North Country News, May, 2012.

Elverta - rio Linda - Pleasant Grove - Antelope - North Highlands - McClellan - Sacramento - Natomas 

North Country News 

ESTABLISHED 2008....THE BEST PAPEr IN TOWN !!!! 

VOL. 5 NO. 5 • • • • • May 2012• • • • • SINGLE COPY FrEE 

PRSRT STD 

ECRWSS 

U.S. POSTAGE 

PAID # 799575 

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POSTAL CUSTOMER 

Inside This Issue...... 

Foodlink dates - page 2 

Letters to the Future - page 2 

Farm & Tractor Days - page 3 

Obituary - page 4 

Rio Linda High School 2012 

Graduates - pages 5 through 11 

Bits & Pieces - page 12 

RLEC Water District Update, 

Opinion - page 13 

Letters to the Editor - page 13 

Trustee information - page 14 

Business Listings - page 15 

Ads & Events - page 16 

www.NCNews328.com 

Photo by Charlea Moore 

As t h e 100t h b i rt h d Ay, yes, the big century mark, for the Rio 

Linda area looms into 2012, residents and visitors are greeted 

with a glorious splash of colorful memories. The olde merges pleasantly 

with the present via a mural of the varied decades. It’s indeed, 

a grande ole story unfolded through the talent of a gifted Rio Lindan. 

Goodness, how did this intricate exhibit come to be, we ponder. It is now 

known that Charlea Moore of the local historical society had seen a painted 

window display in 2011 at the Rio Linda Recreation Center. She approached 

the Centennial Committee with the idea and they got permission 

from the Masons to use their building which houses Nu Way Market. She 

then approached the artist with the idea of a mural. Said artist had read 

Joyce Buckland’s Rio Linda/Elverta book, a 2006 publication, and so, 

became aware of the many historic photos. Thus, an idea was borne on the 

horizon of this eventful time. 

Sharon King’s "diamond" is the charm of “M” Street. Her thoughts were to 

incorporate Rio Linda’s days of yore into a pictorial adventure. Now Sharon’s 

plan had “to create a vehicle to unite them, plus I love horses and admire the art of quilt making. My own 

work is often collage like images, overlapping so this design is very typical of what I draw and paint, although 

I prefer making hand built ceramic sculpture. My second degree is in ceramics”. So saith this artist, extraordinaire. 

Sharon is a California native, drawing her first breath in Oakland. Her husband, Randy Aeschilman, is from the 

wonderful state of North Dakota. The two met in 1973 while Sharon was walking her dog, Wing, at Folsom Lake. 

The irony was they were living just a block apart in North Highlands at the time but had never met there. Sharon 

was always in Rio Linda even at this time. She kept her Appy mare, Desiree, at a place on 18th St. Eventually 

Randy and Sharon proceeded in matrimony and bought a house in Rio Linda, where they raised two children, 

Gabe and Becky. Sharon’s education: BFA and BAA plus California teachers’ credentials from California College 

of the Arts. “I taught at the California College of the Arts, Woodland High School, Douglass Jr. High, Woodland 

Adult Ed and Woodland Parks & Rec. I taught at Woodland High School for 36 years: drawing, painting, 

jewelry making, ceramics (not molds) 

and Advanced Placement”. 

Photo by Carol Orr 

The Centennial Mural begins to be filled in by Sharon King, 

Randy Aeschliman and Joe Vigil, shown above. Many others 

volunteered hundreds of hours in labor to complete the mural. 

OUR EXCLUSIVE ”PICASSO” 

PAINTING ON “M” STREET 

Submitted by Clarice Werner 4/23/2012 

Both retired in 2008, Sharon “by choice, 

Randy by the economy”. Randy is a 

house painter by trade and during the 

long painting sessions at NuWay, Randy 

provided much expertise with his painting 

skills. 

When asked about ever undertaking a 

project of this nature before: “I have 

done murals indoors for the schools. 

One of my degrees is in fine arts - drawing 

and painting, so I have always drawn 

and painted but usually on canvas. Our 

daughter has done a few murals, which 

Mural continued on page 3 

June 5 Election 

may be most 

important since the 

merger of four school 

districts to create the 

Twin Rivers Unified 

School District 

No on Measure G 

By Charlea Moore 

The upcoming June 5 Election could 

change the direction of Twin Rivers 

Unified School District. 

A small group of disgruntled residents 

and their political backers 

have managed to place a very confusing 

question on the ballot regarding 

the election of Twin Rivers Unified 

School District Trustees. 

Their hand picked candidates failed 

to achieve a trustee majority in the 

2008 election that merged four 

school districts into a unified district 

of K-12. Now they want to try again 

using Measure G to change how 

trustees are elected and to benefit 

their special interest, contrary to the 

will of the majority of voters. 

The method of electing trustees was 

determined in the 2008 election to be 

"all trustees are elected at large" by 

all the constituents in the entire Twin 

Rivers Unified School District. This 

method insured that the new District 

would have a board that would work 

in the best interest of all the students 

for all the schools and not just the 

area the trustee represents. 

Now a small group of residents 

want to allow only the voters in each 

trustee area to vote for a representative 

from their area. This would 

ensure that candidates would not 

have to appeal to all the voters and 

guarantee that the future trustees 

would have a narrow constituency. 

This would result in fractionalizing 

of the board with each trustee only 

representing their area. 

Parents with children in more than 

one trustee area (because their children 

might attend more than one 

school) would only be able to vote 

for one trustee. Depriving them of 

their right to elect all the trustees at 

large. Don't make that mistake. 

No on Measure G

Page 2 North Country News May 2012 

RIO LINDA’S SENIOR 

BROWN BAG 

PROGRAM 

Rio Linda’s Brown Bag program is held the first 

Thursday of every month. This month’s will be 

May 3 rd If you are already signed up for Elverta’s 

Brown Bag program you may not sign 

up for Rio Linda’s. 

The food is supplied by Foodlink, a non profit 

organization that distributes food to seniors and 

disabled persons through out California. 

For additional information on qualification and 

how to register please call the Park District office 

at 916-991-5929 

ELVERTA'S 

SENIOR BROWN BAG 

TUESDAY - May 8 th 

Elverta Fire Station at Elwyn & Elverta Rd. 

For those 60 years old or disabled. 

Must be pre-registered. 

Call Nancy 387-9000 or register 

at the Fire Station 

Volunteer helpers … 9:00 a.m. 

Pick up bags from:10:00 to 12 noon. 

Please Be Prompt 

Reserve your place in history and be part 

of the Rio Linda Centennial Celebration. 

On October 7, 2012, the Rio Linda Centennial Committee will be burying 

a time capsule for fifty years and they want letters and packets to be 

placed in it for the next generation to discover. 

Submissions are open to anyone with any kind of connection to Rio Linda. 

Space is limited to 100 packets so please reserve you place in history now. 

Deadline for all submissions is September 1, 2012. 

Drop off locations will be announced and posted in June. 

Requirements for FREE Letter submissions 

If you would like to submit a letters then it must follow these requirements: A single piece of 

8.5”x11” white paper (Please use acid-free and lignin-free paper). Include on the top of the 

letter your Name, Address, Birthday and City and State where you were born. Black ink only 

(color ink will fade and might damage the paper). The letters can be handwritten or computer 

printout and you may write or print on both sides. No glues, staples, stickers, glitter or anything 

attached to the page will be allowed. you can write about whatever you want and print 

B&W pictures or decorations on your page. Its up to you and your imagination what you want 

to say to the future. A donation is not required for a letter but is appreciated. 

Requirements for Packet submissions 

If you would like to submit a larger packet of information about yourself, your family, group, 

business or organization then a donation of $25 is needed to cover expenses. The submissions 

must follow the same requirements as the Letters To The Future with these additional requirements: 

The size of the packet contents must be 8.5” x 11” x 1” or less (about 220 sheets of 

typing paper). Materials Allowed: Archival-quality acid-free and lignin-free paper, books, 

microfilm, B&W photographs, prints or negatives (on a polyester base) and cotton or polyester 

items. you can include color photographs (on a polyester base) but they may fade. you may 

also include archive-quality CD, DVD or Flash drives but there is no guarantee they will be 

readable when the time capsule is opened. 

The contents you provide will be repacked in archive quality packing materials. 

Also, the committee will only be looking for the submission requirements 

and will not read the contents of the letters or packets. 

To reserve your space or for more info please contact the: 

Rio Linda Historic Society at (916) 991-3910 or 

Email: RioLindaTimeCapsule@gmail.com 

Food Closet 

The Rio Linda & Elverta Ministerial Association 

Food Closet serves zip codes 95673 & 

95626 only. 

The Food Closet is located at the Rio Linda 

United Methodist Church, 6800 6 th St. at the 

corner of 6 th and M St. in Rio Linda, across 

from the Rio Linda Elementary School. 

The Food Closet is open on Thursdays from 

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. 

you must provide proof of address and identification 

for everyone in your household that 

is requesting food. 

Donations are needed including canned and 

dry goods that can be made into nutritional 

meals. 

Dear Readers 

Due to NCN’s annual Grad Edition 

some columns had to be omitted. 

Never fear, they will return next 

month. 

Answers to NCN’s first word puzzle 

will be in the June issue as well. 

Stories & History 

Wanted 

If you have a local story about the history 

of Rio Linda please email to: 

Charhorseranch@aol.com or 

NCNews328@aol.com or 

jkbfa@sbcglobal.net 

Stories, memories and history are needed 

both for the Centennial Book that is being 

assembled and for the time capsule. 

The North Country News would like to 

publish as many stories as possible for the 

Centennial year of 2012. 

NORTH COUNTRy NEWS 

North of Sacramento 

Elverta • Rio Linda • Pleasant Grove 

Copyright 2012 by Vivien Spicer Johnson 

Published Monthly • Circulation 10,000 

PO Box 328, Elverta, CA 95626 

Fax: 916-991-9536 

Email: NCNews328@aol.com 

Visit the web site: www.NCNews328.com 

Vivien Spicer Johnson 

Owner, Publisher and Managing Editor 

ADVERTISEMENTS 

For a price quote please Fax: 916-991-9536 or 

Email…NCNews328 @ aol.com. 

NEWS DEADLINES: 

Articles; Letters to The Editor; Meeting Announcements; 

Event Flyers; due by the15 th of the preceding 

month. Example - items for the July issue will be 

due on June 15th.

I have helped on”. 

Centennial Mural 

continued from page 1 

Artist Sharon King works on part of the mural 

located at Front and M St. in Rio Linda 

This historic artwork requires viewing up close 

AND at a distance in order to engulf the vastness 

it offers the beholder. Upon the closeness, one 

finds endless details. From a distance it’s noted 

the work is a patchwork quilt, painted onto a store 

front’s brick wall, spanning the entire frontage of 

the building. The Lady Quilter sits atop the left 

corner, gazing down at the piece she has lovingly 

created. It begins with a Centennial noted roster/ 

scroll and proceeds slowly into items of yesterday 

and today. 

During the process, Sharon used a grid to enlarge 

images and still keep them in proportion; a technique 

taught early on to all art students. And note, 

“all the spaces will not be filled in… just as some 

fabric is plain”. Many community members requested 

personal additions to the mural, they 

were unaware the design had gone through two 

approval processes and would not be altered. 

 

May 2012 North Country News Page 3 

 

Friday May 18 is 

School & Youth Day 

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

Jr. ROTC Flag Ceremony - 10:00a.m. 

Crafts & Games for Children 

Antique Tractor & Engine Displays 

Lions Club Kids ID 

Farm Animal Display 

Antique Fire Truck Display 

Lions Vision Van 

Leea’s Lovely Llamas 

Ranch House Museum Tours 

Future Farmers of America 

Snack Bar 

Raffle - 2:00 p.m.Sat. 

Tickets $1 each or 6 for $5; 

12 for $10 & 25 for $20 

“The regular helpers on the mural have been my 

husband, Joe Vigil, Donna Severs and myself. Teresa 

Taranto is the Art Teacher at Rio Linda High 

School. She helped for two days while some of 

her students were helping out. There have been 

more than 18 community members painting on 

the mural at various times, ranging in age from 

6 to over 70 years. Some had the ability to fill in 

a pre drawn shape and some were able to create works of art. All helped. Some 

merely put a brush to a previously painted area just so they could say they painted 

on the mural. There were quite a few others who helped with materials, food, 

equipment and research.” Joe was driving by early in the depiction stage, he 

stopped and began to help. Joe had been a student of Sharon’s about 40 years 

ago, “How cool is that?” say I, the author of this bio. There are many others who 

contributed and the names are written next to the artist’s pallet on the wall. 

Since she could walk, talk, & hold a crayon, Sharon claimed her calling early on 

- and now she has bestowed upon this small, unique community a highly valued 

treasure. 

Thank you, Sharon King! 

Drop in and visit with the 

Elder 

Craftsman 

any Wednesday between 

10:00am & 2:00pm 

at the Depot 

in Rio Linda. 

Everyone is Welcome 

991-2810 

Rio Linda Centennial Celebration 

1912 - 2012 

May 18 & 19 

$1 Donation at the Gate • Free Parking 

6852 Dry Creek Rd. in Rio Linda at the 

Historic Dry Creek Ranch House 

Breakfast Tractor Parade leaves at 7:30a.m. 

from Dry Creek Ranch to Oak Tree Diner 

Western Barbecue Lunch 

sponsored by the 

Rio Linda Elverta Rec. & Park District 

Lunch served from 

11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

Saturday only 

North 

Hwy 99 

Elkhorn Blvd 

to Rio Linda 

Fri. & Sat. 

 

Rio Linda 

High School 

Dry Creek 

Ranch House 

 

Dry Creek Rd. 

RLEHS Information: Bill Son 916-838-3506 • Bob Bastian 916-991-2484 

Joyce Buckland 916-332-4359 • EDGE&TA Allan Avery 916-434-5806 

I-80 

Elkhorn 

Saturday May 19 is 

Family & Community Day 

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

Jr. ROTC Flag Ceremony - 10:00a.m. 

Tractor Pull 

Tractor Parade 

Antique Gas Engine Display 

Antique Fire Truck Display 

Lions Vision Van 

Sac. Weavers & Spinners 

Lions Club Kids ID 

Bounce House 

Farm Animal Display 

Ranch House Museum Tours 

Elder Craftsmen 

Future Farmers of America 

Craft Vendors 

Snack Bar 

Greenback 

Grace Holloway 

April 27, 2011 

Happy First Birthday 

From Great Aunt Viv


Julie (Johnson) Jackson age 53 passed away peacefully 

Friday, April 6, 2012 after a long courageous battle with heart 

and health issues with her two sisters (Mary and Linda) by her 

side. A long courageous battle proved her strong independent 

will and tough character, which carried her through to the 

end. 

Julie was a devoted sister to all of her brothers and sisters, 

participating actively in maintaining consistent and supportive 

contact with family. Julie had a wide circle of friends 

with whom she and her sisters Linda and Ruth Ann loved to 

play Bingo. Among those who loved her, she was known for her 

generous spirit, her loving and supportive nature, and love of 

family. Julie’s greatest love is her four boys, David, Billy, Paul, 

Roy, and two granddaughters Melanie and Leanna. 

Her boys never missed making their daily/or weekly check-in 

calls to their mother to say “Hello Mom, I love You”. Over time 

these calls became a family tradition. Her children learned 

that a mother never stops being a mother no matter how old 

they got. She was a wonderful example for all her family. 

Throughout her life she taught us, by example, the importance 

of: Unconditional Love, Acceptance, Forgiveness, Respect and 

Perseverance. She has made those around her better people 

and we will all miss her greatly. 

Julie was born on December 27, 1958, lived in the town of Rio 

Linda where she graduated from Rio Linda high school. Julie 

worked at Montgomery Wards as a hair dresser and later as a 

cook for Kmart on Auburn blvd. She loved cooking for family 

during the holidays, playing Bingo, collecting Elvis Presley 

memorabilia, and she had a large collection of ceramic dolls that she proudly displayed. 

She is survived by her sons; David Stevens Jr., Billy Stevens, Paul Johnson, Roy Stevens and their father 

David Stevens Sr.; two granddaughters Melanie and Leanna; sisters Effie Brown, Mary Harris, 

Linda Alexander, and Ruth Ann Anderson; brothers Roy, Noay and Billy Johnson, along with numerous 

nieces, nephews and extended family. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hartle R. and Maggie B. Johnson; brothers RH, Avner, 

Jessie and Robert Johnson. 

Graveside services held Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 2:30 p.m. at the Sunset Lawn Chapel of the Chimes 

Cemetery, Sacramento, CA. 

R.E.A.C.H 

Rio Linda Elverta Area Churches 

3rd Annual 

“ Walk for The Hungry” 

June 2, 2012 

Proceeds will go to Rio Linda Elverta Food Closet 

Registration: 9:30-10:00; 

Calvary Lutheran Church 

515 L Street, Rio Linda 

Walk: 10:00-11:30 

End: Calvary Lutheran Church 

12:00 Noon - BBQ, Games and Music 

Pledge forms available at your church 

or 

show up that morning and contribute. 

Remembering 

Julie Johnson 

Jackson 

Monthly Military 

Retiree/Spouse Meeting 

Tuesday, May 8, 2012 - 1030 hours 

Speaker: Eduardo Ramirez, Ret. AF MSgt. 

San Francisco VA Medical Center 

North Highlands Park and Recreation District 

6040 Watt Avenue, North Highlands 

Questions: 916-923-4979 

Mon-Thurs 0900 to 1500 

Chief Moses, 916-923-4977


Congratulations to 2012 Graduates 

Aidan Abbott Poe Aeindrar Aaron Aguirre Herrah Ahmad Justin Alcee Chris Althiser Antonio Alvarez 

Maritza Alvarez Hailey Ames Miles Andrade Daniel Avila Marlesha Ayers Tess Badasci Nichole Bailey 

Kenneth Baltzley Vivian Barajas Odilo Baral Denisse Barbosa Joseph Barnes Kortny Battilega Marixcel Becerra 

Hernandez 

Rodolfo Becerril Jessica Bell Chance Bertoglio Majenta Bible Lisa Ann Block Elisabeth Both Andrew Bowler 

Marin 

Ke Wanda Nathan Bueno Briante Buress Khaleese Burns Andrew Cabrera Lindsey Call Alexandria 

Thompson Briggs 

Campbell 

Richard Campbell Serina Campos Jared Caporale Nathan Carey Socorro Caro Jonathan Carrillo Victoria Carwile 

Martinez 

Jocelyne Castillo Melina Castillo Andrea Cervantez Maricela Cervantez Miles Chambers Priya Chand Satyam Chand


Stephanie Chang Paige Chapman Tyrone Chavez Samuel Chouinard Norma Cisneros Thomas Clamens Estevez Contreras 

Jeremy Cook Anthony Cooper Veronica Corrales Hannah Cox Elizabeth Craig Zanna Cramer Fredy Cuevas 

Espinoza 

Telayna Cutchlow Tyler Cutchlow Katie Daley Aaron Daniel Daryan Davidek Analisa Davis Anthony Davis 

Elisa De Anda Matthew Del Nero Albert Delgado Jazmine Deluz Heather Dewitt Frankie Dodson Jacob Dominguez 

Taisiya Drobenyuk Ramanda Kevin Huy Duong Domanique Dutt Cierra Dyer Stephanie Elliott Jennifer Estrada 

Druckhammer 

Sergiy Farbitnikov Cole Farrow Barbara Ferguson Isaac Finger Nicholas Flohr Marissa Flores Nathan France 

Deven Frank Steven Gallegos Hector Galvan Aleena Garcia Andrew Garcia Dianna Garcia Janiz Garcia 

Lorena Garcia Destiny Gardiner William Gasaway Alyssa Gonzales John Gonzales Angelica Gonzalez Cristian Gonzalez


Johnnie Gonzalez Julia Gonzalez Lucia Gonzalez Nicole Gonzalez Steven Goodenbour Tanessa Griffin Kristin Gross 

Aaron Guerra Ernesto Gutierrez Enrique Guzman Abbey Hamlin Jaed Hare Jordan Harvey Kennieth Harvey 

Emil Hebert Gannon Heeb Mai Her Feliciano Hernandez Jose Hernandez Max Hernandez Secilia Hernandez 

Jalisa Heyward Sara Hiebert Joel Hilario Cody Hill Pearson Aaron Hodge William Hollcroft Joshua Howe 

Amber Huffhines Kalina Hunt Lela Hunter Cameron Jackson Ronald Jackson Alexandria Jenison Timothy Jenkins 

Robert Jetton Itzel Jimenez Luis Jimenez Candice Johnson Evan Johnson Steven Johnson Travis Jordan 

Jacquelyn Judge Amandeep Kaur Barinder Kaur Cindy Khathavong Jonathon King Paul King Jeremy Koopman 

Joseph Kumar Jacob Lair Tylor Lake Cody Lamar William Lathrop Lakell Lawson Mayra Lechuga


Brittaney Lee Christina Lee Jalena Lee Joseph Lee Kanong Lee Lucky Lee See Lee 

Stacy Lee Vee Lee yie Lee Addie Little David Lopez Matthew Lopez Xavier Lopez 

Tracy Lor Adam Love Jordan Lowe Brittney Lugar Jesse Luna Thomas Luquin Mariah Luster 

Andy Ly Daniel Lyon Danielle Lyon Rebecca Mantei Nicholas Manzi Matthew Mapes Jacob McCurry 

Michael McDevitt Cody McElroy Jasmine McKinney Matthew Mealor Adriana Medina Luis Medrano Joanna Mejia 

Ivan Miller Jennifer Montes Kylie Moore Victoria Morales Melissa Morello Franqui Moreno Charles Morton 

Gagik Movsisyan John Myers Aaron Naidu Pooja Nand Shavnee Nand Joanna Nichols Daniella Noguez 

Aaron Nunez Albert Olivarria Alyssa Ortiz Shyanne Ortiz Alex Ounmany Marco Padilla Victoria Parker


Karina Penaloza Adrian Perryman Stephanie Peterson Karen Phommathep Toby Phongmany Dararith Pich Venitha Pich 

Michael Pisi Robert Ponce Bethany Porter Shadhana Prasad Mario Quinteros Veronica Ramirez Jamilah Randolph 

Bryan Rangel Macy Rasmussen Alejandro Raya Gabriel Rayes-Garcia Anthony Reyes Ashley Reynolds Cassidy Rhodes 

Alvarez 

Raven Ridgeway Nickole Riolo Stephanie Roach Alberts Kaela Roberts Humberto Robles Ricardo Robles Carlos Rodriguez 

Claudia Rodriguez Juan Rodriguez Ruben Rodriguez Jessica Rojas Kayla Romine Tylor Romine Cameron Salaices 

Alexander Saldana Alexander Sanchez Monica Sanchez Gaganjit Gary Sandhu Brandon Michael Schlarb Clinton Scobee 

Moreno Saysongkham 

Jinna Scobee Robert Scott Sarah Shelton Ashley Silva Jennifer Silva Rosa Silva Kristina Simkins 

Christina Janissia Smalling Gale Nathan Smith Victoria Smith William Smith Marisa Sole Katie Springer 

Sisoukchaleun


Kayla Stark Jamie Stewart Miles Stewart Zachary Sullivan Amber Swett Luis Tafolla Thalia Tejeda 

Bao Thao Surgie Thao Ryan Thomas Charissa Thompson Jessica Thompson Amia Tisdale Joseph Torrez 

Theresa Tran Luis Valdez Alexes Valle Joanna Vang Judy Vang Kaolee Vang Kevin Vang 

Lily Vang Matha Vang Eric Vang Edgar Vasquez Kelsey Vieira Tyler Vines Michelle Wagner 

Levi Ward Justin Washburn Amanda Weber Craig Wheeler Alexander Wilson Alexandra Wilson Robert Wilson 

Dallas Wilt Samantha Witkowski Stephanie Witt Deshawn Woolfolk Lashawn Woolfolk Nicole Wright Christina Xiong 

Jordan Xiong Duabntxoo ya Jeanie yang Mayana yang Shirley yang Rhea Zapanta Sasha Aced 

Jose Aguilar Vanessa Alcaraz Vasiliy Aliferchyk Vicente Alvarez Danny Baltazar Macias Damon Banks Charles Bell


Amanda Beydler Jacky Brown Melissa Caballero Valorie Castillo Ericka Chandra Sunny Cheng Rodrigo Cornejo 

Caitlin Crane Sergio Diaz Daniel Filippov Deonna Fogal Derrek Guevara Lee Her Christian Hernandez 

Jacques Houston Robert Jacobs Samantha Jennings Worayuth Kamphasree Addie Khang Tarren Langhorst Nancy Lao 

George Lee Sue Lor Stefanie Lucero Ana Magana Phillip Manuilov Luis Mercado Ricardo Meza 

Krystal-Monique Austin Montiero Jorge Morales Savanah Myrick Larry Pepper Abror Rakhmatov David Ramos 

Kramer 

Edin Romero Rupert Duncan Monica Sanchez Neliya Semenova Shailendr Sawan Kenneth Joshua Silva 

Sharma Shindelbower 

Stephen Sizer Bryant Thao Lyudmila Tuanova Eric Turlak Jose Vallejo Bee Vang Timothy Vang 

Carlos Vaquez Nkaozouagpa Vue Patrick Vue Ong Xiong Pheng Xiong Jonathan Zimmerman


dens. My job was to open and close 

the gates. At that time, those big 

black and white cows stood taller 

than my head. Sometimes it was a 

bit scary. 

BITS & PIECES 

 

Have you noticed there are many 

more people with sheep, goats, 

chickens and geese these days? I 

am sure a local, large animal veterinarian 

would be very useful to the 

community. 

Some years back, when I had goats 

and Dexter cattle, the nearest large 

animal veterinarian was in Lincoln. 

 

As I watched the news, the other 

evening, I noticed many people 

said, “I can’t believe this happened” 

or “I can’t believe he/she would do 

this.” These statements were most 

often said when being interviewed 

at yet another crime scene. 

Those phrases are not limited to 

violent crime scenes, they are said 

when someone holding Public Office 

breaks the law, has embezzled 

money or swept something under 

the rug. 

When are people going to realize 

there is evil all around us. The devil 

takes many forms and uses many 

people thus enabling him to do his 

work. I see life as a great contest, 

good vs. evil, each trying to win the 

most to one side or the other. 

Living in this world we have to accept 

that some people are truly evil. 

We must be ever vigilant. 

 

While driving around, placing 

April’s North Country News at 

many business locations, I noticed 

that the Elkhorn Moose Lodge 

#260, E St. & RL Blvd. has a new 

parking lot. Really looks good….. 

way to go!!! 

I also noticed many new garden 

spots laid out on Elverta Rd. and a 

big load of soil en-richer (!!!) being 

unloaded at the old dairy. Looks 

like they are going to have a big 

garden. 

For those that have not lived here 

very long, the dairy was located on 

the east side of Rio Linda Blvd. at 

the curve where Marysville Blvd. 

joins RLB. 

When I was around 6 or 7 years old 

my Father would take a trailer and 

go to the dairy to haul several loads 

of manure for our very large gar- 

RLECWD 

BOARD MEETING 

May 21 st 

6:30 p.m. 

Depot Visitors Center • 6730 Front St. 

916-991-1000 

 

I cannot believe (see what I mean) 

there are those that think if you are 

not caught it is all right to steal. 

Some think if it is only a small 

amount and that you steal just once 

in awhile this is all right as well!!! 

Surprise, Surprise!!! Many do think 

this way. Some even write articles, 

telling the rest of us we should think 

their way. They even sign their 

names to such statements/articles. 

As to cashing out, collecting unused 

vacation hours, the Rio Linda 

Elverta Community Water District 

does have a policy that states you 

may NOT collect your excess vacation 

unless you retire or are terminated. 

Where some get their screwy, unscrupulous 

reasoning I do not know. 

Obviously they must live this way 

and want others think it is all right 

to cheat. Well, I do not!!! 

 

Mid way of March, the daffodils and 

tulips were putting on quite a show. 

I spotted lots of yellow, fuchsia and 

purple blooming shrubs as well. 

Now, in April my iris are in full 

bloom. I have some that are deep 

purple with a bit of white. Iris come 

in a multitude of colors and I plan 

to add more to my collection this 

year. 

My neighbor’s roses look so royal, 

reds, purple, pink and cream. I 

have yellow and peachy-white. The 

little climbing rose bush that my 

Grandfather planted in 1962 is just 

loaded with red buds. The flowers, 

when open are about the size of a 

silver dollar. Hey, you remember 

those!!! 

 

Did you happen to catch channel 13, 

the other night? Water board meetings 

are more like reality shows 

now. 

Frank Caron said he was the victim. 

NOT SO. Frank, definitely was the 

aggressor. 

One time Frank stated, in a bragging 

way at a public meeting, that 

Cosco, his employer, required him 

to take an anger management class 

because of his aggressive behavior 

toward a woman employee. 

Frank started the commotion by interrupting 

Joe Sherrill, 

a ratepayer, 

while Joe was making 

a public com- 

ment. Frank said, 

“you are talking 

out your A--!” yes, 

Frank said this to a 

ratepayer, during a 

public meeting!!! 

This in not unusual. 

Quite often, during 

Sondra Betancourt 

Announces 

Candidacy for 

Sacramento 

City Council 

District 2 Seat 

Sondra is a lifelong Sacramento 

native, has been a longtime neighborhood 

advocate in the North 

Sacramento community, and is 

the current president of the Ben 

Ali Community Association. She 

retired after a successful career in management with the California 

Department of Transportation, gaining invaluable experience in the 

many facets of the workings of a large government agency, and the 

dynamics between government, business interests, and individual citizens, 

which she says that, as a member of the City Council, will bring 

valuable insight when working toward resolving the city’s problems. 

As a council member, she plans on forming partnerships with businesses 

and community organizations. Sondra says, “I have seen the 

positive results that can be achieved when a neighborhood comes together 

and takes action to make things better.”She says that a partnership 

with the business community is equally important. “Business 

development and growth is vital to the future of North Sacramento, 

and past plans with varied levels of support haven’t produced the 

results that North Sacramento desires. We need to build a solid foundation 

consisting of adequate public safety, effective education, and 

sound infrastructure, because this will lead to business development, 

neighborhood improvement, and many other benefits that will allow 

North Sacramento to flourish.” 

For information or to schedule an interview please contact Sondra at 

(916) 837-3339 or Sondraforcitycouncil@gmail.com 

FPPC Campaign ID #1343236 

the course of many water board 

meetings, Frank has used four letter 

words. Some of Frank’s favorites 

seems to be F--- you and A-- H---. 

He not only directs his foul words 

toward the ratepayers but the directors 

as well. And this is acting professional? 

 

Ah well, it is time to go for now…. 

there is so much more that could be 

said…but at the moment I am just 

so tired of it all. I will always stand 

to be counted. Ask yourself!!! 

Some people may doubt what I say 

or write but they will always believe 

what I do. So I will keep the 

faith, do my best and let God do the 

rest……Viv 

(Editor’s note: North Country News 

will never consider printing any letter 

that contains foul language (my 

yard stick), so don’t waste your time 

writing. On another theme, I do 

not take or give dares. When I became 

adult…”..I put away childish 

things.”) 

Happy 

Mother's 

Day 

Social and Fraternal 

Organizations 

RIO LINDA GRANGE #85 

1315 G Street, Rio Linda 

Meetings 

First Wednesdays - 7:00pm 

916-335-1613 

ELKHORN MOOSE LODGE #260 

& 

WOMEN OF THE MOOSE LODGE 

6003 Rio Linda Blvd, Rio Linda 

Meetings 

First & third Tuesdays - 7:30 pm 

916-992-1273 

RIO LINDA/ELVERTA LIONS CLUB 

Rio Linda/Elverta Community Center 

810 Oak Lane, Rio Linda 

Meetings 

Second, third & fourth Thursdays 

Dinner 6:00pm / Meeting 7:00 pm 

916-991-6223 

AMERICAN LEGION POST #521 

6700 8th Street, Rio Linda 

Meetings 

Second Tuesdays - 7:30pm 

916-991-9921 

RIO LINDA MASONIC LODGE 

Front & M Street, Rio Linda 

Meetings 

Third Mondays 

Dinner 6:00pm - Meeting 7:30pm 

916-992-1891 or 916-991-7715 

GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

VFW POST 4647 

3300 U Street, North Highlands 

Meetings 

First & third Thursdays-7:00pm 

Hall Rental 

916-332-5960

Rio Linda Elverta Community Water District Up-Date... 

Sometimes I think the District’s 

problems will never end but, the 

other day two ladies came to my 

door and in the course of our conversation 

the Water District came 

up. I imparted how discouraged I 

sometimes become with all the shenanigans, 

dishonesty and such that 

continues to plague the district. 

They said, "when one's quest is for 

truth and right, one should not despair." 

They encouraged me to read 

Psalms 37. The whole chapter is 

great but I will just quote the first 

two verses, 1)“Don’t worry about 

the wicked.” “Don’t envy those who 

do wrong.” 2)“For like grass, they 

soon fade away.” “Like springtime 

flowers, they soon wither.” What a 

nice pick-me-up for the day and every 

day. I sometimes forget that He 

does have a plan. We all, should be 

patient and continue to carry on. 

Although District meetings have 

tended to parrot some of the soaps, 

the March meeting was more like a 

reality show. RLECWD made TV 

news, again. It is behavior like this 

that just encourages more suits. 

Now, I know all of you have heard 

the good path is hard and narrow, the 

road to H--- is easy. This is so true. 

Take the goals and pledges made 

when Cathy and I ran for the board 

in 2008. Those goals were to: Provide 

Oversight and accountability, 

Keep the budget balanced, Make the 

district fiscally sound, Serve the current 

rate payers, Provide affordable, 

safe & clean water, Trim all spending, 

Fix the District’s problems, Drill 

more wells and Install a storage tank 

for increased capacity and fire protection. 

I know now those goals were a bit 

ambitious for just one term. At the 

time I did not know how entrenched 

some of the bad habits were or how 

the characters of those involved 

would react to having the light of 

day come in, to become transparent. 

I did say that 20 years of neglect, 

wasteful practices and spending cannot 

be fixed over night. This road 

was not popular and definitely not 

easy, the job is not finished, progress 

is being made and I have faith that 

it will be completed even though we 

have had some set-backs. 

For instance, take 2010, the newly 

elected board took the easy road. 

Their goals made the employees 

happy. Those goals numbered just 

three: 

1. Fire the General Manager, Joe 

Sherrill: This resulted in a wrongful 

termination suit being filed, plus, 

due to these newly elected persons 

not following the rules (policies & 

Gov. codes) multiple other suits 

have been filed. The cost to the district 

is thousands and thousands of 

dollars, all ratepayers money. 

2. Fire Legal Council, Ravi Mehta: 

This has not been accomplished. 

The results of these three directors 

Editorial Opinion by ………….Viv 

attempts could wind up helping 

Mehta build a future case against 

the district for their continual berating 

and harassment of him at each 

and every meeting. That suit will 

not come cheap. 

3. Increase employees wages & 

benefits: This resulted in a rate increase, 

last March, in order to pay 

for the package. It was fostered 

under the guise of being a CDPH 

requirement for obtaining the State 

funding. (The District already had 

confirmation on this loan, back in 

November of 2010.) Check the 

2011/2012 budget and see just 

where those extra funds went. The 

rate increase was pre-planned. This 

wage & benefit package is costing 

you, the ratepayer, $100,000+ the 

first year, $130,000+ the second 

year and $169,000+ the third year. 

Over the years I have proposed several 

cost savings items for the District 

and right off the bat either the 

employees outright refused to comply 

or threatened to file grievances, 

i.e. most recently at the March 22nd 

meeting a vehicle policy was adopted. 

In essence, No District Vehicles 

would be allowed to leave the District 

over night. Each employee 

would have to provide their own 

transportation to and from work, 

just as most everyone else does. 

This would save the district several 

thousand dollars in fuel, wear & tear 

on the vehicles and reduce liability 

because vehicles were being driven 

fewer miles and locked up at night. 

Has the policy been implemented? 

As of this date, NO!!! Why not? 

Call the District’s general manager, 

Mary Henrici or the Board President, 

Jerry Trautman and find out 

why. 

Being a director is not always easy. 

You see, when taking office, you 

have to swear an oath to protect 

the best interests of the District and 

those within. you have to make 

choices that will not please everyone 

all the time. 

There are many District Policies and 

Government Codes that every director 

is charged to follow. Many ask 

why I have removed myself from 

two meetings. The district’s own 

policy states in 3.21.140.3: Board 

members have a legal obligation to 

become familiar with the Ralph M. 

Brown Act and to NOT participate 

in meetings in violation thereof. 

Now I have attended three workshops 

and asked many questions of 

those instructors. I feel there have 

been many Brown Act violations 

and our policy charges me not to 

participate, not to create a liability 

for the district ratepayers. Now, 

some board members do not seem 

to care what liability they create, 

which translates to more suits being 

filed and more legal fees. 

The Board President, Jerry Trautman, 

has stated that he is not going 

to take anyone’s allegations that a 

Brown Act violation has been committed 

or make any corrections until 

a “Judge” tells him so. By this time 

the district will have spent several 

more thousands of dollars in legal 

fees. Well, guess Trautman will get 

his wish. As of this date, at least 

three more suits have been filed and 

court dates are on the calendar. 

Trautman's stupid stubbornness will 

just cost you, the ratepayers, more 

money in legal fees plus the district 

runs the chance of losing their liability 

insurance. Haven’t you heard? 

To bring you up to speed, in January 

the executive board of the JPIA (our 

carriers) voted 9-0 to cancel the District’s 

insurance. This is due to all 

the legal problems the District has 

had these last couple of years and is 

still having. I am not surprised. I 

believe, to date, there are around six 

to eight active suits in progress. 

Now the JPIA executive board met 

again, in March, and wanted to 

know how things were going with 

the District. Guess JPIA board 

members expected a big change 

since the general manager and 

most of RLECWD board members 

had recently attended some training 

workshops. The channel #13 

TV clip tells the story of how some 

of those board members have improved!!! 

This executive board will take their 

recommendations to their annual 

meeting in May for the final decision. 

This board said there are 

two choices: 1) Cancel the Policy 

or 2) Increase the premium from 

$20,000+ per year to $60,000 per 

year for the next three years and 

see how our record goes. Does not 

look good. Since that March meeting 

three new suits have been filed. 

Some board members just continue 

doing things “their way” no matter 

what it will cost you, the ratepayers. 

As of this writing a Special meeting 

was scheduled by President Jerry 

Trautman, for April 29th, 10:00am. 

That’s right, during Sunday Morning 

Church Services. Talk about 

transparency!!! Guess the President 

didn’t want anyone to attend 

the meeting or could it be this is 

the only time, his needed third vote, 

Courtney Caron has time to fly in 

to a meeting. Courtney Caron has 

not attended any meetings in the 

last few months. This meeting will 

consist of only three directors, Jerry 

Trautman, Courtney Caron and 

Frank Caron. I cannot attend and 

am told that Cathy had other plans 

as well. 

Remember, these are the three directors 

that have cost the district thousands 

of dollars in legal fees already 

and for many years will continue to 

cost the district thousands of dollars 

in legal fees and contracts. Those 

three will be running the show, they 

have the “bit in their teeth” and only 

you the ratepayers can stop them. 

……to be continued…….Viv 


Letters 

to the Editor 

 

Vivien 

Hi 

I am a local horsewoman, and have 

lived in Rio Linda for the last 6 

years. I am liking the new horse 

article in your paper. It’s informative, 

and also gives me some insight 

to what’s going on in our area with 

other local equestrians. I hope you 

will keep it (the column) going. 

I like reading about what people in 

our community are interested in, 

what kinds of business they operate. 

I like to keep my business in 

RL& Elverta when at all possible. 

I like that Candace has spotlighted 

locals and what they are doing in the 

equine world. Good Job. 

Starr Craft 

(Editor’s note: I am glad you like 

Candace’s articles, she does a great 

job. They will continue just as long 

as she will write them!) 

 

Editor: 

In response to Director Courtney Caron 

NOT living in the community. 

That is sooo RIDICULOUS! you 

have to LIVE in the area you were 

elected to serve! WOW. 

The current Board president is NOT 

doing his job!! He needs to be reminded, 

he is serving in an elected 

position, with rules that need to be 

followed. 

Good Luck with that bunch of renegades!!!!! 

If you can’t get help from the county, 

call Kurtis on channel 13, he’s not 

afraid to expose this kind of stuff. 

you and Cathy just keep up the good 

work. 

Sandra Hensley-Nelson 

(Editor’s note: Thanks for your 

support. Cathy and I will keep trying 

to impress upon the other Board 

members that they have to follow the 

rules!) 

 

Dear Editor 

I appreciate all the hours that you 

and Cathy spend, working on the 

problems of our water district. 

So few become involved enough to 

really know just what is going on. 

It is sad if people just read the nasty 

things being said about you both, 

in the news. They really are not 

informed and our community will 

continue to suffer. 

Thank you for printing the other side 

of these issues. 

Luann Woods 

(Editor’s note: Thank you for letting 

us know that there are those that appreciate 

our dedication. I will continue 

in my endeavor to reach those 

goals and fulfill the pledges made 

when elected in 2008.


Spotlighting Our Schools 

John Berchielli has been an active member in 

the North Highlands community for more than 

30 years. He is the Vice Chair of the North 

Highlands Visions Task Force and the Chair of 

the Twin Rivers District Advisory Council. He 

understands the importance of collaboration and 

positively working through issues to do what is 

best for the children. 

Bob's Friends 

John and Miriam 

New Board Candidates 

Miriam Chernow A young mom and experienced 

educator, Miriam "Mimi" Chernow 

has been extremely active in the community 

as well. Mimi has a Master's Degree in education. 

Mimi is president of Regency Park 

Elementary School PTA. Mimi is passionate 

about improving communities and opportunities 

for students.

PAPA’S 

PIZZERIA & GRILL 

420 Elkhorn Blvd. Rio Linda 

KEY SHOP 

825 M Street, Rio Linda 

Let's Talk Phone 

916-992-0518 


COLLEGE OAK 

TOWING 

916-648-2580 

4125 Winters St., Sacramento 

Archway Market 

Archway Check Cashing 


Elverta Feed Pet 

& Tack, Inc. 

7831 Rio Linda Blvd. Elverta 

Rio Food & Liquor 

Corner of R.L. Blvd. & Elkhorn 

Elverta Market 

& Deli 


Rio Linda Library 


Rio Linda Liquor 

Villa Fat Chinese 

Cuisine 

DEAR READERS 

Lew’s Club 

6734 Rio Linda Blvd. Rio Linda 

Vanessa’s Place 

Hair Salon 


Oak Tree Diner 


Pleasant Grove Cafe 

Corner of Pleasant Grove Rd. & Howsley 

Rd., Pleasant Grove 

BG’s Family 

Restaurant 

6730 Rio Linda Blvd. Rio Linda 

Riego Market & Deli 

Corner of Pleasant Grove Rd. & Baseline 

Water rite Products 

Pl u m b i n g & irrigation suPPlies 

4807 Rio Linda Blvd. 916-925-3629 

Stop & Shop 

6007 Dry Creek Rd. Rio Linda 

River Valley Feed 

& Pet Supply 

6549 16th Street Rio Linda 

Food Source 

430 Elkhorn Blvd. Rio Linda 

The Pink Door 

Mary’s Hair Salon 

1020 Q St. Rio Linda 

Elkhorn 

Bait & Tackle 

6745 20th St. Rio Linda 

Elverta Sudzy Paws 


916-991-3811 

Coffee Break Cafe 

717 Del Paso Rd. Sacramento 

Corner of Main Ave. & Northgate Blvd. 

916-641-5808 


Please visit our web site www.NCNews328.com for the current and all the back issues of NCNews. 

428 “M” Street, Rio Linda 

440 Elkhorn Blvd. Suite 5 

916-991-1228 

Su p p ly Ha r d wa r e 

7115 Watt Ave. North Highlands 

Hair Gone Wild 

4381 Gateway Park Blvd. Ste. 550 

Natomas 916-419-4100 

Vic Auto 

Paint & Supply 

7145 Watt Ave. Unit B North Highlands 

Phone: 916-339-9190 

Vic Cell: 916-600-6665 

www.vicautopaint.com 

7 Eleven 

Food Store 

Corner of Rio Linda & Elkhorn Blvd., 

Rio Linda 

Rio Linda Hardware 

& Building Supply 

6748 Front St. Rio Linda 

Rio Java 

440 Elkhorn Blvd. #1 Rio Linda 

Jimmy’s Donuts 

748 M Street, Rio Linda 798-4748 

Amy’s Cafe 

750 M Street, Rio Linda 992-0378 

Tummy’s Sub Shop 

741 M St. Rio Linda 991-5507 

Goodwill 

Industries 

8031 Watt Ave. Elverta 

Elverta Crossing Shopping Center 

Jenny Craig 

3661 North Freeway Blvd. #110 

Sacramento - Natomas area 

_ Support the Businesses that Support the North Country News _ 

___ Pick up your North Country News at any of these businesses _ _ _


New & Fashionable Cuts and Perms 

Hair Color • Weaves • Ear Piercing 

Facial Waxing • Tanning 

916-991-2441 

Watson Storage 

(916-992-6022) 

Storage Units, Rv’s & Boats 

8628 Pleasant Grove Rd. 

Open 8:30 am - 5:00 p.m. 

Closed Sundays & Mondays 

5 X 10 - $45.00 

5 X 14 - $55.00 - 1 Room 

10 X 10 - $65.00 - 2 Rooms 

10 X 12 - $75.00 - 3 Rooms 

10 X 14 - $85.00 - 4 Rooms 

12 X 14 - $95.00 - 5 Rooms 

14 X 24 - $140.00 - 6 Rooms+ 

Computer/Networking Sales • Service • Repairs • Training 

Need help installing, setting up or learning your computer and programs? 

20 years of experience with affordable in home service you can rely on. 

B. U. D. Unlimited 

P.O. Box 503 

Elverta, CA 95626-9205 

License No. 252484 

Phone: 916-992-1869 

Cell: 916-607-2126 

budunlimited@comcast.net 

Cell: 916-471-9678 - Fax: 916-991-9916 

Jeff Good 

Owner 

Commercial & Residential Maintenance 

Irrigation System Repairs/Installation 

Sod Installation 

Lawn Treatment Program 

One-time Cleanups 

Contractors License #922990 

Qualified Applicators Certificate #118171 

Rio Linda 

Farmers' Market 

& Peddlers' Fair 

Open 

P.O. Box 449 

Rio Linda, CA 95673 

“Care of God’s creation for your enjoyment” 

EVERY 

THURSDAY 

5 to 8 p.m. 

Starting May 3, 2012 

Depot Park 6730 Front Street 

Rio Linda 

For information or 

to reserve a 10 x 10 space please call: 

Charlea Moore (916) 991-0338

North Country News, May, 2012.

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