The second annual Spring Day of Service held on May 17 was a success. Photo courtesy of the City of Rancho Cordova

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Rancho Cordova City Council’s meeting on July 7 covered a range of community-focused topics, including a vital update on mosquito control, a spotlight on the city’s volunteer efforts and new partnerships aimed at enhancing local services.

Steve Ramon, assistant manager with the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District, presented the annual update on mosquito activity and the ongoing threat of West Nile Virus. Ramon emphasized the importance of public awareness as mosquito season peaks following late spring rains and high temperatures.

“Mosquito season is here and with it comes the heightened risk of West Nile Virus,” Ramon said. “One of our primary goals is to educate the public about what we’re doing, the services available and how residents can help reduce breeding sources.”

The city has seen a few West Nile-positive mosquito samples in 2024, particularly in Rancho Cordova, and Ramon stressed the importance of ongoing surveillance.

“Typically, when we find positive samples, we increase surveillance in the area and work closely with residents to identify potential breeding grounds,” Ramon said.

Councilmember David Sander, Ph.D. expressed concern about the potential impact of mosquito control efforts on local bird populations, following the presentation of innovative mosquito control strategies. One of these strategies involves the mass sterilization of mosquitoes using various methods, followed by their release into designated areas to mate with wild females. This process results in no offspring and aims to significantly reduce mosquito populations.

“That’s always a question we get. Our goal is mosquito control, not elimination. We aim to keep mosquito numbers in check but eliminating them entirely isn’t feasible or desirable,” said Ramon.

The district also encourages residents to report day-biting mosquitoes, drain standing water on their property and dispose of items that collect water.

In other news, Lorianne Carl, senior community engagement analyst and volunteer coordinator, presented the highlights of the city’s second annual Spring Day of Service held on May 17. The event had 347 volunteers completing 21 projects in Rancho Cordova, contributing a total of 1,795 service hours.

“This event’s purpose was to mobilize the community to volunteer in service projects that benefit both the city and local nonprofits,” Carl said. “We’re also focused on supporting youth by engaging them in meaningful community activities.”

The event featured a variety of community improvement initiatives, including environmental cleanups, food drives, educational support and more.

“I’ve been a part of this community for a long time and Spring Service Day truly represents what Rancho Cordova is about, people coming together to do good,” said Terrence McNamara with Atlas Disposal, a title sponsor of the event.

Councilmember Sander reflected on the event’s significance.

“Events like this make us a really special place to live. The spirit of volunteerism in Rancho Cordova is alive and well,” he said.

Janine Anderson, a Lincoln Village resident, was a volunteer that day and expressed her sincere gratitude to the council.

“We had supporters coming from all over the place to help the art project that our neighborhood was so excited for,” said Anderson. “You never know how important it is to see our city officials and leader out there in the community being so personal and real.”

Spring Day of Service held on May 17 had 347 volunteers completing 21 projects in Rancho Cordova. Photo courtesy of the City of Rancho Cordova

Regular calendar items focused on community requests for council funding.

Stacy Delaney, senior management analyst with the city manager’s office, presented a request for continued support for Soil Born Farms, a local nonprofit organization that operates the American River Ranch. The council approved a funding allocation of $360,000 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, with a further $150,000 in Fiscal Year 2026/2027 to assist with operational costs. Additionally, the council approved a $210,000 increase in funding for the Animal Barn project due to rising construction costs.

The funding will be used to support staffing, marketing efforts and community programs, including free field trips for local students and free gardening supplies for residents.

The council also approved a $1.1-million contract for operating support for the Rancho Cordova Food Locker, which will be spread over the next five years. The food locker has been serving the community for more than 35 years and provides emergency food assistance to local families.

Kim Juran, administrative service director, presented the request, noting that the city’s support will allow the food locker to continue operating while focusing fundraising efforts on their new Community Food Hub project.

In a three-to-two vote, the council approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sacramento Metro Fire District to fund Squad 61. The unit provides critical emergency medical and fire response services. The agreement will provide up to $825,000 for Squad 61’s operations for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.

“I’ve been a part of this city for a long time and the collaboration between the fire department and the city is something I truly appreciate,” said Sacramento Fire Chief Adam House. “This is good for the community. It enhances the level of service we provide.”

Looking ahead, Councilmember Garrett Gatewood proposed a discussion on a formal code of conduct for City Council members, as well as a review of the city’s boards and commissions

The council agreed to review these items at a future meeting.

The next City Council meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive.