Through the generosity of The Carmichael Times this column serves to provide an update about matters affecting the unincorporated communities of Arden Arcade and Carmichael.    

Effie Yeaw Nature Center Gala

This year's annual Spring Gala and Auction benefitting the Effie Yeaw Nature Center has been transformed into a virtual live stream event with both live and silent auctions of experiences and juried art featuring creative interpretations of the local natural world.

The gala will occur on the evening of Saturday, June 13, and like before, it will be presented by Effie Yeaw Nature Center and the Sacramento Fine Arts Center – and serves as the Nature Center's biggest fundraiser of the year.

I’ve attended this event for many years and it is always a wonderful occasion to be in under the stars at the Nature Center with tickets always selling out.  The artwork is submitted and selected at the Fine Art Center’s "Where Wild Things Are" art show, and brought to the gala for auction.  Unlike in the past, you will be able to experience the excitement and fun this year virtually.

Registration is free.  For more information, please go online to sacnaturecenter.net

Water Meter Installation in Sierra Oaks

The Sierra Oaks Water Meter Installation Project is underway for that neighborhood in Arden Arcade, which the Sacramento County Water Agency (SCWA) is required to pursue as a result of state law mandating installation by January 1, 2025. 

You will be able to spot this activity because the contractor, Teichert, and SCWA’s construction management team all have badges.  Please call or email the project team if you have any questions: Phone: 916-874-3070 or email [email protected]. 

Memorial Day Weekend Parkway Alcohol Ban

If you are planning to enjoy the American River Parkway over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, there will be a complete ban on alcohol consumption and possession both on land and in the water between Hazel and Watt avenues (an exception exists for Ancil Hoffman Golf Course).

Besides Memorial Day weekend, the restriction is also applicable for the holiday weekends of Independence Day as well as Labor Day.  The restriction is in place because past years summer holiday weekends had become major problems along the American River due to excessive alcohol consumption making the parkway less of a family friendly outing due to fights, public nudity, profanity and littering.

Since the ban has been implemented for holiday weekends, families have told me the parkway has become a much more inviting place to bring the family to enjoy holiday fun.

Hurley Way Improvements

Work is underway on the Thomas Edison Elementary Safe Route to School Project in Arden Arcade focusing on Hurley Way between Fulton and Morse Avenues. The project finish date is expected to be in August and access will be maintained to all residences and businesses during construction.

The project will improve pedestrian safety especially for children attending school by connecting portions of existing sidewalk along Hurley Way plus there will be installation of curb ramps, street lighting, drainage improvements, reconstruction of driveways, and restriping of bike lanes.

For more information, please go online to sacdot.saccounty.net and visit current projects under the category of transportation projects.

Susan Peters represents the Third District on the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors.  She can be reached at [email protected].