RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Items discussed at the June 3 Rancho Cordova City Council regular meeting included the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety and traffic flow. Changes proposed to three streets, Las Casas Way, Pericles Drive and Pistachio Drive, are expected to be completed by summer 2025.

“We sent out ballots and received greater than 25% response rate and two-thirds of those gave us the green light to make those changes,” said City Manager Micah Runner.

“If someone is interested in doing something in their neighborhood, it is an open process. Just contact us in public works and we will set you on that process,” said Mayor David M. Sander, Ph.D. about the program.

Micah gave additional information for those interested in submitting a claim: “What would initiate the process is a petition that you can find on our website. Get 10 signatures from your nearby neighbors and that starts the process.”

Another item discussed and adopted was the site acquisition for the Mather Veterans Village, 70 units of multifamily apartments for homeless and disabled veterans.

“I got a lot of questions about this project at the Memorial Day celebration,” Sander said. “People are very appreciative for the city’s efforts and they are looking forward to the next steps as we continue to provide housing for the homeless veterans.”

Resident Jessa Rego spoke in support of the project, highlighting how this has been an issue for a long time, and also expressed some concerns:

“This project is a federal-city relationship, we have been trying to talk to Ami Bera about our issues (Islamic community) for eight months, our residents are freaking out,” Rego said. “I am in support of it but you need to think about the city to federal relationship.”

City Council also approved Runner’s proposed plan to establish a council policy mandating a citywide leadership perspective, aiming to ensure equitable representation and resource allocation across the community. This comes following a workshop on March 21 set up by the City Council focusing on the city’s future, values and governance, particularly amidst transition to by-district elections.

“I feel like this is the right step to take. When we get our new people in the next two election cycles, it will help them establish continuity in our city’s leadership,” said Councilmember Garret Gatewood when discussing the plan’s approval.

“I read the visioning report, and I would like to point out how much it talks about diversity and how this relates to my other comments here today,” said Rego regarding the Islamic community of Rancho Cordova.

Rego was referring to comments that she made during the meeting’s public comment portion.

During the meeting’s public comment portion, some Rancho Cordova residents passionately voiced their concerns regarding the ongoing conflicts in Palestine. They expressed disappointment with the council’s response to the issue and urged for decisive action.

Rego advocated for a ceasefire resolution proposed by the Islamic community of Rancho Cordova, inviting council to engage in discussions and seek education on the matter. Amora Perez urged divestment from Israel in response to ongoing conflicts in Palestine, saying she has been met with no timely response by City Council.

“If our efforts are not taken seriously, this City Hall will look like the one in Sacramento in a very short time,” said Amora, referring to the pro-Palestinian protests that occurred in March at the Sacramento City Council. “As we look to you, our city leaders, we are watching you very closely and we will wait to see where your priorities lie.”

Fauziya Faruk from the American Islamic Relations highlighted the impact of the Palestinian conflict on the community, urging solidarity and advocacy for a ceasefire.

Sarah Al Zanoon, a civil servant who works in Rancho Cordova, echoed calls for a ceasefire and divestment in weapons manufacturers, noting that Aerojet, a company specialized in aerospace and defense technology, is based in Rancho Cordova.

In other public comments, Cordova Garden Elementary Principal John Bliss expressed gratitude for the funding and support received for the spring service day to beautify the campus. He highlighted the school’s rebranding as Cordova Gardens Academy of Arts and Science for the 2024-25 school year, showcasing the institution’s dedication to integrating art, science and technology into every grade level with innovative hands-on learning.

“Our name will be the highlight of the work that is being done as we enter a new chapter in our school’s history to continue providing meaningful education for students in Rancho Cordova,” Bliss said.

City Councilmember Linda Budge highlighted events such as Movies in the Park, happening every Friday night in June.

Council members also requested that they convene annually in January to reaffirm the policy, make necessary updates and conduct a goal-setting session to ensure continued success in the future.

Council members’ requests for future agenda items include a commitment to pursuing grants and funding opportunities, and bringing forward an analysis on how those funds can be used for enhanced infrastructure projects in Rancho Cordova.

“We want to make sure we are doing everything in our power to go after whatever the city needs to be able to fund what it’s trying to get,” Gatewood said.