BRECA General Meeting

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You are invited to the BRECA General Meeting:

Discussions of Citizen’s Concerns

Tuesday, December 12th • 6:30 pm

Rancho Cordova Library
9845 Folsom Blvd.
(one light east of Bradshaw)
Water and Coffee will be Provided

For more information, call 916-361-7236

Guest Speakers:
5th District Sacramento County Supervisor Pat Hume
Cordova Recreation and Park District General Manager Patrick Larkin
Problem Oriented Police (POP) Officer: TBD

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BRECA
Butterfield Riviera East
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Final October 2021 Steering Committee Minutes

BUTTERFIELD-RIVIERA EAST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

GENERAL MEETING MINUTES

DATE: October 26, 2021

PLACE:  Internet, via Zoom

MEETING TYPE:  BRECA General Meeting

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT

Lori Christensen

Ken Crawford

Bonnie Domeny

Rene Hamlin

Jim Morgan

Andrea White

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT:

James Adams

Gay Jones

NUMBER OF GUESTS/MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: 32

1. Welcome from Chair Rene Hamlin

2. Sacramento County Supervisor Don Nottoli

Supervisor Don Nottoli thanked BRECA for our engagement with community issues.  He stated that work completing the sidewalk on the north side of Folsom Blvd. had been completed this year, and work on the south side from Bradshaw to Mayhew is scheduled for next year.  The proposed redevelopment of the drive-in theater is on hold, and the entitlements have expired.  It is likely they will be resubmitted, possibly with changes.  Redistricting is proceeding, and there will be public hearings in November.  Revised districts must be approved by the end of the year.  District 5 has about 30,000 more residents than other districts, and there will be changes.  There will be elections next year, including District 5: Supervisor Nottoli will not be running.

3. Deputy Staci Patterson, Sacramento County Sheriff’s office: Homelessness

Rene Hamlin noted that the scheduled speakers from the Sheriff’s Problem Oriented Policing and Homeless Outreach Team are not on the call, so Deputy Patterson with the Homeless Outreach Team is filling in.

Deputy Patterson stated that she is sitting in for the other Deputies.  Sheriff’s personnel can assist with homeless problems on the Regional Transit/Union Pacific property.  Supervisor Nottoli added that homelessness is a challenging issue for the whole County.  There have been any number of efforts to work with the homeless.  Their office receives one or two calls daily.  Esthetics, the human issue, and community imacts are prominent problems.  Deputy Patterson continued that they do outreach, work with County Human Assistance, and also do enforcement.  They try to offer services before enforcement, and balance the needs of the homeless and the community.

Rene Hamlin read a question from the Chat (a Zoom function): Why is there no safe camping area in the Mather Field property?  Supervisor Nottoli stated that there are discussions going on about how to get people into shelters and housing.  The Mather campus serves several hundred people, including families and single people.  Project Roomkey at the Comfort Inn serves about 100 people.  It is a long haul situation.

Deputy Mark Francis joined the discussion and added that he is the Problem Oriented Policing (POP) officer for about one year.  He commented that BRECA is a low crime area, but that property crimes are up, such as catalytic converter theft.

Rene read another question from the Chat: What can we do as citizens about the homeless?  Deputy Patterson advised giving to reputable organizations, e.g. food banks.  Don’t give food to the homeless directly, as it generates trash that gets left behind.  She also commented that people drop off lots of stuff at the homeless camps, which often becomes trash.

Rene read another question from the Chat: What about clean-up by prisoners?  Deputy Patterson responded that Sheriff’s work project teams do work on cleanup.  Supervisor Nottoli commented that the County spends about $8 million per year to clean up illegal dumping and other issues around homelessness.

Rene read another question from the Chat: An encampment along the railroad tracks on Fruitridge was cleaned up, bulldozed, and fenced.  How do we accomplish this along Folsom Blvd.?  Deputy Patterson responded that what they can do depends upon who owns it.  Private property owners can fence off an area, but if it belongs to the County it is more difficult.

Rene read another question from the Chat: Is there a place on the County web site where one can learn about the resources that are available?  Deputy Patterson responded that there are many resources, but not one consolidated place, and the resources are constantly changing.

Rene read another question from the Chat: Transit corridors are more likely to have homeless, so are there more resources available?  Deputy Patterson responded that the County does not have specific resources for transit corridors.  Supervisor Nottoli commented that the Folsom Blvd. corridor has multiple owners.  COVID-19 complicates the situation.  There is money available for humanitarian relief and enforcement.  For example, health and safety issues such as obstructing the sidewalk can be acted upon.  There are many different cases, and each needs careful consideration. 

4. Nick Mori, Sacramento County Department of Public Health: COVID-19

Mr. Mori gave a slide presentation regarding COVID-19.  He pointed out that community transmission in the U.S. is up, but that California looks relatively good compared to the rest of the nation.  In Sacramento County, there have been a number of surges of cases: in summer 2020, winter 2020/2021, and summer 2021.  Recently case numbers have turned up a bit.  In Sacramento County, about 57% of the total population is fully vaccinated.  Those who are fully vaccinated are five times less likely to be infected, and ten times less likely to be hospitalized or die.  In California, more recent numbers (September 2021) indicate that fully vaccinated people are 6.6 time less likely to get infected, 12 times less likely to be hospitalized and 17.8 times less likely to die from COVID-19.  At U.C. Davis Health, large majorities of those hospitalized, in intensive care, or on ventilator are unvaccinated.  All three available vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen) are considered safe and effective, and to reduce the risk of severe illness.  Some groups of people are now recommended to get booster shots.  Preferably they should be the same as the original type of shot, but one can mix them.  People can get COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time.  Resources are available on COVID-19.saccounty.net.

5. Anja Glisic, Sacramento County Department of Health Services: Mental Health Services

Anja Glisic, with the Mental Health Services section of the Department of Health Services, stated that there are many resources available.  These include:

Mental Health Access Call Center: 916-875-1055
Urgent Care Clinic: 916-520-2460, 2130 Stockton Blvd #300, walk in available
Community Support Team: 916-874-6015
Suicide Prevention Awareness: 800-273-8255 or suicideispreventable.org
Anja Glisic: .

Rene Hamlin read a question from the chat: What are the signs of considering self harm?  Ms. Glisic responded that they may include giving away possessions, feeling helpless or hopeless, drastic changes in behavior, and changes in appetite and sleep pattern.  Sometimes people feel helpless, that there is no way out.  One can ask directly whether suicide is being contemplated.

6. Fire Marshall Lisa Barsdale, Sacramento Metro Fire: Emergency Preparedness

Rene Hamlin commented that there had been a question about a fire at the Kinder-Morgan tank farm at Bradshaw Rd. and Folsom Blvd.  It turns out that it was a bush that caught on fire, not one of the buildings or tanks.

Fire Marshall Lisa Barsdale stated that she is assigned to the community risk reduction division.  Being prepared for emergencies helps with the outcome.  She presented a series of slides which talked about the need to identify risks, create and practice a family emergency plan, build an emergency supply kit, include special needs such as medications, oxygen, etc., and have a checklist.  More information can be found at 916-859-4155 or .

7. Captain Scott Perryman, Sacramento Metro Fire: COVID-19

Captain Perryman, with Sacramento Metro Fire, stated that they have been assisting other County units by providing mobile units to address the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in regard to un-housed individuals and at skilled nursing facilities.  In a three months time they had seen around 4,600 patients.  They have also been doing COVID-19 testing, with more than 35,000 swabs, including fire department staff and people at nursing homes.  He also commented that many hospitals had problems with their oxygen systems freezing, due to the high flow rates.  They were able to provide a solution to that problem, which has been adopted world-wide.

8. Other Issues

a. Bradshaw Apartments

Rashad Mammadov, the project owner of the proposed Bradshaw Apartments, stated that his architects and engineers are working on the project, and anticipate submitting files to the County by mid-November.  They hope to have the permits by January 2022, and start construction in March 2022.  He also stated that they intend to reach out to the neighbors concerning tree selection for that part of the property.

b. Kassis Project

Jim Morgan commented that the Kassis project is flying under the radar at this point, and nothing new has come to the public sphere.  The project needs a permit from the Central Valley Flood Protection Board to build in the floodway.  They may or may not get that permit, as the Board frowns on development in floodways.

c. Motels

Supervisor Don Nottoli commented that County Code Enforcement and Building Inspection are planning an inspection of the Blossom Village property, and permits are not final.  The owners had some interest in converting to more permanent residential.  They would need entitlements to do so, and have not followed up on that.

Sheriff’s Deputy Mark Francis commented that Vince’s Motel is an ongoing concern, with isolated incidents.  They have a high rate of turnover, which is part of the business.

d. Eclectic Center

Supervisor Don Nottoli commented that there was a homeless individual in back of the Eclectic Center who accumulated a lot of belongings.  He was arrested and then returned.

Rene Hamlin read a comment from the chat: the property owners of the Eclectic Center have not been responsive to fixing the fence and gate.  Deputy Mark Francis stated that they are working with code enforcement on the condition of the fence, and the owners can be fined.

e.  Speed Bumps

Rene Hamlin commented that speed bumps have been installed on Mira Del Rio Dr.  She enquired about speed bumps on Bradshaw Rd. near Folsom Blvd.  Supervisor Don Nottoli stated that they have received complaints about speeding on Bradshaw, and the County has done two traffic surveys. Staff determined that speed bumps at that location are not justified because it is a major artery for first responders and people who live in the neighborhood.  Sometimes they can get a special presence of law enforcement to enforce the laws.

Deputy Mark Francis gave out the Problem Oriented Policing (POP) phone number: 916-875-9657.

f. Homeless on Folsom Blvd.

There was a question from a late caller regarding the homeless people on Folsom Blvd.  Deputy Mark Francis commented that Deputy Staci Peterson had already done a presentation on homelessness.  He added that many people on Folsom Blvd. do not want to leave.  The situation of what the Sheriff’s Department and other agencies can do keeps changing.  The County cannot force people between the tracks and the road to leave.  Homeless people are offered services.  There are trash trucks dedicated to picking up the trash.  Supervisor Nottoli commented that his office gets contacted every day by people from the community about the situation.  They are concerned about both the welfare of the homeless people and the illicit activities that go along with homelessness. 

Rene Hamlin read a question from the chat: People lost items in the storm, is there a place to donate that goes to the homeless?  Depute Peterson responded that one can call 211 to find organizations that accept donations to help the homeless.

9. Concluding Remarks

Supervisor Don Nottoli thanked BRECA again for hosting the meeting.  He commented that the County expects to see about $300 to $400 million in additional funding from the State and Federal governments in the next few years for mental health, homelessness, etc.  On another topic, the redistricting maps for County Supervisorial Districts should be out tomorrow and posted on-line.  Public input is welcome.

10. Meeting adjourned.

The next meeting will be a regular Steering Committee meeting on November 23, 2021, by Internet (Zoom)

General Meeting

You should have received, by now, a nondescript white envelope addressed to Resident. It was from BRECA, your community association.

Via Zoom.

October 26th 2021

6:30 to 8:30

https://bit.ly/3B1r5JH

Topics to be covered include Homelessness COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness.

We hope you can join us!

Rene Hamlin is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: General Meeting
Time: Oct 26, 2021 06:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
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Events and Meetings Update

Update 5/9/2020: The May Steering Committee meeting will be held virtually via Zoom. It will be open to neighbors. Details will be provided as they become available.

In order to slow the transmission of COVID-19, the California Department of Public Health issued at stay at home order for the safety of the community. The BRECA Steering Committee feels that compliance with the state and county policies is the best way to keep our community healthy and safe. As a result, scheduled meetings and events are cancelled or postponed until further notice. This includes:

  • March Steering Committee meeting
  • Easter Egg Hunt
  • Annual General Meeting

If you need assistance from the BRECA Steering Committee, please contact us at .

Stay safe neighbors!
BRECA Steering Committee



BRECA Annual General Meeting Minutes – April 23, 2019

BUTTERFIELD-RIVIERA EAST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
GENERAL MEETING MINUTES

DATE: April 23, 2019
PLACE: Rancho Cordova Library, 9845 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, California
MEETING TYPE: BRECA GeneralMeeting

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT

James Adams
Lori Christensen
Bonnie Domeny
Rene Hamlin
Lynda Hammitt
Gay Jones
Carmen Mitchell
Jim Morgan
Andrea White

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT: NONE

NUMBER OF GUESTS/MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: 57

1. Welcome from Chair Lynda Hammitt

2. Introduction from the Chair

Lynda Hammitt introduced the speakers and described the format of the meeting.  There are to be presentations from the speakers, followed by questions from the audience.

The speakers were:

Prabhjot Johnson, Sacramento County Department of Human Services,
Ron Fiskan, Sacramento Metro Fire Community Emergency Response Team (CERT),
George Booth, Sacramento County Department of Water Resources,
Jason Wenner and Jason Vestal, Sacramento Metro Fire,
Darren Quackenbush, Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputy, and Problem Oriented Policing (POP) officer, and Sergeant Chuck Pfau, POP Supervisor,
Robin Johnson and George Beries, California Highway Patrol, and
Don Nottoli, Sacramento County Supervisor

3. Prabhjot Johnson, Sacramento County Department of Human Services

Ms. Johnson stated that an emergency is any serious, unexpected, often dangerous situation requiring immediate action.  Examples are fires, floods, and disease.  What to do generally comes down to one of two things: evacuation, and shelter in place.  There is a Sacramento Alert Emergency Notification System that can notify you in event of an emergency.  You can also sign up at www.sacoes.org.

To be prepared for an emergency, it is helpful to have an emergency kit, which should include:

three to five days food and water,
medications and a list of medications,
a first aid kit,
a flashlight and batteries,
clothes,
pet supplies,
a pet crate or carrier, and
a contact list of friends and family out of town (e.g. use social media).

Additional information is available at www.sacramentoready.org.

If an injury occurs, one should call 911, stay safe, stop bleeding, position the injured, and provide comfort.

A question from the audience concerned how a person who is elderly and immobile can prepare for an emergency.  Ms. Johnson suggested a Federal Emergency Management Agency brochure that she brought to the meeting.

4. Ron Fiskan, Sacramento Metro Fire Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Mr. Fiskan stated that the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) was started in 1981.  They provide training of members of the public in basic first aid, how to turn off electricity and other utilities, and general first aid.

A question from the audience concerned how one would initiate service with CERT.  Mr. Fiskan responded that one can sign up for training on the Sacramento Metro Fire website.  Another question was whether everybody should be trained at a basic level.  Mr. Fiskan responded yes, and it is free.  He also stated that there is more advanced training for many eventualities.

5. George Booth, Sacramento County Department of Water Resources

Mr. Booth stated that he is with the Floodplain Management section of the County Department of Water Resources.  He will talk about little water and big water.  On the local level is storm water drainage.  There are 239 acres in the BRECA area.  Water from the storm drains goes downhill until it comes to the pump station at the Mayhew Drain.  He implored people not to put junk, such as oil or dog poop, down the drains as it ends up in the river.

On the big water level, in 1986 there was a flow of 135,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) in the American River, and in 1997 it reached 115,000 cfs.  Since then, a new spillway has been build at Folsom Dam.  Before the new spillway, the dam could only release 35,000 cfs until the dam was 90% full.  Now it can release more water earlier.  Storage at Folsom reservoir is only one million acre-feet, and there is a big drainage above the dam.  The nemesis of flood control is a big snow pack plus an atmospheric river rain.  Currently, the 100-year flow is estimated at 115,000 cfs.  The 200-year flow is estimated at 117,000 cfs.  The Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency is currently certifying the levees to 145,000 cfs.

Mr. Booth also pointed out that the Rancho Cordova Library is at 70 feet elevation, so should be outside of any flooding from the American River.  He has a map of the flood inundation for 235,000 cfs, but it would only affect people within a few blocks of the levee.  Whether one needs flood insurance, it depends.  Call 916-874-6484 to find out if you are in a flood area.  Flood insurance costs around $600 per year.  Although the current system looks strong, one squirrel can change the whole scenario.  Take away: 235,000 cfs very unlikely to happen.  Protect those levees and keep the storm drains open.

A question from the audience was how to get the 235,000 cfs map.  Mr. Booth responded that BRECA could make arrangements to get the map.

6. Battalion Chief Jason Vestal and Captain Jason Wenner, Sacramento Metro Fire

Chief Vestal stated that they deal with many hazardous materials incidents.  They would use foam to contain a large fire or spill.  They work with other districts to respond to large events.

Captain Wenner stated that there had recently been a large flammable tank fire in Texas, and it took a long time to put it out.  These incidents don’t happen often, but are catastrophic when they do happen.  The Kinder Morgan facility (the tank farm at Bradshaw Rd. and Folsom Blvd.) would be a large incident if something happened.  They can’t put water on it, but would need a lot of foam to put it out.  They would get help from other agencies, but still would likely take a long time to put out.

A question from the audience was whether they were prepared for an event at Kinder Morgan.  Captain Wenner assured us that they are.  Another question was what would they have the community do if Kinder Morgan burned.  Captain Wenner responded that we would generally shelter in place.  The facility has berms that would contain 150% of the largest tank.  Also, any runoff would drain to the south-east.  They have emergency plans on how to contact the local community.

7. Deputy Darren Quackenbush with Sacramento Sheriff’s Department and Sergeant Chuck Pfau with Rancho Cordova Police

Deputy Darren Quackenbush stated that he is the Problem Oriented Policing (POP) officer for this area.  Sergeant Chuck Pfau is his supervisor.  Deputy Quackenbush stated that they would work with the CHP to do traffic control during an evacuation.  Generally they would direct people to the easiest way out.  He recommended that people have a “go bag” if they need to leave right now, with supplies for three to five days.  He asked how many people have an emergency action plan.  A few hands went up.

A statement from the audience was that they had participated in evacuation drills in another community, and that they had put an “X” on the doors of houses that had been evacuated.  Sergeant Pfau responded that it could be done, maybe BRECA could organize something, and to let them know.  However, they would follow up and check to be sure.

8. Lieutenant Robin Johnson and Sergeant George Beries with the California Highway Patrol

Lieutenant Robin Johnson, commander of the East Station of the California Highway Patrol (CHP), stated that they assist with traffic flow in the event of an emergency evacuation.  People need to have a plan, and have gas in the car.  Sergeant Beries stated that when they say evacuate and you don’t, it causes problems.  Floods, fires, and earthquakes: It is a matter of when, not if.  Have a plan: you will get through it.  Medications can become a problem if someone needs to get back into an evacuated area to get their medications.

9. Supervisor Don Nottoli and Other Representatives from Sacramento County

Supervisor Don Nottoli stated that we have a talented and knowledgeable group of people serving the community, and that people need to be prepared for emergencies.  He also gave an update on some ongoing issues for the community.  He stated that the County is working with Rancho Cordova to improve the section of Folsom Blvd. from Paseo Rio to Bradshaw Rd.  This summer the County expects to repave the section of Folsom Blvd. from Bradshaw to Butterfield.  Next summer they hope to do improvements to the same section, including bike lanes.

Ron Vicari, with the Sacramento County Department of Transportation, stated that they are seeking grants for the work on Folsom Blvd. from Bradshaw Rd. to Butterfield Way.  He also commented that people can call in potholes, and they generally get them done in four days.

A question from the audience concerned improvements to the section of Folsom Blvd. from Butterfield Way to Mayhew Rd.  Mr. Vicari stated that would be in the next round of funding, which comes up in 2020.  They want to continue and get to Watt Ave.  A comment from the audience concerned the 311 County information number, which is aggravating, because it does not have an option to go to the County, but directs the caller to the City of Sacramento departments.  Mr. Vicari stated that they know about the problem, and that there is a 311 app for smartphones.

Barry Chamberlain, with Sacramento County Code Enforcement, stated that they have two ongoing cases in this area.  Vince’s Motel has done a good job and cleaned up it’s problems.  For Casa Linda, their business license has been pulled, and they are about to lose the license.  There is a party interested in buying the property.

A question from the audience was whether Casa Linda has to stay a motel.  Mr. Chamberlain stated that they don’t control the use of the property, but will work with a new owner.  Another question from the audience concerned feral cats on Elmira Circle.  Mr. Chamberlain said that would be Animal Control.  But, if someone has too many cats, there could also be other problems that would involve Code Enforcement.

Supervisor Nottoli noted that the Board of Supervisors is encouraging conversion of motels to supportive housing.  Concerning the Sy West property (the Drive-In Theaters), he noted that the owners are investing about $1 million into the existing theater.  Concerning the proposal to build apartments on vacant property behind some businesses on Folsom Blvd., the developer has run into some snags.  Currently they are planning to increase the density to 60 units, and encroach into the 50 feet setback from the private property line.  He noted that state law is changing, and that will affect how local authority controls development.  Some proposals in the legislature include non-discretionary review of higher density development near rapid transit.

10. Presentation of Gift for Sheryll Venegas

Lynda Hammitt presented a gift for Sheryll Venegas, who recently retired from Supervisor Nottoli’s staff, to Supervisor Nottoli.

11. Meeting adjourned.

The next meeting will be a regular Steering Committee meeting on May 28, 2019, at the Rancho Cordova Library