Looking for a fun way to get active, spend time outdoors and make memories with your family? Sacramento County residents will have plenty of opportunities to do just that during Family Health & Fitness Day on Saturday, June 13.

Across the county, community organizations, nonprofits and Regional Parks partners are hosting activities that encourage healthy living, outdoor recreation, learning and exploration. From yoga and nature walks to farm animals, volunteer projects and family-friendly fitness activities, there is something for every age and interest.

“Family Health & Fitness Day is a great opportunity to discover all the ways our parks, trails and open spaces support healthy and active lifestyles,” said Regional Parks Director, Liz Bellas. “Whether you’re exploring nature, volunteering, trying a new activity or simply spending time outdoors with family and friends, we hope these events inspire people to get outside and enjoy the incredible recreational opportunities available throughout Sacramento County.”

Many events are free, while others require registration or a small participation fee. Residents are encouraged to review event details before attending.

Family Health & Fitness Day Events

American River Parkway

Yoga and Nature Walk at Sailor Bar
Sailor Bar Access | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Free event, RSVP required at ProtectSailorBar@yahoo.com
Hosted by Friends of Sailor Bar and Sacramento County Regional Parks

Knit in Public Day
River Bend Park | 10 a.m. – Noon
Free event with pre-registration
Hosted by the American River Parkway Foundation and Broad Room

An Introduction to Nature Journaling
Effie Yeaw Nature Center | 9 a.m. – Noon
All ages | $20 registration fee, free for ARNHA members
Hosted by the American River Natural History Association

Nature of Reading
Effie Yeaw Nature Center | 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Ages 5–8 | $15 registration fee, $10 for ARNHA members
Hosted by the American River Natural History Association

Yoga on the Farm
American River Ranch | 8:30 a.m.
Suitable for all levels | $15 registration fee
Hosted by Soil Born Farms

Garden Like a Farmer Series
American River Ranch | 10 a.m.
Adults | $30 registration fee
Hosted by Soil Born Farms

Trail Accessibility Equipment Demonstration
William B Pond Park | 9 a.m. – Noon
Free event
Hosted by McIlwain Mobility and The Lionheart Community

Camp Pollock Volunteer Service Day
Camp Pollock | 8 a.m. – Noon
Free event, pre-registration required
Hosted by Sacramento Valley Conservancy

Fun in the Sun – Float on the River
Sunrise Access and Sailor Bar Access
Raft reservations required; fees vary
Hosted by American River Raft Rentals

Dry Creek Parkway

Free Family Fun at Cherry Island Golf Course
9 a.m. – Noon
Free event for all ages
Hosted by CourseCo and Cherry Island Golf Course

Night of the Revving Dead Car Show at the Dry Creek Ranch House
Begins at Noon
Free admission | $5 parking
Hosted by Alley Cats Car Club and the Rio Linda Elverta Historical Society

Meet the Horses and Farm Animals at Gibson Ranch Regional Park
9 a.m. – Noon
Free event for all ages
Hosted by Gibson Horse Boarders and Sacramento County Regional Parks

Youth Sports and Games
9 a.m. – Noon
Hosted by the Rio Linda Elverta Recreation and Parks District

Community Outreach and Input: Future Grant Projects at Gibson Ranch and Dry Creek Parkway
9 a.m. – Noon
Hosted by Sacramento County Regional Parks

Cosumnes River Preserve

Trek the Trails 5K Fun Run and Walk
9 a.m. – Noon
Free event, pre-registration required
Hosted by Sacramento County Regional Parks and Cosumnes River Preserve

Family Health & Fitness Day is a national celebration dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles through physical activity, outdoor recreation and family engagement. Sacramento County’s parks, trails, preserves and recreational facilities provide opportunities for residents to stay active and connect with nature all year.

Regional Parks has created a merch shop so residents can remember Family Health and Fitness Day year-round. Visit the online store to secure yours!

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Sacramento County is launching a newly updated 311 Connect Mobile Application – now featuring a modern design, improved usability and enhanced security to deliver a smoother, more intuitive experience for our community.

What’s New in the Mobile App

Everything you count on from 311 is still at your fingertips, now with the following key improvements:

Modernized User Interface

• A refreshed appearance with an updated color palette and graphic style
• Redesigned navigation to help you find what you need faster
• New Sacramento County branding throughout the app

Unified Account Experience

• App authentication now fully matches the 311 Connect web portal
• Your Sacramento Countywide user profile powers both the app and website

New Service Request Type

• Report Illegal Fireworks directly through the app

What To Expect

• If you already have the 311 Connect Mobile Application installed, please update the app manually in the App Store or Google Play.
• When signing in for the first time after updating the app, you will be prompted to authenticate using your Sacramento Countywide profile.
• Your existing mobile app service request history will automatically transfer to the new app, allowing residents to pick up right where they left off.

Learn more about 311 Connect, your link to County Services, as well as Cami, the new digital assistant!

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Become a Resource Family for Local Foster Children

Do you want to make a difference in the life of a child? Foster care is the out of home care of a minor who is a dependent of the juvenile dependency court. Some children require temporary out of home care due to parental neglect, abuse or exploitation. Foster parents, now known as “resource families,” provide love, parental care, guidance and stability to children until they can be returned to their parents or move to a permanent home through adoption or guardianship.
 
There is an ongoing need to find and maintain resource families who can support children and their families in their area. While homes are needed for all types of children, family homes for sibling sets, as well as teenagers and children with medical needs, are also needed. The Sacramento County Resource Family Approval (RFA) program offers training, support, and guidance to resource families.

The Resource Family Approval Program

• Recruits prospective resource families for temporary and permanent placement
• Provides RFA Scheduled Orientation
• Provides initial training to prospective families and annual training for approved families
• Evaluates potential resource family homes to ensure each meets space and safety requirements
• Interviews and assesses qualifications of prospective resource families
• Issues and updates resource family approvals
• Conducts annual inspections and complaint investigations when required
• Provides ongoing RFA training

We Are Looking for People Who Can

• Help children in a temporary resource family home feel that they have a “home of their own”
• Help foster youth maintain and improve relationships with others, including parents
• Assist children with adjustment in school, community and new home environment
• Understand and respect the importance of the foster youths’ bond with their natural family
• Share and maintain their own family while including a foster youth into the family environment
• Maintain the foster youths’ cultural, ethnic and religious preference 

To Qualify, Applicants Must

• Reside in the County of Sacramento
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be in good health
• Each adult in the home must be willing to submit to a background check
• Have adequate bedroom space to accommodate all family members, including foster youth
• Have a home which passes a safety inspection
• Have sufficient income to meet current expenses
• Be willing to complete required training
• Complete application packet online​

​Level of Care Protocol (LOCP) Information

• Resource Parents Report Tool Activities in Support of Child
• CS 80 LOC Redetermination Request
• ​​LOCP Slides
• LOCP Training for Resource Parents​

Other Information

• RFA Scheduled Orientation
• Steps to Becoming a Resource Parent
• ​Contact Me – Interest in Becoming a Resource Parent​
• ​Support and Assistance​
• Ongoing Resource Family Training​​
• Read​y to complete the application packet​
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Sacramento Heart Gallery
• Guiding Foster Kids to Success

Contact Information

CPS Resource Family Approval
3701 Branch Center Road
Sacramento, CA 95827
Telephone: (916) 875-5543

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Taxes and Voting

We are 12 days away from the June 2 Statewide Primary Election. If you have not yet returned your voted ballot, there is still plenty of time. If you are planning to vote in person, Vote Centers begin opening Saturday, May 23.

Here’s what voters need to know:

Vote Centers open beginning May 23.

At a Vote Center voters can drop off their completed ballot OR vote in person. There is even weekend voting!

• 19 will open for 11 days, beginning May 23.
• A brand new Mobile Vote Center will serve the Anatolia community on May 23, 24, 30 and 31. This Vote Center will be located at Robert J McGarvey Elementary School (4350 Sophistry Dr, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742) and will be open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.   
• 73 additional Vote Centers will open on Saturday, May 30.
• Eligible residents can also register to vote, update their registration and cast their ballot at a Vote Center, even on Election Day.
• Avoid the lines, vote early! 

Vote by Mail

All registered voters received a ballot in the mail. To return it:  

• Place your voted ballot inside the provided envelope.
• Sign the envelope.
• Return it via USPS. Postage is prepaid.

Ballots must be postmarked by June 2 to be counted.

Official Ballot Drop Boxes

Voted and signed ballots may be returned to any of the 62 secure Drop Box locations throughout Sacramento County.

When using a Drop Box, be sure it is an official, secure box provided by the County Elections Office. All official County Drop Boxes display the Sacramento County wave logo.

Missed the May 18 Registration Deadline?

You can still visit the Elections Office or any Vote Center, including the new Mobile Vote Center, to conditionally register and vote.

A complete list of Vote Center and Drop Box locations is available on our website.

For more election and voter information, visit the Sacramento County Voter Registration and Elections website.

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Parks and Recreation

Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of summer in Sacramento County, and families and friends will head outdoors to enjoy our parks, rivers and open spaces.

As you make your plans, Sacramento County Regional Parks shares important reminders to help everyone stay safe, protect our natural resources and enjoy a memorable holiday weekend.

Stay Safe Around Water

Water safety should always come first. The American River and other local waterways remain very cold this time of year, and currents can be strong and unpredictable. Even experienced swimmers can be caught off guard.

• Wear a life vest when swimming, boating, floating or wading. Life jackets significantly increase survival chances. Borrowing stations are available along the American River. Remember: Life Looks Good On You!
• Children under 13 are required by County ordinance to wear a life vest when accessing public waters. Child sized live vest borrowing stations are available if you forget yours.
• Stay alert to changing river conditions, uneven river bottoms and swift currents, and always supervise children closely and avoid unnecessary risks.

Prevent Wildfires and Follow Fire Safety Rules

Protecting our parks during fire season is critical.

• Open-flame fires are not allowed in Regional Parks. Barbecues may only be used in designated picnic areas
• All fireworks are prohibited in Regional Parks, including both “safe and sane” and illegal fireworks.
• Smoking is permitted only in developed picnic areas, on asphalt surfaces, golf courses and levee tops within the American River Parkway.
• If you see smoke or fire, call 9-1-1 immediately. Early reporting helps protect lives and natural resources.

Alcohol Prohibited in Certain Park Areas

To enhance public safety during this busy holiday weekend, possession of alcohol on the shores and in the American River from Hazel Avenue down to Discovery Park and at Sherman Island is prohibited from Saturday, May 23 through Monday, May 25. This applies to both open and unopened containers.

Holiday Parking Fees

Holiday weekends bring increased visitation and additional staffing needs.

• Single vehicles: $10
• Oversized vehicles and vehicles towing watercraft: $16
• Annual pass holders are not affected by this increase and are encouraged to purchase a pass if they visit frequently.

Annual passes purchases directly support our park facilities – buy yours today!

Help Keep Our Parks Clean

Everyone can help keep our parks beautiful.

• Do not litter.
• Pack it in and pack it out whenever possible.
• Use available trash and recycling receptacles throughout the parks.

For more information about park regulations, water safety and park facilities, visit the Regional Parks website or call 3-1-1 to report non-emergency issues.

Have a safe, fun and memorable Memorial Day Weekend.

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The post Celebrate the Start of Summer Safely in Our Parks and on Our Rivers first appeared on SacramentoHelp.info.

At its Tuesday, May 12 meeting, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a set of ordinance changes recommended by Sacramento County Regional Parks designed to better protect park users, park and recreation facilities and natural areas from the growing impacts of Class 3 e-bikes, e-motorcycles, dirtbikes, quads and unauthorized trail building. These ordinance changes go into effect thirty days from today, and violations of these ordinances can be either an infraction or a misdemeanor.

The use of un-permitted, high-speed, modified e-bikes and e-motorcycles has become increasingly common. These vehicles are inherently dangerous to the public due to their speed. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission completed a report on Mircomobility Products-Related Deaths, Injuries and Hazard Patterns, which found that injuries with all micromobility devices have trended upward since 2017, with an average increase of 23% annually. Children 14 years and younger accounted for 36% of these injuries, and May through October had the largest percentages for both e-scooter and e-bike related injuries.

The updated ordinances clarify and strengthen protections for environmentally sensitive areas that have recently seen increased damage. Regional Parks facilities, primarily in the Nature Study Areas and Protected Areas of the American River Parkway, have recently experienced a dramatic increase in vandalism and destruction when members of the public create unauthorized off-road bicycle courses, including jumps and tracks with blind turns. These tracks are dangerous to members of the public because they are located on trails which are designated for pedestrian and equestrian use only. The creation of these off-road bicycle courses in these areas, coupled with the use of illegal Class 3 e-bikes and e-motorcycles pose a significant danger to people lawfully using the trails either by foot or on horse.

Additionally, the ordinance updates provide Regional Parks staff with clearer authority to address unauthorized trail construction and other ground-disturbing activities and includes the ability to seek restitution for the cost of restoration of the damaged area.

The newly adopted ordinances also address activities related to individuals entering and remaining on County golf courses and sports complexes for purposes other than playing golf or the intended purpose of the sports complex. These restrictions are intended to improve safety for patrons and protect the condition of turf and other facilities that are not designed to accommodate bike traffic.

“The ordinance updates will allow Rangers to better educate visitors about appropriate park use and, where necessary, enforce park rules that help preserve the quality of parklands for all residents,” said Regional Parks Director, Liz Bellas. “The changes reflect our long-term goals to balance recreation with stewardship of natural and community resources.”

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors’ action today ensures that Regional Parks has the tools needed to protect park users, natural areas, golf and sports fields and maintain safe, high-quality recreation experiences across the county’s park system.

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During the month of May, Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance is participating in CalFresh Awareness Month, launching a weekly video series to help residents better understand available food resources and how to access them.

Throughout the month, new videos will be shared weekly, offering helpful information about CalFresh and the many ways it supports individuals and families across the region.

Food plays a vital role in daily life, bringing comfort, stability and connection. CalFresh helps make that possible by providing monthly food benefits to eligible households. Known federally as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), CalFresh helps Californians purchase the groceries they need to stay healthy and nourished.

Between 2024 and 2025, approximately 5.5 million Californians received CalFresh benefits. Locally, about 270,000 residents in Sacramento County rely on the program to help feed themselves and their families.

CalFresh benefits can be used to purchase a wide range of everyday grocery items, including fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, and dairy and meat products. Benefits may also be used to buy seeds and plants for growing food at home, which can make a meaningful difference, especially as grocery costs continue to rise.

Applying for CalFresh in Sacramento County is designed to be simple and accessible. Residents can apply online, by phone, mail, fax or in person. The Department of Human Assistance also offers phone support for those who need assistance or have questions about the application process.

For individuals or families struggling to afford groceries, CalFresh may be able to help. Access to support often begins with information, and sometimes, taking the first step can make a lasting impact.

This CalFresh Awareness Month, Sacramento County encourages residents to learn more, explore their options and share this information with others who may benefit.

To learn more or apply, visit BenefitsCal.com or call the Department of Human Assistance at 1-800-560-0976.

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This May offers a moment to reflect and celebrate the strength, hope and resilience that is alive and well in our Sacramento community. Whether you are undergoing major changes in your personal life or experiencing the lasting impact of mass tragedies in our world, we are all constantly facing different stressors on our mental wellbeing. It’s critical that we continue to prioritize mental and physical wellbeing for ourselves, as well as our families, friends and neighbors, not just in May but all year long. 

Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us to reach out to loved ones and provide support to colleagues, friends and family who may be struggling in silence – but also a reminder to care for ourselves. By simply starting a conversation and providing words of encouragement, kindness and help, you can make the difference for someone at work, at home, in your community – or even for yourself. 

For over a decade, Sacramento County’s Division of Behavioral Health’s MHSA-funded “Mental Illness: It’s not always what you think” project has been focused on reducing stigma, raising mental health awareness and inspiring hope within our community through the Stop Stigma Sacramento campaign. Each year, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the project invites community members throughout Sacramento County to participate in a variety of in-person and virtual events, share personal stories and support those living with mental health conditions. While it is wonderful to see mental health being acknowledged and discussed more throughout our community, we know there is still work to be done. 

Here are a few ways to support people living with mental illness during Mental Health Awareness Month, and always: 

• Try these conversation starters – available in 5 additional languages – and lead meaningful discussions with family, friends or neighbors.  
• Attend an upcoming project event:
  • Join the project on May 24 for Mental Health Matters Day on the Capitol Lawn! Learn more about the project, hear from Stop Stigma Sacramento Speakers Bureau members, write on the Walls of Hope and more!
  • Visit the project’s mental health art exhibits around Sacramento County or check out our website to view all art virtually. The art has all been created by Sacramento County residents in an effort to help dispel myths and stereotypes and promote messages of wellness, hope and recovery. 
• Check out the Stop Stigma blogto read more community perspectives from throughout Sacramento County, including prominent faith leaders, health professionals and community leaders.
• Request a Stop Stigma Sacramento Speakers Bureau member to speak at your next meeting or event! Complete this request form and submit it to: info@stopstigmasacramento.org. 
• Follow “Stop Stigma Sacramento” on Facebook and @StopStigmaSac on Twitter and StopStigmaSac on Instagram. 
• Join the mailing list via the project website to stay updated!

Together, we can significantly reduce the impacts of stigma surrounding mental illness within our community. For more information, visit the project website or contact info@stopstigmasacramento.org.

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It’s National Heatstroke Prevention Day and Sacramento County Public Health is reminding parents and caregivers of young children to Look Before You Lock and walk away from a vehicle. Look Before You Lock is meant to remind residents about the dangers of vehicular heatstroke in children.

“It’s important for people to remember that vehicular heatstroke is 100% preventable but people must first be cognizant of how seriously dangerous it is to leave children in the car when temperatures outside are extremely hot,” said Sacramento County Public Health Officer Dr.

Kasirye. “I urge people to never leave children alone in cars and take the steps to prevent children from accessing cars.”

How to prevent vehicular heatstroke:

• Make it a habit to look in the back seat every time you get out of the car. Put something in the back seat that you won’t forget as a reminder — a purse, phone, wallet, etc.
• Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, even for a few minutes.
• Always lock the car and put the keys out of reach.
• Teach your children that the vehicle is not a playground. Another main cause of vehicular heatstroke is when children gain access to an unlocked vehicle and are unable to get out.
• Call 9-1-1 if you see a child in a hot vehicle that appears to be in distress or is unresponsive.

Vehicular heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children 14 and younger in the United States. On average, 37 children in the U.S. die each year as a result of vehicular heatstroke. Children gaining access to a vehicle and becoming trapped account for nearly one-quarter of hot car deaths.

Hot cars are deadly. Internal vehicle temperatures can quickly rise to 50 degrees warmer than outside temperatures. A child’s body temperature increases 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s meaning even a cool feeling day may still pose a threat to a child. Toddlers and young children are also more likely to climb into a hot car and become trapped inside.

The warning signs of heatstroke include red, hot and moist or dry skin, no sweating, a rapid or weak pulse, nausea in addition to confusion or acting strangely.

This message is brought to County residents in partnership with the California Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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Today, April 29, marks National Fentanyl Awareness Day, a reminder that awareness can save lives and lead people to support. Through continued community education, prevention efforts and support services, Sacramento County saw a 30% decrease in fentanyl-related deaths in 2025. This progress shows that change is possible when communities come together with compassion, knowledge and action.

“Increased awareness, partnerships and collaboration are contributing to the decline in overdose deaths,” said Lori Miller, Division Manager with Sacramento County Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Substance Use Prevention and Treatment (SUPT). “We need to keep working together as a community because we all can make a difference.”

Sacramento County continues to work with the community and invest in prevention, treatment, healing and public education efforts to support residents and families. These efforts include:

• Safer Sacramento, which provides educational videos to guide individuals to make healthy choices and to avoid or reduce the potential harm from the use or misuse of substances. The Safer Sacramento website is filled with facts and resources to help address the fentanyl crisis and link people to behavioral health care.
• “The Ripple Effect,” a Safer Sacramento blog series that integrates fact-based research, speaks to the fentanyl crisis from various lenses and perspectives, and highlights the great work of Sacramento County and community partners.
• Sacramento County’s annual Fentanyl Awareness and Action Summit brings the community together for a day of education and empowerment, where attendees can learn more about opioids, methamphetamine and emerging substances, explore available resources and treatment options, and find ways to be part of the solution. The event will be held on Tuesday, May 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Citrus Heights Community Center.
• The Sacramento County Opioid Coalition focuses on saving lives through overdose prevention, safe disposal, early intervention, treatment, recovery support and ongoing community outreach. Those interested in joining or learning more can visit the coalition’s website.
• Gone Too Soon Project, which helps bring healing to the community through digital storytelling, public awareness campaigns and memorial posters displayed throughout the county. If you have lost a loved one to an overdose, you are invited to share their story by contacting info@sacopioidcoalition.org.

If you or someone you know needs help with substance use, support is available. Call 916-875-1055 or visit the SUPT website for more information.

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