Tuesday, September 8, 2009
What's Your Vision for Arden Arcade
We've talked about public safety, fighting blight, improving the business climate and how nice it would be to have a community center. I'm inviting you to add your comments to this blog. Just let us know what you would like to see in Arden Arcade if you had your choice. I want to hear from you. Thank you, Pat
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Sacramento County Law Enforcement Crisis
We should all be paying close attention to the following letter from Sacramento County Sheriff, John P. McGinniss.
In his letter, McGinniss states that he must cut his department's budget by $80 million dollars. This comes out of the only part of his budget that is discretionary,the part that covers salaries for the men and women who protect our community. This is an $80 million hit out of a $130,000 million budget. More than half. Approximately 370 law enforcement officers will likely receive lay-off notices next week unless the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors doesn't find another way to reduce the County deficit.
How does this affect Arden Arcade? Until we become a city, we will be subject to the same reduced levels of law enforcement as the rest of the county. When we incorporate, we will put public safety first, and like other newer cities in the region, our new city can hire nearly double the staffing levels of the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department before these dangerous cuts are imposed. Until we incorporate, we should join with the rest of the unincorporated communities in Sacramento County and protest the County Executive's recommendation to decimate the Sheriff's Department.
It is important to note that neither Rancho Cordova or Citrus Heights face cut-backs like this. That's because they have been fiscally conservative and are in better financial shape than the County of Sacramento.
The Board of Supervisors meets next week to discuss these cuts. We should show up in force to protest the County's priorities. Public safety should be our highest priority. Here is the letter from Sheriff McGinness to his department:
COUNTY OF SACRAMENTO
JOHN P. McGINNESS
Sheriff
Date: June 9, 2009
To: ALL PERSONNEL
From: SHERIFF JOHN McGINNESS
Subject: LAY OFF NOTIFICATION
Approximately 370 valued members of SSD will be receiving lay off notices next week.
It is imperative that all personnel realize the basis for these notifications and the rationale behind their issuance.
The Board of Supervisors will be conducting hearings next week for the purpose of gathering the information necessary to formally adopt a budget for Fiscal Year 2009-2010. As of this time, the Board will be considering the recommendations of the County Executive’s Office which calls for an 80 million dollar reduction to the Sheriff’s Department. I will testify in opposition to the CEO’s recommendations and remind members of the Board, in no uncertain terms, of the consequences of such draconian cuts to law enforcement services.
While the initial round of notices should by no means be construed as final, you should know that they represent a true and factual number based upon the recommendations of the CEO. While I hold some hope for improvement, we should all be prepared for the worst case scenario.
There is no doubt the County of Sacramento is facing unprecedented financial hardship and that significant adverse consequences are inevitable. However, I assure you I will take every step possible to ensure that the members of the Board of Supervisors and the public will be well informed that the consequences of gutting law enforcement services in Sacramento County will have devastating consequences on the financial viability and quality of life far beyond displaced members of the Sheriff’s Department.
You are all dedicated professionals and I appreciate the good work you do more than I can ever express. While economic uncertainty looms, it is important that we all recommit to our principals and continue the good work that has earned the reputation this organization enjoys.
As we work through this challenging period, I urge you to take care of yourselves and your families and watch out for one another. I will update you as reliable information becomes available.
In his letter, McGinniss states that he must cut his department's budget by $80 million dollars. This comes out of the only part of his budget that is discretionary,the part that covers salaries for the men and women who protect our community. This is an $80 million hit out of a $130,000 million budget. More than half. Approximately 370 law enforcement officers will likely receive lay-off notices next week unless the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors doesn't find another way to reduce the County deficit.
How does this affect Arden Arcade? Until we become a city, we will be subject to the same reduced levels of law enforcement as the rest of the county. When we incorporate, we will put public safety first, and like other newer cities in the region, our new city can hire nearly double the staffing levels of the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department before these dangerous cuts are imposed. Until we incorporate, we should join with the rest of the unincorporated communities in Sacramento County and protest the County Executive's recommendation to decimate the Sheriff's Department.
It is important to note that neither Rancho Cordova or Citrus Heights face cut-backs like this. That's because they have been fiscally conservative and are in better financial shape than the County of Sacramento.
The Board of Supervisors meets next week to discuss these cuts. We should show up in force to protest the County's priorities. Public safety should be our highest priority. Here is the letter from Sheriff McGinness to his department:
COUNTY OF SACRAMENTO
JOHN P. McGINNESS
Sheriff
Date: June 9, 2009
To: ALL PERSONNEL
From: SHERIFF JOHN McGINNESS
Subject: LAY OFF NOTIFICATION
Approximately 370 valued members of SSD will be receiving lay off notices next week.
It is imperative that all personnel realize the basis for these notifications and the rationale behind their issuance.
The Board of Supervisors will be conducting hearings next week for the purpose of gathering the information necessary to formally adopt a budget for Fiscal Year 2009-2010. As of this time, the Board will be considering the recommendations of the County Executive’s Office which calls for an 80 million dollar reduction to the Sheriff’s Department. I will testify in opposition to the CEO’s recommendations and remind members of the Board, in no uncertain terms, of the consequences of such draconian cuts to law enforcement services.
While the initial round of notices should by no means be construed as final, you should know that they represent a true and factual number based upon the recommendations of the CEO. While I hold some hope for improvement, we should all be prepared for the worst case scenario.
There is no doubt the County of Sacramento is facing unprecedented financial hardship and that significant adverse consequences are inevitable. However, I assure you I will take every step possible to ensure that the members of the Board of Supervisors and the public will be well informed that the consequences of gutting law enforcement services in Sacramento County will have devastating consequences on the financial viability and quality of life far beyond displaced members of the Sheriff’s Department.
You are all dedicated professionals and I appreciate the good work you do more than I can ever express. While economic uncertainty looms, it is important that we all recommit to our principals and continue the good work that has earned the reputation this organization enjoys.
As we work through this challenging period, I urge you to take care of yourselves and your families and watch out for one another. I will update you as reliable information becomes available.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Re: LAFCo Meeting Wednesday Night
While LAFCo scaled back their annexation study and reduced our bill a
little last night, we still have to meet their July 1st deadline with
$89,000, or they will terminate our incorporation process and we won't get this to a vote.
Incorporation is the only certain way to halt annexation and will
create a permanent buffer between the City of Sacramento and
Carmichael.
*************We still need to raise $15,000 by the middle of June to
meet LAFCo's demand because our bank holds deposits for 5-9 working
days, and we must pay LAFCo by July 1, 2009.********
We appreciate all of you who have contributed. Especially those of you
who do not have a lot of discretionary income. You've all helped us
get this close.
We're almost there. If you haven't already donated, please consider
helping us now. If you have donated, thank you and please consider
asking a neighbor or friend to contribute.
You can go to our website at www.ardenarcadecity.org and donate
through PayPal, or you can mail a check to P.O. Box 215642,
Sacramento, CA 95821.
Please help us show LAFCo that Arden Arcade wants the right to vote on
our future by supporting us now.
Thanks, Pat
little last night, we still have to meet their July 1st deadline with
$89,000, or they will terminate our incorporation process and we won't get this to a vote.
Incorporation is the only certain way to halt annexation and will
create a permanent buffer between the City of Sacramento and
Carmichael.
*************We still need to raise $15,000 by the middle of June to
meet LAFCo's demand because our bank holds deposits for 5-9 working
days, and we must pay LAFCo by July 1, 2009.********
We appreciate all of you who have contributed. Especially those of you
who do not have a lot of discretionary income. You've all helped us
get this close.
We're almost there. If you haven't already donated, please consider
helping us now. If you have donated, thank you and please consider
asking a neighbor or friend to contribute.
You can go to our website at www.ardenarcadecity.org and donate
through PayPal, or you can mail a check to P.O. Box 215642,
Sacramento, CA 95821.
Please help us show LAFCo that Arden Arcade wants the right to vote on
our future by supporting us now.
Thanks, Pat
Friday, May 29, 2009
Another Great Meeting Last Night
More than 70 people joined us last night to learn more about annexation and incorporation for Arden Arcade at Arden Christian Church at Las Cruces and Eastern Ave. We really appreciate the local churches giving us an opportunity to inform the public about these topics. Many of the churches have been a strong part of our community for decades and have played a vital role in building our community.
Last night's meeting was just as passionate and energized as previous meetings. There was lively and respectful discussion and we learned more from residents who shared their experience and knowledge. We have an amazing opportunity that will probably never come around again to seize this particular time to create a new city, building on our history and planning for a strong future.
What do we need in order to succeed?
1. We need a strong turnout at the LAFCo meeting on Wednesday, June 3rd.
LAFCo meets at 5:30 PM in the Sacramento County Board of Supevisor's chambers in the Sacramento County Administration Building, 700 H Street.
When we filed our petition to bring cityhood to a vote, LAFCo tacked on another costly study to make us pay to study the option of being annexed by the City of Sacramento. We believe the City of Sacramento should pay for their own study if they want to annex us. We have formally requested LAFCo remove this from their requirements. They will discuss our request at this June 3rd meeting. Please show up and fill the audience to let our elected officials know you are serious about this request. We believe we have support for this and your presence will strengthen our position. Success will lower our cityhood costs by about $40,000
2. We need to raise $102,000 by July 1st. We are more than halfway there with commitments still coming in. We must meet LAFCo's funding requirements by July 1 or they will terminate the incorporation process. Please consider donating through our website at www.ardenarcadecity.org by using PayPal or mail a check to:
The Arden Arcade Incorporation Committee
P.O. Box 215642
Sacramento, CA 95821
See you on June 3rd
Last night's meeting was just as passionate and energized as previous meetings. There was lively and respectful discussion and we learned more from residents who shared their experience and knowledge. We have an amazing opportunity that will probably never come around again to seize this particular time to create a new city, building on our history and planning for a strong future.
What do we need in order to succeed?
1. We need a strong turnout at the LAFCo meeting on Wednesday, June 3rd.
LAFCo meets at 5:30 PM in the Sacramento County Board of Supevisor's chambers in the Sacramento County Administration Building, 700 H Street.
When we filed our petition to bring cityhood to a vote, LAFCo tacked on another costly study to make us pay to study the option of being annexed by the City of Sacramento. We believe the City of Sacramento should pay for their own study if they want to annex us. We have formally requested LAFCo remove this from their requirements. They will discuss our request at this June 3rd meeting. Please show up and fill the audience to let our elected officials know you are serious about this request. We believe we have support for this and your presence will strengthen our position. Success will lower our cityhood costs by about $40,000
2. We need to raise $102,000 by July 1st. We are more than halfway there with commitments still coming in. We must meet LAFCo's funding requirements by July 1 or they will terminate the incorporation process. Please consider donating through our website at www.ardenarcadecity.org by using PayPal or mail a check to:
The Arden Arcade Incorporation Committee
P.O. Box 215642
Sacramento, CA 95821
See you on June 3rd
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Just Two Weeks (and one day) Until the LAFCo Meeting
Please put Wednesday, June 3rd on your calendar and join us at LAFCo (700 H Street, Board of Supervisor's Chambers, Sacramento County Administration Building) at 5:30. We have formally asked LAFCo to remove the annextion study they added to our proposal. LAFCo has asked staff to review our request and they will make a determination on June 3rd. A large turn-out of residents/voters and representatives from our special districts will help persuade them in our favor. Please show your support by joining us. Carpool if you can. Thank you.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Another Great Community Meeting
We met last Tuesday night at Arden Nazarene Church at Arden near Watt Ave. We're very grateful to local churches for opening their doors and for their generous hospitality.
We identify neighborhoods around the general area where we are going to hold our next meeting and then very dedicated volunteers for cityhood go door-to-door talking with people and leaving flyers. Most are grateful that we are bringing issues like annexation and incorporation to their attention. People who live in Carmichael are surpised to find out that the City of Sacramento has extended their annexation study boundary from Mission Avenue to Walnut which means part of Carmichael is now included.
Our next meeting is at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 2140 Mission Avenue, Carmichael on May 19th, 7-8:30 PM. We'll explain options, status quo (stay with the County), annexation by the City of Sacramento and incorporation and we'll answer your questions.
Remember, we have until July 2, 2009 to raise $102,000 or the incorporation process will be terminated. Please go to our website at: http://www.ardenarcadecity
We identify neighborhoods around the general area where we are going to hold our next meeting and then very dedicated volunteers for cityhood go door-to-door talking with people and leaving flyers. Most are grateful that we are bringing issues like annexation and incorporation to their attention. People who live in Carmichael are surpised to find out that the City of Sacramento has extended their annexation study boundary from Mission Avenue to Walnut which means part of Carmichael is now included.
Our next meeting is at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 2140 Mission Avenue, Carmichael on May 19th, 7-8:30 PM. We'll explain options, status quo (stay with the County), annexation by the City of Sacramento and incorporation and we'll answer your questions.
Remember, we have until July 2, 2009 to raise $102,000 or the incorporation process will be terminated. Please go to our website at: http://www.ardenarcadecity
Friday, May 8, 2009
What's In a Name?
We had a great community meeting last night. Sierra Arden United Church of Christ at Northop and Morse was kind enough to let us use their meeting room. Each meeting has its own personality and points of interest. For example, at last night's meeting there was a great discussion about the name "Arden Arcade." Some people like it, some don't. There is a rich history behind the name but not everyone identifies with the name Arden Arcade and some prefer to say they live in the unincorporated part of Sacramento County.
The point I want to make today is that when we filed our petitions to vote on cityhood, we used the name the County of Sacramento designated for our area. Once we are a city, we can choose whatever name we want. The important thing to keep in mind is that we need to keep the process going and give folks a chance to vote on cityhood.
Cityhood is not really about rejecting one form of government or another. It is more about bringing people together who share a vision of how we can create a prosperous, strong community. We feel that cityhood is the way to get there. Whatever name our residents and new city council and mayor decide on, our goal is to make all of our area, regardless of what you call it now, a safe and thriving community we can all be proud to call home.
At the Wednesday, June 3rd LAFCo meeting, the commission will discuss the letter we sent them on Monday, asking them to remove the annexation study they imposed on our incorporation process. One way to convince the commissioners that we have your support is by having many community members attend. A strong show of support from our voters will encourage LAFCo to support our request and could reduce the total amount of money we must raise for this process as well. Please meet us there at 5:30 in the Sacramento County Board of Supervisor's chambers.
If you haven't already donated, please consider helping us raise the $102,000 LAFCo requires us to pay by July 1, 2009 to keep the process going. You can pay through PayPal at our website(http://www.ardenarcadecity.org/) or send a check to P.O. Box 215642, Sacramento, CA 95821
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
