April is here and with it a myriad of activities and programs! The annual Kids Day in the Park is not to be missed with kiddo activities all for free. Business is flourishing in Rancho Cordova with new openings for you to check out. Our event calendar is jam-packed every week keeping you involved in the community. We hope you enjoy our April edition of Fresh News!
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CALLING ARTISTS TO PAINT A CITY MURAL
The City of Rancho Cordova is requesting proposals from talented artists to add a mural to a new wall in the City of Rancho Cordova! The new mural will add beauty and a sense of place along the busy Folsom Boulevard corridor and would be seen by thousands of people that walk or drive by. We are looking for a visionary artist to create a piece that will become a part of Rancho Cordova history.
Could it be you? Complete proposal must be received by Travis Evans at the City of Rancho Cordova, 2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 by 5:00 p.m. on April 29th. Learn More
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COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT FUND UPDATE
We have received more than 100 applications for Community Enhancement Fund grants for the Fiscal Year 2016/2017!
Staff will review each application according to the application criteria and prioritization method listed within the Fiscal Year 2016/2017 Grant Application Process and Criteria document.
We anticipate the initial ranking will be distributed with the agenda for the April 18th, 2016 Regular City Council meeting. If you aren't signed up to receive automatic notifications when council meeting agendas are posted,
you can do that here. During this meeting, we anticipate that applicants will not be asked to present. We intend to cover the results of staff's initial review of applications.
At the May 2nd, 2016 and May 16th, 2016 Regular City Council meetings, we may invite applicants to present their project and we may make selection recommendations to Council. It's possible that funding decisions could be made as soon as June 6th, 2016. Staff intends to notify all applicants of the funding decisions made by June 30th, 2016.
You are invited to attend any of the public meetings at City Hall. Stay tuned for updates!
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ART ARK SAILS ON
Elementary school children in Rancho Cordova continue their journey into the world of art as the Crocker Art Museum's Art Ark visits each school in the City.
Organized by the Cordova Community Council, this Community Enhancement Fund project has visited Cordova Gardens, Rancho Cordova, Navigator, and Mather Heights elementary schools so far. During April, it will pay week-long visits to White Rock and Williamson elementary schools. The remaining public schools in Rancho Cordova will be visited during the next school year.
The Crocker's Art Ark, a mobile art education center designed for students in pre-K through 8th grades, brings original works of art and activities to schools throughout the region.
Each visit includes a Community Art Night - an event for students to bring parents and neighbors to school to see what it's all about. Watch for the Crocker's Art Ark on its way to your neighborhood school as the Community Enhancement Fund program continues.
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YOU'RE INVITED!
We are kicking off our 2016 Street Rehabilitation Project, and you can be part of it! This project will provide newly paved roads, easier to walk sidewalks, and better drainage in the Cordova Towne and White Rock Neighborhoods. Join us at our groundbreaking ceremony:
Wednesday, April 6th, 2016
6 - 7 p.m.
White Rock Neighborhood Park
10488 White Rock Road
Join us for a neighborhood gathering to learn project details, enjoy light refreshments, and participate in a fun groundbreaking activity. See you there!
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It's a great day to be a kid on Saturday, April 30th as the award-winning Rancho Cordova Kids Day in the Park returns to Hagan Park for a 27th year.
This year's theme is "Rancho Cordova - a Great Place to Grow" and celebrates a farm theme with fun exhibits, attractions, and entertainment for FREE!
Visit Ag-Ventureland, the next best thing to being down on the farm. Kids can milk a cow, rope a steer, go fishing, saddle ponies, take eggs to market, play in corn and bean boxes, and so much more.
Learn about all kinds of farm animals, and get up close to pet them. Crawl through a giant bug, bounce away pent-up energy, grab a snack at one of several food trucks, and spend a great day having fun in the green grass of Hagan Park with your favorite kid. The list of fun options at Kids Day is endless.
Arrive when the gates open at 11 a.m. and enjoy an exceptional line-up of FREE, fun things to do, thanks to more than 120 exhibitors who will be at Kids Day to share parent resources, educational tips, and health information and screenings. The exuberance continues until 3 p.m.
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GET INVOLVED IN CREEK WEEK
Did you know there are 88 miles of creek in Rancho Cordova? Sadly we see waste dumped into them that pollutes water and endangers wildlife. We are doing something about it - and YOU can help!
Join our Creek Week Clean-Up on Saturday, April 9th from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by a free BBQ. "I participate in Creek Week because it is an easy, fun, inexpensive, and social way to do something for my community and the environment," said volunteer Brad Nye (pictured here). "It is a small commitment that typically yields great results." Don't delay, sign up today.
Interested in a nature walk? Join us for a scientific tour at Bear Hollow Reservoir. Discover the native plant species and wildlife that can be found here. The tour will be led by a wetlands biologist. This is the perfect activity for nature lovers! Meet your tour guide in the parking lot at Stone Creek Park, 3625 Spoto Drive in Rancho Cordova, at 10:30 a.m. on April 9th. Then we'll head over to the reservoir just across the street.
For more information, contact Dana Grossi in the City's Storm Water Quality Program at (916) 851-8897 or
[email protected]
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MAYOR'S WALKS
Do you have a question for the Mayor? Now's your chance to have a one-on-one conversation with Mayor David Sander at six neighborhood walks.
Get fresh air, talk about upcoming projects, ask questions, learn about the neighborhood, and meet your neighbors! The events kick off with refreshments at 8:30 a.m., and the one-mile walk begins at 9 a.m. Following are the dates and locations:
- Saturday, April 16th - Cordova Gardens Elementary, 2400 Dawes Street
- Saturday, May 14th - Williamson Elementary, 2275 Benita Drive
- Saturday, June 4th - Rancho Cordova Elementary, 2562 Chassella Way
- Saturday, August 20th - A.M. Winn Elementary, 3351 Explorer Drive
- Saturday, September 17th - Sunrise Elementary, 11821 Cobble Brook Drive
- Saturday, October 15th - Cordova Villa Elementary, 10359 S White Rock Road
Questions? Contact Lorianne Ulm at (916) 851-8755.
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CONNECT WITH US ONLINE
The City of Rancho Cordova has launched two new websites to keep you in the loop and provide important information!
The Economic Development website at www.SelectRanchoCordova.org is a one-stop shop for all the business-related resources and information we offer.
Citizens can now submit events to our website event calendars! Visit the City Event Calendar to submit community events and meetings, or the Economic Development Event Calendar to submit business-related events and meetings. Plus, they could show up in an upcoming edition of Fresh News!
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Back to the 80s Store & More Now Open
What do TaB cola, Care Bears, Cyndi Lauper posters, and VHS tapes have in common? They're all from the 1980's and can be found at new Rancho Cordova
Back to the 80's Store & more
! Located at 3366 Mather Field Road, visit owner Chris and designer Cory at the front counter for the 411 on totally tubular items. Cory says that Back to the 80's isn't just a store, it's "a permanent 80's art installation that's always changing so it will be fun no matter how many times you visit". The store decided to come to our City for more visitor parking and to be close to home for Chris, an Anatolia resident.
You are invited to the store's grand opening on Saturday, April 16th from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Experience the Delorean Time Machine from the 1985 film "Back to the Future" when it touches down at the store. Take selfies, explore, and even ride in it! DJ Epik dancing, 80's cover bands, costume contests, food trucks, and more!
Starbucks Now Open
Need a caffeine fix? Starbucks is now open in the Mills Shopping Center near Folsom Boulevard and Coloma Road! Stop by to enjoy your cup of joe on the outdoor patio, or take it to go in the convenient drive thru. The contractor, SSW Construction Corporation, had this to say about the building permit process with the City. "It was a real pleasure working with the City of Rancho Cordova on this store. I hope I get additional stores in your City as you made working with you easy!" We hope so too! Congratulations to SSW Construction Corporation for a job well done. Come visit the new location so they can mix up your favorite drink!
Five Guys Burgers and Fries Coming Soon
Burgers, fries, and everything nice.
Five Guys
Burgers and Fries is coming soon to the Rivergate Shopping Center! This center at Sunrise Boulevard and Coloma Road will feature a new lunch and dinner option. With over 250,000 ways to customize your burger, this restaurant is known for its bulk peanuts, fresh ground beef, peanut oil only, and no freezers. They even have a cult following they call fanatics! A timeline hasn't been established yet, so stay tuned for updates.
Fusion Smoothies and Tapioca Drinks Express Now Open
In the mood for something fresh for lunch but don't have time to wait? Visit the crew at Fusion Smoothies and Tapioca Drinks Express at 3360 Mather Field Road, where they can pack deliciousness to go. Their menu includes boba teas, smoothies, and Vietnamese dishes like bahn mi sandwiches - yum! Support one of Rancho Cordova's newest local restaurants, open since May 2015.
South Beach Grill Now Offering Breakfast
Have you tried
South Beach Grill
yet? They have one more reason for you to stop by their restaurant: they're now serving breakfast! Starting today, you can stop in for breakfast staples like eggs and bacon, or Mexican dishes like breakfast burritos and chilaquiles. Owner Carolina Ocampo (pictured left), chef Maria, and crew are sure to dish you up something delicious. Buen provecho (aka bon appetit)! Visit the restaurant at 3000 Sunrise Boulevard.
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EVENT CALENDAR
Every Friday - Sacramento Children's Museum $5 Fridays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sacramento Children's Museum, 2701 Prospect Park Drive
Enj
oy discounted playtime at the museum every Friday!
Learn More
Rancho Cordova Historical Society Speaker Series - Wednesday, April 6th, 6:30 p.m.
Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive
Before there were trains, planes, and automobiles, stagecoaches were on the move across our region. Learn more about the fascinating history of these horse-drawn modes of transportation during the Rancho Cordova Historical Society Speaker Series. Expert Cheryl Anne Stapp provides the program and is the author of "The Stagecoach in Northern California: Rough Rides, Gold Camps and Daring Drivers." Admission is free of charge.
Learn more about the Rancho Cordova Historical Society.
Smith Real Estate Services Ribbon Cutting - Thursday, April 7th, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Smith Real Estate Services, 2355 Gold Meadow Way, #205
Join us for a fun family event to celebrate the new office, meet neighbors, and learn about Smith Real Estate Services. Ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m.
Police Unity Tour Fundraiser - Saturday, April 9th, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Quick Quack Car Wash, 3050 Sunrise Boulevard
Rancho Cordova Police Chief Michael Goold is participating in the 2016 Police Unity Tour. The Police Unity Tour is a four-day bicycle ride from New York to DC for the purpose of raising money to maintain the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C. Chief Goold will be riding in memory of Contra Costa Deputy Sheriff Carlos Diamond Francies who gave his life on August 13th, 2015 trying to save the life of a friend. Deputy Francies attended Cordova High School and is a local hero. You can participate in the fundraiser by visiting Quick Quack Car Wash, asking for an upgrade, and presenting this flyer. The business will donate the upgrade difference to the tour and leave you with a clean car!
Community Walk for Diabetes - Saturday, April 9th, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Kavala Ranch Park, 5100 Azalea Park Drive
The Community Walk for Diabetes is an event to help raise awareness about Types 1 and 2 diabetes and how the disease affects the community. The Wellness Fair that follows the walk is meant to bring vendors together to share about the benefits of healthy living. There will also be a Kids Zone with a bounce house and face painting!
Learn More and Register Here
Community Neighborhood Watch Meeting - Tuesday, April 12th, 6 p.m.
Rancho Cordova Police Department, 2897 Kilgore Road
Join the Rancho Cordova Police Department and your neighbors for a neighborhood watch meeting on "traffic enforcement".
Soil Born Farms The Art of Home Cooking: Stir-Fry - The Basics! - Wednesday, April 13th, 6 - 8 p.m.
A stir-fry is the ultimate one-pan dish and literally any combination of ingredients can be used to prepare highly flavorful meals in just minutes! In this class, you will learn the importance of high heat and the many advantages of this extremely versatile cooking technique. You will learn the five main components of a stir-fry and how to properly prepare your ingredients prior to cooking. You will learn a very common sequence used to properly and quickly stir-fry a dish over high heat, and other valuable tips to avoid those soggy and disappointing dishes! Instructor: Tim Shields. Cost: $25. Register Here
Rancho Cordova Luncheon - Friday, April 15th, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive
Fifth District Sacramento County Supervisor Don Nottoli will be the guest speaker at the Rancho Cordova Luncheon. Nottoli will update lunch-goers on Sacramento County issues and projects. Tickets for the luncheon, Rancho Cordova's largest and longest running civic forum, are $12 for members and $20 for members.
Purchase Tickets
Rancho Cordova City Council Regular Meeting - Monday, April 18th, 5:30 p.m.
Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive
Blight Busters Plus Community Meeting - Wednesday, April 20th, 6 - 8 p.m.
Cordova Lane Center, 2460 Cordova Lane
Attention Cordova Lane and Walnut Wood residents! The City of Rancho Cordova is coming to your neighborhood. We are holding a community meeting to update you on our new program - Blight Busters Plus! As part of the program, our team will help identify ways to beautify and improve safety in your area this month. We want to partner with you to improve the quality of life in Rancho Cordova. You're invited! Join us for a neighborhood gathering and free light dinner snacks. There will be activities for the kiddos, and the opportunity to win a fun prize in our drawing!
Learn More
Earth Day Celebration - Friday, April 22nd, 5 - 7 p.m.
Sacramento Children's Museum, 2701 Prospect Park Drive
Assemblyman Ken Cooley and the Sacramento Children's Museum are hosting their Annual Earth Day Celebration! Enjoy a night of live music and interactive, Earth-friendly activities outdoors in the parking lot next to the Museum
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Learn More
Soil Born Farms Beekeeping I - Saturday, April 30th, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
This class is designed to help the aspiring beekeeper become more knowledgeable about the craft of beekeeping. With instruction split between the classroom and in the open hive, you will learn from an experienced professional beekeeper about the life cycle, biology, and development of honeybees, as well as the equipment, the vocabulary, and best practices for keeping bees and producing honey naturally. A descriptive manual, written by the instructor and used during these classes, is included in the class fee. Please wear long sleeves, pants, and closed-toed shoes. Bring your lunch and protective gear, if you have it.
Course Fee: $50 or register for both classes (Beekeeping I & II) before April 15 for $90.
Register Here
Soil Born Farms Crop Planning - Saturday, April 30th, 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Crop planning can be a daunting task, and if not done well, it can mean the difference between success and failure in the garden and small farm. In this class, you will learn how to identify your target markets and make a realistic and successful crop plan that will meet the demands of those markets, so that your farm produces a well-timed consistent harvest all season long! Register Here
Rancho Cordova City Council Regular Meeting - Monday, May 2nd, 5:30 p.m.
Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive
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SWING FOR A CAUSE
Five great Rancho Cordova non-profit organizations will benefit when golfers tee up for the inaugural Rancho Cordova Community Golf Classic on Saturday, April 23rd at Empire Ranch Golf Club,
1620 E Natoma Street, Folsom.
Presented by the Belka and Hagan Families of Rancho Cordova, this exciting golf event will benefit the Cordova Community Council Foundation, Cordova Community Food Locker, Rancho Cordova Rotary Club Foundation, Jerry Manuel Foundation, and Purpose:full "No Kid Hungry" campaign.
Golf sign-ups are nearly full as the corporate community and local duffers alike step up to tee-off for Rancho Cordova charities. Join the cause by becoming a sponsor or donate a prize to benefit five phenomenal local charitable causes. It's the feel-good golf tournament of the year! Click here for more information and to register.
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LIONS AND TIGERS AND ART, OH MY!
Rancho Cordova artists explore the animal kingdom during a new gallery exhibit at Rancho Cordova City Hall this month.
Creatures with feathers, fins, or fur are all captured by the artist's brush or photographer's lens during this fun show. See more than 100 works by 55 artists from April 4th through July 16th during "CRITTERS: Aardvark to Zebra." Meet the artists during the show's Artist Reception on Thursday, April 14th at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive. Free admission.
Guest juror for this show is the award-winning
Sandy Lindblad
, a Grass Valley contemporary animal portrait artist.
The free exhibit is yours to enjoy weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or any time City Hall is open.
Are you an artist? Join the Rancho Cordova Artist Database and become part of the growing Rancho Cordova arts scene. Artists registered on the database, which is managed by the Cordova Community Council, receive invitations to exhibit their work and news about other Rancho Cordova arts activities.
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KICK OFF MAY IS BIKE MONTH
30 miles, 5 hours, 0 cars. May is Bike Month kicks off on Sunday, May 1st, with the 6th Annual Great Scott! Bike and Walk Event. The family ride lasts from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to allow for leisurely rides on the rural roads as well as leisurely walks. Fast riders can take the course from 8 to 9 a.m.
There will be 30 miles of car-free roads for the day, along with food trucks, live music, mini-massages, and much more. If you can't fit your bike in the backseat of your car, take light rail! Simply get off light rail at the Sunrise Light Rail Station and head south on Sunrise Boulevard to White Rock Road. For a map and schedule of events,
click here.
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FOLSOM LAKE COLLEGE OPEN HOUSE
You're invited to an open house for the new Rancho Cordova Center of Folsom Lake College! The event features site tours, resource fair, program information, refreshments, and opportunity to meet the dean, faculty, and staff. Whether you are looking to enroll or are simply interested in the college, join us on Wednesday, April 6th from 3 to 7 p.m. at 10259 Folsom Boulevard.
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RANCHO CORDOVA FAIR HOUSING WORKSHOP
Every April, Fair Housing Month is celebrated to honor the anniversary of the Fair Housing Act as a way of recommitting to the goal of promoting fairness and equality of housing for all persons, in every community.
That's why Rancho Cordova is hosting a FREE Fair Housing Workshop on Tuesday, April 19th!
Join us at 6:30 p.m. at the Cordova Church of Christ, 10577 Coloma Road.
Learn about your rights and responsibilities as renter, housing discrimination, Fair Housing Laws, and more. This event is catered to renters, landlords, or anyone who just wants to learn more about this important topic.
The event is sponsored by
Sacramento Self-Help Housing, Project Sentinel, and Rancho Cordova Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART) for the citizens of Rancho Cordova.
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PERFORM AT THE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
International cultural performers are now being sought to share the spotlight on stage at the 9th Annual iFest International Festival, returning to Village Green Park on May 14th.
Applications are now available and the search is on for the finest performers - adults and children - wishing to share their culture during this colorful and exciting festival.
Deadline to apply is April 8th. Apply Here
With the approaching Olympics, the international spirit is running high, and nowhere more than at iFest. Artists will be offering a "Chalk Walk" - beautiful art in chalk! Sign Up Here
In addition to cultural booths and exhibits, fun flavors from around the world, exciting international music and dance performances, and fun attractions, this year's event will feature international wine tasting for adults (purchase tickets here), an Olympic Village for kids, animals from around the world, exhibits and fun food for all.
Save the date! Saturday, May 14th from 5 to 9 p.m.
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LEADERSHIP RANCHO CORDOVA RECRUITING FOR CLASS XI
Leadership Rancho Cordova (LRC) launches a new class on a year-long exploration of our city this fall, and the search is on for eager students.
In the spirit of developing community leaders, the program - offered by the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce - enters its 11th year! It now boasts more than 150 alumni - many currently serving in community leadership roles throughout the city and region.
The next class of approximately 25 will be selected to represent a broad mix of backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, and employment - a key ingredient to a successful leadership program, said Rachele Burton, Chair of the program's governing board.
"Community leadership and engagement can be complex, and we want to encourage and support a pool of local people who have taken the time to dig deep and study the many layers of Rancho Cordova," she added.
Class XI begins in October with a kick-off reception at Rancho Cordova City Hall, followed by a two-day retreat in Tahoe to immerse themselves in leadership fundamentals and begin the process of team building.
In November, the class begins monthly "modules" and explores topics such as the state of volunteerism, local government, arts and culture, education, land use and economic development, recreation and tourism, and public safety in Rancho Cordova, along with leadership lessons that pertain to each sector.
The group will also develop and execute a class project - the signature of their class. Past class projects have included the development of the Rancho Cordova International Festival (now "iFest"), a photographic history of Rancho Cordova, a summer family film series, and refurbishing the dog park at Hagan Park.
The class is not free and does require time commitments for modules, project development, and execution. But organizers believe the effort is worthwhile.
"LRC produces graduates who make a difference in the economic health and quality of life in our community through active community engagement," said Diann Rogers, CEO and President of the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce. "Leadership Rancho Cordova provides graduates with the tools necessary to be an effective leader in their community, business, or elected office."
Leadership graduates agree.
"LRC is a wonderful experience for those who want to get connected with the community and learn how to make a phenomenal difference in the lives of the citizens in Rancho Cordova," said Laurel Bane, alumnus of the program - Class VIII. "If you want to make an impact and have fun doing it, this program is for you."
Recruitment is currently under way, and deadline for applications is July 31st.
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