A post-race party will be held at the Folsom City Lion’s Park where there will be refreshments, a raffle, and a number of awards handed out. There are fees to enter into one or more of the nature races with all proceeds from the 5k and 10k races going to benefit Folsom Parks & Recreation, the Friends of the Folsom Parkway and the Folsom Athletic Association. The Wild Way race course proceeds will directly benefit The Folsom Zoo Sanctuary.

The 10k run begins at 8:40 a.m. on Stafford Street and will end at the Folsom City Lions Park. This run takes you down and through such areas as Natoma Street, near the Folsom Lake Crossing and continues along the American River Bike Trail. Along with new spring wildlife and blooming foliage, the American River Canyon and Folsom Dam will be spectacular sights that runners will see on their 10 mile run.

A 5k nature course, that will also start at Stafford Street, begins at 8:30 a.m. and is open to both runners and walkers alike. Choosing this twists and turns course will take you through many areas such as on the Powerhouse Trail, the historic Truss Bridge, the American Bike Trail and Negro Bar paths, all while enjoying the beautiful nature of Folsom. The end of the race will have taken you right to where the post-race party will be, The Folsom City Lions Park.

Another running course includes The Wild Way fun run. The Wild Way is a challenging obstacle course, which is a new addition for this year, and is described as a 2 mile run that can be fun for the whole family. This run will take you over grass, gravel and dirt, have you leaping over several challenging obstacles, and take you through the exciting Folsom Zoo! How do you feel about a mud moat and log obstacle? A second fun run, called the Youth 1/2 mile Fun Run, is open free to kids 12 years and under. Starting at 8 a.m., the 1/2 mile run will take kids through the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary and participation will include a bag of goodies and a same day free kid’s admission into the zoo.

Fees to enter into one or more of these nature races, not including the Youth Fun Run, are between $30 and $40 with optional tee-shirts also available for purchase. Further information about Folsom’s 27th Annual Run with Nature special event and run registration information can be found here. The City of Folsom hopes to see you and your family there!

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I started one of my mornings by having breakfast at Karen’s Bakery Café in Folsom with a good friend I haven’t seen in a while. As it was only 11AM, the place was yet to be filled with hungry lunch patrons. You order your food and drinks at the counter, they give you a number to set on a table you select yourself and then after your order is cooked fresh and hot, it is delivered to your table. Enjoy your breakfast and coffee inside in their dining area or outside on the welcoming patio. My friend and I chose to sit out on the patio at a half shade, half sun table that was situated under a flowering tree. Karen’s is located in Historic Old Folsom, so after breakfast I walked over a slight easy hill to check out the old town.

As I crossed the street and over to a wooden walkway along Old Folsom’s Sutter Street, I was greeted by a cute little curly haired boy who could barely walk. He stood in the sun and smiled like he was having fun and it looked as though he was waiting with his mom for the Folsom History Museum to open for visitors.

There are a number of antique stores and art galleries that line Sutter Street. Most of the antique stores have a tight squeeze once you enter, but it’s well worth it if you enjoy browsing items with history and character. The antique store I walked into smelled of old things, but not of dust and it wasn’t musky. Many of the art galleries feature art pieces by local artists and I’ve notices that some even advertise art shows on scheduled weekends.

Several independently owned restaurants and cafés also call Old Folsom home. You can choose from various types of foods such as Mexican, Chinese, European, sandwiches, ice cream and candy! Sometimes food establishments will display their menus on one of their windows or on a sign board placed right by the front door for you to view before you go in.

Local small businesses in Sacramento, such as businesses in Historic Old Town Folsom, seem to do everything possible to make your dining and shopping experiences excellent and personal. I love having breakfast and shopping locally on any day of the week. I enjoy trying out new places to eat and little boutiques to shop at, but I still hit up my old favorites periodically. Small family owned restaurants and cafés have a hometown feel to me, and it’s that feeling that makes me come back again.

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On May 1 and 2, the Folsom, El Dorado & Sacramento Historical Railroad Association (FEDSHRA) will be hosting the 19th annual Folsom Handcar Derby event, and they are looking for teams to compete. Get your friends and family together or grab your co-workers to make a five person racing team! All competitors must be 18 years or older. You can also sponsor a team if you are unable to participate. The race will take place rain or shine on the train tracks in front of the Broadstone Marketplace at East Bidwell Street and Broadstone Parkway. Handcar pump distance for the competition is not set, but instead will be based on current track conditions.

There will be awards handed out to winning teams in each of the contest’s nine divisions, including a separate award for the Pusher Contest, which will take place on Sunday morning, May 2. Each team’s pusher will be automatically entered into the contest and will be judged on how far down the tracks they can push an empty handcar. You can still participate in the pusher contest by donating a $5.00 entry fee to the non-profit event.

Printable mail-in entry forms are available on the FEDSHRA website or you can register at the race site before noon on Saturday, May 1. Entry fees are $125.00 per five person team with all proceeds will be going to benefit a local non-profit organization, the Historical Railroad Association. Please visit the Folsom Handcar Derby Competition website for further contest information. Any questions about the Handcar Derby event or questions about team entry can contact the FEDSHRA Museum at 916-985-6031.

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Joining the Cappuccino Cruisers Car Club does not require a membership. The main qualification to be a part of the group is that you must have a passion for classic cars and trucks. On their website they describe themselves as “a very community oriented group” assisting where they can around the area. The Cappuccino Cruisers are frequent participants in local annual events such as the Pow Wow Days in Orangevale and the Folsom Veterans Day Parade. From the Folsom Zoo to the Mercy Hospital of Folsom, the group is also a very proud local sponsor and regular passionate giver of donations.

Every Wednesday beginning in April and through the month of October, the car club meets for a weekly open cruiser event; the public is encouraged to participate in the fun and socializing. To show your car, truck, Hot Rod or Street Rod, the automobile must be from the pre-1974 era and you must follow the “Cruise Rules.” These rules include no drinking at cruises and using your common sense when it comes to keeping the meeting area clean.

This year’s cruising kick off will also be the Cappuccino Cruisers’ 15th Year Anniversary as a car club and the public is invited to come out and celebrate. The kick off for weekly cruise-in season will be on Wednesday, April 14th at the Red Robin Restaurant parking lot in Folsom, 1011 Riley Street from 5PM to 9PM. Entry for the kick off event is free along with Rock n’ Roll music entertainment, a raffle, prizes and awards. Every Wednesday thereafter will be regular Cruise Nights from 6PM to 9PM at the same Red Robin location and entry is always free. For more information about the Cappuccino Cruisers Car Club or events, please contact Ray or Chris at 916-988-6376, or send an email to capcruisemaster@aol.com

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Maybe you even know a member of one of the bands that will be playing. The eight local teen bands will be Descolada Virus, Advanced Insanity, No Reigns, Reckless Abandon, Absolute Zero, Prom Rocket, Street Light Fire and King’s Ambition. If you don’t already know them, come and get to know them on Friday.

These eight bands will be performing in a professional venue located at the amphitheater of Cordova High School. There will be prizes handed out such as gift certificates to local area businesses like In-N-Out Burger, Target, Scandia Fun Center and AMF Mardi Gras Lane. The first place prize will be announced at the event after all of the bands have performed.

The public audience is being advised to arrive to Cordova High School by 6:45pm. Announcements will begin at 7:00pm sharp followed by the performance of the first band. Since this is a family friendly event, there will be no profanity in the bands’ songs lyrics and no inappropriate marks will be on their clothing. Also, Jamba Juice will be on hand selling smoothies during the Battle of the Bands event.

Any questions regarding this event are being directed to the Cordova Recreation and Park District’s Recreation Coordinator Rachel Durnbaugh at 916-362-1841 ext. 36. CRPD would like this event to take place every year and are encouraging more teen participation within the district. Come and show your support so our community can continue to enjoy the talents of our local youth.

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It has been tradition that this annual event be held for youth in the community and is being coordinated by the Cordova Cares Children’s Council, Cordova Community Collaborative, the Folsom Cordova Unified School District-Family Support Services, CSUS Recreation and Leisure Studies Program, and the Cordova Recreation and Park District. Past Kids Day events have brought in over 2,000 visitors and participants to the park.

Free youth and kids activities and entertainment will include free crafts and games, there will be swimming, a magician, a live DJ, musicians and singing, youth dance groups and there will even be a teen band! Free demonstrations at the event will include a police dog demonstration and a martial arts demonstration.

There will be information booths and vendors available to families and kids such as, Asian resources, the California Department of Fish & Game, the City of Rancho Cordova, Cordova Recreation & Park District, CSUS Nursing, Folsom Cordova Community Partnership, the Girl Scouts, CSUS Kid Zone, Kaiser Permanente, California Family Fitness, Camp Fire USA, Sac Metro Fire, School Readiness and many more! Come on event day to see all of the park’s vendor and local organization booths.

Not only will there be fun activities for kids at this free family friendly event, but there will also be an opportunity for free health screenings for children 5 years and under. The free health screening may include assessments such as hearing, dental, vision, speech, behavior, health nutrition and the child’s development.

There will be a $4.00 parking fee to park inside of Hagan Park, or free parking can be found at Cordova High School and in front of the park. For more information in this event, please call 916-861-0611.

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There are several ways to receive financial aid to help you attend a Los Rios Community College, or one of the many other California colleges, without having to worry about how you are going to pay for your education. Two ways to find out if you can receive funds are to apply for the FAFSA, which is federal student aid, or the BOG Fee Waiver, which is California community college aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) offers to students grants, student loans, and federal work study. The FAFSA is required before you can apply for aid from the state of California, such as Cal Grants and the BOG Fee Waiver. The Board of Governors Fee Waiver (BOG Waiver) is specifically designed for California community colleges. Upon being declared eligible to receive the BOG Waiver, the student will have their school enrollment fees waived for the academic year. This waiver could also qualify you for a semester parking pass discount.

At the Rancho Cordova Center’s Free Financial Aid Awareness Fair, you can have all of your financial aid questions answered. Topics will include the BOG Fee Waiver, FAFSA, Cal Grants, Grants, Scholarships and loans. Featured at the fair will be a new BOG Clinic to help you get started on the 2009-2010 school year.

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This year, the City of Rancho Cordova is showing its Earth Day pride with free e-waste recycling. What exactly is e-waste? The California Integrated Waste Management Board states that e-waste is the informal name for electronic products nearing the end of their useful lives. If your electronic device is beyond repair, then proper recycling should be your next step. The State of California website says that the discarding of electronic products is unfortunately one of the fastest growing segments of our nation’s waste stream.

The Rancho Cordova free e-waste recycling center will be located in the City Hall parking lot, 2729 Prospect Park Drive, on Saturday, April 18th, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Just pull on up in your vehicle and your e-waste will be unloaded for you! This recycling event is being sponsored by California Electronic Asset Recovery (CEAR), Inc and Allied Waste Services in collaboration with the City of Rancho Cordova.

Acceptable electronic items to bring are desktops and notebooks, cell phones and telephones, digital cameras, televisions, VCR’s, printers, monitors, keyboards, computer mice, stereo equipment, zip drives, scanners, stereo speakers, PDA’s, copiers and fax machines. Items that will NOT be accepted are household appliances such as washers, dryers and refrigerators, tires, furniture and hazardous waste such as pesticides, fluorescent light bulbs, paint, batteries, used oil and cleaning supplies. For security purposes, CEAR, Inc will shred all computer hard drives.

If you are unable to make it on April 18th, CEAR, Inc can make arrangements for e-waste drop off at its Mather facility. For more information on the event or to contact CEAR, Inc, please call 916-388-1777.

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Lisa Brown, of the Employees’ Advisory Team, is quoted in the City of Rancho Cordova’s City News as saying, “Recognizing the value of education and honoring exceptional youth are the best ways to demonstrate support for our community.”

The scholarship presented will be for $500.00, but there are requirements that must be met before students can apply. They must be a senior at Cordova High School graduating this year in 2009 and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. A copy of their high school transcript is requested and they must provide proof of acceptance or registration to an accredited college or university, community or technical college. Their academic plans, student and community activities, are to be written in an essay with a maximum length of 700 words. To complete the application packet, two letters of recommendation are needed from any combination of either teachers, community leaders or employers.

Applications packets can be found at the Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive, at the Rancho Cordova Neighborhood Center, 10665 Coloma Road #100, at Cordova High School’s Counseling/Attendance Office, or on the City’s website by clicking on PRIDE Scholarship under “Latest News & Updates.” Packets must be submitted to City Hall postmarked no later than April 23, 2009 via mail or hand delivered. Completed applications are mailed to:

2009 PRIDE Scholarship Fund
Attn: Diana Rodriguez
2729 Prospect Park Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

If you need more information, please call Diana Rodriguez, City of Rancho Cordova Human Resources Department, at 916-851-8740.

The first PRIDE Scholarship will be presented on May 7, 2009 at the Awards Ceremony which will be held at Cordova High School.

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The Spring Extravaganza is an annual event that has been held for over 30 years and is co-sponsored by the Rancho Cordova Rotary Club of Hagan Park. There will be several events taking place, including a Pancake Breakfast, a free Easter Egg Hunt for the kids, a Craft Fair and information booths promoting upcoming events and activities. The Sacramento Valley Live Steamers trains and the Petting Barn will also be open with free admission; donations are always accepted.

Festivities at Hagan Community Park will run from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm beginning with an all you can eat Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. The all you can eat Pancake Breakfast, accompanied by orange juice, will be available from 8:30 am to 10:00 am and the cost is $3.00 per child and $5.00 per adult. Bring a picnic lunch for later in the day to enjoy in the park as well!

“The Easter Egg Hunt is free and starts at 10:00 a.m. sharp!” says Rachel Durnbaugh, Recreation Coordinator for the Cordova Recreation and Parks District. The egg hunt will be divided into age groups which will be 0-2, 3-4, 5-6 and 7-8. Please arrive early to the egg hunt to gaurantee your child a spot. When you and your child arrive for the egg hunt, the designated age group areas will be posted with signs for you to easily find. Easter Eggs and goodies will be provided, but remember to bring a basket for your child to hold these treats. Don’t forget to bring a camera, as the Easter Bunny has promised to make his appearance for the event!

There will also be a Craft Fair for the duration of the Extravaganza from 8:30am to 12:00 noon. If you would like to become a vendor, or for further information on the event, call 916-362-1841 or fill out the online application at the CRPD website.

Information booths for upcoming Cordova Recreation and Parks District events and activities will be set up in the park for your convenience. Booths included will be in regards to swimming, youth tennis, kayaking school, soccer and more! Durnbaugh states that this will be a great opportunity to register your 5-13 year old children for Summer Day Camp, which begins June 1st. The District Office will be open 10:00 am until 12:00 noon on Saturday, April 11th to accommodate these registrations.

“Free parking will be available inside Hagan Park before 9:30 am. Additional parking will be available at Cordova High School,” Durnbaugh wants to informs the participating public. It is important to note that there will be a $4.00 parking fee to park inside of Hagan Park after this allotted time period.

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In 2007, Sydney, Australia began the first Earth Hour when over 2 million residents and businesses turned off all of their non-essential lights and appliances for one hour. According to www.earthhour.org, 2009 is the first year in history that people from all over the world have the opportunity to VOTE EARTH by flicking off their light switches. This worldwide event to stand up and take control of our planet’s future has a target goal of 1 billion votes.

Communications Director for the City of Rancho Cordova, Nancy Pearl said that personnel at Rancho Cordova City Hall are extremely careful when it comes to the building’s energy usage. Lights at City Hall are on timers to save energy and except for security purposes, the hallways are dark at night.

Adam Fuelling of Rancho Cordova, who has a young son, had heard about Earth Hour, but said that he had no idea about how many people, countries and supporters were involved with it. “I think that I will [participate]. I’m more inclined to because I will be with my son, and helping him understand the importance of energy conservation with an activity like this would be beneficial.”

Siobhan McCormack works at a restaurant in Gold River. “I think that turning off the lights for one hour could make a difference, especially if 1 billion people participate at the same time.” McCormack also states that maybe people will participate in this and upcoming efforts to help stop global warming if they were more well informed on the global issue.

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Fourty percent of all cookie dough purchases will go back to Cordova Gardens where the PTA will use the money to sponsor educational programs. These programs include Sacramento City College Penny Whistle Players theatrical production and a traveling reptile and insect show called Python Ron.

This is Cordova Gardens’ second year participating in the Cookie Dough Fundraiser and last year their sales topped $10,000! Prices are $12.00 for an Easy-Scoop 2.7 pound tub, which allows you to control the size of your cookies, and $14.00 for a package of 48 Pre-Portioned, 1-ounce ready to bake cookies.

Cordova Gardens PTA members who have tried the cookie dough describe it as delicious and have noticed that the chocolate chip flavor appears to always be a great seller. To place an order, contact Dawn Morley, Fundraiser Chairperson of Cordova Gardens PTA, at 916-804-2546 or email at morley@auroraresearchgroup.com. Cash and checks made payable to Cordova Gardens PTA are both acceptable forms of payment.

The cookie dough is manufactured by Otis Spunkmeyer, a fresh baked cookie business which began in 1977 as a California chain of retail cookie stores. According to the Otis Spunkmeyer website, ready-to-bake, frozen cookie dough is the #1 brand infood service.

There are several types of cookie dough to choose from like their no trans fat, healthy new options of “old favorites”. Flavors include oatmeal raisin, white chunk macadamia nut, M & M, chocolate chunk, sugar, peanut butter, snicker doodle, chocolate chip brownies, and reduced fat chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin. Otis Spunkmeyer cookie dough can be stored in the freezer or refrigerator.

The Cookie Dough Fundraiser runs through March 30, 2009; please allow three to four weeks for the cookie dough to be delivered to the school. All orders and payments must be at the school or given to Dawn by March 30th.

Morley and the Cordova Gardens PTA would like to let the public know that they really appreciate the support, especially during these tough economic times. They ask that if you are planning to buy cookies from the store, to please purchase cookie dough from the school’s fundraiser instead.

Recall Alert from www.spunkmeyer.com: Otis Spunkmeyer products are not subject to the peanut butter recall being conducted by Peanut Corporation of America.

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The CERT training program has been offered and provided to residents and employees within the Sacramento Fire District for over five years. Fire Station 21 in Citrus Heights is currently the site for the CERT basic training but in June there will be an off site basic CERT training class held in Rancho Cordova and a Sheltering Drill will be scheduled for later in the year. You can contact the CERT information line: 916-566-4381 or email at cert@smfd.ca.gov.

Teams are comprised of ten or more members from your business, neighborhood, apartment complex or any other group which will make up a community team.  The CERT training will prepare you for response during and after a neighborhood disaster.  There are several jobs and responsibilities within a Community Emergency Response Team such as physical response, like lifting and carrying, documentation and people needed for comforting others.

Allen Getreu, CERT Program Manager of Sacramento Metro Fire, reports that the program has provided Disaster Information Booths and First Aid Standby for many events in Rancho Cordova. They have also provided services regularly at all of the Capitol Air Shows at Mather and created the first Operation River Safe Life Jacket Loan Program. The Operation River Safe Life Jacket Loan program was first held on the American River five years ago. CERT also oversees and staffs three holiday weekends a year for the program; during the Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Labor Day. Getreu, who is also a Sac Metro Captain and Paramedic, says there are currently several CERT members who reside in Rancho Cordova.

Betty Taylor, Outreach Coordinator for Metro Fire CERT, states that although the program is free, the training is priceless, especially if it empowers a community to come together during a catastrophic event.  It enables citizens to not only help themselves, but to help each other as well.

A local example of people helping others occurred in Rancho Cordova on Christmas Eve 2008 when a freak gas explosion killed one man and injured several others. In the latest CERT newsletter, Metro Fire CERT member Crystal Granite recounts coming upon the devastated section of Olson Drive and how she utilized her training in order to assist emergency and police personal. “Unfortunately, I have used my training several times and each time I am more grateful than the time before”, Granite stated in the March 2009 CERT Newsletter.

The above photo is of a recent group attending a CERT training.

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Garbeau’s has announced that the weekend before the March 16th deadline, the last $8,000 needed to keep them in business was successfully raised. This is a wonderful accomplishment for not only Ferreira, but the entire Garbeau’s Family as well. The dinner theatre’s current show, “I Love You Because”, will continue as scheduled, as will the 2009 line up of theatre performances.

Garbeau’s is performing the Sacramento debut of the musical comedy, “I Love You Because” and according to Ferreira, Garbeau’s patrons are describing this show as “Fun,” “Refreshing,” “Clever,” and “New.” It is being described as a modern take on “Pride and Prejudice;” Jane Austin meets “Sex in the City” and “Friends.” Garbeau’s reports that “I Love You Because” is the perfect show for a date night, and why not come for dinner too? The theatre offers a ticket price drop by $2.00 when you join them for lunch or dinner and order from their menu. Menu items may be ordered at an extra charge. Depending on where you would like to sit, show ticket prices range from $17.50 to $23.50 and with a student ID, tickets are $15.00. The menu and seating chart are available at Garbeau’s website.  

“I Love You Because” will be playing through Sunday, March 29, 2009. On Friday and Saturday evenings dinner seating begins at 6:00pm, performance begins at 8:00pm. Sunday matinees have lunch seating starting at 12:30pm and the performance will be begin at 2:30pm. Due to some strong language and sexual/adult humor, Garbeau’s does not recommend this performance for children under the age of fifteen, or individuals easily offended by such. Ferreira said that there has been an incredible positive response from visitors to the show between the ages of sixteen and ninety. Please visit Garbeau’s website or call (916) 985-6361 for more information.

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The event will be from 7-9pm which will allow for twelve separate acts having a time slot of ten minutes each. Therefore, performers are encouraged to pre register in order to be guaranteed a time slot. There is a performance fee of $5.00 and a downloadable application can be found on the “Adult & Teen” link on the CRPD website. You are also welcome to drop by the district office during business hours or if you would like, you can register via phone by calling Rachel Durnbaugh (916) 362-1841 ext. 36.

Those who do not pre register, but still wish to perform, can pay $5.00 cash at the door on the day of the event. However, you are asked to show up no later than 6:45pm, but as early as 6:30pm, to schedule your performance if time allows. Event time may be extended beyond 9pm pending the number of performances.

Wanting to perform at Open Mic Night in a group? Registration fees for a talent group is the same as individual performances, $5.00. When you pre register as an individual or a group you will be given an exact time that you will be performing. Late registrants showing up on event night will be given the time slots that have been left unfilled. Performer’s need to sign in upon entrance and those under the age of 18 years will need to have a performance waiver signed by a parent or guardian on the day of the event.

Rachel Durnbaugh, Recreation Coordinator for the CRPD, would like to remind all performers that they will need to bring all equipment needed for their performance, and that each ten minute time slot includes all necessary set up and break down time. Equipment that can be provided at the Cordova Community Center includes a microphone, P.A. system and a piano for the event. A CD player will be available if you would like to bring your own CD or tune the radio to a particular station for your act. Please be sure that your song lyrics are appropriate.

The Cordova Recreation & Parks District encourages all family and friends to come watch and support their talented youth and teen performers at its first Open Mic Night.

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Last we heard the state of California passed a budget and a stimulus plan was signed by the President, yet hundreds of thousands of Americans are still without jobs and countless more are continuing to be laid off everyday. Many businesses have had to close without notice to their customers and home foreclosures are still a very real possibility for many American families. A big problem for our state is that government funding is quickly disappearing for a number of state programs, including our local education system.

Like many Northern California school districts during the spiraling economy, the Folsom Cordova Unified School District is being greatly impacted by the decrease in California government funding. In an effort to keep education afloat in the FCUSD, a new Folsom Cordova Education Foundation (FCEF) is currently being formed by FCUSD Board member, JoAnne Reinking, and education advocate, Heather McGowan. Both women will be co-chairing a steering committee for the FCEF.

The FCEF has a realistic vision for education in the 21st century for the two communities of Folsom and Rancho Cordova. This vision is to ensure that students receive educational opportunities that will aid in shaping their future through technology and creativity. According to the FCUSD News web site, Reinking said that per-pupil funding is well below the national average due to the continuing impact of budget reductions. McGowan states that it is their hope as co-chairs for the Folsom Cordova Education Foundation to support the school district’s efforts in having available to students and teachers the most up to date technology and innovative programs. Both co-chairs reinforce that technology, innovation and creativity are important elements for students to realize their dreams and to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to the relevance of their education.

By the FCEF providing support for the initiatives needed, this vision can be reached. However, for the Foundation to operate effectively, volunteers from the community are needed to serve on the steering committee to help determine FCEF actions. The foundation is looking for parents, business leaders, community members, those who are creative, resourceful, team players and those committed to public education to volunteer on the committee. If one of these mentioned characteristics describes you, then being a volunteer may be right for you! There are several spots currently available on the steering committee. Descriptions of what the committee is to be comprised of are available at the FCUSD News website.

Meetings for the steering committee are beginning late in March 2009, so if you are interested in becoming a volunteer to help ensure the foundation’s success, or for more information, contact JoAnne Reinking (jreinkin@fcusd.org) or Heather McGowan, (hvmcgowan@yahoo.com) on or before March 16, 2009. Please indicate in your email your interest(s), availability and skills. An upcoming website featuring surveys, meeting times, updates and outcomes will soon be available for those interested in participating on the steering committee, but who don’t have the time to serve on it.

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Pink slips were presented to an unknown percent of employees at many school sites in various Sacramento Schools Districts, including Folsom-Cordova Unified School District. Other local school districts effected by the lay offs are the Sac City Teachers Association, Natomas TA, San Juan TA, the Elk Grove Education Association and Twin Rivers.

Friday, March 13th 2009 is Pink Friday. Sacramento County Schools urge you to stand up for our schools and protest pink slips by coming to a rally, which will be held at the State Capitol West Steps at 4:30pm. This protest is against the cuts to public education through such actions as issuing lay off notices to employees of the public school education system. According to pinkfriday09.org, the state continues to give an inadequate level of school funding, and it’s our students and schools who are being directly affected.

The California education system is currently facing over  $11 BILLION in state budget cuts. Not only will local public schools be impacted, but colleges, universities and most importantly, the students. PinkFriday09.org states that this act will impact and change the education system for years to come, leaving in its path a generation of children with an unknown future for their education. Passionate educators are losing their jobs, taking with them the knowledge they were to pass on to our children.

To protest the recent wave of pink slips and stand up for our schools, all community members are invited to attend the rally. Whether you are a teacher, parent, student or a citizen of Rancho Cordova who supports public education, come and join the many others at the Protest Pink Slips Rally! Come wearing your association, district or school shirts, or simply wear something pink.

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The city of Rancho Cordova is encouraging local teen bands to audition for the Cordova Recreation and Park District’s first annual Battle of the Bands event. Auditions are currently being held and have been extended from March 18 to April 24. Band member ages 12 to 21 years are greatly encouraged to come and play and all genres of music are welcome!

Band applications must also be submitted no later than the audition date of April 24. If you are interested in performing, please contact Rachel Durnbaugh at 916-362-1841 ext 36 ASAP to set up an audition date and time. You can download an application from the CRPD website under the “Adult & Teen” link, or you can pick up a paper copy at the district office, 2197 Chase Drive, during business hours. Auditions are FREE! But chosen bands will need to pay a Band Performance Fee of $25.

Eight bands will be selected to perform in a professional venue located at Cordova High School’s very own amphitheater on Friday, May 1st. The top two bands will take home prizes! The second best band will receive gift certificates to local area businesses such as In-N-Out, Target, Scandia Fun Center and AMF Mardi Gras Lanes, and first place will take home an undisclosed top prize! Band performance times will be from 7:00pm to 10:00pm and admission is FREE for all to enjoy the event.

CRPD’s Recreation Coordinator Rachel Durnbaugh said that CRPD would like this event to take place every year and are encouraging more teen participation within the district. With this being said, be sure to showcase your enthusiasm and show your support so we can continue to enjoy the expression of our local young talent.

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Monday, March 2 marked the beginning date to reserve a picnic facility at Hagan Community Parkin Rancho Cordova. Daily picnic area fees depend on the particular section of the park; fees range from $45 to $85 and all picnic area reservations and payment must be made in person at the front office located at 2197 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova. Unreserved picnic areas will still be available, but these areas will only be obtainable on a first come first basis. The CRPD refund policy requires at least a two week cancellation notice.

When you make a reservation, you will have that reserved area for the duration of the park day. Half day reservations are not permitted. Daily use is from sunrise to sunset and reservations can be made for any day of the week. Steven Lee, Account Clerk with Hagan Community Park, observes that weekends are the busiest days of the week for the park, therefore it is recommended that picnic reservations be made far in advance. barbecue pits are provided in picnic areas, but you are more than welcome to bring your own barbecue grill.

Along with a picnic facility reservation is the option for pre-paid parking permits for those attending your group function. Pre-paid group parking permits do not have to be purchased on reservation day but will require at least a three day notice to the CRPD office with the number of vehicles in your party. Advanced parking payment with a picnic reservation will be $2.00 per vehicle, otherwise parking fees will be $4.00 per vehicle. Parking entrance fees are in effect for the months of April through October. Parking fees are not being collected for the current month of March.

When it comes to the popularity of people reserving picnic areas, Lee says that it has varied by many factors in the past, such as the weather and holidays. He also said that he doesn’t think the current economy will affect picnic reservations.

Having a picnic is great way to catch up with others or to show your appreciation for your employees. The spring and summer seasons are quickly approaching, so why not take advantage of what Rancho Cordova’s Hagan Community Park has to offer?

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People of all ages attend colleges and universities all over the state and country. There are several colleges in the Sacramento area, and locally is Folsom Lake College of the Los Rios Community College District which has an extension, the Rancho Cordova Center. Los Rios Community Colleges not only offer full semester classes, but short term and late start classes as well.

Registration for late start classes remain open at Los Rios Colleges for the Spring 2009 semester. Even though full semester classes have already begun, there are still a variety of classes available for registration. Second Eight Week classes begin March 17 and end on May 14, and the last day to enroll is April 1. Once enrolled if you must withdraw from a class for the Second Eight Weeks term, you have until March 20 to drop a class and qualify for a refund of enrollment and tuition fees. The Spring 2009 term also offers Third Five Weeks classes. These classes would begin April 13 and end May 19. The last day to enroll will be April 22.

It is also not too late if you want to start classes this week. Last Thursday, February 26, Second Five Week classes began, but enrollment is still open until this Saturday, March 7. This five week term starts February 26 and ends April 4.

Whether you are thinking about attending college for the first time, or choosing to further your education, take some time to check out the Folsom Lake College-Rancho Cordova Center and other Los Rios Colleges class offerings.

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Happy birthday Dr. Seuss! Every year on or around March 2, a celebration of reading takes place nation wide. This celebration brings opportunity for schools and communities to show kids that books are fun by hosting reading events to motivate children to read.

Now, going on its twelfth year of promoting youth reading through this nationwide event, the National Education Association continues to sponsor the Read Across America program with children in mind.

Joining the Dr. Seuss Read Across America Day is local Rancho Cordova elementary school, Cordova Gardens. Beginning at 7:45am and going until 9:15am, a breakfast of green eggs and ham, tater tots, fruit and milk will be served. All are welcome and the cost of the breakfast will be $2.00 Adults, $1.25 Kids. Nearing the end of the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast, around 9:10am, there will be a Hat Parade!

Just as the National Education Association encourages youth to read, there will be multiple book readings presented by volunteers to kids throughout the day in Cordova Gardens’ classrooms. Individuals interested in volunteering to read to kids for Dr. Seuss Read Across America Day at Cordova Gardens Elementary should contact Tanya Wells at 916-363-2601 or email Tanya at twells@fcusd.org.

Contributed by Emily Cardiff

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