• Community Meetings
• October Recap
• Special Election November 4, 2025
• Veterans Day Events
• Help for Veterans
• Support Local Food Banks
• Holiday Travel Update for SMF
• Run to Feed the Hungry
• Arts & Culture Grant Opens Countywide November 3
• Property Tax Information
• Be Aware... Be Prepared this Winter
• Flood Insurance
• Friends of the Carmichael Library November Book Sale
• Free Workship: Understanding the Sidewalk Vending Ordinance
• Highlighting Meristem

Please join me for a series of upcoming community meetings. First, I will be joining Assemblyman Josh Hoover in North Highlands on Thursday, November 6^th and in Rancho Cordova on Wednesday, November 12^th.

Next, I will be hosting two community meetings focused on public safety and emergency preparedness in on Wednesday, November 19, and Thursday, November 20. I will be joined by local law enforcement and Sac Metro Fire representatives and ready to answer questions you may have about disaster preparedness.

All details can be found in the flyers below.

It was a busy month out and about in District 3! I was honored to attend many wonderful events celebrating grand openings, historic anniversaries, and even youth football. Here’s a quick recap:

The Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District celebrated the long-awaited grand reopening of Village Park, including the Performing Arts Center and Veterans’ Memorial Amphitheatre. The improvements are a huge upgrade and will be utilized by families and community members for years to come. Congratulations to the entire FORPD staff and Board!

Next, I was able to recognize the Carmichael Recreation and Park District’s 80th Anniversary during the annual Founder’s Harvest Festival at Carmichael Park. The Carmichael Recreation and Park District put on a great event that brought the community together, and we honored the CRPD’s legacy in not only its parks and facilities, but also years of memories created.

I traveled to Foothill Farms for the Homecoming game of the Foothill Jr. Mustangs. The program, headed by Coach Francisco, inspires and develops young athletes to learn the skills of hard work, sportsmanship, and leadership through football and cheerleading. It was a great way to spend a beautiful afternoon! Go Jr. Mustangs!

Next, I attended two important district events, the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce Elected Officials Mixer and the Arden and Howe Business Alliance State of the PBID. The Carmichael Mixer brought together many familiar faces and gave me a chance to connect with chamber members. It was a great turnout for the Arden-Howe Alliance. I joined DA Thien Ho and Congressman Ami Bera to congratulate Sacramento County’s newest PBID on the great work they have already done, bringing businesses together to make Arden Arcade thrive!

I also had the opportunity to speak at the College-Glen Neighborhood Association/Foundation’s annual meeting with elected officials. I always appreciate getting to meet with neighborhood associations across the district and discuss issues that are most important. Thank you, CGNA, for having me at this event.

Last week, I was honored to be a part of the grand opening and ribbon-cutting for Dignity Health - Mercy San Juan’s new Graduate Medical Education Resident Suite and Lounge. This facility officially makes Mercy San Juan a teaching hospital. This is a direct investment in the future of healthcare, training dedicated Internal Medicine residents who will serve and strengthen the Sacramento region and beyond. Residents trained here will serve communities, be leaders, and ultimately save lives.

Lastly, I joined the Sunrise Recreation and Park District, Citrus Heights Arts, Sac Republic FC, and Bank of America for the grand opening and of a new multi-use basketball court/mini soccer pitch at Walerga Park Futsal Court. This was a big project with much-needed upgrades, and I am proud to have been able to contribute to its success.  Thank you to all the community partners for your efforts to make Foothill Farms stronger!

Tuesday, November 4, 2025, is the Statewide Special Election, and ballots are in hand (and hopefully already filled out and on their way back to the Elections Office, either by mail or Drop Box). But never fear, if you haven’t yet returned your voted ballot, you still have plenty of time. 

For those voters who missed the Oct. 20 voter registration deadline, you can still visit the Election’s Office in-person or visit one of the Vote Centers to conditionally register and vote.

Vote: Pick a Way, ANY Way​

Choose how, when and where you want to vote.

• By Mail: All registered voters received a ballot in the mail. Place the voted ballot inside the envelope provided, sign the envelope and return – your postage is paid! Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 4 to count. 
• Vote Center: With the passage of the California Voter’s Choice Act, traditional polling places were replaced with Vote Centers that are open for up to 11 days, including Election Day. This means voters can choose when, where and how they want to vote – at ANY Vote Center in the County. Avoid the lines, vote early! 
• ​At the Vote Center you can drop off your completed ballot OR vote in person.
• Eligible residents can also register to vote, update their registration and cast their ballot at a Vote Center, even on the day of the election.
• Please ensure that you are at an official Vote Center. You can find a list of official Vote Centers online.
• Drop Boxes: Voted/signed ballots may be placed in any of the 62 secure Drop Box locations throughout Sacramento County. 
• ​When using a Drop Box, ensure that it is an official, secure box provided by your County Election’s Office. All official County drop boxes have the Sacramento County wave logo on them!

A complete list of Vote Center and Drop Box locations can be found on our website. 

For more election and voter information, visit the Sacramento County Voter Registration and Elections website.

Veterans Day is a time to honor those who have put their lives on the line for our country. There are several events being held around the Third District and throughout the County this year. Please see below for details about these opportunities:

Cordova Community Council is hosting its Rancho Cordova Veterans Day Observance, which will honor those who have bravely served the nation in time of war and peace.  Throughout Rancho Cordova, there will be more than 700 American flags posted in special locations to honor our veterans.

Honor a veteran by donating blood during this special event on Veterans Day during our Veterans Day Blood Drive.

Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm, by appointment

Location: 2729 Prospect Park Dr., Rancho Cordova, CA

For more information, please contact Brian Danzl, (916) 826-1470.

Earl J Koobs Event

All are invited to this annual event to honor veterans who served in the Armed Forces. The event will be on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, located in the Earl Koobs Nature Area, which is on the east side of La Sierra Community Center 5325 Engle Road, in Carmichael CA. Gates will be opened at 10:00am. - 2:00pm. Colors presented @ 11:00am.

On this day we recognize teachers and staff and those who were La Sierra students who served and those La Sierra Longhorns who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. 

The Veterans Services Office in Sacramento County’s Department of Human Assistance is responsible for providing benefit entitlement determinations, claim development, claim filing, advocacy, and case management services to the veterans living in our area.

Assistance from the DHA Veterans Services Office can include:

• Compensation for service-related disabilities
• Pension for war-time veterans with non-service-connected disabilities
• Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits
• Enrollment in VA Health Care for treatment
• Survivors Benefits
• California Tuition Fee Waiver Program (CalVet)

 Veterans can seek assistance via telephone (916- 874-6811) or an email DHA-VET@saccounty.gov. For more information, please go online to the Veteran Services website.

The Sacramento Vet Center, provided by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs, also offers confidential help for Veterans, service members, and their families at no cost in a non-medical setting. Their services include counseling for needs such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST).

Please contact the Sacramento Vet Center via telephone, (916-566-7430), to learn more about their non-traditional hours that change periodically accordioning to their community’s needs. You can also learn more by visiting their website.

• Sacramento Vet Center | Veterans Affairs

Location: 111 Howe Avenue, Suite 390, Sacramento, CA 95825

Hours of operation:

Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 4:30pm

Saturday – Sunday: Closed

Please call the after-hours call center if needed, (877-927-8387).

For those who served our nation, thank you, and please remember Sacramento County’s Veterans Services Office is ready to assist you with respect to obtaining the benefits you are entitled to receive.

More than one in every five Californians is food insecure. Children, single parents, seniors, veterans and more go to bed each night not knowing where their next meal will come from.  Food insecurity and hunger is hitting many more people this month because of the suspension of Cal Fresh benefits to 270,000 Sacramento County residents as a result of the federal government shutdown.

Join me in supporting our local food banks to help provide our community with fresh, healthy meals for the holidays. They need your help now more than ever.  Below is a list of food banks and food closets in District Three:

River City Food Bank

Center at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church

• 2300 Edison Ave. Sacramento, CA 95821
• Donation Drop-off: Wednesday - Friday, 8:00am–2:00pm
• Food Distribution: Wednesday & Friday, 10:30am–1:30pm

Saint Philomene – Food Distribution Center

• Monday – Tuesday, 9:00–12:15pm

Carmichael Food Closet

Carmichael Presbyterian Church

• Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays from 1:30 – 2:00pm and Thursdays 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Rancho Cordova Food Locker

• 10497 Coloma Road, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
• Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9:30am – 12:30pm

Sierra Arden Neighborhood Food Closet

• Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9:30am
• Thursday 4:00pm

Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank

Food Distribution Hours

• Monday 11:00am-1:00pm, Wednesday 4:30pm-6:30pm, Thursday 10:00am-12:30pm, Friday 10:00am-12:30pm

Donation Hours

• Monday-Friday 8:30am-12:30pm, Wednesday 3:30pm-6:00pm

If you or your family need food assistance, visit sacramentofoodbank.org/find-food or call 2-1-1 Sacramento to connect with local resources.

For comprehensive updates on the federal shutdown's impact on CalFresh, visit ha.saccounty.gov.

As we head into the busy holiday travel season, everyone heading out via Sacramento International Airport (SMF) should know that our region’s airport is seeing major activity.  Planning ahead is more important than ever.

SMF has broken records recently: last July marked the busiest month in its history, continuing a streak of 20 consecutive months of passenger growth. This is great for our region, but means crowds, full lots, and heavy traffic during peak travel times.

One key part of this expansion is the new parking garage under construction. To build the roughly 5,500-space structure, the Hourly parking lot has been permanently closed, reducing the number of walk-in/walk-up close parking spots by about 760. Because of that: the Garage and Daily lots fill up fast, especially during busy travel times, leaving only the remote lots, which are not within walking distance of either terminal. Shuttle buses will operate 24/7 between those lots and the terminals, and extra airport staff will be on hand to guide unfamiliar travelers.

Here are some tips you can share and use to keep your trip smooth:

• Arrive early. Aim for at least 2.5 hours ahead for domestic flights and 3 hours for international travel (or more if you’re parking).
• Consider alternate transportation. Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft, Wingz) or public transit (for example SacRT Route 142) can help avoid parking headaches.
• Check parking status before you go. Visit the SMF “Parking” page for current status. All lots are first-come, first-served. If your preferred lot is full, you’ll need time to find an alternate and park accordingly.
• Know your pick-up/drop-off routine. Use the Free Waiting Area if you’re picking someone up. For departures, check-in kiosks are located before the security line in the terminal, which can save time.
• Use expedited screening where possible. If you have or plan to enroll in TSA Pre✓® or are a CLEAR member, you can speed up your time at the checkpoint.

With holiday travel on the horizon, I would like to wish all of District 3 safe, smooth, and pleasant journeys, whether you’re heading out to visit family or welcoming loved ones back home.

Join the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services’ 32nd annual Run to Feed the Hungry, the largest Thanksgiving Day fun run in the Country, on Thursday, November 27, 2025! This family-friendly event, presented by KCRA/My58, raises funds and awareness about hunger in our community! For race day information, and to register, please visit the Run to Feed the Hungry website. They are also accepting donations or turkeys during their 18^th Annual Turkey Drive on November 14, 2025 at Cal Expo.

Small Arts and cultural organizations across Sacramento County can now apply for the Small Organization Sustainability Fund (Program), which offers up to $5,000 in general operating support for each eligible organization.

The program, supported by the Sacramento County Office of Economic Development, City of Sacramento’s Office of Arts and Culture and the California Arts Council, is open to arts and cultural organizations throughout Sacramento County with annual budgets under $25,000. The program is designed to strengthen the region’s creative ecosystem by helping small organizations sustain their operations and continue serving their communities.

Through a competitive review process, a total of $100,000 in grant funding will be distributed, with individual awards of up to $5,000. Final award amounts will be based on each applicant’s operating income, panel evaluation scores and the total funds available.

Grant funding may be used for general operating expenses such as salaries, rent, artist payments, professional development and other organizational costs. Unlike project-based grants, this program is designed to support an organization’s mission, capacity and long-term sustainability.

To assist applicants, the Office of Arts and Culture will host a grant writing workshop on Nov. 13 and open office hours on Nov. 20 and Dec. 1, each from noon to 1pm.

The application period runs from Nov. 3 through Dec. 5, 2025, with all submissions due by 11:59pm PST on Dec. 5.

Applicants must submit materials electronically through the City’s Grants Management System. Organizations without nonprofit status may apply using an eligible fiscal sponsor.

For more information, visit the Small Organization Sustainability Fund webpage to access program guidelines, registration links and workshop details. General questions can be sent to artgrants@cityofsacramento.org.

Sacramento County mailed about 490,265 secured property tax bills which are payable beginning Nov. 1, 2025. These tax bills are mailed only once a year, but property owners may pay their bills in two installment payments:

• The first installment payment is due on Nov. 1, 2025. Payments will be accepted without penalty until 5 p.m. on Dec. 10, 2025.
• The second installment payment is due on Feb. 1, 2026. Payments will be accepted without penalty until 5 p.m. on April 10, 2026.
• Both installments may be paid when the first installment is due. A reminder notice will not be mailed for the second installment.

Taxpayers may sign up for online e-mail notifications for annual secured property tax bills and reminders before delinquent dates. Choose “e-Subscribe for property tax payment notifications” to receive these notifications.

Payments can be made online via credit card or electronic check. Taxpayers may print tax bill installment payment stubs to mail in with their payments. Taxpayers may also pay by credit card or electronic check over the telephone at (844) 430-2823. There is a convenience fee for credit and debit cards. Electronic checks are free.

Payment can be made in person at the Sacramento County Tax Collector’s Office at 700 H Street, Room 1710, between 8am and 5pm Monday through Friday. In person payments can be paid via cash, check, credit card, debit card or money order. A convenience fee will apply for credit card and debit card transactions.

Payments can be sent via mail to P.O. Box 508, Sacramento, CA 95812-0508. The Tax Collector accepts and processes payments based on the postmark date. Payments may not be credited to the tax bill for several business days dependent upon the volume of payments received, whether payments were submitted with the correct payment stubs, and/or whether envelopes were postmarked by the delinquent date.

Property tax law (Prop 8) requires that parcels be assessed at their factored Prop 13 value, or their fair market value (as of the Jan. 1, 2025, property tax lien date), whichever is less.

A rising real estate market can cause higher than expected increases in a parcel’s annual tax bill if that parcel was in Prop 8 status last year. However, the assessed value of any parcel cannot increase beyond that parcel’s factored Prop 13 level. The 2% inflation cap applies only to Prop 13 assessments. It does not apply to Prop 8 assessments, which by law must track the property’s market value until it reaches the Prop 13 factored value.

Find assessed values at assessor.saccounty.gov under “Assessed Value Lookup,” including this year’s value and the factored Prop 13 value for comparison. If a taxpayer has evidence that their assessed value as of Jan. 1, 2025, was less than that shown on this year’s (2025-2026) tax bill, they should:

• Visit the Assessor’s Website;
• Call the Assessor’s Office at (916) 875-0700; or
• Email the Assessor’s Office at Assessor@SacCounty.gov

Taxpayers may obtain current year tax bill information, copies of property tax bills, direct levy information, delinquent prior year tax information and amounts due online via the County’s Property Tax portal, searching by APN or address. Find a QR Code on your tax bill payment stub for use with smartphones to connect to our website.

Sacramento County also has a 24-hour/7-day-a-week Automated Property Tax Information Line that provides information on tax subjects and access to detailed billing and payment information. Tax specialists are available 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Reach the system and tax specialists by calling (916) 874-6622.

If you own property and do not receive a tax bill by Oct. 15, 2025, you may obtain tax bill copies, property tax information, and payment stubs (coupons) through the Property Tax Portal website.

R&TC 2610.5 “Failure to receive a tax bill does not relieve the property owner of the liability to pay taxes in a timely manner or give the Tax Collector reason to cancel penalties imposed for late payment.”

Even if your tax bill is being paid by a lending institution (mortgage company), state law requires that a copy of the tax bill be sent to the property owner; all property owners should receive either the original tax bill or an “Owner’s Information Copy.” It is the responsibility of the property owner to keep their mailing address current with the Assessor’s Office. To update your mailing address, please contact the Assessor’s Office in writing at 3636 American River Drive, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95864 or via email at Assessor@saccounty.gov. Please make sure you include a parcel number and phone number with all correspondence.

Winter is upon us; do you know your risk of flooding and measures you can take to reduce flood risk?  Do You Live in a Flood Zone and do you need to protect yourself and your family with flood insurance? 

There are several ways to find out if you live in a flood zone: 

1. Visit www.stormready.org and click on “Flood Zone Information”.
2. Call the Flood Zone Hotline at (916) 874-7517. Include your parcel number, address, and contact information.
3. You can email us directly at wrfloodinfo@saccounty.gov.  Please include your parcel number, address, and contact information.
4. You can view floodplain maps at the County’s Public GIS at this link.  https://generalmap.gis.saccounty.gov/JSViewer/FEMA.html.
5. Call (916) 874-7517 or email wrfloodinfo@saccounty.gov to schedule an appointment. We are located at 827 7th Street, Room 102, in downtown Sacramento. Our hours are weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You can view the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) and other local flood hazard information. General flood insurance questions can be answered or explained at this location.

 The following information can be provided upon request:

• Base Flood Elevation (BFE).
• Additional flood hazard information such as floodways.
• Information not shown on the FIRM such as local drainage.
• Approximate ground elevation.
• Historical flood information, which may include location of nearest high water mark, repetitive loss area, or elevation certificates on file.
• Areas that may be protected because of their natural floodplain functions.

Just a few inches of water in a building can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. Please make an informed decision about the flood risks you face before deciding not to purchase flood insurance.

Flood insurance is the best way to protect you from devastating financial loss.  Flood damage is not covered by standard property insurance. Flooding is the most common disaster in our area.

Get the Facts:

1. Visit www.floodsmart.gov  Flood insurance is available to owners & tenants of houses, condominiums, and commercial properties (renters’ insurance is also available). If a flood damages your home or business, you may be required by law or ordinance to meet certain building compliancy requirements in your community to reduce future flood damage. To help with these costs, the NFIP includes Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage for all eligible properties insured under the Standard Flood Insurance Policy.

2. Talk to your agent!  Do you live outside of the high-risk flood area? You can still get flood insurance coverage. Contact your agent to learn more.

Please note, that if you need to purchase flood insurance, there’s a 30-day waiting period before your policy is active.

Don’t miss the semi-annual book sale at the Carmichael Library on Friday, November 7, from 10am to 5pm and Saturday, November 8, from 10am to 4pm.  The Carmichael Branch Library is located at 5606 Marconi Ave. Carmichael, CA, 95608. 

You’ll find great deals on books in excellent condition for all ages; board and picture books for tots; easy readers; young adult books for teens; fiction and nonfiction for adults.  You’ll also discover special finds to delight book lovers, a variety of puzzles, CDs, DVDs and holiday themed items and ideas.

The Friends will provide grocery bags for the single low price of $10.00 for you to fill or you are welcome to pay by the item.  You’re invited to purchase as many $10.00 bags as you like!

Cash Preferred (to save on processing fees), but credit and debit cards are welcomed.

A free opportunity drawing for gift baskets will be offered to all those attending. No purchase is necessary, and you need not be present to win.

Your purchases provide needed funds for programs and new books and materials for all at the Carmichael Library.

For more information or to join the Friends visit www.saclibfriends.org

The Environmental Management Department is hosting an event for our Sacramento County community to further understand what the Sidewalk Vending Ordinance is. The Management Department will talk about the following topics during the workshop: Definition of compact Mobile Food Operation, Permit Requirements, Inspections, Violations, Impoundment, and Appeals.

The Sidewalk Vending Ordinance was approved by our Board of Supervisors on January 28, 2025. This will regulate the compact mobile food operations within Sacramento County, ensuring compliance with County ordinances and State laws.

Please join us for this free workshop to better our knowledge of our efforts to better our Sacramento County.

• Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
• Time: 10:00am
• Location: 11080 White Rock Road, Suite 200, Rancho Cordova. CA, 95670

Did you know that right here in Fair Oaks, there are Independent Living Programs for Young Adults with Autism? Meristem, located at 9200 Fair Oaks Boulevard, was founded in 2014 and is dedicated to serving neurodiverse young adults ages 18-28 through person-centered care and experiential learning on our 13-acre Fair Oaks campus. Among the many programs they offer, Meristem also runs a café, serving delicious food to the public. Meristem Cafe is a 100% gluten-free and dairy-free cafe in Fair Oaks where every meal supports autistic and neurodiverse young adults gaining job and life skills. Enjoy chef-crafted, seed-to-table cuisine while making a difference in our community.

 Next time you are in Fair Oaks for lunch, stop by the Meristem café to check it out. They are open from 11:30 am -2 pm Wednesday through Friday. You will not be disappointed!