Fall is in the air! November in Rancho Cordova offers a plethora of events to get you in the holiday spirit, from our annual Christmas Tree Lighting to a holiday pop-up gallery. Your tax dollars are at work with projects in multiple neighborhoods funded by the Community Enhancement Fund (Measure H). Learn important ways to get storm ready, and read up on the latest in water conservation. This month's edition of Fresh News is not to be missed. So, share it with your family and friends!

RANCHO CORDOVA APPOINTS NEW CITY MANAGER

The Rancho Cordova City Council unanimously appointed Cyrus Abhar (pictured right) as the new Rancho Cordova City Manager on Monday, November 2nd.
 
Abhar has served as Interim City Manager for the past four months following a vacancy in the position. Beforehand he served as the City's Public Works Director and Chief Building Official. An employee since incorporation on July 1, 2003, Abhar welcomes the opportunity to continue to grow Rancho Cordova into a fresh and thriving community.
 
"Thank you to the Rancho Cordova City Council for entrusting me with the great responsibility of the City Manager," said Abhar. "I am deeply grateful to our remarkable staff. We have an amazing team of dedicated professionals who work very hard every day to make Rancho Cordova a great place to live in and this City a great place to work for."
 
In this role, Abhar will serve as the organization's chief executive officer, and will become one of only three people to be appointed City Manager since Rancho Cordova became a City.
 
Abhar brings over 27 years of experience to the position in civil engineering, public works administration, and business management. He is a registered Professional Engineer and a licensed Land Surveyor.
 
Abhar is a proud graduate of the first Leadership Rancho Cordova class, a program sponsored by the City and Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce to develop community leaders.
 
He earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.
 
Before joining the City, Abhar managed his family's contracting and construction management firm in Orange County. Prior he held several management positions in the Sacramento County Transportation Department, and design engineer and project manager positions for civil engineering consulting firms in Texas and California.
 
In his spare time, Abhar enjoys outdoor recreation including hiking and biking. He and his wife, Vida, have two children.
COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT FUND UPDATE

The City of Rancho Cordova approved over 60 projects to receive support from the Community Enhancement Fund (Measure H). Many of the projects have kicked off, and local organizations are making fresh changes in our community! 

A new Story Map has been launched to tell you about projects in the works, where it is taking place in our community, and how much it was funded for. Check back for updates.   Learn More
Come get your piece of the pie - and plenty of good information - when Mayor Robert McGarvey delivers the annual "State of the City" address at Rancho Cordova City Hall. The event begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 12th, followed by a complimentary dessert reception.  

Hosted by the Cordova Community Council, the annual State of the City is an opportunity for citizens to get a snapshot of where the City stands today and where it is headed as 2015 draws to a close.

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This year's event will also include a focus on "Hometown Heroes" with displays and information  from the Rancho Cordova Police Department, Rancho Cordova Code Enforcement, and Sacramento Metro Fire. Climb aboard an RCPD motorcycle, meet a K-9 officer, and learn about high-tech tools and state-of-the-art crime-fighting in the community, all while chatting with police officers and firefighters who are on the front lines of public safety.

Then, it's time to get your piece of the pie! Provided by Bel Air of Gold River, enjoy a scrumptious slice of pie and catch some great music by the Rancho Cordova River City Concert Band. Check out "The Fall Show'" art exhibit and leave with a bag full of giveaways provided by local organizations and businesses.

Learn more here or contact the Cordova Community Council at (916) 273-5704.
HONORING THE LEGACY AND HERITAGE OF NISEI VETERANS

Kiyo Sato (pictured left) is a 92-year-old Nisei Veteran who was forced to live in the Poston War Relocation Center in Arizona during the summer of 1942. It was one of the largest American Concentration camps during World World II for those of Japanese descent. Several months after being told she must reside in the camp, she was the first woman freed from Poston and attended Hillsdale College in Michigan. After graduating from Hillsdale College, she had the grades and skills to apply to some of the most prestigious nursing schools in the country. Every single school sent rejection letters saying they didn't allow someone of her ancestry to attend their school.
 
She tried to enlist in the Army and the Navy, but was also rejected. "I wanted to join, but I was the wrong color for them," she said. In 1951, she was accepted by the Air Force and enlisted as a nurse, where she achieved the rank of Captain by the time her service ended.
 
"I never faced discrimination in the service," she said. "But we, the Nisei, looked like the enemy."
 
Kiyo has been involved with the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Nisei Post 8985. Her group has been speaking to students about their lives and time in the armed forces for almost 30 years. Veterans Day has always been a very important day for Kiyo. This year she will be speaking at Rancho Cordova's 10th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the Memorial Plaza at the Sacramento VA Medical Center.
 
"You serve because it's your country. I feel that we need to give back," Kiyo said of her time in the Air Force.
 
Join us on Wednesday, November 11th at 9:30 a.m. for pre-program entertainment and at 10 a.m. for a commemoration ceremony, including guest speaker Kiyo Sato. This event is sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Northern California Health Care System, City of Rancho Cordova, and Alphagraphics Rancho Cordova.
 
To learn more about the inspirational Kiyo Sato, read "Dandelion Through The Crack", which was re-published with the name "Kiyo's Story". The book tells of a family formed by both ancestry and by the American way of life, and their perseverance through both the Great Depression and World War II. It is available online and at Barnes & Noble.
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
Ho, ho, ho!


There is magic - and snow - in the air when the Cordova Community Christmas Tree is lit, kicking off the holiday season in Rancho Cordova.

This free event is organized by the Cordova Community Council and features an enchanting evening of lights, holiday music and performances, amusements, train rides, and a chance to consult with Santa Claus at one of Rancho Cordova's most beautiful special events. 

Climb aboard a miniature train for a ride around the 30-foot tree, or take a horse-drawn hay ride through the neighborhood. The weather forecast  is calling for snow every 20 minutes, thanks to Christmas magic. Food trucks and other goodies make it a party!

The fun starts at 4 p.m. and continues until 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 29th, at Village Green Park, 3141 Bridgeway Drive. The tree will be lit at 7 p.m. sharp, so get your cameras ready!

Volunteers, exhibitors, and sponsors are still being accepted for this once-a-year spectacular event. Contact the Cordova Community Council at (916) 273-5704.
Time to Change Your Sprinkler Schedule
This Sunday, November 1st, we set our clocks back one hour. Don't forget to change your sprinkler time too!  Shorter daylight hours, lower temperatures, and moisture from fog and rain all combine to reduce the water demands of your lawn, trees, shrubs, and plants. 


Replace older sprinkler heads with water-efficient nozzles. Saves 1.5 gallons per minute per sprinkler. Check with your water provider for available rebates.
Golden State Water Limits Outdoor Irrigation To One Day/Week
Golden State Water Company customers saved 29% during the month of September. Thank you to all the customers that are conserving on a daily basis! However, customers still need to reach 36% to meet new State regulations.

Effective November 1st, Golden State Water customers are required to limit outdoor irrigation to one day per week. Addresses ending in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) can water on Sunday, and odd addresses (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) can water on Saturday. Customers are limited to watering before 8 a.m. or after 7 p.m., and should not exceed 10 minutes per station.  Please note restrictions do not apply for trees or edible vegetation watered solely by drip or microspray systems. Learn More


Install a high-efficiency WaterSense labeled toilet (1.28 gallons per flush). Saves 19 gallons per person/per day. Check with your water provider for available rebates.
Autumn Watering Tips
We are hopeful the autumn and winter seasons will bring much-needed drought relief in the form of snowfall, rainfall, and cooler temperatures. However, it's important that we remain diligent with our efforts to use water responsibly during the autumn season and throughout the year.
  • If there's rain, don't water in vain. State prohibits the irrigation of turf and ornamental landscapes during and 48 hours following measurable rain.
  • Turn off your lawn irrigation systems during rainy periods, or install a weather-based smart irrigation controller that will do the work for you.
  • Audit your outdoor irrigation system. Check sprinklers, valves, and lines for leaks. Make sure sprinklers are positioned to irrigate your lawn and not your sidewalks, driveways, or gutters.
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FALL'S A GREAT TIME TO CREATE A WATER-WISE OASIS

Fall is the perfect time to ditch your lawn, plant trees, and add beautiful, low-water use plants and efficient drip irrigation to your landscape. Autumn's cooler air temperatures are easier on plants. The soil is still warm, allowing roots to grow, and winter rains often mean you don't need additional water. 

Ditch Your Lawn
Sheet mulching allows you to snuff out your lawn without using any chemicals. The process  uses biodegradable materials such as newspaper or cardboard covered in compost and mulch to kill your lawn guilt-free. You can find a step-by-step guide to sheet mulching in the River-Friendly Landscaping Guide to Mulch & Grasscycling. Learn More

Plant Trees
Free trees are available through the Sacramento Shade Tree Program provided by the Sacramento Tree Foundation in partnership with SMUD. Residents can choose from over 30 trees. A Community Forester will provide advice on the type of tree to plant, the best planting location, and information on how to care for your new trees. Learn More

Create a Low-Water Landscape
Here are some things to consider when converting your landscaping:
  • Choose low-water use plants. You can find a handy list of 1,800 low-water plants by clicking here. The database includes photos of landscape ideas, resources to help you get started, a guide to proper watering techniques, and much more.
  • Amend soil with compost, manure, or peat. This will improve soil aeration and add needed nutrients and minerals.
  • Group plants according to their water needs and water with drip irrigation. This will help ensure plants get just the right amount of water to thrive.
  • Add a layer of mulch around trees and shrubs to reduce evaporation.
Free low-water landscape design plans are now available. Eco-Friendly Landscape Design Plans for the New California Landscape provides residents with the following free of charge.  Learn More
  • Four interactive landscape designs with photographs of plants and features for each plan.
  • An interactive irrigation sample design that shows and explains the irrigation equipment.
  • Guided audio tours with landscape and irrigation designers for each plan.
  • Profiles and photos of plants that were carefully selected for their ability to thrive in the Sacramento region's climate and ease of care. 
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HERE'S THE SCOOP...

According to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, about 37% of households own at least one dog. In fact, there are an estimated 72 million dogs in the United States! As a responsible pet owner, picking up after your pet can do a lot to minimize pollution of the environment and the spread of diseases.

What's the problem?
When you fail to clean up after your pet, the waste left on sidewalks and lawns is both unpleasant and a nuisance. But it can become an even bigger problem when it rains and is carried away by stormwater runoff into nearby storm drains, streams, and rivers. Pet waste carries bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can threaten the health of humans and wildlife. The nutrients in pet waste promote weed and algae growth, making swimming unfit for human contact. Studies have shown that animal waste is a major source of bacteria found in Sacramento area urban runoff.

Please remember to "scoop the poop" and keep your neighborhood healthy and vibrant. Here's how:
  • Put bags in the car or tie them to your dog's leash, so you'll be prepared when you travel with your pet.
  • Spread the word by talking to your family and friends about the importance of picking up after their pets.
  • Make use of pet waste stations in your neighborhood or local park. 
STREET SWEEPING SCHEDULE CHANGE IN SUNRIDGE

Attention Sunridge homeowners! The City of Rancho Cordova is changing the street sweeping day in the Sunridge Neighborhood effective next week. Street sweeping will now occur the second Tuesday of the month, and the next sweep is on Tuesday, November 10th.
 
This change from the second Wednesday of the month is a result of scheduling needs for our entire community. Please help us spread the word by sharing the information with your family and neighbors. Questions? Contact the Public Works Department at (916) 851-8710.

Check Your Trees
The potential for fallen trees during a storm event is higher this year than in the past. With the drought, some trees have had little or no water. The lack of water has severely strained and weakened some trees, making them especially vulnerable during windy conditions.

Get storm ready by creating a list of arborists that can come to your aid in emergency situations, and store the list in an easily accessible location. Please note the City only responds to fallen trees or branches in the public right-of-way, not on private property.

Hire an arborist before the storm hits to remove damaged or weak branches, trim your trees, and remove dead trees.

Properly Dispose of Leaves
Do you know what to do with extra leaves? Put the leaves in your green waste container and place it on the street the week of your green waste pickup.

If you run out of room in your green waste bin, additional leaves can be put in plastic trash bags and placed in the street beside your green waste container. Keeping the City's curbs and gutters free of debris will help ensure that stormwater drains properly.

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BUSINESS NEWS
  • Starbucks Cafe is coming in early 2016 to the Mills Shopping Center near Folsom Boulevard and Coloma Road.  The 2,076 square foot cafĂ© will move into an existing building and include a drive through. It will provide a great location for adjacent residents and students attending the new Rancho Cordova Center of  Folsom Lake College .
  • Fitness Evolution is now open at 2810 Zinfandel Drive. The gym has  state-of-the-art fitness equipment and services, including cardio machines, free-weights, and group classes. Learn More
  • Noodles & Company is now open at 3151 Zinfandel Drive.  It is open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and later on Friday's and Saturday's.
  • Blue Shield is now open in Rancho Cordova. Around 650 employees have moved into the new office at International Drive and Zinfandel Drive.
  • The Rancho Cordova Center of Folsom Lake College is now open at Folsom Boulevard and Paseo Drive. The state-of-the-art educational center is already being used by students. It includes more than 24,000 square feet of instructional space, nine classrooms, and a "student learning center" with an open-access computer lab.
  • Paramount Performance 916 is a strength and conditioning fitness center now open at 9777 Business Park Drive, Suite E. The center provides total body performance and individual training programs and was recently featured on Good Day Sacramento. Learn More
PROJECT UPDATES

The City has started installing a new traffic signal at the intersection of International Drive and Femoyer Street. This project will make it easier for walkers, bikers, and citizens using the Kaiser Permanente Medical offices to also take advantage of the new connection. Work takes place Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Work is expected to be completed in early 2016, weather permitting. Learn More

The County of Sacramento, in partnership with other local agencies including Rancho Cordova, is renovating a creek and building a new walking trail near the Cordova Meadows Neighborhood. This effort is part of the Cordova Creek Naturalization Project. The new walking trail will provide public access from Dedo Way off La Loma Drive in the Cordova Meadows Neighborhood to the American River Parkway. This will allow citizens to take advantage of the beautiful parkway in Rancho Cordova, and see the sites of Soil Born Farms' American River Ranch. Learn More
FRESH PIC
Presented by Rick Sloan

The inaugural Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame was held in October. T he event attracted a remarkable crowd and was hosted by Ken Rudulph from Good Day Sacramento (pictured left).

Over 25 sport heroes were recognized including athletes, coaches, and supporters that are central to building a remarkable sports legend in our City. The inducted included:
  • 1975 Lancers Football Team
  • Guy Anderson, Cordova High Baseball Coach (pictured right with Vice Mayor David Sander)
  • Chris Bosio, Major League Baseball Player and Coach
  • Christy Bowles, Women's Sports
  • Rod Connors, Track and Field
  • Duane Fidel, Wrestling
  • Dewey Guerra, Football Coach (Deceased)
  • Doug Hawkes, Sportswriter and Publisher (Deceased)
  • Geoff Jenkins, Major League Baseball Player
  • Helen Klein, Ultramarathon Runner
  • Ron Lancaster, Football Coach
  • Randy Lerch, Major League Baseball Player
  • Jerry Manuel, Major League Baseball Player
  • Clarke Massey, Track and Field Coach (Deceased)
  • John McCants, Pioneer Girls Coach (Deceased)
  • Michael McCullough, Miami Heat Executive
  • Max Miller, Football Coach
  • Laurie Salo, Women's Softball
  • Joel Smith, Triple Jump
  • Max Venable, Major League Baseball Player
  • Seneca Wallace, National Football League Player
  • Gerald Willhite, National Football League Player
  • Kevin Willhite, Football and Track
  • Colette Winlock, Track
  • Larry Wolfe, Major League Baseball Player
  • Reggie Young, Football
Congratulations to all the inductees!  Learn More
UPCOMING EVENTS

The Fall Show - All Month
Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive
Enjoy the largest exhibit of fine art by Rancho Cordova artists held all year. Open to all art media, the Fall Show is an opportunity for local artists to let their imaginations run wild. 

Family Night at Chick-fil-A - Tuesday, November 3rd, 5 - 8 p.m.
Chick-fil-A, 2354 Sunrise Boulevard
Chick-fil-A's first Family Fun Night will feature complimentary face painting, balloon animals, and dancing with the "Eat Mor Chikin'" Cow. Learn More

City Hall ClosedWednesday, November 11th
City Hall will be closed in recognition of Veterans Day. Learn more about our ceremony in the article above.

Inaugural Holiday Craft Boutique - Thursday, November 19th, 5 - 8 p.m.
Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive
Get a creative jump on your holiday shopping! Shop Rancho Cordova's local crafters, artists, and direct sales vendors. Find special and unique gifts you won't find in stores for your loved ones this year! Your $5 donation benefits the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce Foundation, plus you'll receive a raffle ticket, glass of wine, and complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Bring your friends! It promises to be a lovely evening for all. Learn More

Rancho Cordova Luncheon - Friday, November 20th, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive
Stay tuned here for more information.

City Hall Closed - Thursday, November 26th - Friday, November 27th
City Hall will be closed in recognition of Thanksgiving.  Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!

Night at the Kings with the Rancho Cordova Chamber - Tuesday, December 8th, 6 p.m.
Come and network with the awesome Chambers of Commerce along the Sunrise Boulevard Corridor! Join the Rancho Cordova, Fair Oaks, Carmichael, and Citrus Heights Chambers 'cause we're goin' to a Kings game together. Tickets are $65 for Elite Lower Corner Seats and include transportation, libations, appetizers, and loads of fun! Reserve Your Tickets
HOLIDAY POP-UP GALLERY

Give the gift of art this Christmas! Stop by the Holiday Pop-Up Art Gallery at Capital Village on the dates below in November and December, and shop some of Rancho Cordova's finest local artists. Explore and purchase watercolors, oils and acrylics, pottery and more!

The Holiday Pop-Up Art Gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. November 27-29th; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. December 4-6th and December 11-13th. That's just nine days and then the Holiday Pop-Up Art Gallery disappears for another year, so do not miss it!

The Holiday Pop-Up Art Gallery is located in the Capital Village Shopping Center, just around the corner from Lowe's, and is sponsored by the Cordova Community Council and Capital Village. Learn More
CHRISTMAS IN CORDOVA RETURNS

We are nearing the holiday season and preparing for our annual Christmas in Cordova event! 

Christmas in Cordova provides a shopping mall for parents to select and wrap gifts for their children. There will be an arts and craft area where children can build a small gift for their parents. Santa will be making an appearance for photo opportunities. Plus, a meal will be provided to all families who attend.

The event will pro vide toys for approximately 1,400 children and serve 2,000 people on Saturday, December 19th at Mills Middle School, 10439 Coloma Road.

Sign Up to Volunteer
We need volunteers to join our effort! Click here to download the Volunteer Questionnaire. Please return the form to Heidi Herrera at the Rancho Cordova Police Department by Monday, December 7th. The form can be returned  via mail to 2897 Kilgore Road, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670, faxed to (916) 875-9673, or emailed to hherrera@sacsheriff.com.

Donate a Toy
You can make dreams come true for a child. New, unwrapped toys are needed for children ages 0-17. Donations are accepted at:

Rancho Cordova City Hall
2729 Prospect Park Drive, Lobby Area
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Rancho Cordova Police Department
2897 Kilgore Road
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Neighborhood Services Center
2880 Gold Tailings Court
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
All Rancho Cordova Elementary Schools
Monday - Friday, Hours Vary
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CALL FOR ARTISTS: IMAGINE

The calendar says November, but January will be here quicker than you think. It's "Call for Artists" time for "Imagine," the next Rancho Cordova City Hall Art Exhibit, which will open January 28th, 2016.

"Imagine" will feature works of art of all media exploring fantasy and imagination. Close your eyes and let your imagination run wild - then create a work of art that captures the essence of wonderful, creative, and imaginative thinking. Sorry, we currently do not have exhibit space for sculpture.

Are you an artist? First step for participation in a Rancho Cordova City Hall Art Exhibit is to register on our Rancho Cordova Arts Database by clicking here. No need to re-register if you have already done so. Be part of Rancho Cordova's growing art community.
WOW - WHAT A SHOW
Record Breaking Attendance at the California Capital Airshow

The 10th annual California Capital Airshow and first-ever night show exceeded expectations. The proceeds from the event will fund scholarships to regional youth interested in pursuing education and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Aviation, and Aerospace; year-round youth programs and events at Mather Airport; and 24 local youth and veteran nonprofit organizations.

"Based on the success of the show, the positive feedback from our guests, and the overwhelming support of our community partners, the Board is looking forward to another ten years," said Ted Gaebler, Chairman of the California Capital Airshow Board of Directors.

The California Capital Airshow, presented by Sacramento County, in partnership with the City of Rancho Cordova, opened the gates at Mather Airport to more than 109,000 spectators in October with a heart-pounding lineup of performances and entertainment for the whole family. The Airshow welcomed back the United States Air Force Thunderbirds Jet Demonstration Team, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the United States Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet, and so much more.

"We're very pleased with the success of the Airshow and our unforgettable night show," said Darcy Brewer, Executive Director of the California Capital Airshow. "The region enjoyed a boost to the local economy as visitors from across the nation and several other countries attended this thrilling and meaningful event."

A special thank you goes to Sacramento County, City of Rancho Cordova, Intel, Fox 40, Sacramento Jet Center, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Lasher Dodge, iHeart Media, SAFE Credit Union, and many more sponsors as well as the 1,100 volunteers for their support of the California Capital Airshow each year.

Stay tuned for information about the 2016 Show by following the California Capital Airshow on Facebook (@CCAjets) or visiting its website.
 
 
We always love hearing from our residents! Let us know how you're  getting a FRESH TAKE on Rancho Cordova today!