February 16th general meeting featured several speakers; schools, Chorley Park, and flood preparedness discussed.

HW Harkness Elementary Principal Eric Chapman began the meeting with news about the school's Day of Service (January 14, 2012) in honor of the Martin Luther King holiday.  Serving as project managers students implemented plans they developed in the preceding weeks, put adult volunteers to work, and completed various efforts including landscaping, painting (murals and building), clean-up, etc.  Principal Chapman proudly unveiled the newly cleaned stage during the meeting. The stage can now be put to greater use by the school community. See the complete article in our February 2012 Newsletter.

Principal Susan Higgins of the John Morse Therapeutic Center shared news about upcoming school renovations.   These renovations are made possible by the passage of school bonds.  In addition, to changes in the administrative and multipurpose room areas, gardens will be planted.  Principal Higgins would like to host community gatherings, like our Neighborhood Association meetings once the school's multipurpose use room is renovated.

Representing the City of Sacramento's Parks and Recreation Department, Shannon Brown, brought the good news about Chorley Park improvements. Through grant funds specifically awarded for the purpose, our local community park will get interpretative signage explaining animals and plants living there, accessible walkways, and other features to make the area more interesting and enjoyable to all.  There are plans to develop science curricula for our elementary school students incorporating the environmental history, flora, and fauna of Chorley Park.  The park remains as the Sacramento area looked 200 years ago. As a park maintenance manager Ms. Brown asked neighbors to report any problems to non-emergency city services by either dialing 311 or emailing 311@cityofsacramento.org; when using the latter you will see the report record number that will be addressed by City staff.  Your complaints can remain anonymous.

New GCTENA Board Member and California Department of Water Resources engineer, Erin Mullin, discussed our neighborhood's flood risk, the importance of flood insurance, and encouraged everyone to prepare for flood events.  Ms. Mullin distributed large color maps to all attendees, which depicted what could happen in our part of Sacramento if a hypothetical portion of the Sacramento River levee broke.  The map shows what area would require rescue (Pocket Area) and that residents within our neighborhood would have ample to time to evacuate.  Probable exit routes, high ground, schools, facilities for the elderly and the disabled within the county are also featured. Click here to find out more about flood risk management in Sacramento County.  Although flood risk has been mitigated by recent levee upgrades to the 100-year flood level of protection and flood insurance is no longer required by  the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA, she urged all home owners to purchase flood insurance (available for less than $400 per year).  Regular home owner's insurance does not cover flood events. To find out more about lowered flood insurance rates, click here.