Rancho Cordova

[econgrad]

6 Reasons Why Rancho Rocks

by Michelle Ventress on April 13, 2009 · 2 comments

in Best of Rancho
Post image for 6 Reasons Why Rancho Rocks

There are plenty of reasons why Rancho Rocks. We’ve compiled a brief list and encourage you to send your reasons in and make comments about why you think Rancho Rocks.

1. The American River. As the catalyst of the Gold Rush, the American River has long been highly influential in the lives of all who live near it. For those of us in Rancho Cordova, the American River provides recreation and a sense of identity.

2. Newly Formed City with Proactive Goals. Fostering a positive image of Rancho Cordova, establishing a vibrant downtown, and practicing sound fiscal management are just a few of the many goals the City strives for.

3. Rancho Cordova 4th of July Celebration. The massive volunteer effort that comes together to create the 4th of July celebration is symbolic of the pride many Rancho Cordovans have for their hometown. With free activities, a parade and two nights of fireworks, this event is a favorite among residents.

4.The Rancho Cordova Post. Your local news source that covers news that’s important to you. Have something going on in your neighborhood that others need to know about? Write about it by clicking “Write” on the top of the home page or email information to [email protected].

5. Capital Village. This ongoing project by Beazer Homes boasts numerous parks, mixed use concept, close in proximity to local businesses and shopping. This neighborhood is what many believe is the future in housing and it’s right here in Rancho Cordova.

6. Jobs- and Lots of Them. There are over 45,000 people employed in Rancho Cordova. There are more than 3,000 businesses and as of December 2008, the unemployment rate was at 8.7% when the California unemployment rate was 9.2%.

Tagged as: "4th of July", American River Parkway, capital village, City of Rancho Cordova, employment

[econgrad]

Rancho Cordova named All-America finalist
April 14, 2009 4:12 PM ET
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bizjournals.com

Rancho Cordova is a finalist for an All-America City Award, a high-profile honor that recognizes communities that address issues from crime to economic development.

The city, which was incorporated in 2003, is among 32 finalists for the honor. The National Civic League will award 10 cities with the All-America City Award in June in Tampa, Fla.

“We feel honored and privileged to be finalists in this very prestigious competition,” Rancho Cordova city manager Ted Gaebler said in a news release. “Even though we are a young city, we have responded to and developed strong relationships with the various segments of our community that demonstrate the inclusiveness, collaboration, civic engagement and innovation of the All-America City Award.”

The city has earned a two-step upgrade in its bond rating to an A+ by Standard & Poor’s, and Rancho curbed property and violent crimes by 25 percent and 14 percent during the past year, respectively.

“We achieved these accomplishments because of the collaborative effort among Rancho Cordova citizens, the youth in Police Athletic League (PAL), city staff and our police officers,” said police chief Reuben Meeks, who submitted the city’s nomination.

The National Civic League of America has awarded 500 cities with the honor since the program started in 1949. The All-America Award is a never-ending distinction, and allows cities to boast their success.

“Not only have we made great strides overall in the type of services provided in the city in a very short period of time, but we are seeing the positive effects of having a local police force in deterring crime,” Gaebler said.

Copyright 2009 bizjournals.com

[Majin]

Can you even tell me where central city Rancho Cordova is? Or where the CBD is?

[econgrad]

Originally Posted by Majin

Can you even tell me where central city Rancho Cordova is? Or where the CBD is?

OK, I will bite. No I personally cannot. May I ask why?

[Majin]

Originally Posted by econgrad

OK, I will bite. No I personally cannot. May I ask why?

I can't either.

That's the point.

[econgrad]

Originally Posted by Majin

I can't either.

That's the point.

Ok. You got me.

[econgrad]

Children's Museum to build in Rancho Cordova

The Sacramento Children’s Museum has selected a site in Rancho Cordova to build the planned 7,000-square-foot hands-on, interactive center.

The city of Rancho Cordova and the museum board announced Tuesday that the region’s newest family-oriented attraction will locate at 2701 Prospect Park Drive in Rancho Cordova, next to City Hall.


Roebbelen Contracting Inc. is the general contractor and has donated $100,000 in services.

Backers need to raise $1.3 million to open the museum in January. In a month, the museum has raised more than $56,000.

Representatives from the city and the museum “have been negotiating for almost a year, developing the partnership that gave life to the vision of having a children’s museum in Rancho Cordova,” a news release said.

Designed primarily for kids age 8 and younger, the museum will include exhibits that will “encourage children’s imaginations and prompt them to test, tinker, laugh and wonder,” the release said. The museum also will complement the exhibits with special shows, programs and speakers.

“We are pleased and proud to be a partner in this outstanding endeavor that will be a destination attraction, not only for our city but for the entire Sacramento region,” Rancho Cordova Mayor Dan Skoglund said. “Many people have been involved in the creation of what will be a gem for our community. They are to be congratulated for their creativity and tenacity.”

“It is fitting that the Sacramento Children’s Museum has formed a partnership with the city of Rancho Cordova as the museum has made it a priority to celebrate cultural diversity as part of its focus, and the Rancho Cordova encompasses more cultural diversity than almost anywhere else in the greater Sacramento area,” museum president Kathleen Palley said in the release.

Two local teachers who saw a need for inspiring learning through interactivity initiated discussions about a museum. They formed a nonprofit and started developing support.

The Junior League of Sacramento adopted the Children’s Museum as a project in 2006, and started working with the nonprofit toward making the museum a reality.

[econgrad]

Originally Posted by econgrad

Children's Museum to build in Rancho Cordova

The Sacramento Children’s Museum has selected a site in Rancho Cordova to build the planned 7,000-square-foot hands-on, interactive center.

The city of Rancho Cordova and the museum board announced Tuesday that the region’s newest family-oriented attraction will locate at 2701 Prospect Park Drive in Rancho Cordova, next to City Hall.


Roebbelen Contracting Inc. is the general contractor and has donated $100,000 in services.

Backers need to raise $1.3 million to open the museum in January. In a month, the museum has raised more than $56,000.

Representatives from the city and the museum “have been negotiating for almost a year, developing the partnership that gave life to the vision of having a children’s museum in Rancho Cordova,” a news release said.

Designed primarily for kids age 8 and younger, the museum will include exhibits that will “encourage children’s imaginations and prompt them to test, tinker, laugh and wonder,” the release said. The museum also will complement the exhibits with special shows, programs and speakers.

“We are pleased and proud to be a partner in this outstanding endeavor that will be a destination attraction, not only for our city but for the entire Sacramento region,” Rancho Cordova Mayor Dan Skoglund said. “Many people have been involved in the creation of what will be a gem for our community. They are to be congratulated for their creativity and tenacity.”

“It is fitting that the Sacramento Children’s Museum has formed a partnership with the city of Rancho Cordova as the museum has made it a priority to celebrate cultural diversity as part of its focus, and the Rancho Cordova encompasses more cultural diversity than almost anywhere else in the greater Sacramento area,” museum president Kathleen Palley said in the release.

Two local teachers who saw a need for inspiring learning through interactivity initiated discussions about a museum. They formed a nonprofit and started developing support.

The Junior League of Sacramento adopted the Children’s Museum as a project in 2006, and started working with the nonprofit toward making the museum a reality.

http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2009/04/20/daily27.html


OOPS, accidental Repost..

[econgrad]

Region to get first museum for children 8 and younger
Published Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2009

The Sacramento region will get its first museum devoted to young children when the Sacramento Children's Museum opens in Rancho Cordova.

The museum is scheduled to open in January 2010 in a building adjacent to City Hall, 2701 Prospect Park. Unlike other museums in Sacramento, this one will be tailored to children age 8 and younger.

The museum is the brainchild of former San Juan Unified School District elementary schoolteacher Kathleen Palley. To date, the museum has raised $60,000 toward a $1.3 million capital campaign.

Palley, who will be the museum's president, selected the site in Rancho Cordova, she said, because it is easily accessible to families with young children. The location is near public transportation and offers free parking, Palley said.

For more information, call (916) 203-1814 or view www.sacramentochildrensmuseum.org.

– Edward Ortiz

[econgrad]

April 21, 2009
A children's museum grows in Rancho Cordova

The Sacramento region will get its first museum devoted to young children when the Sacramento Children's Museum opens in Rancho Cordova.

The museum is scheduled to open in January of 2010 in a building adjacent to City Hall, at 2701 Prospect Park in Rancho Cordova. Unlike other museums in Sacramento, this one will be tailored to children eight years old and younger.

The museum is the brainchild of former San Juan District elementary school teacher Kathleen Palley, who decided to fill the void in such a children's museum four years ago.

"Sacramento has some great resources for older elementary school children, but children eight years or younger have been, historically, an underserved population here," said Palley.

"There's such an important need for a museum of this kind in this community, and I thought that if no one was going to start one, then I would do it myself," she said. "So I started this in the living room of my house, with a couple of people."

To date, the museum has raised $60,000 toward a $1.3 million capital campaign.

Palley selected the site in Rancho Cordova, she said, because it is easily accessible to families with young children. The location is near public transportation and offers free parking, Palley said.

The City of Rancho Cordova is helping the museum get off the ground by underwriting the maintenance costs of the museum's building, said Joe Chinn, assistant city manager for Rancho Cordova. Roebbelen Construction is providing $100,000 of its services to renovating the buiilding that will house the museum.

"We see the museum as a great addition to our community," said Chinn. "It supports our vision as a family-oriented community. And as an education center, it adds a great regional attraction to Rancho Cordova".

Palley, who will be the museum's president, said that the idea for it was deeply influenced by children's museums in Northern California, including the Habitot Children's Discovery Museum in Berkeley and the San Jose Children's Museum.

The museum will offer 7 themed exhibit areas that include "Waterways", World Market" "My Neighborhood" and "Art Studio".

Palley said that the museum will encourage play and exploration.

"We like to say that play is an essential part of children's work. And when children have the opportunity to do that, and succeed at it, they then gain confidence and a sense of self in the community," she said.

Want more information? Call (916) 203-1814 or visit .

Categories: Edward Ortiz

[econgrad]

May 1, 2009 6:45 pm US/Pacific
Rancho Cordova Deemed Best Place To Work
Reporting
Checkey Beckford
RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.
The City of Rancho Cordova is named the best place to work for in the Sacramento area. So what do they do to keep their workers happy?

It's no t business as usual at Rancho Cordova City Hall.

"The pay is good, the benefits are good, it's a great place to work," says one employee.

While other cities are handing out pink slips, Rancho Cordova is receiving recognition for being the best small city to work for by the Sacramento Area Human Resources Association.

"I have worked for several jurisdictions and I love this innovative environment," explains one employee.

Though the city's government has only been around for five years, it beat out more than 100 other candidates by being non-bureaucratic and allowing all of its 68 employees to bring new ideas to the table.

Another reason Rancho Cordova was picked is because of the city's desire to make sure it's workers have fun. They have a ping-pong table and they host quarterly tournaments.

The city's wellness program encourages workers to unwind with a game of ping-pong or exercise in the building's weight room.

When code enforcement officer Chris Jellison was deployed to Afghanistan last year, he says his co-workers support went with him.

"During the whole time, they sent care packages over there, a lot of packages it was great," says Jellison.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

[econgrad]

City of Rancho Cordova Wins Workplace Excellence Award

by Michelle Ventress on May 6, 2009 · 0 comments

in News
Post image for City of Rancho Cordova Wins Workplace Excellence Award

The City of Rancho Cordova was named a winner at the 7th annual Sacramento Workplace Excellence Leader (SWEL) Awards ceremony. The City took top honors in the Small Government Agency category.

The SWEL awards recognize outstanding Sacramento area organizations that are nominated by their employees for unique and exceptional human resources practices.

From the beginning when it incorporated five years ago, Rancho Cordova has striven to hire staff members who want to create something different. Its City Manager, Ted Gaebler, is an internationally known authority and author regarding transforming governments from outdated bureaucratic organizations to flexible, customer-focused organizations.

“I’m proud of what all of us have created”, City Manager Gaebler emailed to City staff right after he and Human Resources Director Stacey Peterson accepted the SWEL trophy at the award ceremony. “We thank the City Council for giving us the freedom to create a non-traditional workplace. The citizens we serve will be very proud, too.”

Some examples of innovation include the Office of New Ideas which gives employees the opportunity to share ideas or suggestions to improve organizational effectiveness. In 2008, City staff created a brainstorming committee, Money Matters, to encourage strategies for producing revenues or creating cost savings.

An Employee Advisory Team (EAT), comprised of staff from all departments and divisions, promotes employee volunteerism, provides feedback on policy issues that impact employees, and provides an opportunity for team-building and leadership skill development. City staff has been lauded for their generous contributions with their time, talents, and fundraising at community activities and events. They were awarded the 2009 Outstanding Public Service Award by the Cordova Community Council.

Rancho Cordova was nominated for the SWEL by Kerry Simpson, Neighborhood Services Manager. “I enjoy coming to work and being allowed to make a difference,” she said. “I suspect that there is not a single City employee who does not have a positive story to tell,” she continued.

“We recognize that our people are our greatest assets and focus on employee satisfaction through the provision of innovative employment guidelines, flexible policies, recognition of good performance, competitive salary and benefits, training and challenging opportunities,” said Stacey Peterson, the City’s Human Resources Manager.

Submitted by Helen Brewer of the City of Rancho Cordova.

[Ghost of Econgrad]

Wednesday, August 26, 2009, 1:34pm PDT
Rancho Cordova town center wins planning award
Sacramento Business Journal - by Michael Shaw Staff writer

Rancho Cordova’s Capital Village, a mixed-use town center, has been awarded a 2009 planning project award by the American Planning Association’s California Chapter.

The 117-acre development is a blend of residential, commercial and retail that surrounds a four-acre park with an amphitheater. A village green and footbridge connects residential areas to a commercial town center.

The Capital Village concept was developed shortly after Rancho Cordova incorporated in 2003.

Nearly two-thirds of the town center and more than half of the planned 827 residential units have been built.

[Majin]

^^ Is that that garbage off Zinfandel?

[tronblue]

Wow, now they just need to make Rancho cool so hipsters move in and gentrify the area making it safe for other people to move there. Sorry Rancho is totally still sketch.

[Ghost of Econgrad]

Originally Posted by tronblue

Wow, now they just need to make Rancho cool so hipsters move in and gentrify the area making it safe for other people to move there. Sorry Rancho is totally still sketch.

Is that because you are afraid of certain people Tronblue? Rancho needs more midtown hipsters the likes of that you find at The Park, or Faces? That would just be "allwhite" for you wouldn't it?

[NewToCA]

Looks like Rancho is going down the toilet to me. I considered it strongly when I first came out to Sacramento, with a lease purchase option in the new area. I remember all of the marketing about Rancho being a "new city" with a significant dedicated downtown area. Looks like they are abandoning that idea.

I'll show you the contrast in how their thinking has changed.

Here is an excerpt from an article a couple of years ago:

Speedy Corridor Progress Urged
By Cathy Locke - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PDT Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Rancho Cordova leaders -- already committed to changing the face of Folsom Boulevard -- are looking at ways to get it done faster.

The City Council received an update last week on the Folsom Boulevard Specific Plan, a guide for transforming Folsom Boulevard from a regional thoroughfare to an urban corridor. City officials want to see strip malls and parking lots give way to a more traditional downtown, with a civic center and a mix of housing, shops, restaurants, arts and entertainment.

The council adopted the specific plan last year, and it is being updated to include more detailed direction for the design of new development...


City officials note that Folsom Boulevard revitalization has been a priority since Rancho Cordova incorporated in 2003.

The specific plan envisions "pulse points" at five major intersections along Folsom Boulevard: Routier Road-La Loma Drive, Mather Field-Mills Station roads, Coloma Road, Zinfandel Drive and Sunrise Boulevard. These are defined as destination spots, accessible by foot or automobile, where people could work, shop, eat and socialize.

Retail and high-density residential development would be concentrated in these areas, which are near light-rail stations and freeway interchanges, while the rest of the corridor would feature "a blend of lower-intensity, greener stretches of boulevard," according to the plan.


Now we fast forward a couple of years, and this announcement seems to be very much in contradiction with the above sentiment:

Zoning Code Modified Again (Grapevine Independent)
By KRIS MIDDAUGH, Editor

Property owners complained that such a designation left the unable to secure refinancing on their properties and would likely scare any potential buyers away.

Some owners went so far as to threaten litigation against the city.

City planners, however, led a series of meetings with property owners and have adjusted zoning specifications several times in an effort to assure the new Zoning Code does not adversely affect individuals and their businesses.
On Tuesday night, at a joint work session of the Rancho Cordova City Council and Planning Commission, Senior City Planner Jeff Beiswenger and Planning Director Paul Junker introduced their latest effort to appease Folsom Boulevard property owners while also maintaining the council’s vision for the strip of roadway that is, “as close to Main Street as we have,” according to Junker.

The new plan completely removes the “nonconforming use” designation for any commercial properties rezoned as Residential or Mixed Use Residential and replaces it with a designation of either Conforming District 1 (CD1) or Conforming District 2 (CD2).

The new designations retain most of the use limitations specified for Residential and Mixed Use Residential designations but clearly establish that an existing property legally conforms to the city’s Zoning Code. Further, the revised FBSP allows commercial property owners to continue operating their current business, it allows them to close that business and continue on in another commercial venture, provided the change takes place within a two-year period.

That means a barbershop, for instance, could close down and the building remain vacant for up to 24-months, then reopen as a clothing store.

http://www.grapevineindependent.com/story2.shtml


Should be good news for unincorporated Sac County, and Folsom. Their planned large developments to the south side of Rt 50 probably are now going to be significantly more attractive for potential investors.

[Web]

Folsom Blvd got a slurry seal and a lot of new landscaping along with more signals......In Rancho.

Also that one shopping center was leveled by the light rail station awaiting $$$

Also Target gutted itself near Zinfendel

Rancho was always a suburb and still basically is......no difference to me

[tronblue]

Sorry ghost I guess you dislike my sense of humor your entitled to that. I'll try to not to post under you again. But, I don't even patronize Faces or The Park. I never thought hipsters go there either for that matter, but I wouldn't know . I'm way to elitist even for those places.

I've had family that have lived in Rancho all my life, not much has changed at the core. Lots of drugs and hard neighborhoods. I personally don't feel safe there because of personal experience. Not because of what color people are. Just like I feel scared driving in Rocklyn with all these girls and their texting while driving. I've lived in neighborhoods where I was the only white dude and have felt very safe compared to Rancho.

A buddy of mine just got out of Rancho and he's thanking his lucky stars while most of his friends have made other choices or lost out due to violence etc. He's black too if that helps you feel better about me. Or at least that is what he always told me. I try to at least have one friend from every major race. Makes me feel accomplished. Like I'm authentically getting my daily dose of culture. I have a close friend who is Philippino, Irish and African. I feel like I get so much accomplished just by knowing him. I am however lacking in the scandinavian department. Do you know any? Maybe someone from Denmark?

I guess i could move to Roseville. What do you think? Second thought I'm scared of places with too many white people.

[Ghost of Econgrad]

Originally Posted by tronblue

Sorry ghost I guess you dislike my sense of humor your entitled to that. I'll try to not to post under you again. But, I don't even patronize Faces or The Park. I never thought hipsters go there either for that matter, but I wouldn't know . I'm way to elitist even for those places.

I've had family that have lived in Rancho all my life, not much has changed at the core. Lots of drugs and hard neighborhoods. I personally don't feel safe there because of personal experience. Not because of what color people are. Just like I feel scared driving in Rocklyn with all these girls and their texting while driving. I've lived in neighborhoods where I was the only white dude and have felt very safe compared to Rancho.

A buddy of mine just got out of Rancho and he's thanking his lucky stars while most of his friends have made other choices or lost out due to violence etc. He's black too if that helps you feel better about me. Or at least that is what he always told me. I try to at least have one friend from every major race. Makes me feel accomplished. Like I'm authentically getting my daily dose of culture. I have a close friend who is Philippino, Irish and African. I feel like I get so much accomplished just by knowing him. I am however lacking in the scandinavian department. Do you know any? Maybe someone from Denmark?

I guess i could move to Roseville. What do you think? Second thought I'm scared of places with too many white people.

OK, I would never want you to stop posting. Its just a forum bro! I was going by your other posts, its all good, I really do not think you were a racist by any means so please don't take it to heart. I read your posts (if you couldn't tell). I may disagree but I enjoy reading them.