october - City of West Sacramento

FALL
09
Published to keep the West Sacramento communit
communityy informed of important issues, programs, progress and policies concerning city government
www.cityofwestsacramento.org
Coming Soon: the “15 Days in October” Photo Contest!
The City of West Sacramento photo contest is Oct. 1-15 this year, providing a fresh perspective on West
Sacramento. Entry categories are open to residents (divided into three age divisions) and nonresidents—who
enter extraordinary images of everyday life in West Sacramento. And this fall, there’s an extra category open to
all contestants: the “Shop West Sac” award—for photos that capture shopping or dining in West Sacramento!
It’s a great way to get behind the slogan, “Shop Local, Think Local.” Remember, photo contestants can enter
up to two categories: one, as a resident or nonresident; and/or the “Shop West Sac” category. Cash prizes of
$500, $250 and $100 are available in each entry category.
15 DAYS IN
OCTOBER
OCTOBER 1st thru OCTOBER 15th
PHOTO
C O N T E S T
Entry forms and complete rules are available on the City Website under “News You Can Use”,
www.cityofwestsacramento.org or at City offices. Be ready to take your photos Oct. 1-15 and good luck!
ISO
FUNC
SET
MF
DISP
MENU
Saturday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.,
RIVERPOINT MARKETPLACE
(home of IKEA, Walmart and Home Depot)
Learn to keep you home and family
healthy at this FREE event.
Fun and informative activities for all ages.
Meet the City Arborist for tips on planting.
Home energy conservation tips. Learn water conservation tips.
Free bike repair services. Check out the Fire Prevention Trailer.
Create your own art from recycled items. Make recycled paper.
For more information about activities, call (916) 617-4590 or go to westsacrecycles.org .
Access West Sacramento is the City’s
online system for submitting
questions, compliments, or concerns to
the City online, anytime. Access West
Sacramento automatically routes your
inquiry to the exact staff person
responsible for that issue. The result: a
quicker response from the City, and a
more timely resolution to your issue.
To use Access West Sacramento, just
log onto the City’s website,
www.cityofwestsacramento.org, and
look for the Access West Sacramento
button. Don’t have access to a
computer? No problem. Any City staff
person who answers your phone call
can use Access West Sacramento to
input your question or comment.
Public Service Recruitment
The City of West Sacramento is
recruiting representatives on the
following board/commissions:
Agriculture & Natural
Resources Commission
Library Advisory Board
Youth Commission
(open to ages 11-19)
City staff is available to discuss
details of each commission.
Please contact the City Clerk’s
Office, 1110 West Capitol Ave.,
3rd floor, or call (916) 617-4500.
Public Art Rises in
West Sacramento:
The City has installed a
new public art
sculpture at Riverpoint
Marketplace (I-80 and
Reed Avenue), home
to IKEA, Walmart and
Home Depot. The
26-foot tall, stainless
steel and bronze
“Synergy” was created
by artist Alber De
Matteis, whose
previous sculptures
appear in California,
Europe, South
America and Thailand.
At night, the art is
color-illuminated by a
programmed light
system.
Plus:
Upcoming Events
& Fun Things to Do
from Parks &
Recreation!
State and Federal Actions Affect West Sacramento
State Budget Crisis Takes a Heavy Toll
on Redevelopment Agencies
Many Californians aren’t exactly sure what redevelopment is, but across the
state, and particularly in West Sacramento, projects funded through
redevelopment have improved the quality of life for countless local
residents. Now the City’s ability to continue providing those improvements
is in danger following the state’s decision to balance its budget using
redevelopment funds.
Redevelopment is a tool created by state law to allow local jurisdictions to build
new community-serving projects. Cities and counties create redevelopment
agencies and designate “redevelopment project areas” that meet certain
criteria. Then they begin making investments in those areas. As property values
(and property tax revenue) increase within the project area, the redevelopment
agencies keep the new tax revenues generated by those projects. These funds,
called “tax increment” funds, are reinvested in the community.
City Receives Stimulus Dollars
The City has been very successful in obtaining federal funds through the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), commonly referred to
as “stimulus funds.” These funds help offset the monies taken from cities by
the State of California to help solve its budget crisis.
To date, the City has received approximately $2.6 million in stimulus funds
under a variety of programs. In each instance, the funds are project-specific
and can’t be shifted to new uses. The uses for which the grant funds were
awarded include:
Use of Funds
Rail improvements at Port of West Sacramento
Water meter installation
West Sacramento Police Department
Road rehabilitation projects in Bryte
Amount
$600,000
$500,000
$900,000
$600,000
West Sacramento established its redevelopment agency in 1986. To date,
redevelopment has generated over $100 million in tax increment funds,
which it has invested hundreds of important City projects, including the
Daniel C. Palamidessi Bridge, Raley Field, River Walk Park, Fire Station 45,
as well as new and rehabilitated residential units in every corner of the
community. A partial listing of these projects is shown on this page. It is no
exaggeration to say that the amazing renaissance the City has experienced
since incorporation would not have been possible without redevelopment.
The City receives a double benefit from these projects, each of which
contributes directly to the quality of life for City residents and/or the
community’s economic health, while also providing new jobs. Timing for
implementation of the new projects will vary. As ARRA programs evolve,
City staff continues to scour multiple sources to identify and pursue
stimulus funds to finance important City Council priorities.
The City has big plans for its redevelopment funds to make even more
community-benefiting improvements in the future, but those
improvements will now be slowed by the legislature’s decision to
appropriate redevelopment funds from across the state to help address the
state budget crisis. Despite the “no” votes cast by Senator Lois Wolk and
Assemblymember Mariko Yamada, the legislature has approved budget
bills that require the West Sacramento Redevelopment Agency to pay
the state almost $8 million of its tax increment over the next two fiscal
years. These are currently planned as one-time payments, but nobody
knows what future legislative sessions will bring.
State Budget Impacts City General Fund
The amount of money the state is taking exceeds the City’s available tax
increment several times over. In order to preserve the benefits of
redevelopment for the community, the City Council has approved a number
of internal budget adjustments that will allow the Redevelopment Agency
to remain viable despite the loss of these funds. However, progress will be
slowed on many redevelopment activities, and fewer new projects will be
undertaken. While the state’s action has done real damage to the City, West
Sacramento residents can rest assured that the Redevelopment Agency
intends to continue making investments that benefit the entire community.
West Sacramento Redevelopment Projects
West Capitol Ave./Central Business District Expenditure
Margaret McDowell Manor
$7,100,000
Community Center
$6,000,000
West Capitol Courtyard I and II
$6,000,000
West Capitol Streetscape
$4,110,000
Washington
5th Street Widening
$8,752,000
Affordable Housing
$2,100,000
Raley's Landing Infrastructure
$4,153,000
River Walk Park
$4,276,000
Bridge District
Cemex Rail Relocation
$11,500,000
Tower Bridge Gateway/Garden Intersection $3,760,000
Bridge District Infrastructure
$7,839,000
Raley Field
$2,500,000
Bryte/Broderick
Bicycle Lane
$516,000
Sacramento/Kegle Intersection
$470,000
Harbor Blvd. Widening/Grade Separation $4,991,000
Economic Development
Enterprise/I-80 Improvements
$636,000
Harbor/Hwy. 50 Interchange Improvements $2,520,000
Daniel C. Palamidessi Bridge
$1,000,000
In response to California’s ongoing budget crisis, the State
Legislature recently approved a bill that allows the state to
borrow approximately $1.9 billion statewide from local
government property tax revenues. In West Sacramento, this
translates to approximately $1.97 million that would be sent to
the state now, and repaid in June, 2013. These funds are separate
from, and in addition to, the redevelopment funds that the state
is taking from local jurisdictions.
The City cannot advance almost $2 million to the state without
negatively impacting key City operations. To avoid such impacts,
the City Council has approved a plan to allow the City to participate
in a joint arrangement with other jurisdictions to borrow the
needed funds, using the state’s repayment as security. This
approach will offset much of the sting of the State’s borrowing, but
will mean that the City may not receive 100 percent of the State
funds receivable, depending on market conditions.
With these adjustments, the City should be able to weather the
current fiscal storm with minimal impacts to key City services.
While this is good news, the state’s budget picture is always a
moving target. The City will follow the latest budget changes in
Sacramento, and will take appropriate action to preserve high
quality services for West Sacramento residents.
Vince’s
ince’s Ristorante
Italian Dining, Fine Wines and Spirits
Since 1964
phone (916) 371-6395 fax (916) 371 0657
840 Harbor Boulevard West Sacramento 95691
Discovery Preschool Gets a Makeover
Discovery Preschool at Sam Combs Park
(205 Stone Blvd.) recently received a grant
from the West Sacramento Home Depot as
a part of Team Depot’s “Building
Community” Program. Team Depot is
Home Depot’s associate volunteer force
that rolls up its sleeves to work on
community projects across the country.
Home Depot associates use their skills
to build playgrounds or homes, to plant
trees, restore parks, or assist in
rebuilding efforts following a disaster.
Through Team Depot, the Home Depot
provides opportunities for associates,
suppliers and community members to
contribute their time, talent and
resources to improve communities.
What started as a request from West
Sacramento’s Parks and Recreation
Department to repair Discovery
Preschool’s time-worn tricycle storage
shed grew into an extremely enthusiastic
makeover! After receiving the request,
the local Home Depot manager visited
the preschool and asked teachers to
create a wish list. The list led to a
makeover project involving staff from
Home Depot associates, Parks &
Recreation, the City’s Facilities
Division, and dozens of parents and
enthusiastic youngsters. In addition to
Home Depot’s grant, Behr Paint
donated all paint for the project.
To kick off the project, Home Depot
hosted a “Kids Workshop,” in which
children painted terra cotta pots—and
themselves—and planted flowers to
take home. The Discovery renovation
included new exterior and interior
paint, bathroom fixtures, kitchen
cabinetry, pantry shelving and storage
racks, hand painted barnyard theme
mural work, a teacher desk, a custom
art center and cubbies, shed
renovation, a play sand box, shade
structure renovation, a white picket
fence, and a colorful cement tricycle track.
A job well done, to all the volunteers!
Team Depot volunteers
Free Trees and Tree Care Education
to Homes and Businesses
The West Sacramento Tree Program continues to provide free trees to
homes and businesses. To qualify for up to two large, fifteen gallon trees
with supportive stakes, you must attend a workshop where tree planting
and tree care information is provided. During the workshop learn how to
plant and maintain new trees for maximum growth and health.
Upcoming Wednesday workshops: Oct. 14 and Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.,
Room 160, City Hall, 1110 West Capitol Ave. Free to West Sacramento
residents! How to sign up: Contact the Tree Program, (916) 617-4620 to
reserve your space in the next workshop.
Learn to Prune Young Trees: Saturday, Jan. 16, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.,
City Hall, 1110 West Capitol Ave. This is an outdoor, hands-on course. Bring
gloves and your pruning equipment. Learn:
To establish a “central leader”
Proper pruning cuts
About temporary and
permanent branches
What are the best tools to use.
The course is free to West Sacramento residents. For more information,
call (916) 617-4620 or log onto www.westsactrees.org .
Pretty Plants and Watering Tips for Your Yards
Did you know it takes 330 gallons of water to irrigate a 1,000 sq. ft. lawn
with just a half-inch of water? Depending on the size of your lawn, you
could be using thousands of gallons a week to keep your grass green.
Limited water supplies are affecting all Californians. Drought conditions are
considered severe. Here are some helpful hints for outdoor watering to
help decrease water use and waste.
1. Replacing a portion of your lawn with beautiful native and California-friendly
plants will save 30-60 gallons per day per 1,000 sq. ft. The City of West
Sacramento works closely with the Regional Water Authority (RWA). On the
RWA website is a great resource for plants that are not water thirsty. The City
website will take you there, look under departments and open the Public
Works site. Be Water Smart will direct you to the Water Wise Gardening site.
2. Watering your lawn only when it needs it can add up to major savings.
Water only in the early morning hours and you’ll save up to 25 gallons each
time you water. Water when the top one inch of the soil is dry. Evaporation
is a major cause of water loss in gardens. By applying mulch you are not
only controlling weeds and improving soil quality but you are reducing
water loss by 70 percent!
3. If you upgrade to a SMART irrigation controller that adjusts water times for
hotter weather and shuts down when it rains, you can save 40 gallons a day!
4. Drip systems for trees and shrubs save 20-25 gallons a day. Watering trees
deeply will encourage deep roots. For new trees, check out the City’s tree
program on the Parks website. Check nine inches down for soil moisture
and, if dry, water on top of the root ball (new trees) with a drip irrigation or
hose (set at a drip) for overnight.
5. Avoid water running off landscape into the gutter. When water is running
off the lawn, the lawn is already saturated.
Fight the Bite!
Prevent Mosquitoes by Using
Your Green Waste Containers
This time of year brings piles of leaves to our neighborhood streets. Prevent
mosquitoes by ensuring leaves, garden clippings and other debris is placed
in a green waste container instead of loose on the street. These materials
can flow into street basins and gutters increasing the production of
mosquitoes. Placing all green waste into the containers will help limit the
growth of mosquito populations, reduce areas where they can breed and
make for cleaner, safer and more drivable streets.
For more information or to report any mosquito problems, please visit
www.FIGHTtheBITE.net or call 1-800-429-1022.
A Message of
Progress from the
Washington Unified
School District :
WUSD on H1N1:
“
“
Over the past two years, exciting changes have occurred in the
Washington Unified School District (WUSD). In case you aren’t aware,
we have moved from K-6 elementary schools and a 7-8 middle school
to K-8 schools where children in grades 6-8 work with a smaller team
of teachers who know them well.
We have added 41 classrooms and remodeled our facilities so that
Bridgeway Island, Southport, Stonegate, and Elkhorn Elementary Schools
could all become K-8 schools capable of accommodating up to 900
students. We also renovated the former Golden State Middle School and
River City High School (RCHS) facilities so that they could become K-8
campuses. Golden State Middle school was turned into Riverbank
Elementary, for 3rd though 8th graders along with the children in grades
K-2 at Bryte Elementary, across the street from Riverbank Elementary. Our
long term goal is to bring these two campuses together as one.
“The former River City High School facility was renovated this summer to
become the Westmore Oaks (WMO) K-8. The past two years, WMO has
been split K-5 and 6-8 between the former WMO campus and former
Evergreen campus. We are excited to bring these two campuses together at
their new permanent campus.
Two years ago, we began a partnership with UC Davis and Sacramento
City College to open the West Sacramento Early College Prep (WSECP)
Charter school. The program started as a sixth and seventh grade program.
This program shared the Evergreen campus with the 6-8 WMO students.
With the move of WMO K-8 to the former RCHS facility, we’ve been able
to provide the WSECP the former WMO facility. This year, the WSECP
will have 6th – 9th grade students. We also have moved Yolo Alternative
Education Center from sharing a facility with the District office (Westacre
Road) to across the street to the former Evergreen campus. This will
provide Yolo with much needed additional space.
The former Alyce Norman Elementary campus now has several preschool
classrooms as well as our Independent Study program. The Independent
Study program is in the library with adjacent classrooms and a computer lab
space. Students lacking home computers or Internet access are able to use
this campus throughout the day. We also have Independent Study students
earning elective credits by assisting in our preschool classrooms. Also,
beginning this term, for students who cannot get to the Alyce Norman
facility, teachers can meet with students at a classroom at the district office.
“This past January, we proudly moved River City High School to our new
high school campus and in collaboration with the City of West
Sacramento, opened the joint-use Recreation Center.
WUSD Forms New Partnerships:
“
”
This year, the Washington Unfied School District has partnered with the
Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) Regional Occupational
Program (ROP) and the Northern California Construction Training
(NCCT) program to offer an ROP Constructions Trade program at the
NCCT facility, 3939 West Capitol Ave. We have also linked with SCOE to
offer ROP Chiropractic at the district office off Westacre Road. Both
programs will be open to any 11th or 12th graders who attend RCHS, Yolo,
or Independent Study. Students must have good attendance and discipline
records. We will provide a mid-day bus that will pick students up at RCHS
and Yolo and take them to the NCCT program. Students from RCHS who
are interested in the Chiropractic program will also be provided mid-day
transportation to the District office.
”
With H1N1 remaining present, and the Washington Unified School
District (WUSD) wanting to protect our students and their families, we
have developed a pandemic response plan in accordance with the Centers
for Disease Control (CDC) and Yolo County Public Health Department
guidance. The plan lists several steps our schools will take including: every
teacher discussing with students proper hand washing techniques and the
importance of covering their mouths with a hand or elbow if they sneeze or
cough; increased cleaning in areas that students and staff touch often; and
advising those who are sick to stay home.
The current recommendation is for those with flu-like symptoms to stay
home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever. If students begin
to exhibit flu-like symptoms, they will be sent to the nurse’s office, and their
families will be contacted. Also, to reduce the likelihood of infection and
spreading of germs, the CDC recommends that school personnel who care
for ill students wear a protective surgical mask until the student(s) can be
picked up. Therefore, we have provided these masks at each site.
WUSD will continue to work closely with the City of West Sacramento and
the Yolo County Public Health Department (YCPHD) and follow their
advice about how best to protect our children’s health. We are also working
closely with the City of West Sacramento and YCPHD to monitor the
development and dispersal of an H1N1 vaccine. As the vaccine becomes
available, we will notify our families on how their children can make
arrangements to receive the vaccination.
”
Flu and H1N1 Preparedness Tips
The City of West Sacramento is working closely with Yolo County on
seasonal flu and the Novel H1N1 virus. Take the following precautions to
protect you and your family from becoming ill:
Wash your hands with soap and hot water often. If away from home, use a
waterless hand gel with an alcohol base of at least 60%.
Avoid kissing or shaking hands.
Do not share food, drinks or utensils.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Avoid close contact with sick people.
Get the vaccine for seasonal flu, and if you are in a risk group for H1N1, get
that vaccine when it becomes available.
For more information and printable preparedness materials on the Seasonal
Flu or the Novel H1N1 Influenza virus, visit: www.cityofwestsacramento.org .
Flu Emergency Preparedness Exercise
The City of West Sacramento, the Washington Unified School District
and the Yolo County Health Department will hold a Seasonal Mass
Vaccination full-scale emergency preparedness exercise on Saturday,
October 3, 2009 at Riverbank Elementary School, 1100 Carrie Street, from
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This exercise will be open to the public and will
provide free flu vaccine to those members of the community who
participate. Currently, only the seasonal flu vaccine will be provided.
For further questions, call
Emergency Services Coordinator, Brenna Howell, (916) 617-4600.
WEST SACRAMENTO EARLY COLLEGE PREP
Small School and Classes
Project-Based Learning
College Prep Curriculum
A Workstation with a Computer
for Each Student
Your child will be part of a unique school,
where adults empower students to succeed in
school and in their communities.
App ly
!
To day
Still enrolling for grades 6, 7 & 9. Waiting list for 8th grade.
Visit our new campus at 1504 Fallbrook Street or on the Web at http://westsacprep.org
Residential
Street Sweeping
Now Once a Month
The City of West Sacramento is reducing residential street sweeping to one
time per month, effective in October. This follows lower revenues to the City
as a result of a weak economy, in addition to having to absorb reductions
forced on local governments by the state (see “City Lights” page 2).
Modified schedules for the remainder of the 2009 calendar year have been
published in the West Sacramento Press and The News-Ledger, and are
online at www.cityofwestsacramento.org/services/city_services_guide.asp
or by calling the City Public Works Division, (916) 617-4850. The City will
review the program periodically with the hope of restoring service to two
times a month as soon as it is economically feasible.
Bridge District Takes Shape
West Sacramento’s Bridge District is planned to accommodate up to 12
million square feet of residential, office, and retail uses. The development
will be connected by street cars, walkable streets and bicycle lanes.
During the summer, the Redevelopment Agency demolished two
buildings as part of the de-industrialization and assembly process that will
realign the District’s streets and create parcels that will form the new transit
and pedestrian-oriented neighborhood. The relocation of International
Paper (formerly Weyerhaeuser) to the Port District has opened up the 2.6
acre property for redevelopment, a portion of which will serve in the future
as a city park.
The second building was the former service station fronting the Tower
Bridge. This parcel will provide for the realignment and connection of the
3rd Street and Tower Bridge Gateway intersection, creating an at-grade,
pedestrian-friendly corridor. The remainder of the parcel will support
adjacent private development.
Although the buildings are gone, they have not gone to waste. The demolition
contractor recycled approximately 90 percent of the building materials.
General Plan Update-Alternatives
Revamping the Harbor Boulevard Interchange: West Sacramento’s Harbor
Boulevard is undergoing major design improvements to improve vehicle mobility
and reduce congestion in the vicinity of the traffic interchange. The Caltrans project
expands Harbor from four lanes to six lanes between Evergreen Avenue and Beacon
Boulevard. The overpass will also be widened to approximately 47 feet. The project
calls for three new ramps to be built to complement three remaining ramps.
Pedestrian access will continue to be provided. Scheduled for completion next fall, the
project is the first significant construction work at the interchange since the 1960s.
Motorists are advised to use caution in the area and to “slow for the cone
zone.” To sign up for roadwork schedules and traffic alerts, visit
http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist3/projects/HarborBlvd/ .
Great things are happening with the General Plan Update. The City is
releasing a newsletter describing three land use alternatives with different
configurations and intensities of development for build-out of the city.
West Sacramento residents will have the opportunity to review and discuss
the three alternatives, providing feedback on how the city should grow in
the future. At the end of the process, the City Council will endorse a
preferred alternative that will serve as the basis for revising the Land Use
Diagram in the West Sacramento General Plan. Everyone is encouraged to
participate in this exciting process to help shape the future of the city!
Join the new General Plan Update Facebook group to view the
alternatives and comment. For more information on the General Plan
Update, including a list of the dates of the upcoming community
workshops on the General Plan alternatives in October, visit the General
Plan Update at http://mintierharnish.com/projects/westsac/.
Water Meter Program
Community Center Moving Forward: The steel framework is in
place at the new Community Center, part of the Civic Center
complex across the street from City Hall. The 21,500 square foot
structure includes a lobby/café, art and historical galleries, two
multipurpose rooms, a senior lounge, classrooms, and kitchen
space. The Community Center will also have sustainable
characteristics—using renewable energy and solar panels. A
portion of the roof will provide the City’s first “green roof ” with live
vegetation. The project will be the first City building to earn silver
certification from the industry’s Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED). The project is scheduled to be
completed next summer.
Driving with Caution on West Capitol Avenue: Construction activity
on the West Capitol Streetscape has moved to the north side of West
Capitol Avenue, as vehicle traffic lanes—one in each direction—have
opened on the south side of the street. Pedestrians continue using only the
north side of West Capitol, in front of City Hall, until a new sidewalk on
the south side is completed. The closure of Merkley Avenue from West
Capitol Avenue approximately 600 feet south remains in effect. Yolobus
transfer stations border the traffic lanes on West Capitol. All businesses in
the vicinity of the construction area remain open and accessible. Please
drive cautiously and observe the traffic/construction signs in the area.
Remember, the construction zone speed limit is 25 MPH.
Beginning January 1, 2013, all water agencies in California are required by
law to meter residential and business water services. West Sacramento is on
schedule! The City recently installed approximately 1,000 water meters in
the Elkhorn and Broderick areas and plan to continue installing meters
throughout West Sacramento. The City received a grant from the federal
American Reinvestment Recovery Act to offset some of the costs.
Residents with newly installed meters are not required to pay for metered
rates until the citywide switch over anticipated in late 2012. For additional
information, please visit the City website, cityofwestsacramento.org .
Neighborhood Street Repair Project Diverts 6,100 Tires from Landfills:
In the Meadowdale and north “State” streets neighborhoods, the City recently
utilized a road rehabilitation process that called for the use of 100 percent recycled
rubber derived from California tires. This Measure K-funded project was also
awarded a grant from the California Integrated Waste Management Board.
Engineers were able to use a rubberized chip for the majority of the roadway
surface, making the project approximately seven times less costly than
conventional road repair projects.
FALL 2009
What’s Going on Around Town?
More information about community events and government meetings
can be found at www.westsacramento.org under “City Calendar.”
Turner Community Library Grand Opening is Oct. 10
The Yolo County Board of Supervisors and the City of West Sacramento invite you to the grand
opening of the new 18,244 square foot Arthur F. Turner Community Library, Saturday, Oct. 10.
Until then, the interim site of the library is closed as books and resources are moved to the new library site.
Opening day festivities begin at 11 a.m. outside the new library, 1212 Merkley Ave. . . .with fun
activities for the youngest and soon-to-be readers, plus music and other merriment. Bring your
appetite—the local Rotary Club will be roasting hot dogs.
The formal ribbon cutting takes place about 1 p.m., after which, the new Turner Library opens for your
use. Tours and inside activities also provided.
If you can’t make it to the grand opening, you’re invited to see the new library at your convenience and
take advantage of increased services, including Sunday hours (made possible by support from the City
of West Sacramento), an after-school Homework Help Center, and the West Sacramento Toy Lending
library. For a nominal annual fee families can borrow from a huge variety of educational toys for
children ages birth through 5 (brought to you by Child Care Services and Yolo County Library.)
Arthur F. Turner Community Library Hours (effective Oct. 11):
Sundays, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, 12 noon-8 p.m.
Tuesdays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
New address: 1212 Merkley Ave., east of Jefferson Boulevard.
Public parking for the Turner Library Grand Opening celebration will be at the City Hall parking lot,
1110 West Capitol Ave. Visitors will cross West Capitol Avenue to access the Turner Library.
For more library information: www.yolocountylibrary.org .
Remembering the Man
for Whom the Library is Named: Arthur F. Turner
There was a time when West Sacramento was only a place for dreaming, a
time long before Raley Field, Nugget Market, IKEA, Wal-Mart, and the
Civic Center. One man, Arthur F. Turner, spent some 60 years of his life
turning his dreams into the roots of today’s thriving city.
During his lifetime, Mr. Turner guided real estate development in West
Sacramento. Through two world wars and a depression, Turner believed that
people should be able to own a home. He helped new homeowners with
liberal credit plans and part-time jobs during the depression years of the 1930s.
Arthur F. Turner
Turner’s dreams of a well-rounded community led him to donate land for the YMCA, the Boy Scouts, the
Little League and several churches. His office at Jefferson Boulevard and 15th Street served as a library,
a post office, and a polling place. A local newspaper was printed in the basement.
Turner’s contributions were numerous and extensive, yet he remained a modest man who never
wanted anything named after him. It was only after his passing at age 81 in 1974, that Mr. Turner’s son,
Howard, donated property at 1212 Merkley Ave. for construction of a library to honor Mr. Turner’s
name. The 8,400 square foot library served the city for over 30 years.
Beginning Oct. 10, a new era of the Arthur F. Turner Community Library opens in West Sacramento—named
for the man who developed the dreams that became the foundation of today’s West Sacramento.
Rhythm & Ribs Festival: Oct. 2 (5 p.m.-9 p.m.), Oct. 3
(noon-9 p.m.), Oct. 4 (noon-4 p.m.) at Raley Field, West
Sacramento. Six rib teams and live music acts. Vote for the best BBQ.
Tickets at raleyfield.com . Admission: $5 per day.
West Sacramento Fire Station 45 Open
House: Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 2040 Lake Washington
Blvd. You’re invited to a fun and informative day at Station 45. The
open house features equipment and safety demonstrations,
including proper use of child safety seats. Learn about fire
prevention tips and the Fire Department’s “Safe Place” program. For
the kids: a jump house, slide, balloons, coloring contests, face
painting and visits to the Fire Prevention trailer. Free hot dogs and
refreshments provided.
River City Rowing Club Crab Feed & Auction: Nov. 7, City Hall Galleria, 1110 West
Capitol Ave. This event raises funds for club equipment. Tickets: $45/person. For more information,
call Bill Naddy, (916) 206-8042.
Checkered Flag: A tribute to the
golden days of the West Capital
Raceway is located on the second floor
of the West Sacramento City Hall.
West
Capital
Raceway
City Hall Exhibit Recalls
West Capital Raceway Era
West Sacramento was once home to the best dirt racing track on the West Coast, according to Frank
Richards of the West Capital Raceway Alumni Association. The era of the West Capital Raceway,
1947-1980, is celebrated in an action-packed exhibit outside the City Council Chambers on the second
floor of City Hall, 1100 West Capitol Ave.
The exhibit was designed by the West Sacramento Raceway Alumni Association with the assistance of
the West Sacramento Historical Society Museum and Visitor’s Center. “The historical society is doing more
outreach displays and we thought the West Capital Raceway would be a perfect topic for such an exhibit,”
said Thom Lewis, a past president of the historical society. “The display is a reminder of that exciting time
in our history and that we had such a unique raceway in our community.”
Every type of short track racecar ran here at one time—midgets, hardtops, jalopies, modifieds, super
modifieds, sprinters, stock cars, and even off road buggies. One special event was the Powder Puff Derby
where women raced stock body cars and jalopies two to three times a year.
The location of the track, 4200 West Capitol Avenue, is now occupied by Roadway Express Company. The
“Wall of Fame,” a complete picture history of the track, can be seen at Anderson’s Body Shop, 711 Harbor
Blvd., West Sacramento.
West Sacramento Historical Society Museum & Visitors Center:
Open Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (or by appointment), 324 Third St. Free admission! More
information: www.westsachistoricalsociety.org or (916) 617-2288.
California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP) Public Tours:
Fridays, Oct. 23, Nov. 20 and Dec. 18; each free tour begins at 1 p.m. and ends at 3
p.m., 3300 Industrial Blvd., West Sacramento. For CaFCP information and CALIFORNIA FUEL CELL
PARTNERSHIP
reservations, visit www.cafcp.org or call (916) 371-2870.
900 WEST CAPITOL AVENUE
WEST SACRAMENTO
916-371-4200
GO BOWLING!
Capitol Bowl is open every day with great prices and specials.
Fun leagues for all ages. We remodeled and it’s beautiful inside!
HAVE A PARTY!
Toddlers to teenagers have a great time at a bowling party!
Birthday parties are our specialty. (Great company parties, too.)
SAVE MONEY!
Use this ad to save $5 on 1 hour of bowling
or $10 on a party package.
One card per lane. Expires 11/25/09
Things to Do with
WEST SACRAMENTO
For information on the following activities, call the Parks & Recreation Dept.,
(916) 617-4620 or visit www.westsacfun.org . The new Recreation Center is
adjacent to River City High, 2801 Jefferson Blvd. at Higgins Road.
PARKS
RKS &
RECREATION
Call for West Sacramento Sports History:
The West Sacramento Recreation Center and the West Sacramento Historical Society are
teaming up to create a display depicting past sporting events, teams and great athletes in and
from West Sacramento. The permanent home for the display will be at the new Recreation center.
If you have any historic sports or recreation photographs that you might like to see included in the
collection, contact Parks & Recreation. Photos can be copied with the originals returned to you.
West Sacramento Cubs, 1910
ADULT TEAM SPORTS, for ages 18 and up. An 8 game league season is usually scheduled,
TEEN ACTIVITIES
with games played at the Recreation Center or Bryte Park (10 game softball season), depending on the sport.
Basketball (Sundays, Nov. 1-Jan. 3, 2010) at the Recreation Center. Fee: $400 if registered by Oct. 16;
$425 afterwards.
Softball (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Oct. 19-Nov. 20) at Bryte Park, 425 Todhunter Ave. 10
game season. Fee: $400 if registered by Oct. 2; $425 afterwards.
Beginning Climbing Lessons, Recreation Center. For ages 10+. Receive supervision on the basics of rock
climbing. Learn what the colored tape means on a rock wall. Fee: $15 for four lessons ($20 for nonresidents).
International Dance Lessons, Recreation Center. For ages 12+. Learn easy, non-partner,
international dancing in a relaxed, vibrant setting. Stretch your body and mind. Fee: $35 for four lessons
($40 for nonresidents).
Self Defense & Martial Arts, Recreation Center. For ages 12+. Great family activity. Learn how to
defend oneself, while building self control and confidence. Combines the ancient art styles of Karate
and Aiki Jujitsu. Ongoing classes from white belt to black belt. No equipment necessary. Fee: $35 for
four lessons ($40 for nonresidents).
Introduction to Martial Arts, Recreation Center. For ages 6+. Learn basic self defense skills. A fun
learning environment. Ongoing classes from white belt to black belt. No equipment necessary. Fee: $35
for four lessons ($40 for nonresidents).
CLUB WEST is an after school teen program for students in grades 6-8, serving West Sacramento since
1991. Free membership to students! After School program hours: Mondays-Fridays, 2:30 p.m.-6 p.m.
(minimum days: 12:45 p.m.-6 p.m.); closed on City of West Sacramento holidays. CLUB WEST is currently
funded by the State of California ASES grant and allows the City Parks & Recreation Department to offer
programs for the following elementary schools: Elkhorn, Riverbank, Stonegate and Westmore Oaks. Club
West has activities in crafts, hockey, basketball, scrapbooking, fitness, Hip Hop, science and homework
assistance. Also available: daily snack, game room tournaments, phones and use of computers for
homework. For information, visit www.ClubWestTeenCenter.com .
ADAPTIVE RECREATION PROGRAMS
SPARK: Adaptive recreation program provides West Sacramento’s special needs residents, ages 14-adult,
with activities that promote positive social interaction, self accomplishment and fun. All participants must
be able to function in an 8:1 ratio of participant to staff. Transportation is provided to and from activities
for local residents registered in the SPARK program. Prices vary per activity. Upcoming events include:
Fright Fest Trip, Halloween Dance, and a Pumpkin Patch trip. For details, e-mail
[email protected] or call Christine Prater, (916) 617-4620.
Special Olympics Bowling League: Practices get underway in October for the Untouchables, West
Sacramento’s Special Olympics Bowling team. Participants must be at least 7 years old and have a current
medical release form from Special Olympics (www.sonc.org ). Cost: free! Coaches needed! Practices are at
Capitol Bowl, 900 West Capitol Ave. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or
call Christine Prater, (916) 617-4620.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
Beginning Ballet Lessons (call Parks & Recreation for schedule), Recreation Center. For ages 8-12.
Learn how to execute proper positions and warm ups. Fee: $32 for four lessons ($37 nonresidents).
Beginning Modern Dance Lessons (call Parks & Recreation for schedule), Recreation Center. For
ages 12-17. A fun and creative class, exploring gravity, space, rhythm and energy. Fee: $32 for four lessons
($37 for nonresidents.)
Camp Lakeside, 3650 Southport Parkway, West Sacramento. Open during school breaks: session 1 (Dec.
21-24); session 2 (Dec. 28-Dec. 31); and session 3 (March 20-April 2). For ages 5-12. Camp Lakeside is a
fun, quality day camp offered during school breaks. Drop-off children at 7:30 a.m.; pick up by 5:30 p.m.
Activities include games, crafts, cooking projects, drama, science and sports. Children receive two healthy
snacks daily, but must bring their own lunch. Program offered first come, first served; space is limited.
Fees: $72 each for sessions 1 and 2; $90 for session 3. Call Parks & Recreation for registration information.
Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA, Saturdays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Jan. 9, 2010-March 6, 2010, Recreation Center and
Riverbank Elementary (1100 Carrie St.) For ages 5-14. Teams are guaranteed 8 games. Fee: $57 per
participant if registered by Nov. 20, 2009; $67 per participant afterwards.
Kids Night Out! Oct. 30 (Halloween-theme); Dec. 11 (holiday-theme). Hours: 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Bridgeway Lakes Boathouse, 3650 Southport Parkway. For ages K-5. Kids’ “night out” includes dinner,
crafts and games. Space limited, so sign up early. Call Parks & Recreation for registration information.
KidZone: In partnership with Washington Unified School District, KidZone is an after school enrichment
program providing daily snacks, learning and physical activities, and arts and crafts. Funded by Prop 49.
Your kids will enjoy a safe and positive environment, where they can laugh, sing, play and make new
friends. Hours: Mondays-Fridays, after school dismissal to 6 p.m. Registration is completed at each of six
KidZone/elementary school sites (call Parks & Recreation).
Way to go, Kalina: At the National Cheerleaders
Association summer camp, Club West Cheerleader
Kalina Ramos-Sangco was named an “All American
Team Member,” the most prestigious individual award
in cheerleading.
ACTIVE AGING SERVICES
Senior Citizen Seasonal Flu Clinic: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 10 a.m.-12 noon, City Hall, 1110 West Capitol
Ave. Only flu vaccine provided. Sponsored by the Yolo County Health Department Immunization
Program. A $10 donation requested. For more information, call (530) 666-8645. Contact the West
Sacramento Senior Center to request shuttle transportation from your home to City Hall and back home.
Call (916) 373-5819.
West Sacramento Senior Center, 664 Cummins Way, (916) 373-5819.
For West Sacramento residents over 50 years. Office open Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Activities and clubs include: Low Impact Exercise, Tai Chi, Line Dancing, Ceramics, Knit and Crochet, Doll
Club, Singing Club, Bunko, Bingo, Card Making, Casino Trips, Scrapbooking and Elderly Nutrition. Stop by
for some social interaction and fun! The City of West Sacramento provides limited transportation for
Shuttle Shopping, nutrition meals, and a variety of trips. Upcoming events include: AARP Safe Driving
courses, Oct. 14-15; Health Directive Presentation, Oct. 28; Thanksgiving Dinner, Nov. 20 (RSVP required);
and Christmas Luncheon, Dec. 24. Call the Senior Center for more details and reservations. Advance
registration required for trips and events.
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For the eighth year, Neighbors Fair invites you to a celebration of
community in a family-friendly environment on the riverfront. Enjoy
music, ethnic and traditional food, a kids’ fun area, homemade crafts,
and a beer and wine garden. Featured performers: Dog Party (the
sensational “tweener” girl band); Savannah Blue (good time Southern
Rock); and Lenny Williams (former lead singer of Tower of Power).
Dog Party
SMOKE ALARMS
and BATTERIES
Savannah Blue
Neighbors Parade: Saturday, Oct. 3, starting at 10:30 a.m.
beginning at Elkhorn Park (Cummins Way and Douglas Street),
ending at River Walk Park for the Neighbors Fair. Parade theme:
“West Sacramento, Our Heritage, Our Future.” Grand Marshals:
Ray Jones and Fidel Martinez, both are former mayors and original
members of the City Council.
For more about Neighbors Fair events, visit
www.wsneighborsfair.com or call (916) 617-4618.
FALL 2009
Lenny Williams
Approximately two-thirds of
home fire deaths occur where
smoke alarms are either missing
or inoperable. The West
Sacramento Fire Department
advises that smoke alarms be
installed in every sleeping
room, outside each separate
sleeping area, and on every
floor. If you or someone you
know is in need of a smoke
alarm or a replacement battery
for a smoke alarm, visit your
nearest Fire Department for a
no-cost replacement.