Sacramento County Prepares for Economic Challenges – County Executive Terry Schutten announced the implementation of cost saving measures throughout the county to help absorb impacts of the recession and state budget uncertainties. Please see the news release for more information.

Cold Winter Weather Continues – Sacramento residents can expect more chilly overnight temperatures over the next few days. Find out how to keep your family safe and warm by visiting Sacramento Ready.

Volunteer for Street Count: Tuesday, January 27 – If you’re interested in helping improve services to Sacramento’s homeless, consider joining County Human Assistance staff with the annual count of homeless people in our area. Several hundred volunteers are needed to get an accurate count, which helps us coordinate and deliver better services. For more details, please visit the Homeless Street Count 2009 website.

It's Time to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – With the holidays winding down and the new year beginning, make sure that gift boxes, wrapping paper, calendars, champagne bottles and Christmas trees make it into the recycling containers or are brought to local recycling locations. Find out more at Sac Green Team Website.

County Holiday Office Closure – In observance of New Year’s Day, Sacramento County offices will be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2009. As always, emergency services will be available and garbage pick-up will continue. All offices will resume normal business hours on Friday, January 2. View the press release for more information about open office hours.

“Home for the Holidays” Adoption Event at the Animal Shelter – Our December goal is to place every adoptable shelter animal in a loving home by the end of the year. You can double the gift, as we are offering two cats (or kittens) for the price of one all month long. Before giving a pet as an impulse gift for the holidays, make sure that pet will have a permanent and loving home. Learn about purchasing a gift certificate for an adoption instead of a pet. Find out more about the annual “Home for the Holidays” promotion.

Code Enforcement to Clean-up Rental Housing – To protect public health and safety, and help prevent deterioration of rental properties, Code Enforcement will create an inspection program for apartments and rental properties. Visit the Code Enforcement Website or read the press release for details.

Fair Oaks Boulevard Workshop Invitation – Hear updates about the main street district roadway, land use and urban design concepts for the Fair Oaks Boulevard Corridor Plan. The workshop will be at 6:30 p.m., on Wednesday, December 17, at the Carmichael Library, 5605 Marconi Avenue, Carmichael.

Attention County Residents: We’d like to hear from you! – Provide your feedback on how we deliver services to your community by taking the winter edition of our Neighborhood Survey. Your input helps us serve you better. Complete the survey at the Neighborhood Services Department website. Read the press release for more information.

New Website for Infill Development Information – Land owners and property developers can now learn how to take advantage of programs and incentives in Sacramento County. View the new website, or read the press release for more details.

Pay Online with e-Check – Save gas, stamps, and credit card fees. Use e-Check as a convenient, inexpensive way to make an online payment to the County. For a flat fee of $1.50 you can pay your property tax or purchase a Parks pass online.

“Weather-proofing” your pets - With temperatures dropping and the rainy season upon us, find out how you can make sure your pets are prepared for winter by reading our safety tips press release.

Property Tax First Installments Due – First installments of 2008-2009 Sacramento County secured property taxes are due no later than December 10, 2008, to pay the first installment without penalty. Late payments will incur a 10 percent penalty for each tax bill. Please read the press release for more detailed information.

Ballot Counting is Complete – Sacramento County Registrar of Voters Jill LaVine announced that ballot counting from the November 4, 2008 General Election has been completed and official results posted online. By law, counties have 28 days following an election to process all of the remaining ballots. For more information, view the press release.

Sacramento County Nonprofit Receives Grant to Help Curb Pet Overpopulation – TEAM (Teaching Everyone Animals Matter) recently received an $8,764 grant from PetSmart Charities® to provide spay/neuter vouchers to low-income county residents. The spay/neuter grant funding specifically targets female cats and large dogs. Read the press release for more information.

And How Are The Children? – Sacramento County Children’s Report Card releases 10-year comprehensive data on child health, education, safety, family economics, and social and emotional well-being. Read the press release for more information.

County to Develop Trails at Deer Creek Hills Preserve – The 13-mile trail near Folsom will have full trailhead facilities and will connect Deer Creek Hills to the American River Parkway. In northern Sacramento County, Dry Creek Parkway will expand its trails to connect Placer County Greenway and Sacramento City Ueda Trails. For details, read the news release.

County Holiday Office Closure – In observance of Thanksgiving Day, Sacramento County offices will be closed on Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28. As always, emergency services will be available, and garbage pick up will continue. All offices will return to their normal business hours on Monday, December 1.

Same-Sex Marriage Suspended – Sacramento County is suspending issuance of marriage licenses and civil marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples based on the Secretary of State’s Semi-Official canvass results. Please read the press release for more information.

Business License Applications To Be Accepted at Hazel Avenue Location – Sacramento County business licenses, fictitious business names and related information are now available at the East Area Service Center. Read the press release or visit the East Service Center website to learn more.

Voice Your Opinion on Children’s Issues – Your input is needed to assist First 5 Sacramento as it makes final decisions on its five-year Strategic Plan. We invite public input from parents and community stakeholders to see firsthand how First 5 Sacramento’s funding decisions are made.

Mortgage Default and Foreclosure Prevention - Homeowners facing the possibility of foreclosure are invited to attend a free foreclosure session with lenders. The November 20 event is sponsored by the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency. Read more about the event.

County flags lowered to half-staff in honor of Rancho Cordova Motor Officer – Deputy Lawrence Canfield, a 13-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department, was fatally injured during an on-duty accident on Wednesday, November 12, 2008. Deputy Canfield was assigned as a motor officer with the contract city of Rancho Cordova. He is survived by his wife, two children, parents, extended family, and his law enforcement family as well. See press release for more information.

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

County Holiday, Tuesday, November 11 – In observance of Veterans Day, Sacramento County offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2008. As always, emergency services will be available, and garbage pick up will continue. All offices will return to their normal business hours on Wednesday, November 12.

Flu Clinics Continue – Low-cost flu immunizations continue to be offered through Friday, November 7. View the clinic schedule for hours and locations.

Taxes for New Property Owners Who Paid Less than their Assessed Value – Many taxpayers are receiving tax bills with assessed values more than they paid for their property in 2008. For more information, visit the Assessor’s website.

State of the County Forum on Friday, November 14th – Join local leaders at the Sheraton Grand for the second annual “State of the County Forum.” Sponsored by the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce, it will feature the economic development successes in our region, as well as the unveiling of the County’s annual report card to constituents. For event information, visit the Metro Chamber website.

Regional Parks Unveils New Website – Buy a park pass, schedule a tee time or just explore the beauty of our parks and open space; visit the new Regional Parks website to find the latest news and information about Sacramento County’s parks, golf courses and bike trails.

Daylight Savings Time Ends This Weekend - Before you go to bed on Saturday, set your clock back one hour. Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 2, 2008.

Secured Property Tax Bills Mailed This Month – Attention property owners: Secured annual property tax bills have been mailed. Read the press release for more information. Tax bill information is available at http://www.eproptax.saccounty.net/ or for additional information, visit the Tax Collector's website.

Pay Online with e-Check – Save gas, stamps, and credit card fees. Use e-Check as a convenient, inexpensive way to make an online payment to the County. For a flat fee of $1.50 you can pay your property tax or purchase a parks pass online.

Know the rules about political signs – Showing your support for a candidate or issue is allowed prior to elections to support free speech. Sacramento's Zoning Code exempts political signs from normal restrictions as long as they are removed within ten days after the election, and are set back at least five feet from property lines and ten feet from the public right-of-way. If you spot signs still up after ten days beyond the November election, call 916-875-5656, or file a report online.

County Telephone Call Volumes High – With voter registration deadlines arriving the same time as property tax bills, incoming calls to a variety of county offices are on the rise, and you may be getting busy signals at times. We encourage you to go online to see if your question can be answered at the Voter Registration website or at the Tax Collector’s website. Call volumes are expected to ease off as the week progresses, and no public safety telephone lines are impacted. Thank you for your understanding.

Slain Sheriff’s Deputy to be Honored – A mile-long stretch of Meiss Road in the southern Sacramento County is now dedicated in honor of Deputy Sheriff Jeffrey Mitchell, who was murdered while on duty there last October. Read the press release for more information.

e-Subscribe is Now e-SacCountyInfo – Sacramento County is giving our free email subscription service a facelift, with a new logo and name, e-SacCountyInfo. This service allows you to get electronic notifications when new information is available – without having to constantly monitor various county websites. Look for the new logo and sign up to receive updates on the information you want.

Assistant Coroner Receives Prestigious Award – Ed Smith has been recognized by the California State Coroner’s Association as manager of the year. Smith is a 24-year-veteran of the coroner’s office. Read the news release to learn more.

Addition to Dry Creek Parkway Helps Protect Open Space – The Board of Supervisors approved a recent purchase of 1.35 acres of land near the Dry Creek Parkway. This will expand the area, preserve open space and engage in smart floodplain management. Read the news release to learn more.

First 5's Celebration for Children of All Ages – Don't let the kids miss getting their picture taken and hearing stories from their favorite chacacters, games, prizes, a giant coloring wall, free snacks and a parents expo with great information. Your family attends free if you're with a child 5 or under. Find out more at the First 5 Commission's website.

Visit the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center – Check out the open garden to see what herbs, fruits and vegetables are blooming and ripening at the Center this Saturday, October 11, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. The FOCH is in Fair Oaks. For complete details, read the press release.

Planning Commissions, Community Councils Restructuring – Changes are in store for Sacramento’s Planning Commissions and Community Councils. The Board of Supervisors has endorsed merging the Policy and Project Planning Commissions into a single County Planning Commission. Areas that currently have Community Councils will be represented by Community Planning Commissions, with some adjustments in how members are selected and their terms. These changes are part of Sacramento’s effort to streamline development and planning services for constituents. For more information, please read the news release.

New Development Fee Deferral Website – The website is launched to help builders find information about three County Development Fee Deferral programs that are designed to promote economic development, allow developers and homebuilders to pay a small portion of development impact fees at the time building permits are obtained, and defer the remainder of the fees until a later date. View news release or visit the website to learn more.

Services Expand at North Area Service Center – Property tax information and answers to questions about starting and running a business in Sacramento County are now available onsite every Wednesday at the County’s neighborhood service center in North Highlands. Learn more about the new neighborhood-based services from this announcement.

Walk for Mental Health Event – Increasing awareness about mental health issues is the goal of a Capitol Park walk to be held on Saturday, October 4. Mental health professionals as well as those coping with mental illness, their families and friends are all invited. Raise money through pledges and increase your knowledge of the issues. Find out more at the Walk for Mental Health website.

Free Consumer Workshop to Prevent Mortgage Default/Foreclosure – If you are in danger of losing your home, plan to take advantage of a workshop Tuesday, September 30th, from 6:00 – 8:30 P.M. at the Pannell Meadowview Community Center. One-on-one counseling will be available, and you can bring your financial and loan documents with you. For more information, please see the flyer or read the press release.

Saturday, September 27 is ServiceNation “Day of Action” – Sacramento County’s Department of Human Assistance Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is participating by holding a Neighborhood Emergency Training (NET) class taught by volunteers to volunteers. More than 2,600 events are being held throughout the nation and six events are being held in Sacramento. ServiceNation is a national campaign to inspire a new era of citizen service in America. Read the press release for more details, or visit the ServiceNation website to find this event.

Prevent Falls at Home – Fall Prevention Week is September 21-27. Find out how to prevent injuries from accidental falls by reviewing safety tips and community resources available on Public Health’s Falls Prevention web page.

Head of Development Services Project Announced - Steve Pedretti, currently Deputy Administrator for Municipal Services Agency and Interim County Engineer, has been designated to lead an effort to dramatically improve processes related to building and development in Sacramento County, including land entitlement, environmental review and building inspection. Read release for more information.

Rebuild Fort Natomas – Come rebuild the playground at Fort Natomas! Volunteers are needed Tuesday, November 4 – Monday, November 10 for a variety of tasks, which include skilled and unskilled labor for building, helping with food and assisting with childcare. Other volunteer needs include organizing materials for fundraising events and outreach before the upcoming dates and clean-up afterwards.For more information about the project or to sign-up on-line, please visit the web site.

Year Long Conversation On Race: South Sacramento Group Seeks 100 People – CARE (Communities Addressing Racial Equality) is encouraging South Sacramentans from all ethnicities and cultures to participate in a series of conversations to seek solutions that address racial disparities in South Sacramento communities. If you would like to be involved, call 876-8356. For more information, read the CARE flyer or news release.

Health Inequities Explored in Forum Series – Sacramento County Public Health and Trinity Cathedral have partnered for a series of five weekly community dialogues starting September 11 based on the PBS series “Unnatural Causes,” which explores the health impact of inequity. Episodes viewings will be followed by a discussion of each topic. Please view the news release. 

Visit the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center – Support the UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners, who will be there to answer your questions. See what is blooming and ripening in the herb, fruit and vegetable gardens and orchards on Saturday, October 11, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. The FOHC is located in Fair Oaks Park. Read the news release for more information.

Friday, September 12 is the Last Day for Rio Linda Survey – Residents and property owners are invited to take a short survey about their community and help create a Vision Plan for the M Street corridor. Take the survey.

Public Works Projects Win Major Awards – The Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District and the Department of Waste Management and Recycling Department were each presented with the 2008 Project of the Year in their respective categories by the American Public Works Association, Sacramento Chapter. Read the press release for details on the public works projects that demonstrated excellence in design, outreach and management.

Sacramento County Recommended Final Budget – The Recommended Final Budget for Fiscal Year 2008-09 is now available on the Office of Budget and Debt Management’s web page.

Water Conservation Effort Increases – Sacramento County Water Agency customers are being asked to cut back on water use by at least 10%. Dry conditions have seriously reduced the federal water allocation for our area, making conservation efforts critical throughout the region. Read more details in the news release.

Rio Linda/Elverta Community Meeting – Learn preliminary results from an online survey regarding the future growth of Rio Linda and Elverta at a community meeting September 4. Sacramento County's Neighborhood Services Department is co-hosting the event with the Rio Linda Elverta Visions Task Force. Read the press release for more details.

Risk of West Nile Virus Remains High in Sacramento County – On Labor Day Weekend many residents will be enjoying barbeques, pool parties and other fun outdoor activities, but we would like to remind residents of the risk of West Nile virus. Read the news release.

County Holiday Office Closure – Most County offices will be closed Monday, September 1 in observance of Labor Day. As always, emergency services will be available. County offices will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 2.

River and Parkway Safety Reminder for Labor Day Weekend – Sacramento's holiday ban on drinking alcohol on the river and shoreline of the American River Parkway between Hazel and Watt Avenues will be in effect this weekend. These rules are in effect Saturday through Monday. Kids aged 13 and under must also be wearing life jackets in public waterways. If you have questions or to report problems, contact the Park Ranger dispatch office at 916-875-6672 or visit the Regional Parks website.

Code Enforcement Announces a New Process with New Fees – Code Enforcement is changing the way it does business when dealing with complaints about blight, junk, rubbish and general neighborhood nuisances. To help property owners who have received complaints, a free courtesy inspection is available, but fees will increase for those who won’t play by the rules. View the news release.

West Nile Virus Activity Update – Concern continues to grow in areas of North Sacramento where mosquito and West Nile virus activity has intensified with the finding of many positive mosquito samples. Two Sacramento County residents have tested positive for West Nile Virus infection, which is spread by mosquitoes and can cause neurological damage and even death. Residents are advised to be watchful and take actions to protect themselves. View the news release.

Sacramento City and County Officials Recommend Builders Plan Ahead – Effective Monday, December 8, a new flood zone designation will place Natomas into a Special Flood Hazard Area. Sacramento officials are encouraging builders to plan ahead and submit their completed applications along with all necessary project information to obtain a permit prior to the deadline. For more on obtaining building permits in Natomas, read the release.

Counties Exhibit at the State Fair – From the Ground Up… It’s a Delicate Balance is Sacramento County’s theme this year for the California’s Counties Exhibit. The exhibit represents the $1.2 billion agricultural industry in Sacramento County and the growing entrepreneurial industry high above. When you are at the State Fair at Cal Expo, visit the California Building to see the colorful, fun and educational exhibit.

Citizenship Assistance – Looking for a resource to help you through the naturalization process? Learn how to become a U.S. Citizen by attending the Citizenship Fair on Saturday, August 16, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Sam Pannell Meadowview Community Center. Read the event flyer for more details.

Child Water Safety Stressed in Wake of Infant Bathtub Drowning – Child Protective Services representatives were joined by other public safety and community officials for a news conference on August 6 to raise awareness of accidental drownings following the death of a 10-month-old child left unsupervised in a bathtub. View the video of the complete news conference.

Independent Review Coming to Child Protective Services – CPS announced in an August 5 news conference that a consultant will be hired to review its policies and procedures. View the video of the complete news conference. 

Pet Licensing is Available at New Location – Residents of unincorporated Sacramento County, Citrus Heights, Folsom, Galt and Isleton can now license their pets at the North Area Service Center without driving to the County Animal Shelter. To learn more, view the news release or visit the North Area Service Center website.

County Presents Community Meeting for Fair Oaks, Gold River and Orangevale – Residents are invited to personally speak with representatives from a variety of County departments on Thursday, Sept. 18, 6 - 9 p.m. in Orangevale. Seating is limited, so please RSVP soon! Learn more about the Community Meeting.

Revised Request for Proposals – To streamline the proposal submittal process, Sacramento County Economic Development revised the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Food, Beverage, and Retail Concessions at the County Administration Center in downtown Sacramento. Proposals are due by 4:00 PM on Friday, August 29, 2008. For more information, visit the County Economic Development website.

Attention Rio Linda Residents and Property Owners – Gauge the community you live in with a short survey that will help develop the Vision Plan for the M Street corridor. This is an opportunity for community members to be involved in the planning process and to help better provide an understanding of what the people in the community would like to see on and around M Street. View the news release.

West Nile Virus Activity Increasing – Mosquito and Vector Control officials are finding more signs of the virus in the North Sacramento area, and are considering possible treatment options. Find out more about the scope of the problem and plans to combat it.

Celebrating Harvest Day – Join the fun at the 10th annual Harvest Day event on Saturday, August 2, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. There will be gardening demonstrations and master gardeners on hand to provide a variety of tips. Check out the new varieties of fruits and vegetables, and don’t miss out on the dwarf vegetable plants. Read the press release for more details. 

Fix I-5 Project Update – Stage four of the Fix I-5 project is finished and all lanes of Interstate 5 in downtown are open. However, the project is not complete; overnight and weekend work is expected to continue until late September or early October. Find out all the latest details at the Fix I-5 website.

Property Tax Roll Update – Sacramento County Assessor Ken Stieger announced that the 2008-09 tax roll was completed on July 1. The total assessed value is $136,244,446,056 - an increase of 1.86% over last year’s roll. Find more information about the tax roll and other assessment matters on the Assessor’s website.

South Sacramento Forums on Racial Equity – The Committee Addressing Racial Equity (CARE) seeks to bring members of all races and cultures together in a series of conversations designed to address racial disparities in south Sacramento communities. Read the CARE News Release and CARE Flyer, or call 876-8356 for more information. 

Facing foreclosure or mortgage default? – Get answers to your questions at a free workshop on Wednesday, July 23. Home loan and credit counselors, as well as bank and lending institution representatives, will be on hand to help. Homeowners may bring their loan documents and financial information for review, and counselors will be available for help with issues affecting seniors. Read more details about the event.

South Sacramento, Elk Grove Targeted for Aerial Spraying to combat West Nile Virus – Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito Vector Control District authorities will conclude aerial treatments in the south part of Sacramento County tonight beginning at 8:00 p.m. Find more information at the Fight-the-Bite website.

Cooling Centers Update – Cooling centers are closing with temperatures decreasing. But people still need to stay cool and indoors to beat the poor air quality. Visit the Sacramento Ready website to find out about tips to protect yourself from the smoky air.

Help Scope the Proposed South Sacramento Habitat Conservation Plan – Four meetings are scheduled to scope the draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Study for potential environmental impacts of a South Sacramento Habitat Conservation Plan (SSHCP). To learn more, visit the Environmental Review and Assessment Department website or the Planning Department website.

Staying Safe in the Heat – Monday, July 7, is Spare the Air Day with daytime temperatures expected to top the 100 degree mark all week, making conditions unhealthy with the continued wildfires smoke settling over the valley. Learn more about keeping your cool and get the latest fire updates at Sacramento Ready website.

Keeping Safe for the Extended Holiday Weekend – The temporary ban on using alcohol on the American River and along the Parkway between Hazel and Watt Avenues goes into effect Friday through Sunday. If you’re bringing children to any public rivers or lakes, keep in mind that life jackets are required for all kids under the age of 13 in waterways within the City of Sacramento and the unincorporated parts of the County. Find more information about the new regulations and where you can get loaner life jackets at the Regional Parks website.

County Offices Closed for July 4 Holiday – Although most county offices will be closed due to Friday’s holiday, garbage service will continue as well as all emergency services, including stepped-up ranger patrols in our parks.

What's Next for Regional Transit? – The Interstate 5 construction project has given a boost to ridership of Regional Transit's bus and light rail system, but RT is still looking for more feedback from area residents regarding its services in the years ahead. Provide input by taking Regional Transit's online survey.

Extended Due Date for Proposals – On May 23, 2008, Sacramento County Economic Development released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Food, Beverage and Retail Concessions at the County of Sacramento Administration Center in downtown Sacramento. The due date for Proposals has been extended to Monday, August 4, 2008 by 4 p.m. Proposers may submit whether or not they attended the pre-proposal conference. For more information, visit the Economic Development website.

Smoke Continues to Affect the Sacramento Area – Smoke from wildfires burning in northern California continues to impact Sacramento County. Visit the Smoke Advisory page on our Public Health website to view a short informational video from Sacramento County Health Officer Dr. Glennah Trochet and view our news releases. For the air quality forecast and real-time readings, visit the Spare the Air website.

Help Keep the Delta Clean – Saturday, June 28, is “Keep the Delta Clean Day” with festivities from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Sugar Barge Marina on Bethel Island. Boaters and families who visit and play in the Delta are invited to enjoy ecological boat tours, live entertainment, games, prizes and more. The goal is to promote clean and safe boating, and to sustain the quality of Delta recreation and environmental health. Read more about this upcoming event.

National HIV Testing Day June 27, 2008 – Find a testing location, get tested and know your status. Learn more information from Sacramento County’s Public Health website. 

County Clerk’s Office Offering Extended Hours for Marriage Ceremonies – A record number of reservations for marriage ceremonies have already been made for this week as a result of the decision to allow same-sex marriages in California. The County Clerk’s downtown office will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. through Thursday, June 19, to meet the demand. Although you are not required to have an appointment to get married, it is highly recommended for this week. Read the news release.

Interstate 5 Construction Project Continues – Southbound lanes of Interstate 5 in downtown Sacramento will be closed Friday, June 13, at 8 p.m. - Monday, June 23, at 5 a.m. Find out about transit options and alternate routes at the Fix I-5 website. Park in lots along the American River Parkway for free during the closure, and bike or carpool to work. Find out more about the Regional Parks commuter pass.

Budget Hearings Continue Wednesday, June 18 – Sacramento County's proposed fiscal year 2008-09 budget will be back before the Board of Supervisors on Wednesday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Board Chambers at 700 H Street. Supervisors will hear more testimony from county staff and begin deliberations. Read details of the proposed budget at the Budget and Debt Management website.

Your Response is Needed for the Fix I-5 Commuter Feedback Survey – At Gov. Schwarzenegger's request, researchers at the University of California, Davis are studying regional commuters' responses to the Caltrans Fix I-5 construction project through an online survey. If you are employed, and you live or work in the western part of the greater Sacramento region, the researchers want to hear from you -- even if the closures have not affected you. Your responses will help to identify the most effective ways to minimize the impacts of future transportation projects. Please complete the survey before the next I-5 closures begin on Friday night, June 13 at 8:00 p.m. The survey should take less than 15 minutes to complete. Take the survey.

Primary Election Results – Vote by mail ballots continue to be inspected and counted from the June 3 primary, with the official canvass of votes and verification of signatures continuing. Preliminary results from the election have been posted online. Get up-to-date information at the Voter Registration and Elections website.

Report Water Wasters! – Help combat statewide drought conditions by doing your part to conserve, and letting us know if you spot others who aren't. Contact your water agency if you see evidence of waste. For Sacramento County Water Agency customers, call 875-1955. Find out how to improve your conservation efforts.

Supervisors Endorse River Safety Ordinance – The Board of Supervisors today gave its support to an ordinance requiring children age 12 or younger to wear life jackets when in the American River. More details will come later this month, as well as formal adoption of the new requirement. If your children are going to be in the water and don't have life jackets, find where you can borrow life jackets.

Sacramento County Budget Hearings – Sacramento County’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2008-09 will be presented to the Board of Supervisors this week. The first hearing will take place at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10, in the Board of Supervisors Chambers at 700 H Street. Details are now available on the Office of Budget and Debt Management’s website.

Supervisors Retain Board Seats – Sacramento County Supervisors Susan Peters and Roberta MacGlashan both will return for another term in office on the Board of Supervisors. MacGlashan ran uncontested, and Peters had a strong lead with all precinct numbers tallied. All contests remain unofficial until the Registrar of Voters verifies the results of the election.

Weekend Lane Closure between Folsom Boulevard & Manlove Road – Southbound lanes of South Watt Avenue will be closed Friday night, June 6, at 8 p.m. and re-open Monday morning, June 9. This section between Folsom and Manlove is targeted for construction of a light rail bridge. Detours will guide drivers around the area. Read the press release to get more information.

Sacramento Ranks 12th in Lowest Carbon Emissions Nationwide – New research puts Sacramento near the top in terms of lowest per-person carbon emissions in the nation, according to the Brookings Institution. The study reinforces the value of combating climate change though local government actions. Read the news release and view the Brookings Report.

Request for Proposals – Sacramento County Economic Development invites the submission of proposals for Food, Beverage, and Retail Concessions at the County Administration Center in downtown Sacramento. Proposals are due by 4 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2008. For more information, visit the County Economic Development website.

"Critter Tip" Program Encourages Sacramento Residents to Report Potential Animal Abuse for Financial Reward – The Animal Care and Regulation Department, in partnership with the non-profit organization, Teaching Everyone that Animals Matter (TEAM), has launched "Critter Tip," a new program designed to reward people who report potential animal abuse and/or neglect with a financial reward of up to $500. To learn more, read the press release.

“Men & Healthy Aging” Event – Join speakers such as KCRA’s Dr. Tom Hopkins at a free forum on Saturday, June 14, to learn more about how to develop a personal “toolkit” for maintaining good health and healthy relationships after age 45. Find out more information and register.

County, Community Join Forces for Neighborhood Clean Up – The south area neighborhood known as "The Avenues" will be the focus of a day-long clean up Saturday, May 31, dedicated to slain Sheriff's Deputy Vu Nguyen. Sacramento County, area residents and businesses will work to spruce up their neighborhood. This event is targeted just for residents of "The Avenues." Read the press release for more information.

County Holiday Office Closure – Most County offices will be closed Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day. As always, emergency services will be available. County offices will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 27.

Help Shape the Future of Regional Transit – Your input can guide RT’s Transit Master Plan, which is in the process of being updated for the Sacramento area. You are invited to participate in one of a series of upcoming open houses, focusing on three potential scenarios that will direct the Transit Master Plan. Those include continuing with existing service, expanding transit service, or utilizing an integrated transit solution. Read the press release for complete details on scenarios. View the flyer for open house dates and locations, or complete a survey and provide your input on the Sacramento Regional Transit website.

Celebrating National Public Works Week – Professionals who provide a wide range of essential services in our community will be recognized May 18 - 24 as part of National Public Works Week. Learn more about the Sacramento County employees who are here to serve you.

Sacramento County Takes Next Step in Improving Development Services - As part of the County’s multi-year focus on improving development services, an independent auditor has examined the processes of two key departments, Planning and Community Development and Environmental Review and Assessment. Read the complete performance audit on the departmental websites. 

Are you ready for the June 3 election? – May 19, is the last day you can register to vote for the June 3 election, which will include two statewide propositions and various local contests. Make sure you are registered to vote and look up the location of your polling place.

The Heat is On in Sacramento County - Sacramento is known for its hot summers and heat-related illness is a threat. Heat illness occurs whenever the body cannot compensate for excessive heat by cooling itself naturally by sweating. Get information about the warning signs and who’s more at risk, read the press release.

It’s an Aviation Celebration at the Sacramento Executive Airport – FREE Open House on Saturday, May 17, 2008. The event will commence with a breakfast fundraiser for the Civil Air Patrol at 8:30 a.m. and a Flag Ceremony at 9 a.m. Free airplane rides with the Young Eagles, static airplane displays, flight simulator demos, displays and tours will be featured at the event until 3 p.m.

May is Bike Month – Thursday, May 15, 2008 is Bike-to-Work Day on the American River Parkway. Bikers can park for free and enjoy breakfast at entrance locations. A Bike Fest at the west steps of the Capital, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., will offer information on bicycling, walking and transit. The event will feature a raffle for commuter bikes. View the flyer for more information.

Sacramento Regional Parks' Annual Passes Now Available – Purchase your County Parks "PASSPORT" online, and take advantage of free parking and unlimited day use to all regional parks and facilities for one calendar year. Purchase a pass before July 31 for a chance to win a custom-fitted Trek 7000 bike! Visit the Regional Parks website or read the press release for more details.

Congratulations to our Environmental Management Department – EMD has been recognized with one of the most prestigious awards in the food industry for a variety of its food protection programs. Find out about more in the Food Packaging Institute news release. 

Sacramento County Honored During National Foster Care Month - Achievements in programs and services to help abused and neglected foster children in Sacramento County will be recognized at the State Capitol on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. You're invited to the resource fair that begins at 10 a.m. Read more about National Foster Care Month.

Public Safety & Community Appreciation Breakfast – Join the celebration as public safety leaders and citizens give thanks to one another for contributing to the safety of our communities and present the Outstanding Citizen Award. The event will be held at the Radisson Hotel on Monday, May 12. Visit the District Attorney website for more information on how to register.

Sacramento County Addressing Climate Change – Sacramento County leaders are working together to develop a coordinated, comprehensive approach to managing the effects of climate change. Find out how you can help, offer your comments and suggestions or be notified of new developments at the County’s Climate Change website.

Town Hall Meeting Postponed – Residents in the eastern portion of Sacramento County should watch their mail and online for information regarding a new date and location. Due to scheduling conflicts, the May 15th Town Hall meeting has had to be postponed. For more information, please contact Leslie Burgett.

Bright Futures – Mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 29, free health and developmental screenings will be provided to children (5 years or younger). Get answers from health professionals and get a hold of free resources at the community booths. Visit the First 5 Sacramento website to find out more.

District Attorney’s Outstanding Citizen Award – In honor of National Crime Victim’s Week, ten Sacramento resident crime victims and/or witnesses were recognized for their courage in bringing criminals to justice at the ninth annual award ceremony held on April 18th, 2008. Read the press release for details on this year’s award recipients.

Managing Climate Change – Many local governments are trying to find ways to become more "green," but Sacramento County is stepping up to the plate with actions rather than just words. Find out more at the Climate Change website.

Free Gardening Workshop – Attend Sacramento County Stormwater’s free River-Friendly Landscaping workshop. Learn healthy gardening practices that reduce pesticide, green waste, and water pollution. The workshop will be held on Sunday, April 20 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the McMillan Center in Fair Oaks Park. To sign up please contact Suman Kumar at 874-8326.

Healthy Kids Day – Join the fun and entertainment, plus get information about free or low cost health coverage for children and teens on Saturday, April 19, at the South Natomas Community Center.

Celebrating National County Government Week – Counties throughout the nation are in the spotlight the week of April 6 – 12, showcasing services and programs we provide for the community. This year’s theme, “Protecting our Children,” was given top billing at a resource fair highlighting a wide range of people and programs, including the Department of Human Assistance’s Opportunity Knocks Program, a truancy intervention and prevention program, former foster youth from the Independent Living Program, and Child Protective Services’ Parent Leader Program. View the pictures.

Board Meetings Cancelled – Regularly scheduled meetings of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors will resume on Tuesday, April 22. Meetings for this week and next week have been cancelled. Board meeting information.

Request for Proposals – Sacramento County is soliciting proposals for Dispute Resolution Services and the Good Neighbor Hotline. Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Friday, April 28, 2008. For more information, visit the Countywide Services Agency website.

Foreclosure Workshops and Resources - For those facing the possibility of losing a home, the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) provides community meetings and workshops to educate homeowners about avoiding foreclosure, and a resource list of local housing counseling agencies.

Property tax payments – The second installment of secured property taxes is due by April 10, 2008. Use e-Prop-Tax to make your payment online.

Help Shape Future of Eastern County - A series of workshops will be held in March and April to seek public input on the future of two areas in the eastern region of the County: Grant Line East and Jackson Highway. For detailed information, visit the Planning and Community Development website.

Orangevale Library Reopens – Entertainment for readers of all ages will highlight the grand “reopening” of the Orangevale Library Thursday afternoon, April 3. The Orangevale branch on Greenback Lane has undergone extensive improvements and expansion. Read more about the event plans in the Library’s March 14 press release.

Child Support Services Joins Statewide System – The Department of Child Support Services is converting to a new statewide computer system on April 1, 2008. The office will remain open but limited walk-in and telephone services will be available on Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, 2008. Cash payments will still be accepted during normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the conversion, visit the Department of Child Support Services website.

County Children’s Resource Fair - Join us on Tuesday, April 1, 2008 to celebrate National County Government Week’s theme “Protecting Our Children.” Learn about programs and services that serves Sacramento County children and youth. Visit the Countywide Services Agency website to find out more.

Make the Employment Connection – Brush up your resume and grab the chance to meet over 40 employers seeking workers at the Spring Job Fair on Wednesday, March 19, 2008. Read the press release for time and location.

As the weather warms, the mosquito swarms – The risk of infection from West Nile Virus greatly increases in the summer and continues into the fall. To learn about mosquito bite prevention, symptoms and how WNV spreads, visit the Fight the Bite website.

Seeking Nominations for "Creating Healthy Environment" Award - Nominate a deserving person, business or organization for this special award recognizing those who are making contributions towards reducing childhood obesity and creating healthier environments for our kids. Find out more at the Health and Human Services Department web site.

Interstate 5 Renovations to Impact Traffic – Months of lane closures and detours along I-5 from Richards Blvd. to R Street will make downtown driving more challenging in the months ahead. Find out the latest information on how your commute might be impacted at the “Fix I-5” website.

C. M. Goethe Park to Be Renamed! – Join the community in choosing a new name for C.M Goethe Park located along the southern bend of the American River. To find out how you can help the Naming Committee, visit the Regional Parks website. Read the press release for more information.

California Capital Airshow – Mark your calendars for March 15 and 16 when the California Capital Airshow returns, featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Purchase tickets and find out more about the airshow.

District Attorney Hosts Town Hall Meeting in Oak Park – You are invited to attend a special meeting Thursday, March 13, 2008, regarding juvenile justice issues and concerns raised by community members. Read the press release for more information.

Bicycle Master Plan Public Workshop – Sacramento County is updating its Bicycle Master Plan and invites you to join in on Wednesday, March 19, 2008. Learn more about the workshop. Take the Sacramento County Bicycle Master Plan Survey.

Online Property Tax Payments – Need to look up or pay your property taxes? Using your parcel number you can do that online at e-Prop Tax. If you need to find your parcel number, look it up on the Parcel Viewer.

Participate in the District Attorney’s Citizens Academy – District Attorney Jan Scully, in partnership with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s and City Police Departments, will lead another ten-week session for residents who want to know more about the inner workings of our criminal justice system. The unique program kicks off in April. Learn more about the Citizens Academy.

Daylight Saving Time Reminder - Daylight Saving Time begins March 9th. The Sacramento County Public Health Division has a special message for residents: When you reset your clocks, check your stocks--of emergency supplies, that is!

Natomas Building Approval - Pending changes to the FEMA regulatory floodplain in the Natomas area will freeze building permits. Anyone planning to build a new structure or substantially improve an existing one in the unincorporated area of Natomas will be required to obtain approval from the Sacramento County Department of Water Resources Floodplain Management Office.

Results of the February 5 Election - Sacramento County’s Registrar of Voters continues to oversee ballot counting from the February 5th record-turnout Presidential Primary. The process of verifying signatures and certifying eligibility on returned Vote by Mail and provisional ballots is a time consuming process. Official final results will not be available until the canvass of the election is completed. Preliminary results can be found at the Elections website.

High Efficiency Washing Machine Rebate - Sacramento County Water Resources Department customers who replace their old washing machine with a high efficiency washer may be eligible for a rebate worth up to $100. Find out how you can take advantage of this rebate.

Envision the future of Fair Oaks Boulevard’s "Main Street" – Join us for an informational workshop before the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors to learn more about the stretch of Fair Oaks that runs through Carmichael. Find out about options for land use, main street district roadway, and urban design concepts at the Fair Oaks Boulevard Corridor Plan website.