County Supervisor Report July 2020
By Susan Peters
July 2020
Visiting Sacramento County’s public waterways and rivers is a traditional way to cool off during the summer. But before you take the plunge, remember “Life Looks Good on You” and so does a life vest. Drowning doesn’t.
Putting on a life vest before going into the river is the smart and safe thing to do. Whether you are swimming, fishing, boating, floating or just wading, you should always wear a properly fitting life vest.
Life Looks Good on You
Life vests available at stations throughout Sacramento
Visiting Sacramento County’s public waterways and rivers is a traditional way to cool off during the summer. But before you take the plunge, remember “Life Looks Good on You” and so does a life vest. Drowning doesn’t.
Putting on a life vest before going into the river is the smart and safe thing to do. Whether you are swimming, fishing, boating, floating or just wading, you should always wear a properly fitting life vest.
If you don’t have a life vest, there are free borrowing stations along Sacramento’s waterways and at local fire stations. Discovery Park has two sites with child and adult life vests. Life vests for kids only are at Ancil Hoffman Park, River Bend Park, Sand Cove, Paradise Beach, and Sunrise, Howe and Watt river accesses.
Remember, it’s the law for children under 13 to wear a life vest. For more information, visit regionalparks.saccounty.net/rangers, under “Water Safety.”
MORE ROAD WORK
Summer is paving season for Sacramento County’s Department of Transportation with a number of road projects slated for our area.
The increased gas tax provided by SB 1 and approved by voters in 2018 is funding paving for Marconi from Eastern to Walnut; El Camino between Mission and Garfield; Ashton from Saverien to Wixford; California from Oak to Palm; Robertson from Walnut to Fair Oaks Boulevard; Watt from Cottage to El Camino; and Madison between Dewey and San Juan.
The Auburn Boulevard Bike Pedestrian Improvements Project is installing bicycle lanes and pedestrian sidewalks along Auburn Boulevard between Annadale Lane and Winding Way in Arden-Arcade. The project will include ADA ramps, improved bus stops, a new pedestrian-activated traffic signal west of the Annadale Lane intersection, plus traffic-signal improvements at Norris Avenue to benefit pedestrians and bicyclists.
With a maintenance backlog of $789 million for the unincorporated area, not every road in need can be addressed immediately. But DOT is adding projects as new gas tax money becomes available. To track the county’s road projects, visit sacdot.com, under “Projects & Programs,” then “Gas Tax at Work.”
PROTECT YOUR PETS
Sacramento County’s Bradshaw Animal Shelter reminds you that a pet left in a vehicle can quickly turn deadly on warm days. Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a parked car can jump 20 degrees in just 10 minutes.
Being outdoors in temperatures above 90 degrees can also be dangerous. Bring your furry four-legged friends inside or provide plenty of cool water and shade.
And remember, fireworks can be stressful on pets, often causing fear and anxiety. Sadly, the volume of missing pets significantly increases during the Fourth of July holiday.
Leaving a pet outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain, with the noise from fireworks and other celebrations can lead to disastrous consequences. In fear, pets who normally would not leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so if they become lost, they can be returned home promptly.
AMERICAN RIVER PARKWAY PASS
Show your support of the American River Parkway by purchasing a yearlong unlimited Parks Pass. This convenient annual parking/day-use pass is great for joggers and bicyclists, as well as outdoor and nature enthusiasts who frequent the parkway. The pass costs only $50 per year—and pays for itself after 10 trips.
Purchasing a pass helps the American River Parkway, a unique 23-mile natural resource that provides a quick escape from the stress of urban life and offers plenty of outdoor recreational amenities. It is a public asset worth protecting and preserving—and your support is needed!
Parks Passes are sold at the American River Parkway Foundation Office in the William B. Pond Recreation Area or online at arpf.org.
PARKWAY ALCOHOL BAN
This Fourth of July there will be a complete ban on alcohol consumption and possession both on land and in the water within the American River Parkway between Hazel and Watt avenues. An exception exists for Ancil Hoffman Golf Course.
In past years, summer holiday weekends had become major problems along the American River, making the parkway less family friendly due to fights, public nudity, profanity and littering. The ban also is applicable to holiday weekends of Labor Day and Memorial Day.
Since the restriction, families have expressed appreciation for making these holiday weekends once again a time for everyone to enjoy the American River Parkway.
SPARE THE AIR
“Spare the Air” season is now in effect. The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality District asks residents to check the daily air-quality forecast and adjust your driving when high ozone is projected.
“Spare the Air” alerts in the Sacramento region will be issued when the Air Quality Index for ground-level ozone pollution is forecast to reach 126 or above.
Clean air is up to all of us and we each need to do our part. When possible, drive less or use alternate transportation. For alerts and forecasts, visit sparetheair.com.
Susan Peters represents the Third District on the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @insidesacramento.
