Guest Speakers

Arden Arcade has been fortunate to have guest speakers at public meetings for the community. Here you will find summaries of their talks.

A group of professionals poses together in front of a sign for the League of California Cities.

October 31, 2017

10/16 Community Forum Summary Part 2

This is the second segment of a summary about the Community Forum on Municipal Incorporation and Local Governance, held on October 16, 2017 at the Conzelman Community Center in Howe Park. This segment covers Guest Speaker Katherine Borges, who spoke about the experiences her unincorporated community of Salida, in Stanislaus County, have had trying to protect against annexations--and how that has…

A speaker presents to an audience in a community center, with a projector display and chairs arranged in rows.

October 19, 2017

10/16 Community Forum Summary Part 1

This is the first segment of a summary about the Community Forum on Municipal Incorporation and Local Governance, held on October 16, 2017 at the Conzelman Community Center in Howe Park. The Forum was opened by Carl Dolk, President of the Advocates for Arden Arcade. Hewelcomed the audience and explained that the meeting would provide information about the process of incorporation such that people…

A welcoming sign for Salida, surrounded by flowers, with nearby businesses visible in the background.

October 12, 2017

Guest Speaker for Oct. 16th Community Forum

Katherine Borges will be the Guest Speaker at the October 16, 2017 Community Forum on Municipal Incorporation and Local Governance to be held at Howe Park. She is a leader in her community of Salida in Stanislaus County and an articulate spokeswoman for local control there. Katherine is the President of the Salida Chamber of Commerce, chairs the Salida Municipal Advisory Council, and serves on…

A group of people seated in a room, listening to a speaker while holding papers, with a presentation happening.

October 28, 2016

What's Stopping Arden Arcade from Becoming a City?

Guest speaker Michael Coleman spoke at our meeting last night. He is a recognized expert on municipal finance. His talk identified a big fly in the incorporation ointment -- one put there by the state Legislature. Specifically, the Vehicle License Fee (VLF) is an important revenue source for cities and counties. The share apportioned to cities has historically been spread across all cities…

October 17, 2016

Can Arden Arcade afford to be a city? -- Municipal finance expert to speak on 10/26/16.

There is a growing interest to seek incorporation of the local community, but is it financially feasible? Please join the Advocates for Arden Arcade to hear an objective presentation from Mr. Michael Coleman, an expert on California local government revenues, spending, and financing. He is the principal fiscal policy advisor to both the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers, and for…

A modern community center with a fountain, palm trees, and a clear blue sky. Sign reads "Citrus Heights Community Center."

March 7, 2016

How Citrus Heights became a city and made the community better

On January 19, 2016, Citrus Heights Mayor Jeannie Bruins spoke at a community meeting hosted by the Advocates for Arden Arcade. Mayor Bruins explained how Citrus Heights transitioned from an unincorporated community to an incorporated city and spoke of the city's success at providing residents with public safety and businesses with a thriving local economy. It took many years for the community to…

A man in a striped sweater sits on a chair, gesturing with his hand while a coffee table with documents is nearby.

November 17, 2015

Summary of LAFCo presentation on 11/16/2015

Mr. Don Lockhart, Assistant Executive Officer of the Sacramento County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) gave a presentation at the monthly meeting of the Advocates for Arden Arcade on 11/16/2015. Mr. Lockhart explained what LAFCo does and mentioned its 7-member governing body. Pursuant to state law, there is a LAFCo in every County in California. The Sacramento County LAFCo consists of 2…

November 9, 2015

Community event: LAFCO presentation 11/16/15

One of the stated purposes of the Advocates for Arden Arcade is to provide education on issues affecting us all, and to that end, would like to invite you to join us in learning about a little-known arm of state government.
If you know about the duties of the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), count yourself as one of the few. Despite its low-key presence, it has a very important role…