Wizard World Comic Con Returns On the Streets An Uncertain Future for Area’s Homeless to Sacramento Page 12 Page 7 Grapevine ndependent VOLUMEI 47 • ISSUE 23 PROUDLY SERVING RANCHO CORDOVA & SACRAMENTO COUNTY June 05, 2015 Stacy Grabs Honors New Hybrid Class at Optimist Game Format at Folsom Rancho Cordova Lake College’s Rancho Cordova Center RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - A brand new state-of-the-art edu- Goes Farm-to-Fork cational center of Folsom Lake College (FLC) is currently under construction at the inter- section of Mather Road and Folsom Boulevard in Rancho Page 14 Cordova. The Rancho Cordova Center will include more than 26,000 square feet of instruc- tional space, nine classrooms, ATHLON SPORTS and a student learning center with an open-access computer INSIDE BASEBALL lab. The new facility is expected to open in late October. Until then, college operations con- tinue at the existing outreach location at 10378 Rockingham Drive in Rancho Cordova. In anticipation of moving into the new space, the college has more than doubled its course offerings in Rancho Cordova to accommodate the increased demand for general education and transfer courses. Students can register now for summer Page 15 and fall classes. A full sched- ule of course offerings can be accessed at www.flc.losrios.edu (click on “Class Schedules”). Assisting Mother In order to enhance the selec- tion of courses offered and Nature in respond to students’ need for flexibility, FLC has incorpo- Wildlife Care rated a significant number of RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - What do looking for your ideas and sugges- hybrid-format course offerings you think when you hear Farm-to- tions on three areas: in its summer and fall sched- Fork? Farmers markets, gardening, • Should urban agriculture be ule. Hybrid classes combine composting, and Soil Born Farms allowed in residential areas and weekly face-to-face class meet- may come to mind. mixed use areas? ings with online learning. The Rancho Cordova is getting on • Should you be required to get a resulting combination utilizes the map with its own movement traditional student-teacher inter- to promote urban agriculture and permit from the City to grow and sell produce from your house? action with modern out-of-class food sustainability in partner- digital learning to keep students ship with residents, farmers, and • Should you be allowed to sell pro- on track while also maximizing businesses. duce from your house only on their schedule. These citizens are leading the certain days? The summer session begins charge by serving restaurant meals Citizens are encouraged to visit on June 8th. The fall semester with local ingredients, sourcing www.EngagedRanchoCordova.org starts the week of August 22nd food from local artisans, farming and post their feedback by midnight and runs through December Page 7 fruits and vegetables, providing on Tuesday, June 9th. All feedback 17th. Other shorter-term or education programs, and so much will be included as the City continues “Fast-Track” classes begin more. work on the ordinance. throughout the semester. Now, the City of Rancho If you have any questions, please If you have any questions, Cordova has proposed an urban Local kids (above) learn about urban farming at contact Bret Sampson at (916) the Rancho Cordova Center Soil Born Farms in Rancho Cordova. Photo by Rick Sloan agriculture ordinance follow- 851-8758 or email bsampson@cityo- staff can help you find your suc- Rancho Cordova is getting on the map with its own ing trends in other cities that have cess! Give them a call at (916) movement to promote urban agriculture and food franchocordova.org. already reviewed and approved sustainability in partnership with residents, farmers, Source: The City of Rancho Cordova H 255-0717. and businesses. Photo courtesy of the City of Rancho Cordova similar programs. The City is Source: Folsom Lake College H Micro Grant Brings Neighbors Together RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Several “We would do it again!” years ago, the City of Rancho Cordova The City started the micro grant pro- engaged a group of homeowners in the gram in 2014 to inspire creative and Cordova Meadows area. The residents innovative thinking, connect with more got to know each other, formed a “Keep citizens, and create new partnerships. Cordova Meadows Beautiful” group, The program provides a one-time cash and completed several neighborhood award to eligible community groups projects. for special projects in Rancho Cordova To further grow the effort, the City neighborhoods. started working with residents liv- “You could feel the positive energy ing in the apartments along West La at the event, and there were so many Loma. The neighbors came together and thankful parents who were interested decided to hold a block party for fami- in how the event came about,” said lies and children of all ages looking for Volunteer Coordinator Lorianne Ulm. a fun adventure. “They were amazed and wanted to find The residents applied for, and out how they could participate in future received, a micro grant from the City to events in their neighborhood.” fund the supplies, food, and activities Unleash your ideas to brainstorm for the event. The block party was held a fun project or event in your neigh- this past weekend and over 200 peo- borhood! What about a Fourth of July The residents applied for, and received, a micro grant from the City to fund the supplies, food, ple showed up, including many families neighborhood potluck, or a fun in and activities for the event. Photo courtesy of the City of Rancho Cordova from the nearby apartment complexes. the sun neighborhood barbecue, or a “The event was a 10, and we were National Night Out event? you have any questions, please contact Source: The City of Rancho Cordova H happy to see so many parents participat- Visit http://microgrant.cityofrancho- Lorianne Ulm at lulm@cityofrancho- ing,” said residents Juan and Claudia. cordova.org to apply for the program. If cordova.org or (916) 851-8755. 2 • The Independent June 05, 2015 City Council Eyes State Indian Museum Presents Next Steps for Measure H Funds Annual Gathering of Honored Elders By Julia Baum 15th date for staff to present the council with applications RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - for consideration could be too Local voters may be closer to soon. seeing some of their dreams “It may take some time, but for their city come true after we really at this point couldn’t a recent in-depth discussion possibly have a good handle by the Rancho Cordova City on what kind of projects have Council concerning the future been submitted, or the range use of Measure H funds. of projects,” Budge said. “We Councilmembers at a June do ourselves a disservice, as 1st City Council meeting well as all the people who have spent more than an hour pour- applied, if we don’t look at all ing over information related 76 applications.” to the newly implemented Councilmember Donald sales tax that was passed in Terry didn’t foresee the November and gave city staff council being prepared for feedback based on input from application presentations at 16 Town Hall meetings that their next meeting but wanted were attended by a total of to find a way to make the pro- more than 500 people during cess more efficient regardless. March and April. Members of “I’d want to have some kind the public contributed more of ranking done ahead of time than 250 ideas for short- and by staff,” Terry said. “I don’t long-term goals to benefit the think there’s an ability for the community during that time, council to adequately hear from including arts and recreational or review in public 70-some- programs, infrastructure, and odd applications. I want to see civic engagement projects. them all, no matter what, but Also received were 76 I think we have to have some community grant applica- sort of paring down.” Along with Native American dancers, guest speakers, community services organizations, and arts and crafts vendors who will all be on-site, Museum tions from residents, which Councilmember David guests will also have the opportunity to meet the esteemed Elders and explore the treasured Museum. Photo courtesy of the State Indian Museum Councilmember Linda Budge Sander said it was likelier to called “pretty remarkable,” adopt short-term projects first SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) event, the community is invited arts and crafts vendors who will the event. For more information based on the 2,000-plus due to time constraints. - California State Parks and to the State Indian Museum to all be on-site, Museum guests about this family-friendly event responses from meeting “Coming up with a process the State Indian Museum are celebrate the special day and be will also have the opportunity or other activities happening at attendees. The deadline for to roll out the long-term ones proud to honor and celebrate surrounded by these keepers of to meet the esteemed Elders and the State Indian Museum, call application submissions was within a month doesn’t seem California’s Native Elders with the traditions who travel from explore the treasured Museum. (916) 324-0971 or visit www. June 1st. likely,” Sander said. “There’s the 38th annual “Gathering throughout California to attend The State Indian Museum parks.ca.gov/indianmuseum. Although applications could probably a little bias right now of Honored Elders” event on this important annual event. is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 Source: T-Rock be presented to the council by towards the short-term and Saturday, June 6th from 10 a.m.