Arden Arcade Community Planning Advisory Council

Community Planning Advisory Councils were created in the unincorporated County to facilitate and encourage direct citizen participation early in the planning process when it is easier for project proponents and decision-makers to respond to public concerns. The primary purpose of the CPAC is to gather community response to proposed projects. The projects reviewed range from broad policy questions that apply countywide, to small development projects of local interest. Entitlements reviewed include General Plan and Zoning Code amendments to plans, zoning matters and use permits.

For updates and historical information about the council that covers the Arden Arcade area (in which Arden Park is located) follow this link:

http://www.per.saccounty.net/CPAC/Pages/CPAC-Arden-Arcade.aspx

Additional sources for Zoning Code Updates:
Updates and links to public information and materials

Note: Per our bylaws and operating norms, the APHA Board does not take a position on local development issues. It is important, however, that we provide information that may be of interest to our members. We encourage residents to educate themselves on local issues and get engaged as appropriate.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Arden Park Modesto Ash Tree Replacement Program

Click on the form below for details provided by Sacramento County to all residents of Arden Park via US Mail in Fall 2013.

Modesto Ash Tree Replacement Program Info

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

National Teen Driver Safety Week
(Click here for current year plans)

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 14-18 year olds in the U.S.  In fact, almost half of the teen drivers involved in a crash die.  Yet, a recent survey show that only 25% of parents have had a serious talk with their kids about the key components of driving. You are the parent, they are your children, and they still have a lot to learn. You can teach them and you may just help save their lives.

Even if you think they don’t hear you, they do. Remember, the700-teens
5 to Drive” – Set the Rules Before They Hit the Road.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Back To School Driver, Bike and Pedestrian Safety Tips

That time of year is right around the corner! School is back in session mid-August thorugh early-June and that means children are flooding the streets during the week between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.  The Department of Motor Vehicles asks that drivers please remember to take extra caution when driving near a school, and that you be sure to teach your children to be careful when crossing streets and riding their bikes. To keep everyone safe on the roads, and in the crosswalks, the DMV offers some helpful traffic safety tips.

Watch for children on or near the road

Being attentive is not only reserved for the classrooms, but should be applied on the road as well! Always drive more carefully near schools, playgrounds, parks, and residential areas because children may suddenly dart into the street. Also, many children have not yet developed the ability to judge speeds and distances well enough to cross streets safely when cars are moving fast. Children may see cars coming, but still decide to cross because they think they have enough time to do so or that the cars will stop to let them cross.

When driving near a school while children are outside or crossing the street, the speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise posted. If the school does not have a fence and children are outside, never drive faster than 25 mph. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the school zones near your area becausesome school zones may have speed limits as low as 15 mph.

Practice safe roadway procedures when near a school

Be aware of bicyclists and pedestrians. Being aware of what is happening around you before you need to react will allow for a faster and potentially life-saving reaction.

Be sure to obey school safety patrols or school crossing guards’ directions. Allow the guard or patrol to safely get to the side of the road before driving ahead.

As teachers tell their students – Follow the rules! And you should too! Stop or slow for school buses. Some school buses flash yellow lights when preparing to stop to let children off the bus. The yellow flashing lights warn drivers to slow down and prepare to stop. As required by law, when red lights are flashing on a bus, oncoming drivers as well as drivers behind the bus must stop until the children are safely across the street and the lights stop flashing. Failure to comply with this law will result in a fine up to $1,000 and driving privileges could be suspended for one year.

Teach your children tips on how to cross the street safely

Crossing the street may not be as easy as your ABCs. To ensure your children’s safety, teach them to look both ways before crossing the street and to follow crossing signals. If there is a guard or patrol, have your children cross with them.  Here are more helpful tips for those walking to school:

Teach your children bike safety

If your children ride their bike to school, go over the rules of the road with them. Teach your children the proper hand signals for turning and lane changes. An extended left arm signals to drivers that a bicyclist is turning left and an extended right arm signals that the bicyclist is turning right. Another way to signal a right turn is to hold your left arm up with your elbow bent. An extended left arm down, signals stopping or slowing. Bicyclists should always look over their shoulder before making a turn or lane change.

Remember that bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers .Drivers must allow bicyclists to merge first when making a right hand turn. However, bikers should always take caution when doing so to avoid a mishap if a driver is not paying attention.

Make sure all proper equipment is installed in your children’s bicycles such as lights and reflectors and stress the importance of always wearing a helmet.

By following these few safety tips you will be on your way to a safe school year! For more information on how to be a safe driver around pedestrians, or other DMV related services, visit www.DMV.ca.gov.  Save time.  Go online!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

National Child Passenger Safety Week
(Click here for current information)

After a long summer break, many parents will resume their chauffer duties as the school year begins. Driving children to school, sports practices, and after-school activities can become a full-time job, and parents should make sure their loved ones are safe and secure in the car—every time, on every trip.

National Child Passenger Safety Week occurs during September and highlights the importance of properly securing your children and other passengers. Safe Kids USA, a non-profit organization which strives to eliminate preventable childhood injuries, found that more than 80 percent of car seats are installed incorrectly.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car crashes are the number one killer of children ages one to 12, and the Center for Disease control and Prevention (CDC) found that during 2009, more than 618,000 children ages 12 and under rode in vehicles without the use of a child safety seat, booster seat, or a seat belt. National Child Passenger Safety Week concludes on September 22, with National Seat Check Saturday, where certified technicians will be available at participating locations, to ensure proper installation of car seats – at no cost to the parent.

Properly restraining your child or infant can greatly reduce the risk of injury or fatality in a collision. Here are a few guidelines to follow whenever you transport your children:

Know which device to use when securing your child:

  • Birth-12 months: NHTSA recommends always keeping infants in a rear-facing car seat
  • 1-3 Years: Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible, until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed. Convertible car seats typically have higher limits, allowing them to remain rear-facing for longer
  • 4-7 years: Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by the manufacturer
  • 8-12 years: Keep your child in a booster seat until he or she is big enough to fit in a seat belt properly. The lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach, and the shoulder belt must lie snug across the shoulder and chest, not the neck or face
  • Keep children under 13 in the back seat, if possible.  In 2013, California passed a law that requires children to be properly secured in the back seat of a vehicle, either in a car seat or booster seat until they are at least eight years old or have reached a height of 4’9”

Practice Constant Safety

  • Always secure your child in a seat belt, booster seat, or car seat on every trip, no matter how short, and always wear your seat belt. These measures keep your child safe and set a strong example.
  • If your child participates in a carpool, make sure all parents involved practice proper safety techniques.
  • Make sure any other adults who transport your children are aware of proper safety techniques as well. Remember, California law dictates that if the parent isn’t in the car, any tickets go to the driver!

Following these tips for proper child safety restraints while in a car will greatly reduce a child’s risk in the event of a collision or other incident. It also provides a positive example as they grow older to continue using their seat belt every time they are in a vehicle.

For more tips on child passenger safety, safe driving, or to find a local seat check station in your area, visit the California Office of Traffic Safety at http://www.ots.ca.gov, the National Highway Safety Administration at http://www.nhtsa.gov, or the California Department of Public Health at http://www.cdph.ca.gov. To keep up to date with events and other laws and tips, visit the California Office of Traffic Safety Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/californiaots

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Sacramento County Water Supply Fluoridation Plan

The Sacramento County Water Agency implemented fluoridation of all water supplies in Sacramento County over the 2012-2013 calendar years.  Arden Park was completed in November 2012.
While the APHA does not take a position on this plan or the fluoridation issue, we do want to provide multiple sources for residents to research for themselves and determine what personal action they want to take as a result.