MAY 2015
| 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.
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.
 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.
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.
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