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Reflections on the 2018 BRECA Annual General Meeting

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Reflections on the 2018 BRECA Annual General Meeting

A big THANK YOU! to our all-star lineup of guest speakers. This year, gracing the panel for our Annual event, we were honored to have the following:

  • State Assemblymember Ken Cooley,
  • Sacramento County Supervisor Don Nottoli,
  • Cordova Recreation and Park District (CRPD) District Administrator Patrick Larkin,
  • Deputy District Attorney Shauna Franklin,
  • Chief of Code Enforcement Barry Chamberlain,
  • CHP Officer Tommy Riggin,
  • Problem Oriented Policing (POP) Officer Deputy Mike Matranga, and
  • Park Ranger AJ Bennett.

Other key officials came to answer our questions and included our Neighborhood Police Officer Bill Winton as well as members of the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) who serve our area.

This year’s event had the highest attendance in our history, and the feedback received from audience and speakers alike was very positive. The energy was high, the questions provocative and well thought-out, and answers provided were informative and appreciated.

The focus of this year’s meeting was “Homelessness and Crime”, and there were many questions around those issues. Our audience also asked our panel about our park, the parkway, code enforcement, traffic, development, and myriad of other issues as well. A very well-rounded representation of the issues and concerns within our community were addressed. The questions that we did not have time to address during the meeting were sent to the panel members, and answers were received later.

Homelessness and Crime

During the meeting, our audience learned how law enforcement works with other agencies and with the community to address different types of issues relating to the homeless.

For example, our State and local leaders have obtained funding for law enforcement and parks to work hand in glove to identify where the homeless congregate along the river or in our parks. They go into those communities, provide services to those who will accept them, identify and apply law enforcement remedies where they exist, and clean up the debris left behind. Needless to say it’s a daunting task.

These task forces rely quite a bit on community members to identify where the needs exist. Where we see an issue, they encourage us to report it so they know where to start. It’s important that we let them know. Even if we don’t think it will help, it starts the process in motion. Your report just may be the missing piece in an overall puzzle that they are putting together.

The panelists informed the audience about the differences between what they can do on public property vs. private property, and how code enforcement comes in to the mix.

The audience had several questions around code enforcement. On any given issue, to whom should we report and how do we know? Is it a code enforcement issue? A law enforcement issue? Some other jurisdiction? The answer is, we don’t really have to know. They’ll help us.

How to Report in Sacramento County?

  • Emergency – 911
  • Non-Emergency – Dial 311 or (916) 874-5115
  • Smartphone – Use the “Sac County 311 Connect” app

They will make sure it gets directed to the right department. The bottom line is, when in doubt, REPORT. They’ll figure it out.

The key takeaway from this meeting, above all else, is… REPORT. When in doubt, REPORT.  There’s not much the agencies can do if there is no formal report.

Social media (Facebook, Nextdoor, Twitter, etc.) is not the same as a formal report. The agencies are unable to take action based on social media. The best thing that we as a community (and as individuals) can do to help law enforcement, code enforcement, etc., help us is to REPORT. That’s the only thing that will start the ball rolling. Even if no action can be taken on a particular incident, the report creates a paper trail that can be followed up if problems arise later. It also allows them to track hot spots, patterns, and trends.

As an example, one panelist looked up a particular area of community concern that BRECA shared with her in preparation for the meeting. She found that zero reports from the community had been made about that issue. That’s right. Zero. I’m sad to say it, folks, but that part is on us. But we can do better. By reporting what we see (even if we think there is nothing they can do), we help them help us.

That report is the starting point, or may even be a missing link, that they need.

RIVIERA EAST PARK

The audience expressed a lot of interest in the status of our park, and was very pleased to hear what District Administrator Patrick Larkin had to say. He informed us that funding to fix the walkways in our park has been obtained. That news received a huge round of applause! We’ll have an updated status on this soon, so stay tuned. More to come on this!

TRAFFIC

Another area of interest to the community was traffic. Participants discussed one particular stop sign at Allegheny and Elmira where several people have witnessed drivers “running” the stop sign, and a number of people reported having almost been hit. Supervisor Nottoli has taken action to look into this. Not long after the meeting, BRECA received an email that this has been referred to Sacramento County Department of Transportation for review and action.

We didn’t have time for all of our questions during the meeting. So, after the meeting, our CHP Officer was able to respond to a question about traffic laws at the railroad tracks at Bradshaw and Folsom Blvd. The question was, “What are the stoplight (i.e., traffic) laws at light rail on Bradshaw and Folsom?”

Here is his response:

  • For northbound Bradshaw at the light rail tracks approaching a red light, traffic must stop at the double limit lines where it says “WAIT HERE,” since it is illegal to stop on railroad tracks.  Only if the traffic light is green can anyone pull forward of the railroad limit line(s).  The crosswalk along the intersection is to provide a marked safe route for pedestrians, and act as a limit line to motorists only if no unusual conditions, such as railroad tracks, were in place.
  • Since right turns can be made on a red light when safe, at this particular location, a motorist looking to make a right hand turn onto eastbound Folsom Boulevard must visually clear the intersection and check for eastbound traffic before moving forward to the crosswalk, provided no trains or pedestrians are approaching.  If the light is still red, the motorist must stop again at the crosswalk and ensure the intersection is clear before proceeding to make his/her right turn.

Folsom Blvd and Complete Streets Project

People were also very interested in the status of the “complete streets” project for Folsom Blvd. After the meeting, Supervisor Nottoli’s office followed up with an email, providing the following information:

  • Folsom Boulevard Complete Streets Project – recently approved for funding (for design, right-of-way and construction) from the State Active Transportation Program.  This project will construct improvements from Bradshaw Road to approximately La Riviera Drive, including new sidewalks along the south side, sidewalk upgrades on the north side, new buffered bike lanes throughout, landscaped medians and frontage landscaping and streetscape.  This project is now in the design phase with construction scheduled to begin in spring of 2020.  The Sacramento County Department of Transportation (SacDOT) will hold community meetings on the project in the coming year.
  • Pavement Overlay Project between Bradshaw and Butterfield Roads is scheduled to go to bid in June with construction this summer.  SacDOT is completing the design and right-of-way for the construction of new sidewalks on the north side of Folsom Boulevard east of Mayhew Road.  Sidewalks will be installed along the vacant property located across from the Butterfield light rail station.  This project is currently scheduled to be bid late this year and constructed in spring 2019.  The sidewalks will be designed and constructed to be compatible with the streetscape project coming in 2020.
  • Regarding the bike path near Rod Beaudry Drive, scroll down on the attached City of Rancho Cordova link regarding the Folsom Blvd. Beautification and Enhancement Project Phases IV and V.  http://www.cityofranchocordova.org/government/public-works/plans-and-projects.

Toward the end of the meeting, the proposed ARCO AM/PM gas station at the northeast corner of Bradshaw and Folsom was discussed. Supervisor Nottoli shared that the plans had been brought to County Planning, and that the plan is currently on hold. BRECA and CORPAC (Cordova Community Planning Advisory Council) are both following this closely, so stay tuned to both of these forums if you are interested in this issue.

The evening was capped off with the drawing for River Cats ticket vouchers. Supervisor Nottoli’s office receives some vouchers from the River Cats organization to give away to community organizations. BRECA wishes to thank Supervisor Nottoli for choosing our community for this generous gift! The lucky drawing recipients were Rick Sloan, Amy Gillingwater, and David Frichtel and each recipient received two vouchers. Congratulations all!

Again, my sincerest thanks to everyone, speakers and community members alike, who made this such a successful meeting! Let’s do it again next year!!

For complete minutes of the 2018 BRECA Annual Meeting, click here.

If you aren’t already a BRECA member, please consider joining. Or if your membership has lapsed, please consider renewing. It’s only $10 per year. It’s easy! You can fill out an application and pay online, or download an application and send in a check. The application is on the BRECA website. Click here to join or renew today!

BRECA Steering Committee Meeting Minutes 04-24-18

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BUTTERFIELD-RIVIERA EAST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
GENERAL MEETING MINUTES

DATE: April 24, 2018
PLACE:  Rancho Cordova Library, 9845 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, California
MEETING TYPE:  BRECA General Meeting

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
James Adams
Lori Christensen
Kelly Cohen
Bonnie Domeny
Rene Hamlin
Lynda Hammitt
Gay Jones
Jim Morgan
Andrea White

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT: NONE

NUMBER OF GUESTS/MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: 91

  1. Welcome from Chair Lynda Hammitt
  2. Introduction from the Chair

Lynda Hammitt introduced the members of the panel and described the format of the meeting.  Panelists will give short introductory statements, and then respond to questions, first to written questions, and then to questions from the floor.

The members of the panel were:
Ken Cooley, California State Assemblyman,
Patrick Larkin, District Administrator, Cordova Recreation and Park District (CRPD),
Barry Chamberlin, Chief, Sacramento County Code Enforcement,
Mike Matranga, Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputy, and Problem Oriented Policing (POP) officer,
Don Nottoli, Sacramento County Supervisor,
Tommy Riggin, California Highway Patrol (CHP),
AJ Bennett, Sacramento County Parks Ranger, and
Shauna Franklin, Sacramento County District Attorney’s (DA’s) office.

  1. Introductory Statements from the Panel

Ken Cooley, California State Assemblyman, stated that he had lived in Rancho Cordova for 41 years, was on the Rancho Cordova City Council, and was one of the people who founded Rancho Cordova.  He believes in public service.

Patrick Larkin, District Administrator for the CRPD, stated that this year is the 60th anniversary of the founding of the CRPD.  They are going to have a celebration at the Lincoln Park and pool in July.  The CRPD is entering into water conservation efforts due to water bills going up.  They want the public to notify the district if they see irrigation or sprinkler issues.  Concerning the local park, Riviera East, the pathways are to be replaced in the coming Fiscal Year, and should be complete June 30, 2019.  They are also looking at the inventory and usage of tennis courts.  If they are well used, they can be kept, but if not, they can be changed to some other use.

Barry Chamberlain, Sacramento County Chief Code Enforcement Officer, stated that they are reinventing the illegal dumping team; if people see illegal dumping, call 311.  They are also looking at overgrown vegetation; if people see overgrown vegetation, call 311.  This is also growing season for marijuana; if people suspect illegal growing, call 311.  He further stated that Code Enforcement now has 43 officers, which is about twice as many as five years ago.  He has been Chief Code Enforcement Officer for three years, and wants our feedback.

Mike Matranga, Problem Oriented Policing (POP) officer with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s office, stated that he is not the typical patrol officer that responds to 911 calls.  They focus on specific problems, and put together short and long term goals for those problems.  He also had officers with the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) at the meeting.

Don Nottoli, Sacramento County Supervisor, stated that he has been a Supervisor for 24 years.  The district goes from the American River to the Antioch Bridge.  He stated that the County works for the community.  As they have come out of the recession, they have been emphasizing quality of life issues.  Last year the Board of Supervisors added $11 million to homelessness and Parkway issues.  The County as a whole has about 1.5 million people, of which about 600 thousand are in the unincorporated area.  He stated that he wished to thank BRECA for representing the area.

Tommy Riggin, with the CHP, stated that they do traffic enforcement.  Their area includes from Watt Ave. to the County line.  They don’t see much activity in the BRECA area.  There have been about 4 crashes in the neighborhood.

AJ Bennett, with the Sacramento County Park Rangers, stated that he is the steward for the American River Parkway in this area.  If people have concerns, they can call 311, or go to Sacramento County Parks on the web.  He stated that the BRECA area is pretty quiet, and does not have too many issues.

Shauna Franklin, with the Sacramento County DA’s office, stated that she has been a deputy District Attorney for 20 years.  She has been a community prosecutor for two years.  During the recession, community prosecution was eliminated, but it was recently restarted by District Attorney Schubert.

  1. Responses to Questions

The first written question posed to the panel was: How do State, County, and local government and agencies collaborate to resolve problems related to homelessness and crime?  For example how do the handoffs of responsibilities occur, what kind of success have you seen, and how can the community help?

POP Officer Matranga stated homelessness used to be treated as an enforcement issue, focusing on crimes committed in a certain area.  That model didn’t really work.  Now there is a HOT team that takes a different approach.

Two Sheriff’s deputies with the HOT team elaborated on those comments.  It was stated that they work with community organizations including Goodwill, Deseret Industries, and code enforcement.  The goal is to get one person into a stable living environment.  This is hard.  Most homeless people have mental health and/or substance abuse issues.  With more funding from the County, they were able to hold an event in Fair Oaks that was a one-stop shop for helping homeless people get connected with services.

Supervisor Nottoli stated that the County is trying to use a more comprehensive approach.  Not everybody is ready.  They are pushing hard on the lower American River Parkway area, where 25 tons of trash was removed in one day.  They are trying various approaches to find out what works.

Patrick Larkin, CRPD Administrator, stated that they work with the HOT team in Rancho Cordova.  Parks staff do initial contact, and the HOT team follows up.

Ken Cooley, State Assemblyman, stated that at the state level they really don’t understand the explosion of homelessness.  The State generally works on separate areas, e.g. veterans, children.  Rancho Cordova has about 30% of the emergency housing (in the County), but have services, so that is not a problem for the community.

A member of the audience stated that there are homeless people with severe medical issues, such as an amputee, and wondered how we can help?

A member of the HOT team stated that they could contact the HOT team, and the HOT team could connect with the individual and get help for them.  The best thing is not to provide services to people on street corners.  There is a County ordinance against panhandling.

The second written question posed to the panel was what are best practices for homeless, drugs, and trespass on commercial properties?

A member of the HOT team responded that the team works with businesses.  The businesses contact the team, and the team contacts the homeless person.  The HOT team can tell the homeless person to leave or use power of trespass.  If the homeless person has taken up residence, the team must give them 48 hours to vacate the area.  The team cannot simply take the homeless person’s property.  If the homeless person will not vacate, they can be charged with a crime.

An audience member stated that he works for Regional Transit and rides the light rail trains frequently.  Homelessness along the tracks is out of control.  They just keep coming back.  This new “theory” is not working.  He also stated that Vince’s Motel and Casa Linda motel are magnets for homeless and prostitution.

A member of the HOT team responded that they have only been into the new approach for a few months, and it will take time to see if it works.  POP Officer Matranga stated that Vince’s has cleaned up a bit.  The people who run Casa Linda are not good at what they are doing.  Homelessness is a national issue: we as a society have created this problem.  There is an officer assigned to Regional Transit: if you bring specific issues to them, they can deploy resources.  They need to know where homeless people are camping.

Shauna Franklin, with the DA’s office, stated that it is imperative for the community members to call them: use the 311 number.  Resources are directed largely by calls from the community.

Supervisor Nottoli stated that they are putting more resources into the problems.  They are not putting the homeless in jails or mental institutions anymore.

Barry Chamberlain, with County Code Enforcement, stated that the Casa Linda issue has gone from Code Enforcement to the community prosecutor, and that Shauna Franklin has met with the owners of Casa Linda.

Shauna Franklin, with the DA’s office, continued that there is a code called “criminal nuisance” that can be used.  However, it is a tough standard to meet.  They have looked as Casa Linda.  There have been 50 calls for service from people staying at Casa Linda, but none from the community.  They do not want to put businesses out of business.  If people have an issue with Casa Linda, they need to contact the County at 311.

A member of the audience asked if it is true that Vince’s is a dumping ground for criminals when they are released?

POP Officer Matranga stated NO, that is not the case.  They do not give rides to Vince’s.

A member of the audience stated that they had purchased the Church property next door to Casa Linda, and have picked up needles and crack pipes.  When they called the Sheriff, they Sheriff’s officers responded.

POP Officer Matranga stated that that if somebody cleans up a property, it helps adjacent areas.

A third written question was whether there is any chance of getting speed bumps in front of the Park on Mira Del Rio (Riviera East Park)?

Supervisor Nottoli stated that there is a process for doing that, and the person should contact him.

A fourth written question concerned a stop sign at Allegheny and Elmira that people regularly “blow through.”

CHP Officer Riggin stated that people should contact the CHP, there are things they can do.  People complain but don’t contact the CHP.

Supervisor Nottoli commented that there are also physical measures that can be put in place.

A fifth written question was for Code Enforcement.  The question was what can be done about people who do not maintain their house, and the same for businesses.

Barry Chamberlain, with County Code Enforcement, stated that people should call Code Enforcement, and that they have lots of ability to clean up businesses.  Residential is another matter.  If there are lots of vehicles, they can check out the situation.  Regarding front yards, if a house is vacant, they can cut the lawn and bill the owner.  If the house is not vacant, there is less that can be done.  They don’t enforce on ugly.  Call Barry Chamberlain and he can tell you what they can do.

An audience member asked what the County is doing to attract quality businesses to Folsom Blvd, and what happened to plans for development of the Drive-In theaters?

Supervisor Nottoli stated that The Landing (the Drive-In theaters site) still has an approved redevelopment plan.  But, the economy has changed, and big retailers are going down.  They are still intent on doing something.  There was recently a workshop at the Board of Supervisors about revitalizing aging corridors.  It is a challenge for the entire County, and he is not sure what they will come up with.

Ken Cooley, State Assemblyman, stated that they had lined up funds to do improvements to Folsom Blvd. in Rancho Cordova.  Also, they have knocked down problem properties like the Stagger Inn.  However, there are hundreds of small properties on Folsom Blvd., and that makes it a challenge to prime the pump.

A member of the audience asked whether anything is happening on the property next to the Folsom Community College.

Assemblyman Cooley responded that the property owner is in the bay area, and is just sitting on it.  There is a problem with contamination from a cleaners on the site.

A member of the audience asked what is happening on the big lot opposite the Light Rail Station.

Supervisor Nottoli stated that the map has expired.  There is a new owner, who will probably want to do something different.  The emphasis now is on higher density, which State laws are pushing.  The State is taking away local control.

A member of the audience stated that there is a shipping container behind their house, in back of a business.

POP Officer Matranga state that their goal is to have it moved into a locked and fenced area.  Pita Q owns it, and it will cost some money to move.  It will get moved eventually.  He also noted that the gate has been fixed.

A sixth written question was whether there is a defined law on electric bicycles on the Parkway?

Park Ranger AJ Bennett stated that there have been recent changes, and smaller ones are now allowed on the bike trail.  There is a 15 mph speed limit.

A seventh written question was how long can a 5th wheeler or RV be parked in a neighborhood?

Barry Chamberlain, with County Code Enforcement, stated that a trailer has to be attached to a truck.

An eighth written question concerned a place next to Appalachian Dr. at Riviera East Park where crimes, including weed, sex, and heroin occur.

POP Officer Matranga stated that this is a lower priority situation.  If it is something that happens regularly, he can follow up.  Every park at night has similar problems.  He needs a description of the car, especially the license plate.

A ninth written question was whether the County cares if people go through our mixed recycling at night?

Barry Chamberlain, with County Code Enforcement, advised to call 311.

A tenth written question concerned the pool at Hagan Park.

Patrick Larkin, CRPD Administrator, stated that they expect to have it open by summer 2020.  They are trying to find out what the community wants from the pool, and not just repeat what was done a long time ago.

A question from the audience concerned landscaping on Folsom Blvd.

Supervisor Nottoli stated that the County is working on getting grant funding for a project.

A question from the audience concerned the area of Folsom Blvd. from Rod Beaudry to Bradshaw.

Supervisor Nottoli stated that Rancho Cordova is doing that part.

An eleventh written question concerned a proposal to build an ARCO gas station at Folsom Blvd. and Bradshaw Road.

Supervisor Nottoli stated that a development proposal has been submitted to County Planning.  However, the proposal is incomplete.  Service stations have to come before the Board of Supervisors.  Evidently there is an easement issue.  He stated that he has a copy of the proposed site plan, but that it is not ready to go before the Cordova Community Planning and Advisory Council (CORPAC).

An audience member asked whether, hypothetically, if the community didn’t want it there, would an alternative location be considered?

Supervisor Nottoli stated that if there is interest, the developer could be contacted.

  1. Meeting adjourned.

The next meeting will be a regular Steering Committee meeting on May 22, 2018, at the Rancho Cordova Library

BRECA General Membership Meeting Minutes 4-25-17

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BUTTERFIELD-RIVIERA EAST COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES

DATE: April 25, 2017
PLACE:  Rancho Cordova Library, 9845 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, California
MEETING TYPE:  BRECA General Membership Meeting

STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT

Lori Christensen
Bonnie Domeny
Jay Domeny
Rene Hamlin
Gay Jones
Carmen Mitchell
Jim Morgan
Andrea White

 STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBER ABSENT

Kelly Cohen

  1. Welcome from Chair Rene Hamlin
  2. Rebecca Garrison, Highway 50 Transportation Management Association
    Rebecca Garrison, with the Highway 50 Transportation Management Association, discussed a BRECA area community bicycle ride planned for May 4, 2017.  It will start at the Rancho Cordova Library at 6:30 pm and go for about three miles.  There will be an ice cream buffet afterwards.  Please RSVP for the ice cream.  Information is on the BRECA web site.
  1. Tommy Riggins, Public Information Officer, California Highway Patrol
    Officer Tommy Riggins, with the California Highway Patrol (CHP), discussed traffic enforcement in the community.  He stated that the BRECA area is pretty quiet.  There have been three car crashes on Mira Del Rio Dr. in the last year, all single vehicle.  He stated that the CHP is targeting Folsom Blvd. for pedestrian and bicycle safety.

    Officer Riggins responded to several questions from the audience.  One question concerned the right turn from West bound Folsom Blvd. to North bound Butterfield Way and whether a car should do the right turn over the bike lane.  Officer Riggins responded that it is a broken white line, so the turn is OK.  Another question was about the intersection of Bradshaw Road and Oates Drive, where there is heavy traffic around sundown on Friday and Saturday from the Drive In theater and there are a lot of people making illegal moves.  Officer Riggins stated that they could check it out.  Another question concerned the intersection of Bradshaw Road and Mira Del Rio Dr., where there is a blind corner, and whether speed bumps could be installed.  Officer Riggins responded that the questioner should talk to the County about speed bumps.  Another question concerned the stop sign at Allegheny and Elmira, which gets run a lot.  Officer Riggins responded that he will put in a traffic complaint about it tomorrow.  If they can get a license number, they will follow up on the problem.  Another question concerned having a cable from a house to a car.  Officer Riggins responded that as long as it does not impede the sidewalk it is OK.  Officer Riggins gave out contact information: 861-1300 for a non-emergency report to the CHP, and his direct line 464-1457.

  1. District Attorney’s Office and Problem Oriented Policing
    Ann Marie Schubert, Sacramento County District Attorney (DA), discussed some issues of importance to the community.  She stated that a couple of problem areas are mental health and homelessness.  These are not illegal, but are often associated with issues that are illegal.  She stated that they have programs to help people get back on track, such as drug courts.  She stated that they have 175 lawyers in the DA’s office, 45 investigators, and a crime lab.  In Sacramento County they get around 45,000 crime reports per year, and file around 25,000 cases.  She commented on Proposition 47, passed by voters in 2012.  Called the “Safe Schools and Neighborhoods Act,” it made all drug possession crimes a straight misdemeanor, and almost all thefts misdemeanors, even if there are multiple thefts.  She urged people to report crimes: if crimes are not reported, law enforcement and others think they don’t exist.

    Shawna Franklin, of the DA’s Community Prosecution Division, stated that they work on chronic offenders.  She stated that she is used to putting people in jail, but times have changed, and the voters are saying find other ways.  The Community Prosecution Division works with Problem Oriented Policing (POP) officers on problem properties.

    Jeff Wall, the new POP officer, stated that they work a lot on dope houses.  One problem is that possession is a misdemeanor, and often not prosecuted.  Sometimes there are other ways to get at the problem: for example, power theft is a felony.

    DA Schubert commented that she was pleased that the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors voted to ban outdoor commercial grows of marijuana, although up to 9 plants for personal use is OK.  Shawna Franklin commented that marijuana is a source of violent crimes: recently there was a murder trial over a $20 bag.  POP Officer Wall stated that grow houses are an easy target for crime, as they have marijuana and money.  DA Schubert stated that the Federal government still considers marijuana a Class I restricted drug, so banks do not want to handle the money, resulting in lots of cash.

    POP Officer Wall commented that a lot of the problems have to do with homelessness and mental health issues.  They do cleanup of homeless camps, but have to give 48 hours notice to vacate, and so just end up pushing the problem around.

    There were a number of comments and questions from the audience.  One comment from the audience was that there used to be a drug house across the street from their home.  The POP officer and DA’s office worked together on the problem, and now the owner is living in the house, and the situation is much better.  One question concerned a homeless camp behind the strip mall at Bradshaw Road and Folsom Blvd., and that they move and then come back.  POP Officer Wall stated that the area behind the strip mall is fenced, and so it is hard for officers to get in there.  Another comment was that the person had a rental property that had drug activity, and they worked with the DA’s office to get the people out.  Now, he wants to sell to prospective homeowners.  Another question was whether there is a problem with no room in prisons.  DA Schubert responded that there was a problem: there used to be around 170,000 people in prisons, and now it is down to 120,000.  A lot of people are back in the community.

    POP Officer Wall commented that one should not leave possessions in vehicles.  One person in Rosemont left tools in the back of his truck, had them stolen, then left more tools in the back of his truck, and had them stolen again.

  1. Ranger George Olveda, Sacramento County Parks
    Ranger George Olveda, with Sacramento County Parks, stated that his stewardship area is from Gristmill to Guy West Bridge.  He stated that he does not get a lot of complaints from this area.  So, mostly he works in the Discovery Park and I-80 area.  He stated that there have been complaints about the loss of a large tree at the Gristmill entrance, and that the biological people of County Parks are working on revegetation.  He stated that they will be enforcing the regulation of off-leash dogs, as a person was bitten, and that citations will be given out.  He also stated that someone had weed whacked a trail in the area, and that this is illegal.  There are protected species in the area.  If someone has a problem they should call the County general number 311.

    Ranger Olveda responded to several comments and questions from the audience.  One comment was that the “fire trail” near the river was down to one lane, and that the person wished to be able to see snakes.  Ranger Olveda responded that he would talk with maintenance about the situation.  Another comment was that rangers drive on the levee, but don’t walk the trails.  Ranger Olveda repeated that they seldom get calls from the area, so driving the levee generally works out.  Another comment was that the person had heard bicycle riders saying that Gristmill is a good place to ride on the dirt paths, since there are no rangers there.  Ranger Olveda responded that he will talk to his partner, who likes to walk the trails.  Another comment was that from the “breezeway” to the “farm” there is no break between the vegetation and people’s back yards, which is a fire hazard.  Ranger Olveda stated that they have had crews creating space in the past, and that he would look into the situation.

  1. Patrick Larkin, District Administrator for the Cordova Recreation and Park District
    Patrick Larkin, District Administrator for the Cordova Recreation and Park District, stated that he is new on the job, and has been District Administrator for four months.  He stated that he has about 27 years background in parks.  He commented that voters in the District had just approved measure J, which provides new money for the District.  They intend to work on older parks in the area, and are having workshops on what to do.  Their goal is safe, clean parks.

    District Administrator Larkin responded to several questions from the audience.  One question concerned a senior discount on Measure J.  District Administrator Larkin confirmed that there is a senior discount on the Measure J assessment.  Another question concerned fixing the pathway in Riviera East Park, which is broken up.  District Administrator Larkin stated that the repairs would be costly, and that they are looking at them in the context of Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.  Another question was what is being done about the pool at Hagan.  District Administrator Larkin responded that they are looking at what to do, and do not want to just repeat the 1960-era plan.

  1. Sacramento County Supervisor Don Nottoli
    Supervisor Nottoli commented that the community is well represented by the BRECA leadership, and that he appreciates the community involvement.  He stated that the high water this year on the American River had brought homeless issues to the fore.  People who were camping on the Parkway have moved to outlying areas, including the BRECA area.  He stated that they are having meetings with the cities and want to find things that work.  He stated that there are a couple of approaches being considered.  One approach is to meet homeless people where they are, and offer opportunities to make change.  Another approach is to have a “full service center” where homeless can come and get connected to all of the available resources.  A problem with the latter approach is where it is to be sited.

    Supervisor Nottoli responded to several comments and questions.  One question concerned whether anything was happening with the Folsom Blvd. streetscape.  Supervisor Nottoli stated that some places are getting funding, and that they hope for funding from the recently approved new state taxes and fees.  However, priority is on fixing the pavement, as many streets are in bad shape.  Another question concerned the redevelopment of the Drive-In theater.  Supervisor Nottoli responded that the project depends on getting a critical mass of retailers, which has not happened yet.  Another question concerned the status of the large property across Folsom Blvd. from the Butterfield Light Rail Station, which was just sold to an apartment group.  Gay Jones commented she had just received an update from the County, and that the subdivision map expires on June 22, 2017, but zoning remains.  BRECA’s three guidelines are blending with existing community, connectivity, and full parkland dedication on site, of 3.2 acres.  Supervisor Nottoli stated that when the subdivision map expires, the new owners will come out with their own plan.  Another question concerned a recent fine of $500 for a code violation.  To appeal the fine would cost $700.  Why is that?  Supervisor Nottoli commented that if the appeal is successful, the appeal fee could be waived.

    Another question concerned the effort by Regional Transit (RT) to sell the parking lot at the Butterfield Light Rail Station.  The questioner stated that it should remain a park-and-ride lot.  Supervisor Nottoli stated that RT is getting rid of surplus property, and that he would carry the concern forward.  Another question was why RT does not charge for parking at the Butterfield Station.  Supervisor Nottoli stated that if there was a charge for parking, people would just park in the adjacent neighborhood.  Gay Jones commented that BRECA has supported maintaining the 149 spaces at the park-and-ride lot.  Supervisor Nottoli stated that he could have the RT General Manager come out and talk to the community.

    Another question was whether Supervisor Nottoli could help with the proposed California American Water rate increases and area consolidation.  Supervisor Nottoli stated that the California Public Utilities Commission had changed the rules on area consolidations, and suggested talking to Assemblyman Cooley.  Gay Jones commented that BRECA is a party to the proceedings A.16-07-002 with the proposed rate changes and area consolidations.

  1. Meeting adjourned.

The next meeting will be a regular Steering Committee meeting on May 23, 2017, at the Rancho Cordova Library