The Point West Area TMA will provide up to $5,000 in subsidies for the purchase of new bicycles, bicycle accessories and bicycle replacement parts in 2013. This program is only available to commuters who work for a Point West Area TMA member. (Kaiser Permanente – Arden, Kaiser Permanente – Fair Oaks, Kaiser Permanente – Morse Ave, Kaiser Permanente – Point West, Cal Expo, Patrick Buzarellos, Arden Fair Mall, Hines Properties at University Avenue, Hines Properties at Arden Way, 301 University) A review panel will make the final selection of subsidy recipients based on information provided by the applicants. Please note that applicants can submit additional information and letters of support. Applicants must be members of the on-line Commuter Club (www.sacregioncommuterclub.com) and must complete and pass an on-line Bike Safety Quiz. Subsidy participants also agree to log a minimum of 12 bike commute trips during the Month of May at www.mayisbikemonth.com. Recreational and errand trips can also be logged but can not substitute for the required bike commute trips. The cap for individual subsidies of $300. Participants may only receive a portion of the requested subsidy. $25 of the subsidy will be withheld until the 12 bike commute trips are logged in May. Time Line and Guidelines Feb 15 – Deadline for submitting application March 1 – Approved applications are announced March 29 – All bicycles, accessories or replacement parts are purchased and receipts emailed to the TMA. April 5 – Applicants are emailed the on-line Bike Safety Quiz. April 15– 5 – Checks (minus $25) are mailed (upon receipt of passed Safety Quiz) May – applicants log 12 bike commute trips June 1 - $25 gift cards are mailed.

As a painter, Richard Willson seeks to create an empathetic observation of the interaction of the natural and built environments. As a professor a Cal Poly Pomona, he seeks to impact the natural and built environments. On Thursday, April 19, Dr. Willson will be speaking in the Friedlander Gallery on: A Prescription for Parking: Strategies for Community Livability. The presentation begins at 7 p.m. “Parking is seldom through of as a key to achieving community livability,” says Willson. “Rather, most people hope they can find a free parking space near their destination.” In his lecture, WIllson will show how parking policies – requirements imposed by cities, developer practices and methods of pricing and management – affect community livability outcomes. The presentation will trace the influence of parking policies on transportation options, urban design, environmental sustainability, economic vitality, and public health. “The traditional approach to parking, especially in suburban areas, has produced low density, automobile-oriented places that are averse to active modes of transportation such as walking and bicycling,” says Willson. “These practices directly and indirectly affect health outcomes related to physical activity, accidental risk and environmental pollution.” Willson is a professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at California State Polytechnic University, Pamona. His research addresses parking policy, climate change, land/use transportation relationships, travel demand management and transit-oriented development. Prior to his academic career, he was a transportation planner for the City of Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency. Willson holds a Ph.D in urgan planning from the University of California, Los Angeles.

REI Sacramento is offering a class that will provide a wealth of information on the basics of bicycle commuting. The free lass is scheduled from 7-8:30 a.m. on Wednesday at 1790 Expo Parkway. Material covered will include the variety of gear options available on bicycles, plus bike safety and route selection. Registration is required by visiting www.rei.com/sacramento

The California State Fair announced the theme for the 159th State Fair is FUN that Moves You! Known for its BIG FUN, this year’s entertainment, exhibits and coming attractions is predicted to get you out of your chair and to the Fair for an exciting summer experience! The concert series, featuring classic artists, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and new stars from American Idol and America’s Got Talent, will rock the Golden1 Stage located in the heart of the fairgrounds. General viewing of all concerts is free with State Fair admission and a limited number of reserved seats in the Gold Circle area will be sold at an additional price. Reserved Gold Circle tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 2 at www.bigfun.org. The California State Fair is pleased to offer lower service fees this year on tickets purchased online. “The State Fair is all about family, fun and value. This region has been hit very hard with foreclosures, furloughs and huge economic challenges and we understand not everyone can afford a stadium concert ticket. We’re lucky enough to have an intimate outdoor venue where nearly every seat is a great seat and half of them are free,” stated State Fair CEO & General Manager Norbert J. Bartosik. The 2012 California State Fair is proud to announce the following performers and Gold Circle ticket prices: • The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute — Thursday, July 12, $13 • Happy Together Tour — Friday, July 13, $19 Featuring: Flo & Eddie-The Turtles, Micky Dolenz-The Monkees, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, The Grass Roots and The Buckinghams • Cody Simpson — Wednesday, July 18, $19 • Rick Springfield — Thursday, July 19, $19 • Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. — Friday, July 20, $15 • Scotty McCreery — Saturday, July 21, $23 • Dave Mason — Monday, July 23, $13 • Hot Chelle Rae — Tuesday, July 24, $19 • Jim Messina — Wednesday, July 25, $13 • Joan Jett and the Blackhearts — Friday, July 27, $22 A special concert presale is available for State Fair e-Newsletter subscribers and Facebook fans on Tuesday, May 1. Concert fans are encouraged to sign up via www.bigfun.org as well as facebook.com/CaliforniaStateFair to get the best seats and the most updated information. Fan club perks include the chance to win free Fair tickets, backstage concert passes, and other great State Fair prizes! “The special presale has become a very popular perk for our Fair fans. No other venue gives you the chance to sit in the front row to a great show for less than $25!” Bartosik said. For the most updated information about the 2012 State Fair visit www.bigfun.org or call (916) 263-FAIR. Media inquiries should be directed to media@calexpo.com or 916-263-3619.

The Great Train Expo is a national, traveling show that caters to the model railroad enthusiast. The show features 200-500 tables of train dealers, who offer everything from HO Scale, N Scale, Lionel (O Gauge), G Gauge, Z Scale, American Flyer (S Gauge), hobby tools, die-cast vehicles, train whistles, scenery items, Railroadiania Slides, t-shirts, videos, railroad gift items, books, photos and much, MUCH MORE ! Date: Jan 19 2013 until Jan 20 2013 For more information: http://www.greattrainexpo.com/info.html