Meeting Recap for Monday, June 9, 2014

Broadway, I Street and Tower work for West Sacramento, but Sutterville Road would be a bridge too far according to Marty Tuttle, Rotary Club of Sacramento’s guest speaker Monday at the Red Lion.

Tuttle, West Sacramento’s City Manager, was asked if plans might be revived for a bridge across the Sacramento River from the Sutterville Road/I-5 overpass to West Sacramento’s Bridge District.

“You (Sacramento) had your chance,” said Tuttle, pointing out that there is a spur at the end of Sutterville Road that extends toward the river. “That’s where the bridge was supposed to go. But back then you weren’t sure you wanted West Sacramento people coming over through your neighborhoods.

“And now we’re sure we don’t want people cutting across the Bridge District on surface streets from I-5 to pick up I-80 on their way to Davis. What we need to do is make some decisions about the Broadway bridge design and location and get on with it before we screw that up, too.”

Introduced by Chair of the Day Bob Rosenberg, Tuttle talked about five bridge projects in which West Sacramento is involved: “We’re an island,” he said. “We’re surrounded on all sides by water—the river, the deep water channel and canals. Bridges are how you link islands to the world.”

First there is the new I Street Bridge, which will take vehicle traffic off the century-old combination rail/vehicle bridge to a new span while rail traffic continues to use the old bridge. “It’s a go,” he said. ‘It is a $100 million project and it is fully funded.”

Then there is the modification of the venerable Tower Bridge to allow trolley cars to move back and forth between West Sacramento, the Capitol and the new arena. Modifications will be completed and tracks laid by 2018 according to Tuttle.

As for the proposed Broadway Bridge, crossing to West Sacramento from the west end of Broadway just south of the Pioneer Bridge, Tuttle said there are four potential locations/routes under consideration. Time to pick one and get moving, he says.

The other two bridges: Pioneer Bluff, which will create a second north-south path into the Bridge District with a crossing over the barge canal east of Jefferson Boulevard, and the Sycamore Lane bicycle bridge that crosses over a canal and under the U.S. 50/Business 80 freeway.

Asked about the status of the proposed hotel/conference center on the West Sacramento side of the river, Tuttle said negotiations are “on break” at the moment. Continual modifications in the hotel plans have caused the developer to take a step back but talks resume next week, he said.

Tuttle was also asked about the Rivercats’ contract negotiations with the Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants. He said he didn’t know how things would turn out but was critical of the fact news was leaked about the possibility of the franchise affiliating with the Giants. “That’s not how you negotiate.’

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Steve Dutra, a Rancho Cordova Police Department sergeant, was introduced to the club by President Thom. Dutra, whose personal dedication to youth activities includes the Rancho Cordova Police Athletic League, is this years’ Service Above Self award winner. He was actually presented with the award by President Thom at District Attorney Jan Scully’s recent community breakfast.  The recognition included a check in the amount of $1000, which Steve donated to the Rancho Cordova Police Athletic League (PAL).

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Bob Waste and UC Davis Health Systems was the meeting sponsor again this week, this time donating their three minutes of “air time” to Cottage Housing, Inc. and its executive director Joe Cortez. Cottage Housing operates transitional and permanent housing facilities for homeless individuals and families.

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President Thom reminded members that next week’s meeting, which will be Sons’ Day, will be at Cosumnes River College instead of the Red Lion. Chaired by Brian King, Chancellor of Los Rios Community College District, the event will include a program presented by the Sacramento Republic soccer club. Reservations are required.

Ted White announced that the online auction still has some great deals available… Bruce Hester reminded Rotarians of the continuing membership drive… Elfrena Foord talked about the November trip to Nicaragua to work with Habitat for Humanity on a building project… Bob Miller and Chris Bohannon announced that Golf 4 Kids will take place Aug. 11 at Northridge Country Club… Luann Richardson said the next New Member Reception is June 24 at The Porch Restaurant… Diane Schachterle invited members to participate in Rotary at Work Day June 21 at Senior Gleaners… and Susan Drack told members it is time to sign up for President Thom’s demotion event, which will be the evening of June 30 at his home.

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Roast, Boast & Toast: Bob Kelgord celebrated his 35 years in Rotary with a $300 check… Gabriel Gendron & Kelley Moran each made a $100 toast, contributing to Past-President Jon Snyder's EM, in recognition of their trip to New York, during which they enjoyed a play that included Jon’s son, James.  Kathy Herrfeldt contributed $200 to celebrate her 100 mile bike ride around Lake Tahoe… Paul Stone delivered a check for $200 from the Rotary Rooters and Dave Cohen celebrated his son’s betrothal with a $100 gift.

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Todd Koolakian from Sacramento Children’s Home was inducted by President Thom as the newest member of our club. He was sponsored by Roy Alexander and Clayton Lee.

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Sister Hansa from the BK Raja Yoga Meditation Centre provided the Invocation … Mike Bullington and Barbara Thompson acted as greeters… Dave Higdon sponsored the pre-meeting wine reception, during which Elfrena Foord serenaded guests with piano music and Jim Craig provided the closing thought.

Among the visiting Rotarians Monday was Anton Eisenhauer from the Rotary Club of Kiel-Eider in Germany, who exchanged club banners with President Thom.