Category Archives: Events

Events, Rafting, safety

Rafters Gone Wild return to party Saturday on American River

A perfect storm of high summer temperatures, a fast moving river and thousands of rafters – some partying with alcohol – Saturday on the American River  has garnered the full attention of law enforcementagencies and rescue organizations.

More than 3,000 rafters are expected to participate in this year’s Rafters Gone Wild event on the American River between Sunrise Boulevard and River Bend Park. This is the second year the event – whose popularity has evolved briskly via Facebook – is taking place.

Last year, roughly 3,500 people flocked to the river, with law enforcement agencies making 12 arrests and providing aid to nearly 100 people.

“The weather is going to be in the high 90s, and that makes people want to get out on the water and drink,” said Jason Ramos, spokesman for the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department. “From our standpoint, we have to be prepared.”

The event, which will begin at 11 a.m., is described on Facebook as a day of summer rafting fun for those 21 or older, and will include mud wrestling, cliff jumping, music, homemade grain alcohol and a fruit brew called jungle juice. A river cleanup is slated for Sunday.

It is the alcohol factor that most troubles law enforcement. “We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we will have problems that come along with alcohol,” said Ramos.

Six law enforcementand rescue agencies will monitor the event.

More at SacBee.com >>>
Events, Rafting, safety

Regional Parks, Safety Crews Warn of Upcoming ‘Rafting Gone Wild’ Event Dangers

On Saturday, July July 14 thousands of rafters and revelers are expected to take the American River in what has become known as “Rafting Gone Wild,” an event promoted through Facebook.

The event has attracted more than 16,000 invites on the Facebook event page with more than 4,300 people apparently planning to go. The total number of invites marks an increase of more than 4,000 people over last year’s event and local law enforcement and rescue crews haven’t lost sight of the inherent dangers now more prevalent than ever.

Because of the enormity of the event, public safety agencies from across Sacramento Couty are joining forces to enforce any applicable laws.

More at Patch.com >>>

Events, Rafting, safety

American River Parkway raises fees, enforces alcohol ban for July 4th

Sacramento County officials are reminding people that fees will go up for the July 4 holiday, and so will enforcement – as no drinking will be allowed on the American River Parkway between Watt and Hazel avenues.

Entrance fees will go from $5 to $8 for vehicles for the holiday. Vehicles with trailers or other oversize vehicles will be charged $13 instead of $10.

The county justifies the higher fees because of increased work on the holiday.

More at SacBee.com >>>

Bike Trail, Events, Rafting, safety, Water

Thousands of families pack river for Memorial Day weekend

Thousands of people are expected to pack area rivers this Memorial Day weekend.

Rescue crews will be out at Discovery Park urging rafters and swimmers to wear life jackets in the river.

Drowning Accident Rescue Team President Bob Erickson said he is 90 percent sure his team will be called out to perform a rescue.

Park rangers will be cracking down on those breaking the booze ban.

They will issue citations if necessary.

Sacramento Metro fire officials said 60 percent of the drownings they respond to every year are alcohol-related.

Pool safety is also a big concern, especially for children.

More at KCRA.com >>>
Events, Rafting, safety, Water

Life jacket trade-in planned at area Kohl’s stores in Sacramento region

In advance of the Memorial Day weekend and the start of the summer recreation season, a life jacket trade-in will be held today at Kohl’s store locations in the Sacramento region.

The event, now in its 13th year, is sponsored by the California Department of Boating and Waterways, Radio Disney and UC Davis Children’s Hospital.

The life jacket trade-in gives parents the opportunity to have life jackets inspected by professionals. Life jackets that have been outgrown or are no longer serviceable will be exchanged for new, properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets while supplies last.

For those who don’t own life jackets, the American River Parkway Foundation announced that it will purchase and supply life vests for “Kids Don’t Float,” a program that lends life vests to children during the summer at seven access points along the American River.

More at ModBee.com >>>
Events, Wildlife

Spend ‘A Day on the Farm’ with Soil Born on Sunday

Take the family to the farm in the city Sunday during Soil Born Farms’ annual “A Day on the Farm.”

With something for every member of the family, this kid-friendly event features cooking classes, workshops, nature walks, local arts and crafts, children’s activities, music, food, native plant sale, farm stand and more.

Among the workshop topics are raising chickens and beekeeping.

Soil Born Farms’ American River Ranch is located at 2140 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova. The fun starts at 10 a.m. and runs through 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5.

For more details, click on www.soilborn.org or call (916) 363-9685.

Events, safety, Water, Wildlife

Saturday demonstrations highlighting climate change planned for Sacramento region

Activists plan to stage two demonstrations on Saturday to highlight the potential for climate change to increase flood risk in the Sacramento region.

In Sacramento, participants are being asked to meet on the Guy West Bridge over the American River near Sacramento State University at 10 a.m. Saturday and wear blue-colored swim, snorkeling or dive gear. In Davis, organizers plan to converge with umbrellas on the levee overlooking the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, alongside Interstate 80, at 9 a.m.

More at SacBee.com >>>

Bike Trail, Events, safety, Wildlife

Text Campaign Aids American River Parkway

Help preserve the American River Parkway via text donation.

The program is being implemented in conjunction with the running of the Parkway Half Marathon on April 28 in Sacramento. So in lieu of running 13.1 miles to raise money for the American River Parkway Foundation, all it takes is a little thumb action to text a donation.

Sacfit (Sacramento Friends in Training) is spearheading the text donation campaign. To make a donation, type in “Parkway”, a space, “donation amount” then send to 27138.

Bike Trail, Events, safety

Just try it: May is Bike Month in Sacramento region

May is Bike Month in the Sacramento region, an invitation to try bicycling one day.

The annual effort to get people out of their cars and try pedaling is scheduled during May, in part, because it is one of the best months to bicycle in Sacramento — after the winter rains and before the summer heat.

April is also a pretty good month to bicylce. To that end, rest stops will be in place this month to promote biking in May.

Bicyclists are urged to look for “Energizer Stations” along key commuting routes in the Sacramento area. Most of the stations will be set up along the American River Bike Trail.

More at SacBee.com >>>