Rio Linda/Elverta Water District Update

Dear Neighbors and Ratepayers,

On December 14, 2009, I had the honor of being chosen as President for the Rio Linda Elverta Community Water District Board of Directors for a second term.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish our community a Happy New Year and to provide an end-of-the-year update on the water district. It’s been an interesting year.

We had three newcomers elected to the board. I especially appreciate that these individuals work tirelessly in an effort to try and make things better for the rest of us.

The High Cost of Vandalism

North Highlands Recreation and Park District (HNRPD) is proud of the 14 parks and facilities that it owns and maintains for public use. These parks and facilities are: Karl Rosario, Strizek, Larchmont, Memorial, Brock Sports Complex, Chardonnay, Ruth Inman, Ridgepoint, Planehaven, Sierra Creek, Freedom, Capehart Activity Center, Highlands Community Pool, District Office, and the Community and Recreation Center.

Preserving History

Floradell Ogle, Chairman of the American Heritage Committee, General John A. Sutter Chapter of the ‘Daughters of the American Revolution’ (DAR), presented Mr.

Steve Ives a Certificate of Appreciation for his part in preserving historical data in his garage for twenty years. He gave this data to Floradell as a gift.

In this treasure trove of ancestral history are the manuals, “Printed Minutes of the Texas Conventions for the United Daughters of the Confederacy, from 1902-1953”, and nineteen manuals of ancestral history.

Benefits for Spouses

(SACRAMENTO) - The State Assembly took a strong step last month to protect the surviving spouses of safety officers who die protecting Californians.

Current law provides certain health benefits to the surviving spouse and family of a safety officer who dies as the result of illness or injury sustained in the line of duty.

However, if the couple has been married less than one year before the death-causing injury, the surviving spouse is denied this health coverage.

Fundraising Opportunities

A meeting will be held to inform local charities, churches and schools in the Natomas and North Highlands areas about fund raising in your comm u n i t y. Learn how your group or organization can earn up to $100,000 or more each year.

Helicopter Heaven?

It was a departure from the ordinary as community members filled the meeting room to discuss what some deemed as an excessive disruption in the lives of area residents. In last month’s issue of the North Highlands News, the Visions Task Force announced that they would address the complaints of repetitive noise irritation against Silver State Helicopters’ Flight Academy.

The public responded with a fairly large turnout of those a little disenchanted by Silver State’s activity.

New Building Progressing

Senior Gleaners Our new facility now has the beginning looks of a fine structure. The picture, even though it is a few weeks old, shows the current look of the building. In addition to the walls, the roof trusses are mostly in and the roof should go on shortly. Where you see dirt, asphalt paving has been completed. Many of the windows are installed. All is progressing toward planned late spring occupancy.

Car Tax Refunds

In June, state officials administratively increased the car tax without legislative approval to close California's budget deficit. Many Legislators and taxpayer advocates argued that by doing so, Governor Gray Davis broke state law, which requires a two-thirds vote of the Legislature for all tax increases. Since it was tripled in June, the average $76 car tax has increased to $234. The Department of Motor Vehicles, at Governor Schwarzenegger’s request, has expedited the restoration of the VLF discounts, and began mailing out the new bills on November 24, 2003.

Uncensored!.. What's Next?

The Federal Communications Commission has approved the use of the "F" word for use on any TV show or radio program, ANYTIME DAY OR NIGHT!

The FCC said the word can be used whenever desired, except in sexual situations!

That means that real soon you will be watching a sit-com on TV, or news, or any drama or movie-ANY PROGRAM-and it's ok! Hollywood is rejoicing!

Soon, when you are driving your kids to school you will be listening to a song which makes extensive use of the word.

Grappling With Budget Woes

A significant outreach effort is under way to get feedback from Rio Linda School District employees and the community on how to cope with the impacts of the expanding state budget crisis.

With the state facing a budget deficit estimated at $27-$35 billion through June 2004, this district is bracing for cuts in the multi-million-dollar range.