County Supervisor Report
By Susan Peters
August 2020
Insect Alert
Japanese beetles threaten Sacramento’s agriculture
Eight Japanese beetles were recently detected in the Arden-Arcade area near the intersection of Watt and Whitney avenues. As a result, Sacramento County’s Agricultural Commissioner, in cooperation with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, has begun an extensive survey, which includes traps placed within initial detection sites.
Both the adult and grub (larval stage) Japanese beetles have the ability to destroy plants. The insects are an invasive species in California and native to Japan, where they are controlled by natural predators and a cooler climate.
Adult beetles feed on the fruit and foliage of several hundred species of fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs, vines and vegetable crops. Among the plants most commonly damaged are apple, pear, cherry, corn, grape, rose and turfgrass. Adult beetles leave behind skeletonized leaves and large, irregular holes.
The grubs develop in soil, feeding on the roots of various plants and grasses, often destroying turf in lawns, parks, golf courses and pastures. The beetle is a threat that can damage or destroy our agricultural products and natural environment.
Residents with questions about the survey can call the Agricultural Commissioner’s office at (916) 875-6603 or CDFA’s Pest Hotline at (800) 491-1899. More information is available at cdfa.ca.gov.
WATER METER INSTALLATION
The Arden Service Area Pipe and Meter Installation Project has installed more than 4,000 feet of pipe along American River Drive, Watt Avenue, Hathaway Court, Callnon Court and Mering Court. Additional work consists of water main installation along Sierra Oaks Drive, with more streets to come.
If work is expected along your street, the Sacramento County Water Agency’s contractor, Teichert, will place a notice on your door a few days prior to the start of construction. Please use this time to plan accordingly, such as pulling your car out of the garage and parking out of the construction zone so as not to be unexpectedly blocked in. Look for “no parking” signs and closed sidewalks. Also, remember to stay clear of the work area as proper protective equipment is necessary for safety.
Remaining work includes installing water main lines in other residential streets, installing service connections, testing and tying in the new system, removing and/or replacing fire hydrants, and restoring streets, such as paving.
As part of this project, the Water Agency has coordinated with the Department of Water Resources’ drainage design staff to examine storm drain inlets before street restoration occurs. North Star Construction and Engineering Inc. will upgrade inlets at four locations along Huntington Road and American River Drive.
The construction team understands this project can cause inconvenience and they are truly thankful for the continued cooperation and understanding of residents impacted by this effort. Construction is expected to end this November.
For more information, visit scwa.net and search for Phase 2A Arden Service Area Pipe and Meter Installation Project.
PPE VENDING MACHINES
The Sacramento International Airport has added “Clean & Safe Travels” personal-protective equipment vending machines in both terminals for passengers traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is another reminder of the turbulent times we live in, but not an unreasonable addition to the airport, which has increased cleaning and added ticket counter sneeze guards along with social-distancing messages to promote safety for passengers and staff.
The machines are located pre-security in Terminal A (between Starbucks and ticket counters) and Terminal B (at the west entrance near the Southwest Airlines ticket counter). Passengers can purchase a variety of protective masks ranging from $8.25 to $14.50, disposable gloves for $4.50, sanitizing wipes for $5.25 and hand-sanitizer spray or gel for $4.25 to $6.50.
Although there is no requirement to wear face coverings at the Sacramento airport, passengers are strongly encouraged to do so in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. In addition, most airlines have implemented policies requiring employees and passengers to wear face coverings in boarding areas and on aircraft.
JAIL DIVERSION PROGRAM
Sacramento County has been awarded a $1,690,542 grant from the California Health Facility Financing Authority’s Community Services Infrastructure Grant Program to create a Jail Diversion Treatment and Resource Center.
The Probation Department will use the grant funds to renovate 5,591 square feet of the first floor of 711 G St., which is near the Main Jail and Sacramento Superior Court.
This project will create a comprehensive county jail diversion and resource center for individuals 18 years and older who are living with mental illness and/or co-occurring substance-use disorder and/or suffering from trauma. Most importantly, the project will divert individuals from jails and prisons, and provide mental health treatment, substance-use disorder treatment and trauma-centered services.
The center will provide easily accessible, community-based, individualized support services and connections for adults in a one-stop location. Participants, including those recently released from custody, will be able to receive a myriad services, such as assessment for mental health services, referrals to community-based service providers, contact with probation officers and legal advice.
MATTRESS RECYCLING
Sacramento County Department of Waste Management and Recycling is proud to report that last year more than 33,000 mattresses were recycled at its North Area Recovery Station and Kiefer Landfill.
As part of the county’s commitment to environmental stewardship, residents can drop off mattresses and box springs for no charge at the North Area Recovery Station and Kiefer Landfill. Since the free drop-off program began in December 2015, the county has diverted more than 125,000 mattresses from landfills, totaling more than 6.5 million pounds.
When you bring in unwanted mattresses, staff will make sure they are loaded onto a truck and taken to a dedicated mattress recycler to be repurposed into new useful items. For more information, visit wmr.saccounty.net.
Susan Peters represents the Third District on the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @insidesacramento.
