We encourage residents throughout Rancho Cordova to come to this event, show your support, and bring your opinion. This is not just a problem for a specific neighborhood to conquer, but something our community at large can take on. Please note we are specifically gearing this meeting to be about discussion and solutions. This will not be an anger-fest. We are all feeling frustrated about the recent murder, but we need solutions here, so we’re committed to constructive discussion together. Representatives from both Rancho Cordova City Hall and Rancho Cordova Police Department will be in attendance also.

If you are able, please RSVP on our Facebook page. For more information, please see www.cordovatowne.com/mills-park, or contact Ryan Lundquist at 916.595.3735 or Linda Smith at 916.601.6539.

Similar Posts:

None Found

Have a look at a video below that highlights the future spray park (the largest one in Rancho Cordova), former swimming pool, landscaping, basketball court, and the community clubhouse. This video was uploaded from an Android phone (myTouch 4G) by Ryan Lundquist.

Similar Posts:

None Found

Project 680 hopes to close out the last week of the Hoody Drive with a final push from residents, businesses, churches and organizations. Locals are also invited to enjoy the Finale Celebration at Rancho Cordova City Hall on October 27, 2010 from 6-7pm. You can expect to see a heap of hoodies, residents, city council members, business sponsors, all-star Project 680 supporters, and a festive kid-friendly atmosphere with coffee and cupcakes. Photography contest winners will also be announced as well as a “people’s choice” photo award selected by attendees (it’s not too late to enter the photo contest). Just show up or RSVP for the finale on Facebook.

See www.project680.org for details or catch up with Project 680 on Facebook.

Similar Posts:

None Found

As the hoody drive rolls out in September 2010, we invite residents, churches, businesses and organization to get involved. We encourage locals to put out feelers to people they know, pick a goal for how many hoodies to collect, become a drop-off location, share about the hoody drive on Facebook, come to our finale party on October 27, and definitely enter the photography contest as a way to show your support for the hoody drive. Did we mention our goal is to collect 680 hoodies?

Project 680 is pleased to announce a partnership with The Rancho Cordova Post for the group’s hoody drive. The Post will be hosting images for our photo contest, which will go from September 10 to October 25, 2010.  Each person can submit up to six photos during the contest. You must include “Project 680 Hoody Drive” or “project680.org” somewhere in the photo. When you take a photo (or groups of photos), email them to info@project680.org and we’ll get them online for you. Maybe you could make a sign, hold a piece of paper, write on your skin, or get a tattoo (uh, hopefully not). Be creative and show your support for P680. There are six photo categories, which include:  neighborhood, kids, pets, creative, work and whackiest photo. The “kids” category is really designed for kids to actually take the photo too!!!

Judges will select winners from each category to have their photos displayed at Rancho Cordova City Hall on October 27, 2010 from 4:30-7:00pm at our celebration party. And of course we’ll buy you a hot chocolate too because all winners should drink hot cocoa. We welcome people of all ages and locations to enter the contest and show your support for the Hoody Drive. Visit www.ranchocordovapost.com/project680 to view all photo entries.

Advocating for local homeless students is something we can all do. In this case, it’s really about doing something very simple and practical – collecting hoodies. Together we can make a difference.

Contact Ryan at 916-595-335, follow on Twitter @Project680 and join us for conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/project680.

Similar Posts:

None Found

Residents in the White Rock area have been meeting with CRPD over the past several years and working hard to advocate for this park. We can rejoice in these improvements, but we can also be proud of the way we acheived these results too. We interacted with CRPD in a very cordial and cooperative spirit. We had very strong and emotional feelings about this park, but  we sought to suspend judgment and work to get results.

Thank you CRPD, The City of Rancho Cordova, and White Rock / Cordova Towne area residents who made this day possible.

Click here to watch an interview with Cordova Recreation and Park District Administrator David Edmonds.

Similar Posts:

None Found

How do we report stuff to the City anyway? If you didn’t know, the City of Rancho Cordova has a system called “My City Hall Online” (aka “Comcate”), where residents can report things like graffiti or code violations, make suggestions, ask questions, and basically interact with City Hall. My take and experience is that the more we communicate with our city, the greater the chances are for obtaining the results we want to see.

I wanted to encourage us to use this sytem and do what we can to help our community grow in the right direction. Let’s keep dealing with some of the issues in our community by paying attention around us and definitely keeping the channels of communication open with City Hall.

Similar Posts:

None Found

Yesterday was a very exciting day because a friend and I were able to go to Sunrise Elementary School in the Anatolia area of Rancho Cordova to say thank you to some all-star students who gathered items for Project 680. Three kindergarten classes ended up collecting 154 pairs of gloves, 67 hats, and 11 scarves for local homeless students. Way to go kids (and teachers)! We are proud of you!

This is such great news and I wanted to share it with you. It’s just too good on so many levels, don’t you think?

Please know though that I don’t mention this to brag or boast in any way. I’m not looking for public kudos either. I just think it’s so important to take a stand for struggling kids as well as find a vision in life that makes a real difference. I am so thankful to be actively learning to live out a vision with locals in Rancho Cordova and Folsom through Project 680. That’s easy to write about.

Similar Posts:

None Found

The following interview took place in September 2009 over email between Ryan Lundquist of Project 680 and Mr. Zachary Andrews.

RL: Where did you grow up, and when did you come to Rancho Cordova?
Zach: I was born in Oakland and the way I ended up in Rancho Cordova was I was sent to a foster home.

RL: What year did you graduate Cordova High School?
Zach: I graduated Cordova High in 2003.

RL: When did you start playing basketball, and did you ever imagine you’d be playing professionally?
Zach: Believe it or not, I actually started playing basketball late, which was 7th grade. I was a troubled child growing up with no one who cared about me, so I didn’t care too much about myself. I didn’t feel wanted in any way. I didn’t feel nor did I know what love was. So finally something caught my eye which led me to my path to do well. I never imagined I’d be playing professionally. It is a real blessing to travel the world and earn a living.

RL: What was your living situation like during High School?
Zach: My living situation during High School was tough. I was going back and forth from my home to friends’ houses, and eventually it was just going to friends’ houses. I shared clothes with my friends – everything except shoes, but shared underwear, shorts, jeans, just so I could fit in at school. It was very tough for me because I had siblings I wanted to take care of, but could not because I could not take care of myself. The friends I lived with I consider my family very highly because they believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.

RL: What was it like to be “couch surfing” as a teenager? How did that impact you?
Zach: It was hard for me to come out and tell people I was going home. The only people that really knew were my friends and the football coaches. The coaches [knew] because I could not afford to pay for cleats or jerseys. So that was very hard because I did not want to share that with them. I was scared I would have to move.

RL: What encouraged you to an athletic career? Was there a particular person or experience?
Zach: I never was encouraged to pursue an athletic career because I felt I wasn’t good enough. I honestly didn’t plan to go to college until a junior college coach, the only coach that saw my potential, asked me to come play for him. This was shocking to me because I was not advertised at all like that, so there was something that would not let me give up when I wanted to, which got me a scholarship to Bradley University.

RL: What was it like to help lead your college team at Bradley University to the Sweet 16?
Zach: It was like an unbelievable dream that you could not wake up from. And to be a part of that Sweet 16 experience – I don’t think any other words can describe what it felt like to lead a team to the Sweet 16 that had not been in years. And the guys that I shared it with made it worth the training and dedication.

RL: How would you like to apply your B.A. degree in Theatre Arts?
Zach: I would love to apply my B.A. degree in Theatre Arts by doing movies on the big screen with huge actors one day. But until then I’m going to see how far I can go with playing basketball. But movies is my next goal I plan to accomplish.

RL: So many kids in similar situations don’t make it. What made you different? How were you able to overcome some of the challenges you faced?
Zach: I believe it is the people you choose to surround yourself with that allow you to choose your path and overcome challenges, when it comes to being a statistic in the environment we are given in similar situations as mine.

RL: Is it true that you can do back flips?
Zach: LOL. Yes, it is true I can do back flips.

RL NOTE: Zach is 6’8″ by the way.

RL: What types of things did the office of the District Liaison for Homeless Services do for you during High School?
Zach: They cater to all of us in any way they can. I was in need of a new book bag (which I still have I believe), and could not afford a yearbook every year, among other school materials. And if I just wanted to talk, her and her staff would make the day even better by spending time with us even it if was for a minute or two.

RL: How has your background shaped you?
Zach: My background shaped me to appreciate myself and others more. And understand that the world is not always after you – it only prepares you. So in my words it is not about what you were, it is about what you’re going to become if you believe and don’t give up. There is always going to be someone that loves and cares about you no matter what your situation is or how you were raised.

RL: What advice would you offer to homeless kids?
Zach: My advice I would offer homeless children would be to stay strong through the roughest and toughest times. There will be times when you want to give up, and that time is the worst because everything negative seems to come out of nowhere and sit on your shoulders, which will leave you feeling like you have no one. And that’s when it counts the most to be the strongest and believe in yourself if nobody will.

RL: Why do you think some homeless kids lose hope?
Zach: It’s simple, we “homeless children” lose hope because the love and motivation we want is not given, but all the stress of thinking everything will be okay when it is not is [given]. Also, the motivation and love we have for ourselves is not enough and we search for it at close friends’ homes, school, and anywhere we can to feel wanted – to escape our living situation.

RL: In our efforts to reach out to local students who might be in a similar situation you were in, what advice do you have for us?
Zach: Advice I have for you when it comes to your efforts to reach out to us is stay consistent, understanding, and concerned because it shows us that you truly care about us and our needs as a person. And doing so allows it to be easier to open up to you and how we feel – especially if they’re females.

RL: Where do you think you’d be right now if you didn’t have a supportive coach, teachers, loving siblings and friends (and their families) to help you out during High School?
Zach: If I did not have them believing in me, there is a possibility I would have had children at an early age, dropped out of High School. Selling drugs to get money to raise money for my child. Maybe in and out of jail.

RL: Where do you see yourself doing in the next ten years?
Zach: In the next ten years I see myself married with a gorgeous wife and child, financially stable, in the NBA, and pursuing my movie role in a summer blockbuster film.

We know Mr. Andrews is very busy playing basketball in Europe, and we appreciate the time he gave for an interview with Project 680, as well as his openness. What did you think? Does anything he said stand out to you? Comments are welcome.

Above photo courtesy of Bradley University Website.

Similar Posts:

None Found

Rancho Cordova – 95670:
-          458 sales in past 12 months
-          64% of sales were bank-owned
-          12% of sales were short sales
-          Low Sale: $71,150
-          High Sale: $580,000
-          Overall Median Price for Past 12 Months: $190,000

NOTE: Rancho Cordova also has the 95742 zip code, but these properties were not accounted for in this comparison.

Similar Posts:

None Found

Similar Posts:

None Found

Did you know that the Folsom Cordova Unified School District has a program to assist homeless students? Did you know that last year they served 680 students within the district? It is hard to grasp that so many local kids are struggling with something as basic as a stable place to live. It’s the truth though and so the aim of Project 680 is to partner with the office of the District Liaison for Homeless Services to find simple and relevant ways to support these students.

What is a homeless student? “Homeless” is defined as “an individual who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate residence.” The youth that the school district serves are living in unstable places like motels, the streets, in tents, in cars, in RVs in parking lots, in homes without power or water, in homes without a parent or legal guardian, etc… These are kids who reside within FCUSD territory within the cities of Rancho Cordova and Folsom.

The community at large is invited on Wednesday March 11th at 6:30pm to attend the Project 680 Community Forum. The format of the meeting will be a brief presentation by the District Liaison for Homeless Services, Q&A, and discussion. The event will be hosted at Cordova Neighborhood Church at 10600 Coloma Road in Rancho Cordova. Project 680 is supported by the Cordova Towne Neighborhood Association, local residents and businesses, churches, and Socks & Gloves - a homeless outreach.

Similar Posts:

None Found

The 95742 zip code (Anatolia) in the graph above is dotted in blue while the 95670 zip code is depicted in red. Anatolia consists of homes built within the past five years while the 95670 area has an age range of 30-50+ typically, though there are also newer subdivisions (Stone Creek, Capital Village).

What stands out to you about the graph and stats below?

95742 Zip Code:

- Overall Median Price in 2008 – $324,900

- 345 total sales

- 48% of sales were bank owned

- 11% of sales were short sales

95670 Zip Code:

- Overall Median Price in 2008 – $190,000

- 459 total sales

- 64% of sales were bank owned

- 12% of sales were short sales

Similar Posts:

None Found

Let’s go for a ride. Strap in to grab a closer look at what is going on with Rancho Cordova real estate. This “Market Watch” section will highlight current price trends, interesting data, and share relevant statistics and resources with the hope of further educating readers.

Even though there is not much encouraging news out there these days, it is still important to be informed, have dialog, and of course support each other in making it through these difficult economic times.

These pieces are not meant to serve as your sole source of data, real estate advice, or an appraisal, but only give a window into this wild market. The information shared is based upon research and statistical analysis from usage of Sacramento MLS.

Let’s begin by taking a look at a graph displaying all Rancho Cordova sales over the past 36 months (1,563 sales total) as well as all current houses for sale within city limits (326). What stands out to you about the graphs? What do you see?

Similar Posts:

None Found

What is the best dining experience you’ve ever had? A few years ago I ate at a joint in San Francisco called Asia De Cuba. This fusion restaurant had spectacular ambiance and the feel of a hip club with its dim lights, pulsating beats, trendy décor, and exotic menu. Our group enjoyed four hours of eating and sitting together and we were never rushed to leave. The bill was substantial, but the unique experience was worth the high cost.

When guests leave my house after dinner, I want them to feel something similar. It would be great if they complimented the lavish food, stylish decorating, and festive atmosphere. That would be nice. I have a feeling though they’d more realistically say they’d eaten good non-gourmet food and felt mostly comfortable even though there were energized toddlers running around. Dining at the Lundquist home is not anything like an upscale restaurant, but that’s a good thing because practicing hospitality does not necessitate a gourmet experience.

There is something significant about welcoming others into our homes. When we ask people over we are giving them much more than a meal – we are inviting them into our lives. In an age of birthday card emails, drive-thru dinners, and brief cell phone interactions, it’s refreshing to sit down together for an unrushed hour or two and really get to know others. Sometimes though we think that being hospitable means we have to prepare the most scintillating dishes and spend all day cleaning the house. But it’s okay if the walls are not acid-washed, if toys are visible, and if there’s a stack of bills on the counter top. True hospitality is not about offering our guests perfection, but relationship. Sure, it’s nice to clean the house and spice up dinner a bit, but let’s remember that our guests are not customers to please but rather participants in a family meal. One of the most respectful things we can do is invite people into the life we really live. Besides, if we put so much effort into a meal we might exhaust ourselves and also cause our guests to feel intimidated about inviting us to their house.

Life is busy, so where do you find the time to eat a meal with others? Thankfully dinner is something that most of us do every night, so it’s just a matter of coordinating our schedules. If my household is eating dinner anyway and yours is too, it doesn’t seem all that overwhelming to combine efforts to dine together – especially on a weekend night. It always helps too to ask guests to bring a side dish or assist with preparation somehow.

The practice of hospitality is about sharing meals, but is more broadly about sharing our lives with people. This might seem like an odd topic to end a community building series, but by taking the initiative to invite others into our daily routines we can profoundly impact our neighborhoods. When we get intentional about helping our tracts become more connected like they used to be, we will begin to taste something wonderful – a sense of community.

Are you open to the challenge?

Read the entire Community Building 101 series

Similar Posts:

None Found

“I’ll have my people call your people.” Have you ever known someone who could get anything done because he had all the right contacts? The wheelers and dealers of the business world know all about this. They build networks of people in order to get results and solve problems. They are good at what they do for their companies, but the art of networking is not something exclusive to commerce – it is useful for neighborhoods too. Finding allies for our tracts who will help foster community and reinforce the change we are working toward is critical for success.

Thankfully there are a plethora of potential partners for neighborhood growth and it’s just a matter of tapping into relationship with some of these people. Below is a list of suggested groups to begin networking with. Remember that the best relationships are authentic and mutual.

The City: First off, make sure that the city knows what you are attempting so that they can support you with resources and ideas (or maybe even funds). Go ahead and introduce yourself by phone and email to certain departments – start with Neighborhood Services and Housing. It’s okay to ask the city for help, rely upon their expertise, and let them know what your subdivision needs. Keep the city up to date with your efforts and especially success stories – maybe a first BBQ, the beginning of a neighborhood blog, or a community painting project. Hearing of your accomplishments may encourage and fuel city workers to work harder for neighborhoods – and maybe even your area. Remember that many people try to get results by complaining, and there is a place for that, but a positive attitude, listening, persistence and saying thank you sometimes gets the job done more quickly.

City Council: Invite Council Members to BBQs, neighborhood walks, or whatever you are planning, and ask them for advice and ideas on community building.

Neighborhood Watch: This organization began as a national campaign in 1972 and is a strategy to bring residents and police together to “take a bite out of crime.” See www.usaonwatch.org

Police Department: Find out who your neighborhood patrol officers are and invite them to events and to talk with residents about crime prevention. Let them know right away by phone or email when there are problems in your area.

Neighborhood Associations: Contact local neighborhood associations who have experienced success. Ask for advice and learn from their victories and challenges.

Local Nonprofits: Which local nonprofits in your area are relevant for residents? Ask around about organizations, grants, churches, and groups that could assist your efforts.

Business: Ask local businesses to sponsor an event. They will gain publicity and you won’t have to pay out of pocket.

Local Media: Let the local newspaper know about your efforts and events. Maybe they could write a story or at least publicize your gatherings in the community calendar section.

Maybe your rolodex is much thinner than some of the savvy entrepreneurs in town, but piecing together a network of people over time who are experienced in community building will profoundly affect your neighborhood. You will be able to connect residents to resources and help bring some of the change needed in your tract. This makes you even more valuable to your community.

Which of the above suggested resources resonate with you? Why?

Part VIII The Art of Hospitality

Similar Posts:

None Found

It’s nearly impossible to win with only one great player. Even megastar athletes like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Tom Brady have all needed good players around them to succeed. The same is true in our neighborhoods. Experiencing a more vibrant community requires a sense of teamwork that bonds residents together and goes beyond unrelated efforts by a few individuals. Finding like-minded people who want to help your neighborhood become more connected is the key in getting things started.

How do you begin to piece together a team for the neighborhood? There is no exact science toward discovering the right people, but below are some principles to begin with. Pick and choose what will work best for your situation and don’t feel you have to do everything at once.

1. Take your time: Change won’t happen quickly and it takes time to connect with people and build trust, so pace yourself as you meet residents.
2. Ask Questions: The best way to find out what people think the neighborhood needs is to ask questions and then really listen to what people are saying.
3. Pay Attention: In your conversations with residents, who is talking about wanting to see change in the neighborhood? These are like-minded people to join forces with.
4. Tell Your Story: Share with residents your desires for the neighborhood. This can be at a formal event, but mostly occurs in the course of every day conversation.
5. Do Something: People are attracted to a sense of direction and positive vision rather than complaining. Decide to do something and make it easy for others to join in.
6. Start Small: Rather than taking on every issue that needs attention in your neighborhood or doing a huge project, think about practical goals that are doable. Build in success by meeting smaller goals and then take on larger projects as more people come along.
7. The Word on Flyers: If you pass out flyers, keep in mind that people generally don’t respond to flyers on their doorstep without personal interaction. If possible, it’s best to knock on doors and introduce yourself while handing out flyers.
8. Start with a BBQ: Do a potluck-style BBQ for your street. Make a flyer, find someone to plan it with you, and delegate details to other interested residents. While at the event, have a sign-up for a phone tree, email list, or a future community gathering.
9. Be a Chief: Many people don’t want to be a chief, so step up and be the leader for a time and then watch the domino effect as others begin to find ways to lead in the neighborhood. People are more likely to join when they realize that they are not being asked to commit their lives away or be the point person.
10. Volunteers Come and Go: Life gets busy and people come and go. Thank people for their time and don’t expect that volunteers should or want to give as much as you do. Remember too that not everyone wants to be involved.
11. Keep People’s Best Interest in Mind: Encourage people to do things that they want to do in the neighborhood. When people do things they are comfortable with or passionate about, there is a better chance of success because they feel respected and empowered.
12. Find a Simple Communication System: Consider starting a blog, newsletter, e-Group, e-mail list, phone tree, or some sort of forum where residents can begin talking more regularly. Whatever you do, first get a few people on board to launch it and then invite others to join. Be creative and do what is going to work for your neighborhood.

Our society is aching for community leaders who will find ways to bring their neighbors together. These people do not need to be experts either, but only willing to set the pace. There are likely quite a few residents around you already who are hungry to see your neighborhood come together. Many times though people are simply waiting for someone to get the ball rolling, someone to be a leading voice for your street or tract – someone like you.

What does a community leader look like? Go to the mirror.

Part VII Bringing in the Reinforcements

Similar Posts:

None Found

Fred had a big problem. He and his next door neighbor were in the habit of heated arguments, squirting each other with the water hose, and even on the verge of fist fights. These two men despised each other. Fred was in the thick of a worst-case scenario situation where moving to another neighborhood seemed inevitable. He clearly had some issues to work on, but the real question I wonder about was what his three daughters were learning from their Dad as they watched him spray their next door neighbor with the hose.

What type of neighbor do you want your children to be one day? What are your hopes for them when they plant their roots in a community?

It’s easy to think of our children’s success in terms of academics, sports, a college education, and a good job. Certainly these are gauges for accomplishment, but let’s make sure that no matter what our kids do in life, that we teach them to be good neighbors for along the way. Passing on a value for neighborliness will give our sons and daughters an edge in the world because they will learn to grasp the importance of enjoying life with the people around them, solving problems, being considerate, and building social networks in the real world beyond Myspace and Facebook. If our kids watch us being friendly to residents, grilling steaks with people next door, taking in mail when neighbors are on vacation, or calling the police when seeing suspicious activity, they will discover something valuable: that relying on others is important, that people can be trusted, and that being connected to other residents is a dynamic part of what makes home feel like home.

At one time children readily learned to be great neighbors because there were different expectations. Kids were expected to be participants in their community, to be visible in the neighborhood, be outside until dinner was ready, and even be polite to other adults and families in the neighborhood (otherwise they’d discipline you too). But these days our society is increasingly more disconnected and people tend to not trust each other. Nowadays parents need to monitor closely where their children are and practically interview other households before letting their kids play together. Today’s children are often found inside glued to video games, television, or doing homework, all while getting less exercise and spending fewer moments outside in the tract. Overall it seems more challenging for parents to impart a lifestyle of neighborliness today because it goes against the grain of society. But what will happen if we don’t? That’s the bigger question.

It’s rarely too late to pass on values or start over. Maybe your kids are nearly out of the house, long gone, or you are just getting started. No matter how old they are, think of the impact you can have while your kids or even grand kids watch you interact with people next door or hear about how you are finding simple ways to be involved in your subdivision. I think of two residents in my community, Georgia & Paul, who are 86 and 83 years old respectively. Six months ago they showed up for a neighborhood beautification project where residents painted an expansive wall to help curb tagging. What do you think Georgia and Paul’s children and grandchildren thought of them when hearing about the painting project? What values do you think Georgia and Paul were able to amplify for their family?

What will your legacy be?

Part VI: Finding Like-Minded People

Similar Posts:

None Found

I recently attended a funeral of a local man. He raised four kids, stayed married for fifty years, knew success in his career, and had many remarkable traits. His eulogy was full of all the great stuff we often hear, but there was something more mentioned that was a very high compliment: he was a good neighbor. Story after story was shared about how this man was known to say hi to others, pay attention to people around him, find ways to care for folks next door, talk to passersby, befriend local teenagers, and even share his roses and vegetables with neighbors.

The notion of being a contributor to the health of a community is seldom on the radar in today’s culture. Somewhere along the way we lost the value for connectedness and are now more isolated and self-reliant. If we can re-believe though that it really does matter to have residents involved in neighborhood life, then our communities will thrive.

Whose responsibility is it anyway to help a neighborhood grow in the right direction? Is it the City and its programs? Council members? An HOA? Apartment managers? Local Business? Police? Code Enforcement? The answer is all of the above, but most of all it is the privilege of residents to shape the values of their tract. Just as each of us needs to eat certain foods to yield a healthy body, in neighborhoods individual households help to nourish the overall wellbeing of their area. Not everyone has a desire to be social or get to know others, and that is understandable, but as more and more residents choose to be intentional about their community, we will experience a vibrancy that no HOA fee could ever create.

When we begin to put effort into the stream of subdivision life we will see stronger relationships and a greater sense of communal vision, not to mention having a whole lot of fun. This is not about taking on big neighborhood projects, but instead buying into a belief that our individual contributions and giftedness are valuable for the soul of the neighborhood. Let’s begin to re-believe that each household has something to offer for the health of the community and then act accordingly.

You are important for your neighborhood. Do you believe that?

Bonus Material: The following are thirteen examples of residents who believe in community participation.

1. David the Photographer: He has taken pictures at neighborhood events several times.
2. Elaine the Host: Elaine has invited groups of residents into her home.
3. Janel the Garage Sale Queen: Janel planned a neighborhood garage sale.
4. Ruth, Jamie & The Beatification Posse: They grew tired of seeing two neighborhood entrance corners looking unkempt, so they pulled out plants and got to work.
5. Gary the Painter: Gary takes the initiative to cover tagging in inconspicuous places.
6. David the Woodworker: He cut, sanded, and painted new letters which say “Cordova Towne” for an entrance corner on Mather Field Road
7. Brandon & Jen The Organic Pool Couple: They have shared from their vegetable garden multiple times and they hosted a pool party this Summer
8. Clark the Walker: Clark likes to hike, so he asked a few people to begin walking the neighborhood 1-2 times per month.
9. Mark & Sarah the Prayer Duo: Last year they invited residents into their home to pray together over a series of months.
10. Swansea Way Heroes: A number of residents on Swansea Way are putting effort into helping their street communicate more regularly through street events.
11. Donna & Jerry the Weed & Seeders: They both sit on the Weed & Seed Steering Committee (a federal program) which directly impacts the neighborhood.
12. Christian the Activist: He was not happy when the City added a median to block off a neighborhood street so he passed out flyers to do something about it.
13. Helen & Lee the Pillars: They have both lived in the neighborhood for many decades and are active in the local police zone meetings.

Part V: A Legacy for our Children

Similar Posts:

None Found

Improving a neighborhood can feel like trying to resurrect the Titanic, but in reality it’s more like flipping a burger with a family next door. When our prime focus is only on the problems in a community, it can start to feel discouraging and we give up, thinking “I don’t have the time or energy,” or “I can’t do this by myself”, or “I don’t even know where to begin.” I’d like to suggest though that the beginning point for strengthening a neighborhood is really about small every day choices rather than planning big events or programs.

Strengthening a community simply recognizes that relationships rather than high fences are what is most important. The truth is you do not need ample time, money, grey hair, or incredible leadership skills to make a difference in your tract. You only need to be attentive to your surroundings and intentional in some very practical ways. This is about a mindset, a lifestyle, a paradigm to live from.

Connecting with neighbors can be something very natural and it happens over time. It is not something that you have to plan for per se or worry about adding to your busy schedule. Below are some practical tips to connect (or re-connect) with neighbors:

• Sit out in your front yard or on your porch
• Wave to passersby and say “hello” to people
• Introduce yourself to new residents
• Find a resident to exercise with
• Volunteer to collect mail while your neighbor is gone
• Borrow a tool or ask for advice
• Keep your yard well kept
• Invite a few neighbors to holiday parties or have someone over for dinner
• BBQ in your front yard with one other household
• Say sorry when you need to
• Do an Easter egg hunt for your street
• Take regular walks (with your dogs and kids too because they are conversation magnets)
• Exchange phone numbers with your neighbors in case of an emergency
• Talk to another resident about your desire to see neighbors connect
• Consider parking in your driveway so that you are visible outside more often

Most of life in a neighborhood consists of non-glamorous regular moments, but these instances present opportunity for connection and are the building blocks for the future. Mother Teresa once said, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” Now go and do small things.

What tips do you have to connect with neighbors?

Part IV: Re-Believing in Community Participation

Similar Posts:

None Found

Not long ago on a Friday I drove home after a long and tiring week of work and found my neighbor Queen bringing in my trashcans. While getting out of my truck Queen grinned and told me I was not supposed to catch her in the act. This was a small deed of kindness on her part, but I gave her a big hug and thanked her for making my day.

Our tract is home to the newest neighborhood association in Rancho Cordova and we are rediscovering just how meaningful and powerful it is to be more connected as a neighborhood. In essence, what we have been doing in the Cordova Towne area is stepping outside of the confines of our parcel lines to experience life together in the “front yard” (the neighborhood).

Come along for a glimpse below into this “front yard dynamic” that has been taking place.

• Last year ten residents brought meals to a resident with cancer to help ease the burden on her family
• In April 2008 30-40 neighbors painted a 3400 square foot section of neighborhood wall along Mather Field Road.
• Residents went Christmas caroling on a flatbed truck in 2007
• Jamie & Ruth & the Scott Family landscaped two entrance corners to the tract
• Mark & Sarah started a monthly neighborhood prayer meeting
• Clark began a bi-monthly neighborhood walk
• Janel planned a neighborhood-wide garage sale
• 25 residents attended a meeting in July 2008 with the Park District
• We had American Idol BBQs on the night of the season finale in ’07 and ‘08
• A couple bought a house and one of their considerations for moving here was that there was a budding neighborhood association
• We started a blog, website, email list, and an e-Group
• We have begun to build a good reputation with the City

Something is happening here. We are finding a sense of community that was once prevalent throughout our neighborhoods but seems to have been lost in the past few decades. Great neighborhoods are not about big and fancy houses, income level, or perfect lawns, but rather residents who believe in their community and take ownership for shaping the values of the neighborhood.

What sort of “front yard” dynamics would you like to see happen in your neighborhood?

Part III: The Starting Line (coming next week)

Similar Posts:

None Found

One of the constant themes that Home Depot commercials hit on is the idea of building the ultimate backyard. Have you seen these ones? A family turns their typical rear plot of land into a haven full of Trex decking, bright flowers and fresh sod, with a gleaming stainless steel grill to bring it all together. The concept is to create a space to relax—a refuge from the rest of the world and a post-5pm retreat after a tiring day.

I’ll admit that these ads strike me in two ways. One, I want that backyard. But Two, on a deeper level I wonder if there is something here for us to consider. Has our culture become used to a world where we spend the bulk of our time confined to our parcel lines while having little meaningful interaction with our neighbors?

There used to be a day and time in our culture where kids played outside more often, where families knew and relied upon households next door, and where it was a norm to feel a sense of connectedness amongst neighbors. In thinking back to when you were a kid, did life in your neighborhood seem a bit more interactive and relational than your experience today? Did people trust each other more readily? Did passersby wave? Did you play outside without worrying about Megan’s Law registrants? Were your parents able to let you roam around a little more?

Let’s face it, after the commute home from work it’s easy to find ourselves so tired and busy that the concept of getting to know our neighbors seems unrealistic, impractical or even inconvenient. So we get home from work, shut the garage door quickly in order to avoid others, stay behind our fences, and then turn on one of our screens in order to zone out. Sure, privacy is essential to a healthy lifestyle, but if life’s standard posture is to have very limited interaction with neighbors, then our communities will suffer.

What happened to our neighborhoods?

Part II: Finding Treasure in the Front Yard (coming next week)

Similar Posts:

None Found