiday shopping, don't give a thief an opportunity.

Do NOT leave valuables in open view in your car. Put them in the trunk, or take them along with you. This is the time of the year when thieves do their own form of "window shopping." They look in parked cars for gifts and other merchandise, and they will break through car windows to get at such valuables.

It takes only a few seconds for a criminal to break into your car. So remember: when you leave your car, leave it empty.

Do Your Homework Before Donating To Charity

The holiday season is in full swing. Shoppers are out and about and the signs of the season are everywhere. The familiar red kettle and bell ringers are on street corners and in front of various stores. Charitable organizations are in need of funding to keep programs for the needy operating as the country struggles financially.

For example, the American Red Cross of Central Maryland solicits contributions via e-mail. However, the solicitation is only sent to those companies or individuals who are on the books as donors. The groups have also given permission to the ARC-Central MD to contact them in this way. This is a good use of today’s technology, but it can also open the door to criminal activity. These conveniences can bring pitfalls and fraud. Be wary of any organization that sends unsolicited e-mail asking for donations.

Do your homework when you donate to any charity. Chief Johnson says, “Give to organizations that have a history of service and commitment to the community.”

If you still have doubts about a group, there are other ways to access information on charitable organizations. Donors can check the groups at http://www2.guidestar.org/

It is wonderful to be generous, but think before you contribute your hard earned money.

Extend The Life Of Your Holiday Gifts: Get Them Engraved

Why not set aside some time right after the holidays to get your bike and gifts engraved with your ID number or driver's license number. Never use your social security number.

Easy-to-use engraving equipment and instructions are available free of charge to Baltimore County residents at County police stations, public library branches, and through many Citizens on Patrol chapters.

With the tool, you can engrave a driver's license number or Maryland ID number on your property - and that can pay dividends in the future. If the item is stolen, and later recovered by police, the engraved number will allow investigators to get that property back to you.

The engraved number might even deter a thief from taking your property in the first place, since the ID number makes it harder for criminals to dispose of valuables through underworld channels.

You don't need to limit engraving to your holiday gifts. You can engrave all of your precious possessions so they will be with you for many years to come.