Sep 30, 2026
Sherry Martinez is an avid cyclist and community activist. She combines both interests as a member of the American River Bike Patrol.
The volunteer organization began providing trail safety on the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail in 2020. The 23-mile paved pathway along the American River Parkway stretches from Discovery Park to Hazel Avenue.
Interest has grown fast among volunteers and regional communities. Roseville, El Dorado County and the state recently authorized the patrol to cover various paved, natural-surface and multiuse trails throughout the area.
Aug 28, 2026
The table at Coffee Works in East Sacramento is filled with papers, folders, index cards, markers, pens, a laptop and ruler. Each has a purpose.
It’s the mobile workplace of Ken Cross. There’s room for a cup of coffee and a muffin, just barely.
Nearly 12 years removed from retirement as CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento, Cross, 74, thrives on being busy. He combines work away from home with the joy of conversation.
The West Point graduate began his Army career more than 50 years ago. He’s transitioned many times, sales to service, volunteerism to senior education.
Jul 28, 2026
When Warren Truitt and his family arrived in Sacramento in 1981, his 15-year-old son jumped on his bike and discovered the American River Parkway.
“He came home and was so excited,” Truitt recalls. “He said, ‘Dad, you have to ride with me.’”
That launched Truitt’s passion for biking. He rode for 38 years, covering 222,000 miles. “Almost to the moon,” he says.
Riding the bike trail also sparked his interest in conservation efforts to protect the American River Parkway.
May 28, 2026
Jim Tracy believes volunteer work should be practical and purposeful. After a 27-year career with SMUD, including 10 years as chief financial officer, he looks for ways to contribute where his experience can make a measurable difference.
“As a public organization with no shareholders, SMUD’s focus was on low rates and quality service to the people of Sacramento County,” Tracy says. “I feel that focus provides me a good foundation for volunteering with community organizations.”
That foundation guides how he chooses to serve. Rather than spread himself across many groups, Tracy focuses on where he can be most useful.
Mar 28, 2026
If Lisa Romero can offer some advice about bees, it’s this:
“If you see a swarm of bees, take a breath, be calm, go to the Sacramento Area Beekeepers website and report it,” Romero says. “Someone will come out and get it. Don’t spray them with water or pesticides, don’t bother them. You don’t have to hide inside. Just call a beekeeper.”
Spring is swarming season for honeybees, which means Sac Area Beekeepers get many calls and online reports of swarms this time of year.
Romero, the group’s vice president, says honeybees swarm when the hive gets too crowded. The queen leaves with half the colony to find a new home.
