The 1 p.m. presentation will be held at the Orchid Suites Parking Lot, Roseville; the 3 p.m. presentationwill be at Boreal Ski Resort Parking Lot.

The public is welcome to attend either presentation.

The meeting is open to the public but an RSVP is required. Click here to RSVP.

While the promotion is timely because of the economy, State Fair sources have indicated that the special pricing has been in the works for a while and is in response to a myriad of factors, not just the economy.

“We’ve been looking for a fun way to celebrate Cal Expo’s 40th anniversary,” said Norb Bartosik, Cal Expo CEO and General Manager. “With so much attention on the economy and gas prices, we thought a meaningful discount like this one would help commemorate our anniversary and also give fairgoers some much needed financial relief.”

The anniversary promotion will be in effect on Mondays, August 18 and 25, and on Thursdays, August 21 and 28.

This new promotion is in addition to a myriad of other discounts available to frugal fairgoers, including:

·            Kids Day—Every Tuesday kids ages 12 and under receive free admission. The RCS carnival offers $1 carnival rides for everyone.

·            Armed Forces and First Responders Day—Tuesday, August 19 the men and women who serve as first responders can enjoy free admission to the Fair with proper identification in or out of uniform.

·            Read & Ride—Kids in grades K-8 can read three books and get three free carnival rides any day of the Fair.

·            Free Concerts—General viewing of all State Fair concerts is free with Fair admission. Free seats can also be secured by going to the Golden1 Stage at 4 pm on the day of the concert for a free concert seat wristband.

For a complete list of free and discounted activities at the 2008 State Fair, or more information about any of the above, please visit the State Fair website at www.bigfun.org or contact the California State Fair Media Center at 916-263-3108 or mediacenter@calexpo.com.

The event will begin at 5 p.m. and is expected to draw as many as 10,000 people to the Point West Area.

Several former California Olympians, along with consuls generals from China and three other nations, will be on hand to celebrate Sacramento's diversity.

The opening ceremonies will be shown on a Jumbotron outdoor TV starting at 8 p.m.

The "party" begins at 5:30 p.m. and will be catered by near-by Fran's Cafe.

The mixer is sponsored by the Point West Area TMA and the North Sacramento Chamber of Commerce.

To RSVP, click here.

The California State Fair is planning to bring the excitement of Hollywood to Cal Expo this summer. Fair organizers have settled on a number of featured attractions that will focus on Hollywood and how modern day movies and entertainment come to life.

"Hollywood is an integral part of California's culture and economy. Every industry and culture in the State has played a role in making Hollywood what it is today," said Norb Bartosik, State Fair CEO and General Manager. "Our goal is to celebrate those connections and bring some of the Hollywood energy, excitement and diversity to Cal Expo, while still maintaining our time honored State Fair traditions and customs."

The following are just a few of the Hollywood-themed exhibits and attractions that fairgoers can expect to see at Big Fun Studios from August 15 Labor Day.

Going Hollywood Exhibit (Presented By Stage Nine Entertainment Store) The Going Hollywood exhibit will take fairgoers on a journey through the movie-making process beginning with the development of a story and ending with movie production. Fans can see a casting call, get autographs from visiting celebrities and take pictures with costumed characters. A wide variety of film props and actual wardrobe items from different movie genres including; westerns, alien invasions, monster movies, romance and kids flicks will provide something for fans of all ages.

The center of the exhibit will be the Sound Stage Nine, an interactive replica of a sound stage complete with green screen technology, professional stunts, special effects and exclusive Q & A sessions with influential members of the Hollywood community.

Hollywood Backlot Come visit Big Fun Studios, a life-size outdoor backlot similar to the sets and studios of Los Angeles. You be the star! Walk the Red Carpet, stroll down the streets of New York or journey back to the Wild West!

Sound Effects Stage Show This new interactive stage show shows you what happens behind the scenes and lets onlookers play a part.

Sea Lion Encounters Live Show These celebrity animals have been on the big screen and the small screen. Now theyre coming to the State Fair with a special water stunt show and an educational program all about water and wildlife.

Hollywood High Dive Stunt Show These high flying stunt divers will celebrate Hollywood through the ages with their fast paced, high energy dive show that follows the story of the Hollywood movie making industry with fun costumes and music the whole family can enjoy.

Stars of the Peking Acrobats Live As seen in the movies, these amazing performers will combine sensational Chinese acrobatics with comedy, balancing feats and much more.

CSI Live (August 26 September 1) Dont miss this exciting interactive journey through the world of crime scene investigation only for a limited time.

Red Carpet Fashion Exhibit This exhibit will showcase actual red carpet fashions worn by real celebrities to major Hollywood events. Wardrobe provided by the Clothes Off Our Back charity.

Floriculture An Indy Adventure This horticultural masterpiece will replicate the on location set from this summers big screen hit Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls.

Animal Actors The 2008 State Fair will showcase a number of animal actors, including Blanco, the white Andalusian horse known for his role as Gandalfs horse Shadowfax in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Blanco will perform in the Cavalcade of Horses during the Fair.

The Fair opens at noon, August 15 and runs through September 1.

If you look like a celebrity, report for a casting call on Saturaday, August 2, 11 a.m., to the Cal Expo Administration Building, 1600 Exposition Blvd. Pre-registration is preferred but not necessary. Reserve your spot by emailing talent@calexpo.com or calling 916-263-7950.

The State Fair begins Friday, August 15 and runs through Labor Day. The Point West Area's biggest annual event will feature many attractions and exhibits that focus on Hollywood and how modern day moview and entertainment come to life.

For more information, visit the Big Fun web site.

Hollywood is an integral part of Californias culture and economy. Every industry and culture in the State has played a role in making Hollywood what it is today, said Norb Bartosik, State Fair CEO and General Manager.
Our goal is to celebrate those connections and bring some of the Hollywood energy, excitement and diversity to Cal Expo, while still maintaining our time honored State Fair traditions and customs.

The following are just a few of the Hollywood-themed exhibits and attractions that fairgoers can expect to see at Big Fun Studios from August 15 Labor Day.

Going Hollywood Exhibit (Presented By Stage Nine Entertainment Store) The Going Hollywood exhibit will take fairgoers on a journey through the movie-making process beginning with the development of a story and ending with movie production. Fans can see a casting call, get autographs from visiting celebrities and take pictures with costumed characters. A wide variety of film props and actual wardrobe items from different movie genres including; westerns, alien invasions, monster movies, romance and kids flicks will provide something for fans of all ages.

The center of the exhibit will be the Sound Stage Nine, an interactive replica of a sound stage complete with green screen technology, professional stunts, special effects and exclusive Q & A sessions with influential members of the Hollywood community.

Hollywood Backlot Come visit Big Fun Studios, a life-size outdoor backlot similar to the sets and studios of Los Angeles. You be the star! Walk the Red Carpet, stroll down the streets of New York or journey back to the Wild West!

Sound Effects Stage Show This new interactive stage show shows you what happens behind the scenes and lets onlookers play a part.

Sea Lion Encounters Live Show -These celebrity animals have been on the big screen and the small screen. Now theyre coming to the State Fair with a special water stunt show and an educational program all about water and wildlife.

Hollywood High Dive Stunt Show - These high flying stunt divers will celebrate Hollywood through the ages with their fast paced, high energy dive show that follows the story of the Hollywood movie making industry with fun costumes and music the whole family can enjoy.

Stars of the Peking Acrobats Live As seen in the movies, these amazing performers will combine sensational Chinese acrobatics with comedy, balancing feats and much more.

CSI Live (August 26 September 1) Dont miss this exciting interactive journey through the world of crime scene investigation only for a limited time.

Casting Calls the State Fair is on the hunt for celebrity look-alikes to help bring Big Fun Studios to life every day. Plus, on Saturdays during the Fair you may get discovered by participating in our special State Fair Casting Calls. Models, actors and performers wanted! Sponsored by John Robert Powers.

Red Carpet Fashion Exhibit This exhibit will showcase actual red carpet fashions worn by real celebrities to major Hollywood events. Wardrobe provided by the Clothes Off Our Back charity.

Floriculture An Indy Adventure This horticultural masterpiece will replicate the on location set from this summers big screen hit Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls.

Animal Actors The 2008 State Fair will showcase a number of animal actors, including Blanco, the white Andalusian horse known for his role as Gandalfs horse Shadowfax in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Blanco will perform in the Cavalcade of Horses during the Fair.

Big Fun Studios Movie Poster

In keeping with the theme, the State Fair will also be working with Los Angeles-based artist, Sergio Grisanti, to design its official Fair poster. Grisanti studied with John Alvin, a legendary movie poster artist who worked on such films as Lord of The Rings, E.T. the Extra Terrestrial, Lion King, and Pirate of the Caribbean. Alvin had originally agreed to design the State Fair poster but died unexpectedly earlier this year. Grisanti has graciously agreed to move forward with the project on his behalf as a tribute to his friend and mentor. The final State Fair poster will be unveiled in July and will be available to the general public after August 15.

A HOT lane is a bus/carpool lane on a freeway where a toll is charged to single-occupant vehicles who wish to use the lane. There is typically no charge for high occupancy vehicles (transit buses, carpools and vanpools). Tolls are usually collected by electronic toll collection systems.

The proposed study would examine the Interstate 80 Corridor between Interstate 5 in Sacramento County and State Route 65 in Placer County as a pilot HOT lane project. The study would determine if it is feasible to establish HOT lanes on this segment of I-80 and, if so, the specific operational, financial, logistical, and legal conditions and options. Most importantly, the study will include a specific “to do” list of actions that would need to be undertaken and issues that would need to be resolved to allow such a project to move forward to implementation. Using the perspective gleaned from this pilot project on I-80, the study would make recommendations as to which other corridors in the Sacramento Region are the best candidates for in-depth examination as HOT lanes.

With the scarcity of transportation funds, HOT lanes could help generate revenue to build critical transportation improvements to relieve traffic congestion. Without innovative funding, key transportation improvements may not be built for many years to come.

The concept of HOT lanes and its application in funding transportation infrastructure in the Sacramento region is supported by policies in the SACOG “Metropolitan Transportation Plan 2035”.

To participate in this effort, click here to start a survey
We've prepared a survey to obtain your feedback -- click here to start the survey.

It should take most people less than 15 minutes to complete. Your individual answers will not be shared with your employer or anyone else outside the research team, and your identity is unknown unless you choose to reveal it.

If you have any questions about the project, feel free to contact plmokhtarian@ucdavis.edu or phone (530-752-7062). Contact information for questions about the survey itself can be found at the foot of every survey page.

Project updates will resume when Stage 3 of the project gets underway with a closure of southbound I-5 between Richards Blvd. and the U.S. Highway 50/Capitol City Freeway interchange beginning at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8.

Their first official meeting was Friday at the Doubletree Hotel. An Action Plan is currently being formulated and will be posted here with in the next few weeks.

To become a member of the Task Force, contact Rebecca@80corridor.com

Tis the seaason to celebrate cycling: May is Bike Month!

The spring campaign to encourage bicycling recognizes that all your trips by bicycle are important - errands made by bicycle instead of by car, recreational cycling for health and fitness, and bicycle commuting.

For more information, go to www.mayisbikemonth.com/.

Once you're on the site, click on Register Now! in the menu at the right. Help the region achieve its Million Mile goal by pledging your cycling miles and start logging them on May 1. (miles logged in the Commuter Club will automatically be counted.)

Theere's a new feature that makes it easy and fun to challenge your friends or co-workers, and once again we have friendly challenges among employers.

You can also make nominations for a Bike Friendly Award. Categories include:

- Bike Friendly Employer
- Bicycling Advocate of the Year
- Commuter Cyclist of the Year
- Student Cyclist of the Year

Winners will be selected at a local level, then advance to the regional level to compete with other local winners for the Regional Award. Deadline for entries is Friday, May 9th. Regional Winners will be announced May 23rd.

Capital City Freeway from Capitol Avenue to Arden Way will be subject to lane closures starting April 17, according to Caltrans. Motorists can expect the north and southbound #4 lanes to be closed from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Friday.

The closures and work occurring on State Highway 51 are part of a $9.3 million project to repair and upgrade the median barrier. Completion is expected in August.

Unexpected weather or equipment problems may prolong or cause the work to be rescheduled. Motorists are advised to use caution when traveling through the work area and to “Slow For the Cone Zone”.

Motorists are being advised to use the I-80 Rocklin Road Interchange as an alternate route and to expect delays. Changeable message signs have been placed along the highway alerting motorists of the closure and to mark the detour provided. Unexpected schedule changes may occur, motorists are advised to check roadside message boards for the latest closure information.

This closure is part of the $25 million project to rebuild and modernize the I-80 Sierra College Blvd. Interchange. This project will upgrade the overcrossing to five lanes, install bike lanes and increase the vertical clearance. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2008.

Phase II: Arden Way, from Challenge Way to 450 feet east of Point West Way (Sears Drive) : Work will be performed on Monday night, July 14 and Tuesday night, July 15 between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Phase III: Arden Way, from Point West Way (Sears Drive) to Harvard Street: Because of access to the freeway, work will be performed on Sunday night, July 20 and Monday night, July 21 between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Some minor prep work will still be performed after 9 p.m. during the weekdays prior to and after resurfacing. One travel lane will be open to traffic at all times.

You can also check traffic along I-80 by calling our traffic hotline: 1-866-698-7232.

Next year's prizes include coffee cards, movie passes, t-shirts, mouse pads, tote bags and a $10,000 Cash Wheel!

Commuter Club membership is free! Sign up below.

Here's what's planned for this week:

From Auburn Boulevard/Riverside Ave. to Douglas Blvd, eastbound motorists can expect various lane and shoulder closures from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Saturday.

From the Lead Hill Boulevard overcrossing to the Sacramento County line, westbound motorists can expect various lane and ramp closures from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Saturday.

The proposed project will add bus and carpool lanes in the median of Interstate 80, in both directions, from west of West El Camino Avenue to Watt Avenue. It also inlcudes adding an auxiliary lanes to I-80 in both directions from West El Camino Avenue to the I-5/I-80 separation and from Northgate Boulevard to Norwood Avenue. A new retaining wall and sounds walls may also be constructed at various locations.

Schools chosen for the signs were based on traffic volumes, speeds and accidents within the school zone. As of January 2007, there are a total of six signs operating in Roseville: two each on Junction Boulevard., Cirby Way and Berry Street. Four signs will be installed in the spring; two on Woodcreek Oaks Boulevard and two on Washington Boulevard. Ten more signs will be installed after July 2007.

Starting Sunday, January 8, a contractor is scheduled to begin work to install rumble-strips and double-yellow lines the entire stretch of the highway between McKnight Way and Wolf-Combie Road. The project is scheduled to be complete by the end of February, weather permitting. Most traffic-interfering work will occur during evening hours; however, some daytime work with moving lane closures may be necessary.

The prize wheel includes coffee cards, movie passes and chances to spin the $5,000 cash wheel at the end of the year. You can use your spins as you earn them or bank them for use any time prior to December 1, 2007. More prizes will be added during the year.

The cash wheel, which will be available during the month of December, will feature 3 $500 cash prizes, 10 $100 cash prizes, and 50 $50 dollar cash prizes.

The Commute Diary is easy to complete. Commuters can track their morning and evening commute modes daily or at the end of each week. The information gained from the diaries helps the region monitor and track commute travel trends.

In addition to the prize wheel and the cash wheel, Commuter Club members also have access to special program and services offered by the Regional Rideshare Program and the 50 Corridor TMA.

The "fix" includes High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes and auxiliary lanes. (Auxiliary lanes are special lanes on the freeway that connect onramps to offramps - in effect acting as an additional freeway lane.)

The project hopes to receive special funding from the recently passed transportation bond money. To date, officials have only identified $80 millionof the $210 million project.

The proposed project will add an additional lane (bus/carpool or mixed flow) in the median of Interstate 80 in Sacramento County from the Sacramento River to Longview Drive. It may also include adding an auxiliary lane to I-80 between the West El Camino Avenue interchange and the Interstate 5 (I-5)/I-80 interchange. New retaining walls and sound walls may also be constructed at various locations.

The public open house will be held at the Robertson Community Center, located at 3525 Norwood Avenue, Sacramento, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday evening. The public is invited to exchange information, provide input and review project alternatives. Maps and information will be on display and Caltrans personnel will be available to answer questions.

East and westbound motorists will be slowed by the CHP just east of the I-80/Highway 20 junction and will be stopped intermittently throughout each day. The work will occur between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eastbound motorists will be subject to delays of up to 20 minutes. Westbound traffic will be monitored but lengthy delays are not anticipated.

   Weekday buses run 15-minutes intervals from 5:45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Weekend and Labor Day buses run 15-minute intervals from 10:08 a.m. to 7:51 p.m. Evening buses run at 30-minute intervals. The last bus leaves Cal Expo for the 29th Street light rail station at 11:13 p.m. every weeknight, on weekends and Labor Day.

   On weekends and Labor Day, RT also operates special bus service from the Arden/Del Paso light rail station to the Cal Expo main gate every 15 minutes from 9:45 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. and every 30 minutes from 7:45 p.m. to 11:15 p.m.

   To download State Fair routes, go to http://www.sacrt.com/statefair.stm

There will be interactive exercises with aerial maps where
participants can give their input on: how to balance open space and
potential development in the Natomas Joint Vision Area; whether
executive airport should be considered for a new walkable mixed use
neighborhood; or the type and form of development in areas like Arco
Arena, Swanston Transit Center, 65th/Folsom Transit Center and Delta Shores.

When: Monday, June 19th from 6:00-8:30p.m.
Where: Ben Ali Shriners Center (3262 Marysville Blvd.)

When: Wednesday, June 21st from 6:00-8:30p.m.
Where: Barbara Comstock Elementary School (7000 Cranleigh Ave.)
 
When: Thursday, June 22nd from 6p.m-8:30p.m.
Where: Natomas High School (3301 Fong Ranch Rd.)

A new General Plan will not be prepared again for another 25 years.
This is your chance to affect the policies and the General Plan!

Free Food and raffle prizes!
RSVP by calling: (916) 808-7500
For more information visit our Website: www.sacgp.org

A contractor will be removing 4 inches of the existing bridge deck and replacing it with 4.5 inches of steel-reinforced concrete.

Unexpected weather or equipment problems may prolong or cause the work to be rescheduled. Roadside message boards will be used to post the latest information. Caltrans urges all motorists to use caution in this area and to "Slow for the Cone Zone".

As a result of the lane closures, carpool restrictions for the High Occupancy Vehicle lane have temporarily been removed from state Route 4 in Hercules to just west of Appian Way in Pinole.

Northbound traffic on Highway 65 will be detoured to Sterling Parkway, then onto Joiner Parkway, then to