First Death from H1N1 (Swine) Flu in Sacramento County – The H1N1 virus has claimed another life in California, this time in Sacramento County. Although the traditional flu season is winding down, due to continued flu activity in the area, you are urged to take actions to prevent the spread of germs. Find more information about the flu on the regional preparedness website: Sacramento Ready. For additional details about this case, please read the press release.

Play Safe When Enjoying Local Parks and Waterways – The City and County are holding a joint event on Thursday, June 25 at 11:30 a.m. to help families have a safe summer. Parks rangers and fire officials will hand out summer safety tips and show children how to fit life jackets and bike helmets. View the media advisory for more information.

Increase in Public Parking Rates – Effective July 1, 2009, rates will increase for Sacramento County’s public parking lot located between 7th & 8th, G & H Streets. Please read the information alert for details.

Sacramento County Health Officer to Receive Achievement Award - Glennah Trochet, M.D. is one of six local women who will be honored for their career achievements at the Sacramento Business Journal’s 14th annual Women Who Mean Business award luncheon on Friday, June 19 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. For more information about event details and online registration, view the Sacramento Business Journal website.

Statewide Special Election Update - The results of the special election held on May 19 have been certified and declared official by Registrar of Voters Jill LaVine. View the final results on the elections website.

June is Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month - Bring home a friendly feline today as "kitten season" gets underway in Sacramento County. The County Animal Shelter has many wonderful cats and kittens available for adoption and looking for permanent homes. View the press release for more information.

Sacramento County Launches Stimulus Website – Learn more about the potential benefits that may come to Sacramento through the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding at the County’s Stimulus website. You’ll be able to track County applications for funding that is expected to pump money into the local economy and create jobs.

Celebrating a New Start on Life – 39 people who were formerly homeless are celebrating their graduation from the Mather Community Campus program. Armed with job training and stable housing, the graduates are entering the career world with support from a unique program funded by Sacramento County’s Department of Human Assistance. For more information about the program and the partners who run it, view the press release.

Local Creeks Photo Contest – Sacramento County Department of Water Resources is calling all amateur photographers to take photos of local creeks for a chance to be featured in the 2010 Sacramento County Creeks Calendar. The contest is open to students between the ages 8-18 years old and the deadline to submit is August 12, 2009. For details on how to enter, visit the Creek Photo Contest website.

Special Notice to Sacramento County employees participating in the Deferred Compensation 457 Program – Get details regarding “Fund Changes” on your Fidelity deferred compensation account at the Deferred Compensation Unit website.

Don’t Have Memorial Day Weekend Plans? – Attend the Sac Jazz Festival on Friday, May 22 – Monday, May 25. Tickets can be purchased at the door or discounted price ticket orders can be will-called at the Jubilee Headquarters next to Freeway Gardens starting on Friday morning. For more information, view the SacJazz website.

Hooray for the Sacramento County Fair – Come and enjoy the smoke-free Sacramento County Fair this weekend, Thursday, May 21 – Monday, May 25 at Cal Expo. Sacramento County's Department of Health and Human Services is among the sponsors of the fair.

Regional Parks Reminds Visitors to Stay Safe, Wear a Life Jacket on the American River this Weekend – Regional Parks wants to remind visitors to stay safe in and around County waterways this weekend by wearing a life jacket and leaving the alcoholic beverages at home. There will be a temporary ban on alcoholic beverages in the water and on the shoreline between Watt and Hazel Avenues. View the press release for more information about where to get a loaner life jacket.

County Holiday Office Closure – In observance of Memorial Day, Sacramento County offices will be closed on Monday, May 25. As always, emergency services will be available, and garbage pickup will continue. All offices will return to their normal business hours on Tuesday, May 26.

Sacramento County Celebrates National Public Works Week May 17-23 - Sacramento County honors the men and women of the Municipal Services Agency who work to revitalize, reinvest and renew Sacramento’s vital public works services, including supplying water to businesses and residences, maintaining roads and bridges, picking-up and recycling solid waste and providing sewage treatment. View press release for more information.

Live Election Results Online – Vote-by-mail ballots that were returned by mail or dropped off at polling places today and past few days in Sacramento County still need to be processed and counted before we have final election results. Ballots cast at polling places and vote-by-mail ballots have been tallied. View local results and find out how Sacramento voters lined up on key statewide propositions on the Voter Registration and Elections website.

Public Weighs in as Budget Impacts are Presented – Community members joined the Board of Supervisors May 13 - 15 for a series of informational workshops outlining the impacts of budget cuts to a wide variety of County departments. Public safety, human, social and general government services will be reduced due to decreased funding for the upcoming fiscal year. Input from the public and county departments will be used by the County Executive's Office to prepare a recommended budget for the Board of Supervisors on June 9. Video of the presentations can be viewed on SacCounty TV website. Background materials for the workshops can be found on item 13 on the Board of Supervisors agenda.

Swine Flu Update from Sacramento County Public Health – No additional cases have been confirmed in Sacramento County. Five cases, all with mild symptoms, were previously confirmed. Information on steps you can take to prevent infection is available on the Public Health website. For non-emergency questions and concerns, residents are encouraged to call 2-1-1 (or 1-800-500-4931).

County Continues Informational Budget Workshops – Community members are welcome to attend a final workshop on Friday, May 15, to offer input and hear the impacts of expected budget cuts on county services first-hand. Public safety, human and social service reductions have been discussed at Wednesday and Thursday’s workshops. On Friday, a variety of general government programs, including elections, animal care and planning, will be in the spotlight. The workshop will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors Chambers at 700 H Street. Background for the workshops can be found under item 13 on the Board of Supervisors agenda.

Bike Month Challenge – May is Bike Month and you are challenged to choose bicycling for work, errands and recreation. Log every bike-ridden mile for a chance to win prizes on the May is Bike Month website. The Capitol Bike Fest celebration is on Thursday, May 21 at the State Capitol with music, raffle prize for commuter bikes and bike shop booths. In support of Bike to Work Day, Regional Parks is holding a Park 'n' Ride event on Thursday, May 21, 6 a.m. - 10 a.m. with parking fees waived at four parkway locations.

Monday, May 4, Last Day to Register for Special Statewide Election – Registrar of Voters Jill LaVine urges anyone who is not registered and wants to participate in this election to pick up a Voter Registration Card at libraries, post offices or call 916-875-6451 to have one mailed. For more information, view the press release.

Notice to Sacramento County Employees and Retirees Participating in the Deferred Compensation Program – Find out details regarding a “Fee Holiday” on your Fidelity deferred compensation account at the Deferred Compensation Unit website.

Sacramento County Street Count Reports Decrease in Chronically Homeless – Department of Human Assistance conducts a homeless street count biennially in accordance with HUD funding requirements for homeless programs. The count was conducted on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 and according to the 2009 Homeless Count Summary Report, the 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness helps many chronically homeless people obtain housing. View the press release for more information.

County Addresses Economic Challenges – Stay up-to-date on the County’s plans and actions to build the Fiscal Year 2009-10 budget. Visit the Budget Information and Cost Saving Measures web page.

Supervisors Proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention Month – According to the Child Abuse Prevention Council of Sacramento, every minute of every day, a child is reported abused in California. Studies show a link between child abuse and greater risk for substance abuse, crime, suicide and premature death. For information or to report suspected child abuse, call the Sacramento County Child Protective Services 24-Hour Hotline 916-875-5437(KIDS).

Outstanding Volunteers of 2008 Recognized by Sacramento County – On Tuesday, April 21, 9:40 a.m. – 11 a.m., volunteers and volunteer groups will be recognized for their service. Sacramento County utilized more than 9,285 volunteers and students who donated 614,395 hours. The monetary value of the staggering contribution is $12,547,199. A ceremonial check will be presented to the Board of Supervisors followed by a reception for the volunteers. For more information about the event, view the press release or Volunteering website.

Second Installment of Property Tax Due – Second installment of 2008-2009 Sacramento County secured property taxes are due no later than Friday, April 10, 2009, without penalty. Late payments will incur a 10 percent penalty for each tax bill. Please read the news release for more detailed information.

Two-for-One Bunny Adoption Event on Saturday, April 11 – Partnering with local bunny adoption group, Friends of Unwanted Rabbits (FUR), the Animal Shelter is looking to place 66 bunnies, which were rescued from a single residence, in permanent homes. The public is invited to the shelter 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to meet our bunnies and bunny experts. For more information, view the news release.

National Public Health Week April 6 - 12, 2009 – Sacramento County Public Health is marking the occasion by emphasizing some of the most critical public health issues facing our community. For more information, view the news release.

Sacramento Chapter of the Latino Social Work Network Conference – Join the local chapter of the LSWN on Friday, April 24, 2009 for the 19th annual conference. Speakers include Bishop Soto and a member of the Board of Supervisors, with a reception to follow. The event begins with a continental breakfast at 8 – 8:30 a.m. and welcome speakers at 9 a.m. For more information and event registration, view the flier.

Public Safety & Community Appreciation Breakfast – Join the commemorative event where public safety members come together with Sacramento citizens to express appreciation for their support, hard work and dedication in keeping our neighborhoods safe. Hosted by District Attorney Jan Scully and Mayor Kevin Johnson is keynote speaker. For more information, view news release.

Help Combat Animal Neglect and Abuse – Tough economic times are trickling down to pets, who are often left abandoned when their owners can no longer afford to care for them. April is “Prevention of Cruelty to Animals” month, and your Sacramento County Animal Shelter is reminding you to report potential abuse or neglect by calling the “Critter Tipper” line at (916) 368-7387. For more information, view the news release. 

Notice to Retired County Employees – Find out details regarding a fraudulent investment scheme that has impacted the Sacramento County Employees’ Retirement System. SCERS CEO Richard Stensrud offers the latest information on the Retirement System’s website.

County Releases Preliminary Budget Numbers – Sacramento County budget officials are developing plans to manage a $168 million shortfall in the budget year beginning July 1, 2009. Read the news release for more details.

Town Hall Meeting Comes to South Sacramento – More than 300 people are expected to attend the Town Hall meeting and ask questions of County officials and service providers about home foreclosures, law enforcement and other issues affecting their neighborhood on Thursday, April 2 at 6:30 p.m. View the Neighborhood Services website for more information.

2009 Citizens Academy – Learn about our criminal justice system and meet public safety leaders in our community. This no cost 10-week course begins Tuesday, April 14th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Classes are held Tuesday evenings at the Sacramento Police Department headquarters. Read the press release for details. Apply online or contact Kelley Wilson at 874-6722. Deadline for applications is March 27th.

American River Parkway Fire Prevention Summit, Saturday, March 28 – Discuss fire prevention techniques with experts from Regional Parks, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District and Sacramento City Fire Department at the Coloma Community Center in downtown Sacramento, 8:30a .m. - 12:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. View the flier for more information.

Sacramento County Employee Wins the 2009 Clean Air Champion Award – Toni Barry, Principal Environmental Analyst for the Department of Environmental Review & Assessment, was selected as the Clean Air Champion due to her outstanding leadership with clean air issues in the Sacramento Region. Read more information about Barry's accomplishments and award.

County Social Workers Honored by Board of Supervisors – Social workers rarely get the spotlight for their tireless efforts on behalf of families, but they were honored on Tuesday, March 10, for their outstanding work as part of National Social Work Month. More than a dozen professionals who protect and serve families in Sacramento were singled out for special recognition by the Board, with Supervisors also taking time to thank the 850 county employees who do such vital work for our most vulnerable residents. View the press release for more information.

City/County Team Up to Clean Up Neighborhood – On Saturday, March 21, city and county staff will be sprucing up the Fruitridge/Pocket/South Oak Park area with private waste vendors and dozens of community volunteers. Read the media advisory for more information.

Local Officials March for Meals – On Wednesday, March 18, officials will show their support for the community’s seniors by delivering meals during Sacramento County’s 8th Annual March for Meals Week. The event is sponsored by the County’s Meals on Wheels Program. Read the press release for more information.

Are You Prepared for an Emergency? – Learn how to be prepared for an emergency before it happens. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is offering Neighborhood Emergency Training (NET) on Thursday, March 19, 2009. The 2-hour class is open to anyone and there is no charge. For more information, contact Laureen Anderson.

Exploring Equal Opportunity for All – Join members of the Sacramento-based Committee Addressing Racial Equality for a workshop Saturday, March 7 focusing on racial equality issues in the southern part of the county. Speakers include Supervisor Jimmie Yee and State Senator Darrell Steinberg. View the press release for more information, or RSVP online.

County Mobile Pet Clinic in Rio Linda – Spay/Neuter Commuter is coming to Rio Linda Elverta Recreation and Park District, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, February 17 - March 31. Services offered: low cost spay/neuter surgery, licensing, micro-chipping, rabies and other vaccinations. Call 916-874-FIXX for appointments. View news release or Commuter flyer details.

County Holiday Office Closure – In observance of President’s Day on Monday, February 16, Sacramento County offices will be closed. As always, emergency services will be available and garbage pick-up will continue. All offices will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, February 17.

Valentine's Day Marriage Ceremonies – County Clerk/Recorder’s Office offers extended hours and an affordable setting for couples seeking to tie the knot on a shoestring budget. For full details, read the press release.

Grant Funding Presented to Regional Parks – The American River Parkway Foundation gift will help fund special projects, Effie Yeaw Nature Preserve Parks and the 50th commemorative Anniversary Regional Parks brochure. Get more details at the Regional Parks' website.

Building Inspection Offering New Services – Check your building permit status or obtain a permit application online; receive “express service” at a popular Branch Center Road office. For more information, view the website.

Sacramento County Budget News – Sacramento County Executive Terry Schutten is proposing a wide range of budget cuts to help close a significant gap in the County’s spending plan. The Board of Supervisors will consider the recommendations at its Tuesday, February 10, meeting. Read the news release for details, and view the adopted final budget for the 2008-09 fiscal year on the Budget and Debt Management website.

Mather Development Request for Qualifications and Experience – Sacramento County’s Department of Economic Development solicits Statements of Qualifications and Experience for commercial development of real property, access to equity capital for investment in infrastructure, real estate finance, marketing and leasing/sale of real property, an understanding of the base conversion process and economic development goals, and knowledge of local market and economic conditions. In addition, replies to the RFQ must include written responses to questions contained in the RFQ. The selected entity(ies) will be recommended to the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors for invitation to negotiate with the County for Mather properties. Applications must be submitted by 2 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2009. Visit our website for more information.

What should North Watt Corridor look like in 5-20 years? – North Watt Avenue Corridor Plans will be presented for community input on Tuesday, January 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Aerospace Museum of California at 3200 Freedom Park Drive. Read the press release or visit the Planning and Community Development website for more information.

Sacramento County Puts Information in Your Hands – Check your mailbox or copy of your Sacramento Bee if you’re a subscriber for an insert from Sacramento County outlining important projects, services and referral numbers. You can also get connected with our services and information in the online version of our newsletter.

Metropolitan Transportation Plan Available Online – $42 billion worth of planned investments through the year 2035 are included in the new version of the plan, which was approved last year. View the roadmap developed by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments aimed at shaping the region's transportation future on the SACOG website.

County Holiday Office Closure – In observance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, most Sacramento County offices will be closed on Monday, January 19. As always, emergency services will be available, and garbage pick-up will continue. All offices will return to their normal business hours on Tuesday, January 20.

Human Assistance Office Closure Update – The Department of Human Assistance's 28th Street bureau will be open for regular business on Monday, January 12. We encourage clients and visitors who don't have a scheduled appointment to delay their visit until later in the morning due to anticipated high volume of visitors to the bureau.

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