BUTTERFIELD-RIVIERA EAST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DATE: August 25, 2026

PLACE:  Rancho Cordova Library
9845 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA

MEETING TYPE:  BRECA Steering Committee Meeting

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT

James Adams

Lori Christensen

Gay Jones

Jim Morgan

Alexandria Quebral

Andrea White

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT

Rose Fisher

Rene Hamlin

Debbie Purvis

NUMBER OF GUESTS/MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: 5

1. Welcome by Chair Gay Jones and Introductions

2. Items from the public, not on the agenda

None.

3. Minutes from July 28, 2026

Andrea White made a motion to adopt the draft minutes of July 28, 2026.  James Adams seconded the motion.  The motion was approved unanimously.

4. Reports

a. Treasurer

Andrea White distributed a handout with the current income and expenditures.  The balance in the BRECA account is $7,891.54.

b. Membership

Jim Morgan reported that BRECA has 84 memberships.

c. CORPAC

Gay Jones reported that the last Cordova Planning and Advisory Committee (CORPAC) considered a proposal to change the zoning for the Drive In Theater are from Limited Commercial to General Commercial.  CORPAC approved the change.  Paul Bowers commented that the change would allow more opportunity to get tenants.  It looks like the Theater will keep going.  The County wants to see something get built there.  Gay Jones commented that the most recent application for the area, “The Landing,” expired in 2022.  Some General Commercial will come before CORPAC, and some not.

5. Old Business

a. Folsom Garden Apartments

Gay Jones commented that she had emailed Supervisor Hume’s office and commented that the most recent documents on the Folsom Garden Apartments still say three stories tall.  They should say that part of the proposed development is two stories, on the north side.  She has not heard back from Supervisor Hume’s office.

b. Off-Paved Trails Cycling Proposals

Jim Morgan reported that County Parks is considering opening up some but not all maintenance roads and fire breaks in the American River Parkway to off-paved trail cycling.  There is a subcommittee of the Recreation and Parks Commission that is making recommendations.  It appears that a maintenance road in the Gristmill area is proposed for opening, but it is not clear if that is the top of the levee or the road at the riverside toe of the levee.

Gay Jones noted that after maintenance roads and fire breaks in the Woodlake and Cal Expo areas were opened to off-paved trail cycling that cyclists assumed that all trails were open and there has been an increase in cycling on trails throughout the Parkway.  The Parkway is supposed to be maintained as a natural area for wildlife etc.  The recreational aspect should be developed elsewhere.  Paul Bowers commented that if they don’t put signs everywhere cyclists will go off of approved trails to other trails.

A member of the audience commented that the subcommittee making recommendations is an “ad hoc” committee and not subject to the Brown Act. 

Andrea White commented that the Cordova Recreation and Park District does not allow cycling due to liability concerns, and are worried about ridiculous claims.  James Adams commented that there are no cycling signs around the Gristmill area but he still sees bikes on the trails.

Gay noted that the Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates recently posted a ride on their website around the Gristmill trails.  She contacted chief ranger Orman and they had rangers at the site who directed cyclists away from the trials.

c. General Meeting October 27, 2026

There was discussion about who to invite to speak at the General Meeting.  A theme was chosen: “Together for our Community.”  There were volunteers for setup.

d. Website

It was noted that we have not had a person to run the BRECA website for some time.  Andrea White volunteered to write up a request to BRECA members for someone to run the web site.  She will send it around to the Steering Committee.  A member of the audience suggested getting an intern from Sac State.

6. New Business

a. Planning for September Meeting

Gay Jones noted that she and Andrea White will both be unavailable for the September meeting.  There was discussion about who should chair and getting the key.

It was also decided to leave the November meeting on the fourth Tuesday.

b. Floor

Paul Bowers noted that there was supposed to be a meeting of the Psynergy advisory Committee in August, but that did not happen.  Hailey Cross with Psynergy stated that the project is on hold, and the advisory committee will start when they break ground.  Assembly person Krell was a guest, and had questions they could not answer.  They are going back to planning on clients and buildings.

Lori Christensen noted that the Great American River Clean Up will be on September 19 from 9 am to noon.

Paul Bowers noted that the BRECA Brown Bag picnic will be on September 20 at 4 pm.

Paul also noted that the a publication from Cordova Recreation and Park District shows the tennis courts in Riviera East Park being realigned, and that is a waste of money.

Gay Jones noted that we need to do a plaque for the tree section in front of the Library, and wants to get bids for it.  Lori suggested Arnolds for Awards.

7.  Adjourned until next meeting

The next meeting will be a Steering Committee Meeting to be held at the Rancho Cordova Library on September 22, 2026.

BUTTERFIELD-RIVIERA EAST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DATE: July 28, 2026

PLACE:  Rancho Cordova Library
9845 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA

MEETING TYPE:  BRECA Steering Committee Meeting

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT

James Adams

Lori Christensen

Gay Jones

Jim Morgan

Alexandria Quebral

Andrea White

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT

Rose Fisher

Rene Hamlin

Debbie Purvis

NUMBER OF GUESTS/MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: 10

1. Welcome by Chair Gay Jones and Introductions

2. Items from the public, not on the agenda

None.

3. Selection of Steering Committee Officers

Gay Jones made a motion to adopt the slate of previously serving officers.  James Adams seconded the motion.  The motion was approved unanimously.

4. Minutes from June 23, 2026

James Adams made a motion to adopt the draft minutes of June 23, 2026.  Alexandria Quebral seconded the motion.  The motion was approved unanimously.

5. Reports

a. Treasurer

Andrea White distributed a handout with the current income and expenditures.  The balance in the BRECA account is $7,771.54.

b. Membership

Jim Morgan reported that BRECA has 84 memberships.

c. CORPAC

Gay Jones reported that the last Cordova Planning and Advisory Committee (CORPAC) reviewed proposed changes to Sacramento County Zoning.  She also noted that there are vacancies on the committee, and invited people to apply.

d. Floor

None.

5. Old Business

a. Psynergy

Hailey Cross with Psynergy noted that the advisory committee is to meet in October when they get plans for the proposed expansion.  In response to a question from the audience, she stated that Psynergy is a mental health facility which is a one-stop shop.  All clients are under a conservatorship.  The new project will be for a lower level of care, but will be a locked facility.  She also noted that they will have a car show the last Thursday of August, the 27^th from three to five pm.

b. Parkway Coalition

Gay Jones stated the American River Parkway Coalition meets once a month.  Stakeholders meet and share projects.  The chief ranger or head of County Parks Liz Bellas usually attend, as does their nature specialist KC Sorgen.  At the last meeting, one of the attendees alerted Gay that the Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates had scheduled a bicycling event on the pedestrian paths in the Gristmill area.  Gay called up chief ranger Orman and informed him of this.  They had several rangers on hand on the scheduled day, and the bicyclists were directed to stay on the levee.  There was a small group of about 20 cyclists.

James Adams noted that once out of about every five times he sees a bicyclist on the pedestrian trails.  He usually does not say anything.  Lori Christensen stated that she once had a bicyclist come up behind her and say “can you get out of the way?” 

Gay also noted that one of the members of the American River Trees group recently went to a Central Valley Flood Protection Board meeting and it was stated that the Army Corps of Engineers did not have money for new spillway gates at Folsom Dam.

c. Folsom Gardens Apartment Project

A member of the audience stated that they moved in several years ago (next to the proposed Folsom Gardens Apartments Project).  The current project has less proposed units than the previous version.  They need more information.  They wanted to know if the apartments would all be low income?  Jim Morgan confirmed that they would all be low income or very low income.  Gay Jones noted that there have been several county zoning plans that encompassed the area.  Since then, state laws have changed, making it easier to build higher density projects.  The lead planner is Sam Kisner (phone 916-875-5296).  County Design Review approved the project on July 15.  Next it will need building permits.

The member of the audience commented that the new owners are taking better care of the lot, and homeless people are no longer there.

Gay noted that she had asked planners to do courtesy notices to neighbors of the project, and they declined to do so.  She wondered whether the neighbors are aware of the project?  A member of the audience commented that the neighbors seemed to be aware of the project.

There was discussion about getting a new fence as part of the project.  Gay suggested contacting Sam Kisner and seeing if there was a path to doing that.  Likely it would have to be an agreement with the developer.

6. New Business

a. Planning for General Meeting in October

Gay Jones noted that the General Meeting has generally been held in October.  It was agreed to do likewise this year.  She stated that we don’t want to invite too many speakers and suggested the following:

Pat Larkin with Cordova Recreation and Park District,

Pat Hume, Sacramento County Supervisor,

Somebody from the sheriff’s office, likely Problem Oriented Policing,

Somebody from County Regional Parks, possibly Chief Ranger Orman, or someone to address the proposed off-paved trail cycling.

Andrea White suggested someone to speak about the Folsom Garden Apartments, maybe County Planning?

Gay also suggested someone from code enforcement.

b. Floor

Lori Christensen stated that the American River Parkway Foundation is organizing the annual Great American River Clean Up again this year.  It will be held on September 19 from 9 am to noon.  The Gristmill area is included.  She might be out of town, and wants someone to do the organizing for the Gristmill area.  James Adams agreed to volunteer.

7.  Adjourned until next meeting

The next meeting will be a Steering Committee Meeting to be held at the Rancho Cordova Library on August 25, 2026.

BUTTERFIELD-RIVIERA EAST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DATE: May 26, 2026

PLACE:  Rancho Cordova Library
9845 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA

MEETING TYPE:  BRECA Steering Committee Meeting

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT

James Adams

Paul Bowers

Lori Christensen

Rene Hamlin

Gay Jones

Jim Morgan

Andrea White

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT

None

NUMBER OF GUESTS/MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: 7

1. Welcome by Chair Gay Jones and Introductions

2. Items from the public, not on the agenda

None.

3. Minutes from April 28, 2026

Rene Hamlin made a motion to adopt the draft minutes of April 28, 2026.  James Adams seconded the motion.  The motion was approved unanimously.

4. Reports

a. Treasurer

Andrea White handed out a monthly report which she reviewed.  The balance in the BRECA account is $7,566.54

b. Membership

Jim Morgan reported that BRECA has 84 memberships.

5. Old Business

a. Infill Project Notification of Residences and Businesses

Gay Jones stated some people are concerned about the proposed development behind the mall on Folsom Blvd.  She raised the question whether BRECA should notify the homeowners and businesses that stand to be impacted by the proposed development.  Lori Christensen asked if the County has to notify people within 500 feet of the proposal.  Gay responded that Supervisor Hume’s office says it is a “by right” development, so there is no notification.  Rene Hamlin stated that BRECA should notify people.  A member of the audience agreed.  Jim Morgan stated that he also agreed.  A member of the audience enquired if it is a done deal, why notify people?  Or, it could turn out to be nothing, so why?  Andrea White stated that if it is doable, we should do it.  Paul Bowers enquired why get people upset if there is nothing they can do about it?  There was general agreement to do notification.  Gay stated that it is a courtesy thing.  Decision tree: if Sam Kirshner, the planner in charge, says is going fast, we will do fast, if slow we will hold off.  Gay to take lead in writing, Rene to help.  [Who made motion and second?]  The vote was unanimous in favor.

b. Elections

Jim Morgan stated that there were 9 people who accepted the nominations for Steering Committee.  Hence, there was no election.  The members of the incoming Steering Committee will be:

James Adams

Lori Christensen

Rose Fisher

Rene Hamlin

Gay Jones

Jim Morgan

Debbie Purvis

Alexandria Quebrada

Andrea White

c. Psynergy Committee

Paul Bowers stated that he had volunteered to be on an advisory committee for the proposed Psynergy expansion, but that he had not done anything about it.  A member of the audience stated they would also like to be on the committee.  Gay Jones stated that she had tried to work with the Psynergy people in the past, and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.  Apparently they received the grant for the proposed expansion.  Paul to contact Psynergy and follow up on the advisory committee.

d. TruMark Property

Gay Jones commented that there is a Conservancy that is in negotiations to purchase the TruMark property, with the objective of transferring it to public ownership.

e.  Off-paved-trails Cycling on American River Parkway

Jim Morgan reviewed the situation regarding off-paved-trails cycling on the American River Parkway.  He stated that County Parks had formed an ad hoc subcommittee to make recommendations regarding opening up the fire breaks and maintenance roads to bicycles.  Apparently there is also discussion of opening up equestrian trails as well.  Some information about the meetings is leaking out, but it is not to clear what is to be recommended.

f. American River Trees

Gay Jones commented that the Corps of Engineers is proposing to cut down all of the trees in part of the Parkway downstream from the BRECA area in order to do erosion protection projects.  Jim Morgan stated that that is not correct, in each segment roughly half of the trees will be preserved, according to the project cross-sections that have been released by the Corps.  Gay stated that she would call Pete Spaulding, head of American River Trees, for an update.

g. Starthistle/Invasive Plants Work Day

Gay Jones thanked people for showing up and pulling Yellow Starthistle.  They are also concerned about Italian Thistle, and they need to come up with a plan.  There is a lot in River Bend Park.  Maybe herbicides?  James Adams commented that he would be concerned about the use of herbicides on the Parkway.

h. From the Floor

None.

6. New Business

a. June Meeting Logistics.

Gay Jones that she would not be at the June Meeting.  Arrangements were made to pick up the key and chair the meeting.

b. From the Floor

A member of the audience commented that they would like to get a presentation together about BRECA for new people in the neighborhood.  Jim Morgan commented that we could do emails or letters similar to the Easter Egg Hunt attendees.  Paul Bowers agreed to do this.

7.  Adjourned until next meeting

The next meeting will be a Steering Committee Meeting to be held at the Rancho Cordova Library on June 23, 2026.

BUTTERFIELD-RIVIERA EAST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DATE: March 24, 2026

PLACE:  Rancho Cordova Library
9845 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA

MEETING TYPE:  BRECA Steering Committee Meeting

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT

James Adams

Paul Bowers

Lori Christensen

Rene Hamlin

Gay Jones

Jim Morgan

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBER ABSENT

Andrea White

NUMBER OF GUESTS/MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: 8

1. Welcome by Chair Gay Jones and Introductions

2. Items from the public, not on the agenda

None.

3. Minutes from February 24, 2026

Jim Morgan noted amendments to the draft minutes of February 24, 2026.  Paul Bowers made a motion to adopt the amended draft minutes.  James Adams seconded the motion.  The motion was approved unanimously.

4. TruMark (Kassis) Property

Brenda Gustin with the Save the American River Association (SARA) and Protect the American River (PAR) stated that PAR has been working on the proposed development of the Kassis, now TruMark property since 2019.  The original proposal was to build homes on 41 acres of property next to the American River.  They would have to fill in about half of the property to raise it above the flood plain.  They would have to get a variance from the Central Valley Flood Protection Board (CVFPB) to do this.  Residents adjacent to the property were concerned that it would result in increase flood elevations, leading to flooding of their homes.  Recently, the project has been modified so that the southern half would be higher density for moderate to low income people.  They would still build homes in the northern half of the property next to the river.  The Rancho Cordova General Plan states that there should be no building in the flood plain.  In 2024 Rancho Cordova Planning rejected the plan.  In 2025 TruMark threatened a lawsuit.  They then proposed a settlement with the City.  There was a hearing at the City Council, with much public opposition, and the proposal did not pass.  Those opposed included a local Rancheria, which stated that the entire area is culturally significant, and they oppose any development.

Ms. Gustin continued that in January TruMark offered to sell the entire property.  They want $12 million, even though they purchased it for $6 million.  There is a collaborative effort to buy the property.  There are potential funds from Proposition 4 for purchase.  However there are a number of associated expenses, such as appraisal, that cannot be covered in this way.  These expenses are estimated at around $2 million.  They have asked a number of organizations for help with this, and are now up to about $800,000.  They are trying to get grants, and need a show of public support.

James Adams enquired about the timeline.  Ms. Gustin responded ASAP.  Jim Morgan enquired which conservancy for purchase?  Ms. Gustin stated Sacramento Valley Conservancy, which administers part of Proposition 4 money.  She stated that there are three plans currently under consideration: Plan A is no development, because of the tribal interest.  Plan B is to split the property on an existing easement and develop only the southern part.  Plan C is all of the upper, southern part to be developed, but the lower, northern part to be added to the American River Parkway.

Paul Bowers stated that he doubted that the CVFPB would grant a variance.  Ms. Gustin stated that they have been told not to count on that.  The Army Corps of Engineers stated that it is not that big a deal.

Gay Jones enquired who would own it?  Ms. Gustin responded likely the Conservancy, but it is not clear right now.  Gay stated that if the Rancheria owned it, there would likely be no development.  Ms. Gustin stated that they are in midst of getting an appraisal, with the assumption that the upper part would be residential mixed use.  The State Department of Housing and Community Development wrote a letter to the City of Rancho Cordova stating that they had made a mistake, and the proposal was not inconsistent with the City’s General Plan.  TruMark got that letter generated.  The letter is on the SB 330 part on the Rancho Cordova planning site. 

Ms. Gustin continued that they hope to get an appraisal in two weeks.  Gay enquired what happens if there is no sale?  Ms. Gustin responded probably a lawsuit.  Any money left over would go to SARA.  Paul stated that the granting agency would not pay more than the appraisal.

Jim commented that we would like to help, but $2 million is way out of our league.  Gay commented that the discussion would be continued at the next meeting.

5. Reports

a. Treasurer

There was no report from the Treasurer.

b. Membership

Jim Morgan reported that BRECA has 83 memberships.

c. CORPAC

Gay Jones reported that the CORPAC (Cordova Community Planning and Advisory Council) heard from County staff about changes to the zoning code.  Details are complicated.

d. Metro Fire

Gay Jones stated that the Metro Fire Citizens Oversight Committee for capital improvements bond measure O has an opening.  If anyone is interested see the Metro Fire web site.

Paul Bowers commented that he had looked at the Metro Fire web site, and it looks like the Oversight Committee would just rubber stamp expenditures and do an after the fact audit.

Gay commented that they also do trainings for the public several times per year.

e. Psynergy

Gay Jones reported that she had received an email from Lynda Kaufman stating that the grant that Psynergy had applied for was not yet approved.

A member of the audience enquired what is Psynergy?  Hailey Cross with Psynergy responded that it is a mental health rehabilitation program located just east of the library.  If they get the grant, they will have an oversight committee, and BRECA could be on the committee if they are interested.

f. SB 79 and 908

Jim Morgan reported that SB 908 had undergone a gut and amend, and is no longer about SB 79, but is to prohibit cities and homeowners associations from banning energy efficient windows.  He will continue to monitor for future possible changes.

6. Old Business

a. Elections

Jim Morgan stated that nominations for Steering Committee candidates would begin with this meeting, and run until the next meeting. 

7. New Business

a. Easter Egg Hunt

Rene Hamlin discussed some of the details of the Easter Egg Hunt which is scheduled for April 4.

b. From the Floor

None

8.  Adjourned until next meeting

The next meeting will be a Steering Committee Meeting to be held at the Rancho Cordova Library on April 28, 2026.