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April 2026
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IN THIS ISSUE: |
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ILLEGAL FIREWORKS TASK FORCE AND AMENDED ORDINANCE |
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At our March 24 meeting, the Board of Supervisors heard a report from the Sacramento County Illegal Fireworks Task Force and approved amendments to the County’s fireworks ordinance, taking an important step to strengthen coordination and penalties for illegal fireworks and the unauthorized use of “safe and sane” fireworks. The task force members, consisting of the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, and Sacramento County Code Enforcement, discussed their planning and resource coordination efforts as they gear up for the July 4 holiday. All three organizations are committed to proactively preventing the use of illegal fireworks and taking strong enforcement action against violators. There was a long discussion at the Board meeting about the importance of State involvement in this effort to intercept illegal fireworks as they cross into California from other states and south of the border. The update to the illegal fireworks ordinance follows the direction that was set in November 2025 to increase enforcement and better protect our neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces from the dangers associated with illegal fireworks. Under the previous ordinance, violators faced escalating fines of $1,000 for a first violation, $2,500 for a second violation, and $5,000 for each additional violation. A $10,000 fine was imposed for violations within the American River Parkway, as well as any park or school property. With these amendments, we are taking a stronger approach. Fines will now apply to each individual illegal firework used, as well as each instance of unauthorized use of “safe and sane” fireworks outside the approved timeframe. In Sacramento County, “safe and sane” fireworks are only permitted between 9 am and 10 pm, from June 28 through July 4. Any use outside of those dates and times is prohibited and now subject to enhanced penalties. The Board will consider final approval of the ordinance on April 7, 2026, and, if approved, it will go into effect on May 7, 2026, ahead of the summer season when fireworks activity typically increases. I encourage residents to celebrate responsibly and to report illegal fireworks activity to (916) 874-5115. Working together, we can help keep our neighborhoods safe. |
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EASTER/SPRING ACTIVITIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY |
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Are you looking for Spring and Easter activities for the entire family? Enjoy the following events that are open to the public: Fair Oaks Eggstravaganza
This event includes a free Egg Hunt for children. Plus, crafts and carnival games, a petting Zoo, pictures with the Bunny. For more information, visit the Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District website. Arden Park Easter Egg-Stravaganza
Enjoy breakfast and photos with the bunny, games, and egg hunts. For more information, visit the Arden Park Recreation and Park District Easter Eggstravaganza website. Breakfast With The Bunny at Carmichael Park
Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the bunny trail to Carmichael Park! Join the Bunny and the Kiwanis Club of Carmichael for a yummy pancake breakfast, crafts, pictures with the bunny, and more! For more information and to register for the breakfast, visit the Carmichael Recreation and Park District’s event page. Spring Extravaganza & Egg Hunt at Freedom Park
Get ready for an egg-cellent time at the Spring Extravaganza! Enjoy a day full of fun activities for all ages, including crafts, interactive vendors, egg hunts with a chance to win prizes, and a special visit from the Easter Bunny. Bring your peeps and join the fun! For more information, visit the North Highlands Recreation & Park District. Neighbors of College-Glen (NCG) Egg Hunt at Oki Park
Activities will include an egg hunt, crafting, vendors, bunny photos, free books, and a community spring celebration. For more information, visit the Neighbors of College Glen website. |
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WATT AVENUE SAFE STAY COMMUNITY MEETING |
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Join me and Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez for a community meeting where you will be updated about the Safe Stay Community located at 4837 Watt Avenue, North Highlands, CA. We will be joined by the Department of Homeless Services and Housing, the Department of General Services, and the service provider for the facility, City Net, who will provide an update on the facility.
For questions regarding this meeting, please call (916) 874-5471. |
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AMERICAN RIVER PARKWAY SPRING CLEANUP: APRIL 18, 2026 |
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The American River Parkway Foundation’s Spring Clean-Up is right around the corner! The American River Parkway Spring Clean-up takes place on April 18 from 9 am to 12 pm at seven locations along the 23-mile stretch of the Parkway. My family and I have personally been involved in this cleanup many times. This is an opportunity for the community to come out and show their support for our urban jewel. It’s also a terrific way to spend a Saturday morning in nature, bonding as a family, earning community service hours, and fostering team-building. Each year, this event attracts hundreds of volunteers who work to remove thousands of pounds of trash, reduce invasive plants, and beautify our Parkway. There are opportunities for individuals, groups, and families to participate. There are also sponsorship opportunities for individuals and businesses to help provide essential tools and supplies, refreshments for volunteers and to promote environmental awareness. Please note, the Spring Clean-Up locations may have age restrictions and please register for any of the locations. For more information, please contact them at volunteer@arpf.org. To get more information and to register, go to the American River Parkway Foundation website. |
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2026 SACRAMENTO METROPOLITAN FIRE DISTRICT KIDS FIRE CAMP |
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FIRE CAMP is a four-day Camp that teaches middle school kids what it's like to be a firefighter for the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District. FIRE CAMP is an excellent opportunity for our firefighters to help 11 through 13-year-old kids build a sense of teamwork and responsibility. On day one, campers are organized into "strike teams," which consist of 8 campers who are mentored and supervised by two professional firefighters. As the week progresses, the teams take on a character of their own as they learn about the job of a firefighter and experience the following:
FIRE CAMP occurs at Fire Station 21, 7641 Greenback Lane, Citrus Heights. Campers will rely on a parent or guardian for daily transportation. Hours for FIRE CAMP are as follows:
Please register your child at this link, and the list closes April 13, 2026, or sooner, depending on interest. For sponsorship opportunities, click here or feel free to contact us at communityservices@metrofire.ca.gov. At Metro Fire, our mission is to provide professional and compassionate protection, education, and service to our community. We look forward to working with your child! |
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NEW STATE LAW CLARIFIES RULES ELECTRIC OFF-HIGHWAY MOTORCYCLES |
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Over the past couple of weeks, many of you have shared concerns about the increase in young people riding e-bikes and the safety challenges we’re seeing on our roads, along the American River Parkway, and in our neighborhoods. I want to take a moment to share an important update that helps clarify part of that issue. The California Highway Patrol recently released guidance on a new state law, Senate Bill 586, which went into effect on January 1, 2026. This law defines what are known as “electric off-highway motorcycles,” often referred to as e-motos. Many of these vehicles, including brands like Sur-Ron and Talaria, have often been mistaken for electric bicycles. Under this new law, they are not considered e-bikes or mopeds. Instead, they are classified as off-highway motor vehicles. What that means is simple. These vehicles are not allowed on public roads, sidewalks, bike lanes, or parks. They can only be used in designated off-highway vehicle areas or on private property with permission. While we are hearing more concerns from residents about unsafe riding, especially among younger riders, this new law helps bring clarity and gives law enforcement the ability to better address those situations while also focusing on education. The law also requires these vehicles to be registered through the DMV and display a California Green Sticker when used in off-highway areas. It’s also now illegal to advertise or sell these vehicles as electric bicycles if they do not meet the legal definition. As we continue working together to improve safety in our communities, I encourage parents and riders to take a moment to understand these rules. This is about keeping our streets safe, protecting young riders, and making sure everyone knows where these vehicles can be used legally. I will be hosting a community meeting this summer on safety with e-bikes and e-motors; please note that my office will send a notice as soon as the meeting is scheduled. |
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SACRAMENTO ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS HOMEBUYER EXPO |
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Don’t miss your chance to take the first step toward homeownership. The Sacramento Association of REALTORS® is hosting it’s fourth annual First-Time Homebuyer Expo, a community event designed for first-time homebuyers. The expo will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Mack Powell Event Center, located at 2003 Howe Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95825. This free, family-friendly event offers valuable resources and insights into the home-buying process, and can hear directly from industry experts about topics including:
Our goal is to provide clear, practical information so attendees can make informed decisions and better understand the homebuying process. This year’s expo will also highlight a new regional Down Payment Assistance Grant Program created through a partnership between the Sacramento Association of REALTORS®, NHORA Greater Sacramento, and AREAA Greater Sacramento. For more information and to register for the event, please visit the DEIFH Expo 2026 page on the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® website. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn and connect! |
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SACRAMENTO COUNTY REGIONAL PARK PASS PURCHASES |
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I want to share an important update regarding Sacramento County Regional Park passes, as our office has recently received several questions about how and where they can be purchased. In addition to purchasing passes online, residents can still visit the Regional Parks office or purchase passes at park kiosks. Please note that park kiosks only accept cash or check. We also work with several local retail partners across the region where passes can be purchased in person: Carmichael, Fair Oaks, and Citrus Heights area
Downtown and Arden area
Rancho Cordova and Folsom area
Elk Grove and South Sacramento area
Roseville and North Sacramento area
Residents may also choose to purchase a pass by mail by submitting a completed application to: Parks Passes We know how important access to our regional parks is for families across Sacramento County, and we want to make sure you have clear and convenient options to get your pass. If you have any questions, our office is always here to help. |
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TOUR THE ECHOWATER RESOURCE RECOVERY FACILITY |
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Discover what happens after water goes down the drain with a behind-the-scenes tour of SacSewer’s EchoWater Resource Recovery Facility—the state-of-the-art facility serving the Sacramento region.
Meet the experts who help protect public health and the environment, and see firsthand how this essential infrastructure operates. Reservations are required, and space is limited. For tour dates, times, and registration, visit SacSewer’s website. |
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CARMICHAEL KIWANIS COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANTS |
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The Kiwanis Club of Carmichael Foundation is pleased to offer a Community Impact Grant program totaling $20,000 for 2026. Grant awards may be considered in amounts of $2,500, $5,000, or $7,500. Community fundraising events such as the Club’s annual Crab Feed, Taste of Carmichael, Big Day of Giving, and pancake breakfasts make this program possible. These special grants are available to nonprofits, schools, and charitable organizations serving the needs of the greater Carmichael area within Sacramento County. The application is designed to be simple yet thorough. Applicants will provide basic contact and organizational details, a description of the proposed project, the amount of funding requested, and a clear explanation of the project’s goals, need, and anticipated impact. Applicants must describe how the project supports the Kiwanis mission, estimate the number of people served, and provide a budget. All application responses can be submitted via mailed-in submission, emailed, or completed online. |
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RANCHO CORDOVA VOLUNTEER AWARDS |
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The Cordova Community Council Volunteer Awards is a public event celebrating and inspiring volunteerism in the community while raising the profile of outstanding volunteer efforts. March Volunteer Madness kicked off with drinks and dinner, followed by speeches and stories, reminding us just how amazing our community is and how special its members are. Congratulations again to our 2026 Annual Community Volunteer Award Winners:
Congratulations to the Cordova Community Council and all the amazing volunteers! |
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SAILOR BAR DAY OF PLAY AND BENCH DEDICATION CEREMONY |
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On Saturday, March 21, we celebrated the “National Day of Play” at Sailor Bar. The morning included a dedication of twelve new benches and seven new picnic tables installed throughout the American River Parkway at Sailor Bar, making the area more accessible for users. Many of the benches and tables feature commemorative inscriptions honoring community members and supporters who have contributed to the preservation and enjoyment of the parkway. I am proud to have been part of this ceremony with Sacramento County Regional Parks, the Friends of Sailor Bar, and Congressman Ami Bera. These partnerships reinforce the County’s commitment to our beautiful and accessible outdoor spaces. Sailor Bar offers visitors access to trails, river views, and open space that make it an ideal destination for a day outdoors. |
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SACRAMENTO COUNTY YOUTH COMMISSION - A VOICE FOR YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT |
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The Sacramento County Youth Commission is a Board of Supervisors-appointed body made up of fifteen youth who serve as a voice for young people in local government. Commissioners serve three-year terms and must attend a Sacramento County middle or senior high school to be eligible. The Commission meets monthly, collaborates with county departments, advises local leaders, and represents youth perspectives at community events, forums, and committees throughout the county. The mission of the Commission is to:
Youth interested in leadership, public service, and making a difference in their community are encouraged to apply. Learn more and apply at the Youth Commission’s website. |
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LAST TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY MEETING FOR 2026 |
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Thank you to everyone who has attended one of my community meetings about transportation and our roadways. There is still one meeting left in Arden Arcade, and I would encourage you to come and hear directly from the Director of the Department of Transportation and ask questions you may have about specific roads, funding sources, and upcoming projects. Hope to see you there! |
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CONTACT MY OFFICE:
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Supervisor Rich Desmond
Third District Sacramento County Board of Supervisors 700 H Street, Suite 2450 Sacramento, CA 95814 richdesmond@saccounty.gov PHONE: (916) 874-5471
FAX: (916) 874-7593 |
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