Pick a week in October to try an alternative to driving alone for any of your daily trips and you could win a $50 gift certificate.

Carpool, vanpool, take transit, telecommute, bike or walk ...they will all save money, reduce your time in traffic and improve our air quality - in addition to giving you a chance to win $50.

Visit www.sacregion511.org and tell us how you changed your travel for the low-car challenge for your chance to win.

If you don't have easy internet access, please call 916-340-6229 to request a participation form.

Caltrans wants the public to know about a new law signed by the governor that requires motorists to move over or slow down when they see a Caltrans vehicle flashing warning lights.

The new law, Senate Bill 240 (State Senator Roderick Wright), adds Caltrans vehicles displaying flashing amber warning lights to the list of vehicles for which motorists must slow down and, if safe, move over to a lane not immediately adjacent to the stationary vehicle.

“This protects the safety of our workers,” said Caltrans Director Randy Iwasaki. “Highway workers face the same dangers from fast moving traffic as emergency personnel and tow-truck operators. We appreciate the leadership and recognition of the legislature and governor for the need to provide a safer working environment for our employees.”

Since 1924, 174 Caltrans workers have lost their lives in the line of duty. On July 23, 2009, Caltrans worker Don Lichliter was struck and fatally injured by a passing truck on Highway 99 in Lodi. He was with another worker applying a fertilizer treatment to keep eucalyptus trees healthy. Their truck was parked on the shoulder.

To date, 45 other states have enacted similar laws requiring motorists to move over or slow down. Violation of the new provision is punishable by a fine of not more than $50. The new law also makes the safety protections permanent by removing the sunset date (January 1, 2010) from existing law.

Featured topics include an update on Cal Expo's arena talks, Q & A on USAA's departure from Point West and an update by one of the area's leading commercial realtors, John Frisch of Cornish & Carey on the area's commercial real estate market.

For a complete list of venues, musicians and artist, go to www.phantomuptownarts.com

Information will also be available by calling 1-877-362-8080.

If the trend holds up for the year's last two months, highway deaths could reach their lowest level in the 42 years since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began keeping records.

NHTSA said Thursday there were 31,110 auto fatalities the first 10 months of 2008. That's a 9.8 percent decline over the same period in 2007, when there were 34,502 fatalities.

The traffic safety administration has been tracking auto fatalities since 1966, when there were more than 50,000 deaths on the highways. The number of deaths peaked in 1972 at 54,589, then generally declined over the next two decades. The total has hovered above 40,000 the past few years.

"For the second year in a row we are seeing historic lows in deaths on our nation's roads," Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said in a statement. "Every American can be more confident than ever they will arrive at their destination safe and sound." NHTSA did not cite a cause for the dramatic decline in highway deaths, but it is one of several related transportation trends.

Timed activities:
6 p.m. Book signing by Award-winning "pup" fiction author Sue Owens Wright, 1511 Del Paso Boulevard.

7 p.m. Discussion of Sacramento's own Best Selling Erotic Fiction Author Curtis Alcutt's newest book "Bullets and Ballads" at Carol's Books, 1913 Del Paso Boulevard. Meet the author.

7:15 p.m. Performance by the Grant High School Stompers, 1511 Del Paso Boulevard.

7:30 p.m. Line dancing lessons at The Stoney Inn, 1329 Del Paso Boulevard.

7:30 p.m. Fire Dancing by Obsidian Butterfly, 1511 Del Paso Boulevard (repeated at 8:30 p.m.).

8 p.m. Figure Skating performance at Iceland, 1430 Del Paso Boulevard (followed by 2 for $9 public skating)

8:30 p.m. Fire dancing by Obsidian Butterfly, 1511 Del Paso Boulevard

Music Venues

1700 Del Paso Boulevard (The Greens Hotel) jazz by "So What", 6-9 p.m.

1414 Del Paso Boulevard, artist Deems Paxton turns guitarist, 6-9 p.m.

1511 Del Paso Boulevard, Obsidian Butterfly band will perform live music during fire dancing performances

1616 Del Paso Boulevard (Fran's Cafe) Folk music by "The Front Porch Music Society"

1825 Del Paso Boulevard, live music by Twin Rivers Unified School District Performing Arts Department

1901 Del Paso Boulevard (Artisan), live music by Andreas Mario

Chalice Ensemble, local community vocal ensemble , will be strolling The Bo

East and westbound Interstate 80 (I-80) at Sierra College Boulevard in Rocklin will be subject to nighttime closures for falsework removal the week of November 17, according to Caltrans.

Tuesday, November 18 and Wednesday, November 19, eastbound Interstate 80 traffic will be detoured at Sierra College Boulevard from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Drivers will be directed to exit at Sierra College Boulevard and will then be directed back onto eastbound I-80 using the on-ramp.

Thursday, November 20 and Friday, November 21, westbound Interstate 80 traffic will be detoured at Sierra College Boulevard from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Drivers will be directed to exit at Sierra College Boulevard and will then be directed back onto westbound I-80 using the on-ramp.

Changeable message signs have been placed along the highway alerting motorists of the closure and to mark the detours provided. Unexpected schedule changes may occur. Motorists are advised to check roadside message boards for the latest closure information.

The closure is part of a $25 million project to rebuild and modernize the I-80 Sierra College Blvd. Interchange by upgrade the overcrossing to five lanes, installing bike lanes and increasing the vertical clearance. The project is scheduled for completion later this year.

You would if you've been following the Point West Area Crime Reports provided to this web site by Police Captain Daniel Hahn. Click on the Crime Prevention box to the right to find out eptember stats on residential burglaries, robberies and assaults.

In keeping with its mission to showcase the wonderful diversity found in the State of California, the California Exposition & State Fair is once again accepting applications for its Cultural Advisory Council. The Council is an established body of multi-ethnic advisors who make recommendations about entertainment and programming for the annual State Fair, as well as year-round activities and other related issues at Cal Expo.

The group currently consists of 21 individuals representing numerous cultures and ethnic communities in the State. The State Fair is seeking new members to expand the group and replace the members that will term out in December 2008. Ideal candidates are leaders from interested cultural communities that can serve as advisors to the Cal Expo Board of Directors on a range of cultural issues.

Background on the Cultural Advisory Council

The Cultural Advisory Council was established in 2002 by the Cal Expo Board of Directors to enhance the outreach efforts of the State Fair to cultural communities throughout the State. The Council currently advises the Board on matters pertaining to cultural programming for community education, exhibits, entertainment, and other activities. The Council also supports Board’s objective to showcase a broad range of multicultural activities each day during the annual State Fair. The role of the next generation of Council members will be to further advance the Cal Expo’s mission to accurately represent the cultural and ethnic diversity of the State through comprehensive and inclusive programming from a variety of cultures found in California.

How to Apply

Interested individuals can apply by visiting the Cal Expo website at www.calexpo.com and downloading the application form online. All applicants must complete and submit an application form by Monday, December 1, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. Members of traditional, established and emerging cultural communities are encouraged to apply. Upon selection by the Cal Expo Board, members will serve one two (2) year term, beginning in February 2009.   Upon completion of the first term, members will have the option to be reappointed by the Board for additional terms of three (3) years. For more information, please contact Tina Novoa at (916) 263-3069 or by email at tnovoa@calexpo.com

North area police offers and electec officials will be on hand from City Council Districts 1,2 and 3.

This event is for the following neighborhoods: North Natomas, South Natomas, Gardenland/Northgate, Ben Ali, Hagginwood, Robla, Stawberry Manor, Swanston Estates, Point West, Woodlake, North Sacramento, Noralto.

The day includes the following: Free Hot Dogs/Hamburgers, Great Give-Aways, Police Demonstrations, Kids make-it workshop-courtesy of Home Depo, Car Seat Checks, Fingerprinting, Face painting, Snow Cones, Jump Houses, Tours of the Police Stations, Officer for the day pictures, Neighborhood Association Information, Home Safety/Crime Prevention, Great games and much more

Please contact Jeannette Bonner, Judy Kovanda or Kurt McCray at (916) 566-6401 if you have questions or would like to reserve a table.

RT will host several meetings in the next month to gain input on their Transit Master Plan. See below for a list of meetings near the Point West Area.

The Regional Transit Master Plan will entail light rail extensions, express buses that mean faster journey times, new local bus and shuttle routes, and, an exciting addition to Sacramento, streetcars. Your input will help prioritize investments that support a high quality and high frequency transit system that best serves the needs of our communities and our maturing region. Broad community participation is necessary to make this a reality.

To RSVP call 916.556.0302 or e-mail rsvp@sacrt.com

Tuesday, October 28

6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Tsakopoulos Library Galleria East Meeting Room
828 I Street
Sacramento

Thursday, October 30

5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Carmichael Park Community Clubhouse
5750 Grant Avenue
Carmichael

Thursday, November 6

6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

City of Elk Grove City Council Chambers
8400 Laguna Palms Way
Elk Grove
Thursday, November 13

6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Topics to be covered include: Cal Expo update, plans for the vacant lot at Challenge Way and Expo, Prop 5, and a Point West shuttle concept.

Click here to send an email RSVP to hold your place for this informative luncheon.

In the future you can find JamCast by clicking above on View All Sacramento Area Traffic, and then selecting the "Video" tab.

You can also sign up to have traffic alerts emailed to you or sent to your cell phone.

This free event offers food, networking and a chance to win a door prize.

To RSVP, click here

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 Ferrari Ranch Road and back on to Highway 65. Southbound traffic will be taken off Highway 65 to Ferrari Ranch Road, then to Joiner Parkway, then to Sterling Parkway and back onto Highway 65.

The Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) is now developing its 25 year regional plan for transportation spending. The Metropolitan
Transportation Plan 2030 (MTP 2030), will guide $20 billion dollars for transit, roads, neighborhood improvements, bike trails and other transportation related projects. Your help is needed to shape these important spending decisions! To register for an evening workshop, please call Valley Vision at (916) 325-1634 or log on to: http://www.sacog.org/mtp.

Scheduled workshops include:
May 25, 2006 - 6-9:00 p.m. - North Sacramento Workshop
May 31, 2006 - 6-9:00 p.m. - South Sacramento Workshop
June 3, 2006 - 9:00 a.m. - Noon - Citrus Heights/Orangevale Workshop
June 7, 2006 - 6-9:00 p.m. - South Sacramento County Workshop

Inattention/distraction. This is a special risk if you drive the same route every day and get lulled by the road. But it also can be caused by you - using a cell phone, looking at a sign. Driving requires full attention.

Following another vehicle too closely. In dry weather, 3-4 seconds is the minimum needed to stop; in bad weather or darkness, 8-9 seconds.

Driving too fast in bad conditions.

Driving after taking medicine. Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs can impair your skills as much as alcohol.

Running red lights.

Aggressive driving. Weaving, changing lanes, cutting people off.

Not wearing a seat belt. Despite state laws, 20% of drivers still don't. You are 25 times more likely to die in a crash.

Not yielding the right of way. No one has it; you have to give it and have it be taken. Pedestrians should have the rigth of way at a crosswalk; vehicles on the left should yield to those on the right.

Not looking far enough ahead. Driving requires perception, decision and action. You need to scan the road in front, alongside and in the rear. Don't just focus on the car in front.

Motorists should expect heavy traffic on east and westbound Interstate 80 exiting at Reed Avenue, Harbor Blvd and West Capitol Avenue. U.S. 50 and Interstate 5 in the West Sacramento area may be congested as well.

During one of several question and answer periods, Councilman Brett Storey asked if the plan incorporated the right mix of uses for a successful downtown.

Zelinka said the use design needs to strike a balance fundamentally.

"This needs to be a plan that is market-responsive, as well as community supported," he said.

Some of the plan's specifics call for Quarry Park - what Jones called "Rocklin's Central Park" - to grow out of Big Gun Quarry, with an amphitheater, lake and park space. Primary commercial development would be built along Pacific Street, while Front Street would play host to Heritage Park near Roundhouse Square for a more historic feel. The plan also calls for a moving Finnish Hall and building a new library and civic center.

Parking along the street and in structures is a primary concern of the plan, with $107 million of the total estimated cost earmarked for it. Traffic calming measures throughout the proposed downtown are geared for encouraging pedestrian traffic.

Zelinka, a "certified main street manager," also recommended that Rocklin create a main street organization and find a downtown manager to help focus on issues specific to the area, as well as to promote the future district's businesses.

"Design is part of it," Zelinka said. "But what is more important is ... when you have a great place, people will come."

The Adopt-A-Highway program was started in 1989 and has been one of the truly successful government-public partnerships of our time. Since 1989, more than 120,000 Californians have kept over 15,000 shoulder-miles of roadside clean statewide.

Participation can include one or more of the following activities:

·|Removing litter (work frequency varies with location)

·||Planting and establishing trees or wildflowers

·|Removing graffiti

·|Controlling vegetation

Adoptions usually span a two-mile stretch of roadside and permits are issued for five-year periods. Groups may apply for additional five-year permits. Volunteers work between 6 to 24 times per year, depending on the location and most work is done on weekends. Groups who want to participate in the program can be as small as one individual or as large as 100 persons.

Caltrans provides the safety training, equipment and trash bags necessary to do the work.

Each district within Caltrans annually recognizes outstanding organizations and makes an award for a Volunteer of the Year. Caltrans District 3 recognizes two organizations annually. Additionally, Caltrans recognizes each individual/organization by erecting a sign within the adopted segment of highway with the volunteer individual/organization's name.

If anyone is interested in volunteering for this program, please call (530) 741-4310 to start the process. For more information on the Adopt-A-Highway program, you can go to its website at:

http://adopt-a-highway.dot.ca.gov.

Eastbound, chain restrictions are from Cisco to Truckee. Trucks are being screened at Applegate.

Westbound, chain restructions begin 7 miles east of Truckee. Tucks are being screened 5 miles west of Reno.

   

The combination of heavy heavy snow and strong winds will produce white-out conditions at times Tuesday afternoon for motorist driving though the mountains.

Residents and mountain travelers are urged to monitor the latest weather forecats and weather updates. Motorists should carry tire chains and be ready for significant traffic delays and possible road closures. The wind and show shoulddecrease by Wednesday evening.

A storm on Saturday brought traffic to a crawl, forcing drivers to use chains on both US 50 and I-80. According to one CHP officer, when one spin-out would clear, another would occur. The slow driving conditions lasted until late Saturday evening.

Northgate Boulevard will be open from Highway 160 to Garden Highway and Del Paso Boulevard will be open at Railroad Drive through Northgate Boulevard.

City staff will continue to closely monitor the Sacramento River level.

The cost of the tunnel and bridge project is about $35 million.

   Appropriate detour signs will be in place to direct traffic. For more information, the Street Services Customer Service Line at 808-1888

   Sixty-six names were previously submitted, however, none of the names fit the criteria for naming the tunnel set forth by Caltrans.

   Although the tunnel is within the city's boundaries, it is within the state right-of-way and must conform with Caltran's policies for naming State Transportation facilities.

   Given the recent development, the Tunnel Naming Sub-committee has decided to void all the names that were submitted and open the nomination period again. The nomination period will close on October 19, 2005.

   Individuals are encouraged to submit names that meet the naming criteria.

   If you have any questions, please contact Raul Cervantes at (916) 746-1300 or Vonette McCauley at (916) 774-5470.

   "As you report a bad driver, realize that your willingness to get involved may literally save a life of someone you love, said Henry Serrano, Chief of the Citrus Heights Police Department. Once the same vehicle is reported a number of times on the same street or geographical area, law enforcement is notified so they can be on the look out for the vehicle.

   The City hopes to encourage citizens to try alternative modes of transportation and become aware of the many benefits, including: saving money on gas and auto maintenance; reducing traffic congestion; improving air quality and personal health; and reducing the stress of driving in traffic.

   The 2005 Roseville in Motion promotional events scheduled are:

   *October 3-7 - International Walk to School Week - During this week the City is encouraging students to walk or bicycle to school. Roseville in Motion flyers will be distributed to schools in Roseville.

   *October 6 - Communities in Motion Day - Everyone who rides a Roseville Transit bus (fixed route, dial-a-ride, and/or commuter) on this day will receive a free gift. „P October 15 - Family Transit Day - Families who present a coupon to a Roseville Transit driver can ride the fixed route buses for free on this day. Free ride coupons are available in the City's Roseville Reflections and Transportation Alternatives newsletters, on Roseville in Motion flyers at pass distribution sites and on the City¡¦s website.

   *October 16-22 - Commuter Awareness Week - During this week, those who commute to work in Roseville using alternative modes of transportation can enter a drawing for great prizes.

   Participants can register on line at www.roseville.ca.us/motion or by phone at (916) 774-5293. For more information, log on to www.roseville.ca.us/motion or call the Transportation Division at (916) 774-5293.

   The bicycle locker program is part of the City’s on-going efforts to promote bicycling to work, school, shopping and other errands as a healthy and inexpensive alternative to driving. Bicycling not only helps the environment by reducing air pollution and dependence on fossil fuels, but it also improves physical fitness.

   Twelve lockers are available free to the public for use as part of residents’ commute trip to work. Four (4) lockers each will be at Maidu Park, 1550 Maidu Drive, and the park-and-ride lots and the Amtrak Station, 201 Pacific Street, and the Taylor Road site, 1853 Taylor Road. To reserve a bike locker, call the department’s Transportation Division at (916) 774-5293.

   The City distributed the remaining 37 lockers to the Northern California Power Agency, Pasco Scientific, Kaiser Permanente-Riverside Campus, State Farm Insurance and NEC Electronics for use by employees. The companies were selected based on their active commitment to promote alternative commuter transportation such as bicycling and a demonstrated need for employee bicycle lockers.

   The 49 lockers cost about $50,000 to purchase and install. About 90 percent of the funding came from a grant by the California Department of Transportation’s Bicycle Transportation Account. The remaining 10 percent comes from local transportation funds provided by the City of Roseville.