September Meeting Summary

Thanks to all who attended last night. Here's a quick run down of what we discussed:

(1) Police update. Our neighborhood has had no incidents of concerns with regards to law enforcement. Illegal dumping is an ongoing concern. Neighbors are encouraged to contact the Police Department any time they observe any suspicious behavior. 

(2) Vice Mayor Angelique Ashby Update. Michel provided an update on the Water Resource Reform and Development Act which, for those that are following it, is the legislation that carries with it the authorization for the Natomas Levee Improvement Program. The legislation made it out of the House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and is now headed towards a floor vote in the House. Once approved (and there is hope that it will) it will go to reconciliation committee to reconcile the House and Senate versions of the bill before it makes it to the President's desk. Bottom line is that once this legislation is approved, the City (and other affected jurisdictions) can move forward with remapping Natomas into the FEMA A-99 flood zone, which means that building in Natomas will be permitted with conditions. For more info, please visit: http://www.angeliqueashby.com/house-wrrda-2013 

Michel also announced an upcoming event, the Creekside Fair on October 27 (Sunday) from 1-4 at Kokomo Park (4901 Kokomo Drive, North Natomas). Fun for all ages, here's more info on the event: http://www.angeliqueashby.com/creekside-fair-2013 

(3) Reclamation District 1000 was also in attendance. RD 1000 is in charge of operating and maintaining over 40 miles of levees surrounding the perimeter of the basin to keep floodwaters from the Sacramento River, American River, Natomas East Main Drain Canal, Pleasant Grove Creek Canal and Natomas Cross Canal out of the basin. In addition RD 1000 operates and maintains hundreds of miles of canals and seven pump stations in the interior to collect and discharge the rain that falls within the Natomas basin back into the river. John Shiels, a current Board member of RD 1000, Paul Deveraux, the general manager and Karen Pardieck, community outreach representative were in attendance and provided a general overview of the duties and responsibilities of RD 1000 and provided an opportunity for questions and answers. Much of the discussion focused on the forthcoming levee improvements on East Levee Road and the impacts of these improvements to neighbors. In addition, RD 1000 plans to set out bait stations to help control the squirrel population which has seen a surge of late. Squirrels burrow into the levee and are a threat to levee structural integrity. 

(4) Neighborhood Clean up. On Saturday, September 28th, we'll be having our semi-annual neighborhood cleanup. We will be staging a dumpster near the Angel’s residence at 5600 Sorento Rd.  Everyone is encouraged to come out and help pick up trash that has accumulated in our roadside ditches and other general areas in the neighborhood that are magnets for trash. At the very least, please pick up the trash near or around the frontage of your home. Together we can make a difference in keeping our neighborhood clean. 

That's it for now. 

Thanks!