Whale-of-a-Time Whale-of-a

Published to keep the West Sacramento community informed of important issues, programs, progress and policies concerning city government
www.cityofwestsacramento.org
It may not be up there with pigs in flight or frogs
raining from the sky, but it was still pretty unusual...
the week two humpback whales made West
Sacramento’s Port their vacation home for six days
and five nights.
Summer 2007
e
m
i
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ing a -of-a to. . .
Hav
le cramen
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W est Sa
Nicknamed Delta and Dawn, the 40-ton mother
and 20-ton calf arrived at the Port on May 15 and
remained for days, despite efforts of marine
biologists to nudge them back toward the
Pacific. Reportedly, it was the farthest entry any
whale or whales had made into fresh waters
of the lower 48 states. They abruptly left the
Port on May 20, then spent another 11
anxious days inland before finally
disappearing into the ocean.
in W
thousands who witnessed the
e! Forwondrous
r
whales in West Sacramento, it
e
H
was
an
experience
to treasure!
e
er
W
u
Inside this Issue of City Lights. . .
o
Y
15DAYS
15
DAYS
Photo Contest Results
ish
W
SM I LE
BridgeFest Takes a Break in 2007
Property Owners: Cast Your Ballots
Tower Bridge Closes Sept. 15-Nov. 20, 2007
IN MAY
M AY 1 s t t h r u M AY 1 5 t h
PHOTO
CONTEST
Fire Station 45 Open House
You’re Invited! West Sacramento’s first new fire station to be
built since 1970 is having an open house, Saturday, July 7, 10
a.m.-2 p.m., 2040 Lake Washington Blvd. Tours and safety
demonstrations. Refreshments, while supplies last. The 28,000 square
foot facility contains fire administration offices, a training facility, a
police services annex and dormitory quarters for up to nine
firefighters. The station also features three fire poles. For more
information about the Station 45 open house, call (916) 617-4600.
Wal-Mart Opens Largest California Superstore, June 13: At
238,000 square feet, the new West Sacramento store at Riverpoint Marketplace
is Wal-Mart’s largest in California.Store hours are 24/7. The store has hired 600
full and part-time employees. Wal-Mart opened with a splash, donating over
$30,000 to local organizations, including the Washington Unified School
District, the Collings Teen Center, the West Sacramento Historical Society, the
West Sacramento Friends of the Library, Meals on Wheels, and the Yolo County
Children’s Alliance.
Untitled
Vanessa Mejia
May 3, 10 p.m.
Second Place, Nonresidents
“Honey, I’m Home”
Wayne Carlisle
Palamidessi Bridge
Amanda Morazzini
“M-m-m. . .Yummy”
Tatyana Lezina
May 10, 4:30 p.m.
Third Place, Residents 18-55
May 5, 2:45 p.m.
First Place, Residents 18-55
May 6, 7p.m.
First Place, Residents Under 18
Bludance
Daniel Quiñonez
Wax On, Wax Off
Amar-Azucena Cid
May 4, 9:40 a.m.
First Place, Working in West Sacramento
May 4, 1:15 p.m.
First Place, Nonresidents
The Old Photographer
Yelisey Shendrya
Nourishing the Community
Ruth Pagano
May 6, 9 p.m.
Second Place, Residents 18-55
May 15, 3 p.m.
First Place
College Photography Students
Bad Hair Day
John Schanze
May 12, 7:27 p.m.
Third Place, Residents Over 55
“New in the Neighborhood?”
Virginia McMaster
Old Glory at ‘41
Stan Rommel
May 11, 7:55 p.m.
Second Place, Residents Over 55
May 8, 5:30 p.m.
“Please, Don’t Interrupt Me—I’m Thinking”
Third Place, Residents Under 18
Danil Kozin
May 11, 3 p.m.
First Place, Residents Over 55
West Sacramento Diversity
Barbara Murphy
May 14, 10:45 a.m.
Third Place, Nonresidents
About the Winners. . .
Geese at Touchstone Park
Sandy Follett
Perspective View of Tower Bridge
Inga Arakelyan
College
Inga Arakeylan Inga is taking photography at Sacramento City
College to develop skills she hopes to apply to her husband’s
photography/videography business. Inga would like to specialize in
wedding portrait photography.
Jill Braden A personnel specialist for the California Department
of General Services, Jill placed third last year with a black and white
photo of her nephew’s Little League team. This year, her photo
features Brittany Rojo, a student at River City Dance Studio where Jill
serves as an instructor.
Wayne Carlisle How’s this for “multi-tasking”? Wayne was sitting on
his boat, holding out a piece of bread in one hand and a camera in the
other, as he snapped this startling close-up of a neighborly riverfront
duck. And he was using a borrowed camera to boot! Wayne calls it
“beginner’s luck.”
Laura Cerda Like Jill Braden, Laura works at the Ziggurat for the
Department of General Services, where she types and edits product
manuals. Laura practices her photography on the NHRA circuit, taking
action shots of her dragster-driving husband.
May 14, 12:26 p.m. Amar-Azucena Cid Four-year old Jah-sol is the young man seen
Second Place waxing away. He’s the nephew of Amar’s boyfriend, Joe. Amar lives in
College Photography Students Sacramento and is pursuing a career in city government. Her master’s
thesis examines the impact of new urbanism on the health of residents.
Sandy Follett Guided by a Thomas Brothers book, Sandy toured
West Sacramento for the first time on May 14. Stopping at Touchstone
Lake Park, she captured a gaggle of geese in a peaceful moment.
Sandy plans to take an advanced photo shop class next fall at
American River College.
Danil Kozin Danil’s sister, Yana, is featured in his prize-winning photo. At 8½ years,
Danil is the youngest winner ever in the city photo contest. In 2002, Aaron Adler was
one month shy of his ninth birthday when he was awarded third prize in the contest.
Coincidentally, both students are products of Bryte Elementary. Danil also enjoys the
distinction of appearing in one of this year’s prize photos—he’s eating a slice of
watermelon in his Aunt Tatyana’s photo.
Tatyana Lezina Tatyana’s photo is a family affair. Celebrating the joy of eating
watermelon are her niece and nephews—including 8½ year old prize photographer,
Danil Kozin (on the right.) A two year resident of the Bryte area, Tatyana attends
Sacramento City College.
Virginia McMaster Virginia and her husband of 55 years, James, have lived in
West Sacramento for 30 years. Believing it’s a good idea to always carry a camera, she’s
been taking pictures since childhood. In addition to a resident “copycat” squirrel,
families of doves also frequent her backyard.
May 9, 6 p.m.
Third Place
Vanessa Mejia Vanessa found out about the contest from her boyfriend, Matt,
Photography Students
who appears on the Tower Bridge in her prize-winning shot. Vanessa’s past
photography experience includes a class at Sacramento City College.
Amanda Morazzini A winner in her first try at the contest, Amanda enters the 11th grade
this fall at St. Francis High. She’s already on her second digital camera, a Canon she received for
her birthday. Amanda is creating artistic images by highlighting a single color against a
black-and-white backdrop.
Barbara Murphy Barbara remembers visiting the Hotel El Rancho often as a child. The
City of the Dharma Realm now occupies the site. Barbara returned to find a very hospitable
Buddhist retreat, with a silence area, prayer room and statues devoted to Buddha. Barbara was
inspired to photograph a meeting of representatives of the Dharma Realm, the Center for
Spiritual Awareness and the Community Lutheran Church.
Ruth Pagano Even crime scene investigators need creative outlets. For Ruth Pagano, it’s
photography and water colors. Her favorite photo subjects are landscapes and architecture.
After earning a master’s degree in forensic science two years ago, Ruth first worked for the
Sacramento Police Department before taking a trainee position with the West Sacramento
Police Department’s Crime Investigation Unit in June 2007.
Daniel Quiñones Daniel provides mechanical engineer support for Agrium on Channel
Drive. He likes to take lunch at the Pot Belly Deli and that’s where he found a flyer advertising “15
Days in May.” He found the “Bludance” tied up along the deep water ship channel.
Stan Rommel In 2002, Stan became the first three-time winner in the photo contest. Five
years later, he’s back as the first four-time winner! And this time, he’s using a digital camera—a
Fuji S700. He says there’s “no going back to film.” A retired captain in the Yolo County Sheriff’s
Department, he teaches at Woodland Community College.
John Schanze John’s grandson, Timothy, is doing the trimming as his friend Brandon seems
to wonder, “why didn’t I go to Havey’s?” A 12 year resident of West Sacramento, John is excited
about moving to the “states streets” neighborhood.
Yelisey Shendrya Outside McDonalds, Yelisey encountered a self-described “old
photographer” by the name of “Wayley.” Yelisey muted selected colors into black-and-white. He
plans to further develop his photo art skills this fall at American River College.
Tika Singh Emigrating from the island nation of Fiji four years ago, Tika will be a senior this
fall at River City. She was motivated to enter the contest by photo teacher Jennifer Schumacher.
Tika takes home $250 for her “school” of geese waddling by Southport Elementary. After River
City, she plans to attend dental school at UC Davis.
Things to Do this Summer, with PARKS
WEST SACRAMENTO
For information on the following activities, call the Parks & Recreation Dept., (916) 617-4620
or visit www.cityofwestsacramento.org/go/parks
Imagine winning a cash prize of up to $1,000 for
improving your curb appeal! It’s possible with the
2007 Best on the Block program—West
Sacramento’s home and business curbside
improvement program.
Entries will be accepted through Aug. 31 from residents and business owners who are
making exterior improvements to the front of their property. If the improvement is
visible from the street and has a positive impact on the neighborhood, it’s eligible for
selection as a Best on the Block winner. Win some cash or cool prizes and win
recognition for your efforts. It’s free to enter! Here’s how it works:
Pick up a Best on the Block entry form from the Parks & Recreation office at the
West Sacramento Civic Center, 1110 West Capitol Ave., first floor or download an
application at www.cityofwestsacramento.org/cityhall/departments/pcs/botb.cfm
Take a “before” photo of the area you’re improving before the work begins;
Submit your completed entry form by Aug. 31 with an “after” picture showing the
completed improvements (name two or more neighbors or businesses the city can
contact to talk about your improvements).
What Can You Win? 3 prize levels for each category: $1,000 (first place); $500
(second); and $250 (third); Plus, entries become eligible to win other cool prizes.
Thanks to our sponsors, ASB Properties, Wallace Kuhl & Associates, Waste Management, 1st
Northern Bank, Turner Construction, IKEA, and Hollywood Hardware, and support from the
West Sacramento Redevelopment Agency. Winning entries will be recognized and rewarded
in October at a City Council meeting. For more information, call (916) 617-4620
or e-mail b e s t o n t h e b l o c k @ c i t yof we s t s a c ra m e n t o. o r g .
Adult Basketball: For age 18 and above. 8 game league runs Sept. 9-Nov. 4
(Sundays). “Early bird” team registration fee is $350 before Aug. 17; $375 afterwards.
Adult Softball: For ages above 18. 10 game league runs July 17-Sept. 25, games
played at 6:15 p.m., 7:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. (men’s leagues on Mondays and Tuesdays;
coed leagues on Thursdays and Fridays.) Team registration fee: $400.
Gymnastics: To sign up for exciting classes, call Denise at the International
Gymnastics Center, (916) 372-4496. Address: 1260 Triangle Ct. Fee: $60 for 6-week session.
Polynesian Dance: Thursdays, 8 p.m.-9 p.m., Bridgeway Lakes Boathouse (3650
Southport Pkwy.) Learn culture. Get exercise. Have fun! Fee: $30/month.
Swimming Pool Hours (thru Aug. 10):
GOLDEN STATE: Recreational Swim, Mondays-Fridays (3 p.m.-5 p.m.), 50-cents; and
Saturdays (10 a.m.-4 p.m.), $1.50; Family Swim, Tuesdays-Fridays (7:45 p.m.-9 p.m.),
50-cents. Evening lessons available, 5:15 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
RIVER CITY: Recreational Swim, Mondays-Fridays (1 p.m.-4 p.m.), $1; Lap Swim,
Mondays-Fridays (1 p.m.-2 p.m.), 50-cents. Morning lessons available, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Call Parks & Recreation about lessons, (916) 617-4620.
Tai Chi: Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m., Civic Center (1110 West Capitol Ave.) The
ancient art of low impact meditation and exercise. Fee: $10/session.
Adult Yoga: Tuesdays, 7 p.m.-8 p.m., Bridgeway Lakes Boathouse (3650 Southport
Parkway.) Stretch and relax through intentional movement, breathing exercises and quiet
meditation. Fee: $30/five sessions. Contact [email protected] or (916) 373-5819.
YO U T H AC T I V I T I E S
Basketball Camp: Boys and girls, 10-14. July 23-26, 9 a.m.-noon, River City High
gym. Sharpen skills with drills and scrimmages, while having fun. Fee: $40/player.
Billy Bounce Basketball: Boys and girls, 5-10. Sundays, July 15-Sept. 2, River City
High gym. Fun introduction to basketball. Participants receive great coaching and chance
to develop ball skills. Players receive Billy Bounce basketball and t-shirt. Fee: $75/person.
Challenger British Soccer Camp: Boys and girls, 3-16. July 23-27, Bryte Park.
Program managed by top soccer camp provider in US and Canada. Mentoring in savvy
soccer skills. Session times and fees vary depending on age group.
K.I.D.S.Camp (Kids Involved During
Summer): Funded by Measure K. For ages 5-12. June
25-Aug. 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at a city park near you.
Program includes fun things to do and field trips. All 8
park sites serve a free lunch thru the Child Nutrition
Program Summer Food Service Program. Call Parks &
Recreation for fee information.
& RECREATION
Learn to Skate Camp: Boys and girls, 7-14. July 30-Aug. 3, 9 a.m.-noon, Westacre
Skate Park (at Evergreen). Learn tricks, stunts and techniques, safely (pre-skate training
included.) Fee: $50/person.
NFL Flag Football: Boys and girls, 5-14 (no tackling). Player evaluation day, Sept. 5, 6
p.m. at Alyce Norman Field. Games played on Saturdays, Sept. 15-Nov. 3, Alyce Norman/Bryte
Fields. Players receive jersey and mouthpiece. Fee: $45/player before Aug. 24; $55 afterwards.
Tennis Instruction Classes: Ages 7-17, River City High tennis courts. Get fit while
having fun this summer.
TEEN ACTIVITIES
Summer Teen Camp (service of the Club West Teen Center, 1125 Riverbank Rd.):
Mondays thru Fridays, June 25-Aug. 3, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Open to current Club West members
and students entering 7th grade. Includes games, arts and crafts, swimming, lunch and
weekly trips (Golfland Sun Splash Water Park, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Monarchs, bowling,
roller skating, and Jelly Belly/Family Fun Day.) Fee: $35/per person per week. Register at
Club West, at the Parks & Recreation office, or online at cityofwestsacramento.org . For more
about Teen Camp, contact Club West, (916) 373-5877.
ACTIVE AGING SERVICES
West Sacramento Senior Center, 664 Cummins Way, (916) 373-5819. Daily opportunities include
fitness classes, activities and games, and arts and crafts. Also check out the senior center for
the Elderly lunch program, volunteer opportunities, social service information and assistance,
and social interaction.
Special trips and events:
New event! IKEA Walkers, Tuesdays, 10 a.m. Meet in the IKEA lobby, 700 IKEA Ct. Keep fit
with an indoor walk during the summer heat.
New event! Senior Game Night, monthly on the third Wednesday, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Bring a
dish and join the fun! Enjoy games and door prizes.
Feather Falls Indian Casino, June 14 ($17 fee.)
Colusa Indian Casino, July 17 ($17 fee.)
Thunder Valley Indian Casino, Aug. 8 ($17 fee.)
More Great Times Coming This Summer. . .
National Night Out, Tuesday, Aug. 7, 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Neighborhoods throughout West
Sacramento and the nation roll out the welcome mat and host block parties, cookouts,
concerts and youth activities in support of the 24th annual National Night Out. The event
strengthens public safety/community partnerships. To sign up as a participating neighborhood,
contact Community Services Officer Nora McDowell, (916) 617-4937.
The River Cats season-long events at Raley Field include Baseball Bingo Mondays, $1
Family Feast ($1 hot dogs and $1 ice cream) Thursdays, Giveaway Fridays, Fireworks on
Saturdays, and Kids’ Day Sundays, when kids can run the bases after the game.
Summer giveaways:
June 29, Independence Day Dinger Bobbleheads
July 3, Postgame FIREWORKS
July 13, Baseball Hats
July 20, River Cats Snow Globes
Aug. 3, Bob Geren Bobbleheads
Aug. 24, Lunch Boxes
Aug. 30, Playing Cards
Special dates subject to change. For more River Cats: www.rivercats.com
Arthur F. Turner Branch Library (1212 Merkley Ave.): Mondays, 12 noon-8
p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 10
a.m.-5:30 p.m. (closed on Sundays.) Free summer programs available for preschool, school
age and teens. Adults: sign up for the summer reading book club—read 10 books, get a
free book bag (open to the first 60 members to sign up.) All programs are free, in
association with the West Sacramento Friends of the Library. For more information about
library services and activities, (916) 375-6465 or www.yolocounty.org/org/library .
Yolobus Summer Sizzlers
Kids 17 and under can ride Yolobus all summer (through August) with a Summer Sizzler
pass. The $15 pass represents a hefty 79 percent reduction in pass prices for Yolo County
youth. Pass privileges are not transferable to Sacramento Regional Transit. Summer Sizzler
passes are sold at Parks and Recreation offices in each Yolo County city, including West
Sacramento and the Yolobus office at 350 Industrial Way, Woodland.
More information about Yolobus routes, schedules and services are available online at
yolobus.com or (530) 661-0816.
REMINDER: Last Opportunity
for Parcel Owners to Vote
Please cast your ballot, if you haven’t already voted, in
support or opposition to the West Sacramento Area
Flood Control Agency’s (WSAFCA) proposed assessment
district that would levy annual parcel assessments for
flood protection. The new parcel assessments would
finance the local share of flood protection projects and
ongoing operations and maintenance. With sufficient
local funds, West Sacramento would be eligible to
receive state and federal funding for necessary flood
protection improvements. If the new district is formed,
the existing WSAFCA assessment would be eliminated.
Ballots were mailed to all parcel owners in West
Sacramento, May 22. Ballots must be returned to the
West Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency office,
1110 West Capitol Ave., third floor, on or before Tuesday,
July 10, 2007 to be counted. Parcel owners may also
return their ballots in person on July 10, 6 p.m. when
WSAFCA holds a public hearing on the proposed new
district. WSAFCA will meet in the City Council Chambers,
1110 West Capitol Ave., second floor.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please
inquire at fl[email protected] or call
(916) 617-4508. The Engineer’s Report, which explains the
methodology for the proposed parcel assessments, and
other information about the flood protection program are
available on line at www.westsacfloodprotection.com .
West Sacramento Site Selected for
California Indian Heritage Center
CALIFORNIA
No BridgeFest in ’07
Concluding that its annual fireworks show has outgrown the location, the
city of West Sacramento is not presenting “BridgeFest” in 2007. The
centerpiece for viewing the event—the Daniel C. Palamidessi
Bridge—cannot accommodate the large crowds drawn to the pre-July 4th
event. As one of only two north-south passageways in the city, the bridge site
also raised public safety issues by blocking traffic from crossing the bridge.
Bring It Down: The April
demolition of an overpass at
Riske Lane was essential to
construction activity on the
new Tower Bridge Gateway.
On Schedule: Tower Bridge Gateway Conversion
Construction continues this summer to convert the former State Route 275
into a pedestrian-friendly city street, named Tower Bridge Gateway. The
roadway has been reduced to one westbound lane and one eastbound lane
between the Tower Bridge and Jefferson Boulevard exit. As with all roadway
construction projects, motorists are advised to stay alert and drive safely in
the “cone zone.” Changes in traffic patterns should be anticipated.
The “west phase” of the Tower Bridge Gateway Modification Project includes
signalized intersections, new landscaping and pedestrian walkways. Work
on the west phase should be completed by late October/early November.
Plan Ahead: Tower Bridge Closes Sept. 15-Nov. 20
Beginning Sept. 15, both directions of the Tower Bridge will be
closed to all traffic, in connection with construction activity to widen
the bridge’s pedestrian walkways. The bridge is scheduled to reopen
temporarily on Nov. 20—for the holiday season—but is scheduled to
close completely for one more six-week period in early January
2008. When completed in mid-2008, the bridge will feature 10-foot
wide walkways, enhancing pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
The California Indian Heritage Center
Task Force has selected a 43-acre
CENTER
West Sacramento riverfront site for the
new California Indian Heritage Center (CIHC). Located near
the junction of the Sacramento and American Rivers, the Life Jacket Program
Heading for the water? Free life jackets are available for loan from the West
site is significant to Native American heritage.
Sacramento Fire Department. Contact Station 41, 132 15th St. Call (916)
The proposed center would include a library, tribal treasures
617-4741 for more information.
exhibit space, classrooms, a café, museum store,
Crime Tips
amphitheatre, indigenous gardens and parking.
The site would be designated a state park, with public access The West Sacramento Police Department offers a Crime Tip Voicemail line
and public purposes guaranteed. A formal agreement and e-mail address for reporting criminal activity and other problems.
between the city of West Sacramento, the CIHC Task Force
and the California State Parks will be considered this summer.
Port of Sacramento Turns Green
The Port of Sacramento has reached an agreement with
Primafuel for the planned construction of a state of the
art biodiesel manufacturing facility. The revived port,
now under the governance of the city of West
Sacramento, is emphasizing “green” strategies to help
protect the environment.
Crime Tip Voicemail Line: (916) 617-4747
Crime Tip Email: [email protected]
Fireworks Illegal
The West Sacramento Police Department reminds the community that all
fireworks—including “safe and sane”—are illegal to possess, discharge, sell
or manufacture within the city (Municipal Code Section 8.12.010). A
violation is a misdemeanor, subject to citation or arrest.
Historical Society Celebrates Port History in New Book
Biodiesel is a clean-burning, biodegradable, nontoxic, Did you know the idea for the deep water ship channel dates back to 1911?
The non-profit West Sacramento Historical Society (WSHS) has released
renewable alternative fuel. It contains no petroleum.
“Images of America: Port of Sacramento” (Arcadia Publishing), a
“Primafuel is proud to be working with the Port of comprehensive visual overview of how the port was conceived and
Sacramento to develop a truly world-class biodiesel constructed. It’s available at the WSHS museum (324 3rd St.), Gorman’s
production and significant research and development Stationery, and Hollywood Hardware. You can bet they’ll be tracking down
facility,” said Richard Root Woods, chief executive officer of photos of Delta and Dawn for the second printing. For more, call (916)
the Long Beach, CA-based company.
374-1849 or visit www.westsachistoricalsociety.org .
WELCOME TO THE
Plus
Summer 2007
JUNE 26,
Mike McGowan & The
Mighty Delta
Roadmasters (Blues)
FOUR
JULY 10,
Four Barrel (Rock)
Free7 p.m-8:30 p.m.
Summer Music
Concert Series
good music, good food
and cold drinks . . . at
West Sacramento
River Walk Park
(bring a blanket).
Tuesdays thru Aug. 21
No show July 3
BARR
EL
SPOTTED DOG
JULY 17
Bayou Boys (Zydeco)
TUESDAY
EVENINGS
JULY 24
Spotted Dog (Blues)
JULY 24-AUG. 21
JULY 31
Fast Times (80s)
AUG. 7
Traveling Lantern:
Peter Pan (Theatrical)
GARY TACKETT
AUG. 14,
Gary Tackett Band
(Country)
FAST TIMES
AUG. 21
Salsa Asinque, featuring
Doug Matson
(Afro-Cuban Salsa)
For more about Harmony on the River and Cinema at
Sundown, contact Parks & Recreation, (916) 617-4620.
Summer 2007
Cinema
at
Sundown
RIVER WALK PARK
(following the
Harmony on the
River concerts),
approximately
8:30 p.m. Free
outdoor movies
on the riverfront
(bring a flashlight).
PARKS
& RECREATION