News and Press Releases
Recology Auburn Placer Cost of Living Adjustment
Public Hearing Set for June 22
Recology of Auburn Placer is contracted to handle solid waste services for the City of Rocklin. The contract allows for a yearly cost of living adjustment and Recology has informed the City they plan to increase costs by an average of 1.7% next fiscal year, which begins on July 1, 2021.
Whitney Ranch Parkway Extension Scheduled to Open May 18
The extension connecting Whitney Ranch Parkway from Highway 65 to Park Drive is scheduled to open the afternoon of Tuesday, May 18.
The extension will provide a west-to-east connector in northwest Rocklin, allowing current and future residents improved access to their homes, local amenities, and other major thoroughfares.
Speed limits of 35 miles per hour have been posted on the new section of Whitney Ranch Parkway (from the eastern end of Ranchview Drive to Whitney Oaks Drive) and will be enforced.
May is Mental Health Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the City of Rocklin is sharing tips from the organization Mental Health America.
While there is a light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel as more and more people are vaccinated, coronavirus has affected everyone in some way. Daily life has been disrupted due to stay at home orders, social distancing, and business closures. It is normal to feel worry and stress during a time of crisis, and paying attention to mental health can help people better cope with the situation.
April 27 City Council Recap
Housing Element Draft, Fire Dept. Annual Report
Draft Housing Element Modifications Discussed – Item 26
The City of Rocklin, along with many cities and counties throughout the state, is in the process of updating its 6th Cycle 2021-2029 Housing Element and Safety Element consistent with recent legislation and state law.
On Tuesday night, staff presented City Council with potential options for updating Rocklin’s draft Housing Element to address critical comments from the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HUD).
The issues focused on five areas, including:
Respect Rocklin’s Open Space Preserves
The City of Rocklin’s open space preserves are a valuable natural resource and amenity for all Rocklin residents.
The lands provide habitat for local plants and wildlife, help to maintain ecosystem benefits, and provide storm protection against flooding. Open space preserves near residences are also shown to increase property values and decrease urban sprawl by encouraging smart development.
Ruhkala Community Service Awards Feature
Kathie Nippert - Pioneer Award Recipient
It often seems like Kathie Nippert is everywhere things are happening in Rocklin. Her largest role may be as a longtime member and current board member of the Rocklin Historical Society, but she also serves many other aspects of the community.
She has worked on events hosted by the Rocklin Friends of the Library, graduated from the Rocklin Chamber of Commerce’s “Leadership Rocklin” program, volunteers for the annual “Run Rocklin” event, and even read “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” during Rocklin’s virtual tree lighting ceremony.
“Keep the Lights On” Grant Program Checks Delivered
The Keep the Lights On in Rocklin grant funds have been delivered, assisting 175 Rocklin business with energy bills during the pandemic. The City encourages residents to continue to support the Rocklin community by shopping local, at establishments big and small.
City Honors Longtime CFO Kim Sarkovich
For the past 29 years, former Chief Financial Officer Kim Sarkovich has managed the City of Rocklin’s finances with outstanding results. On Tuesday night, the City Council bid her farewell in her retirement, as she looks forward to more personal and family time.
Under Sarkovich’s guidance, Rocklin has prospered in good times and been a model of stability in times of economic upheaval, due to sound fiscal management and Council policies.
April 13 City Council Recap
Annual Weed Abatement Program Reduces Fire Hazard in Rocklin
The City of Rocklin requires property owners of vacant parcels within the City to clear their land of weeds and rubbish annually to reduce the risk of fires. If the work is not complete by a certain date each year (June 1, 2021) then the City declares the property a public nuisance and schedules the work to be completed. Costs are billed to land owners.
2021 Ruhkala Community Service Awards Feature
Stuart "Stu" Lehman - Individual Award Recipient
The City of Rocklin could not offer the quality programs and public services it does without the volunteers who work tirelessly to support staff efforts. 2021 Ruhkala Community Service Award honoree Stuart “Stu” Lehman is a great example of someone who has gone above and beyond to consistently serve Rocklin.
Rocklin PD Recognized for Excellence in Law Enforcement
Department Awarded Tier 2 CALEA Accreditation
The employees and volunteers of the Rocklin Police Department are committed to upholding the highest level of professionalism in serving the residents and businesses of Rocklin.
To ensure the department’s procedures and best practices meet or exceed nationwide standards, Rocklin PD seeks accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).
California aims to fully reopen economy June 15
As California reaches 20 million vaccines administered and COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations have stabilized, the state announced Tuesday that it is looking to move beyond the Blueprint for a Safer Economy and fully reopen. On June 15, all industries across the state can return to usual operations with common-sense risk reduction measures such as masking and vaccinations.
The California Dept. of Public Health writes that the state will only progress to this stage if people continue to stay vigilant, keep wearing masks and getting vaccinated. The state will monitor hospitalization rates, vaccine access, and vaccine efficacy against variants with the option to revisit the June 15 date if needed.
Read more at the California Dept. of Public Health’s webpage on moving beyond the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy.
2021 Ruhkala Community Service Awards Feature
Staci Bier - Individual Award Recipient
Staci’s Helping Hands was born in 2017 when Rocklin resident Staci Bier took on leadership of a small charitable group and decided to run a food pantry out of her apartment. Her mission was to simply help those in the community who are hungry.
Today, Staci’s Helping Hands has grown into an online community with more than 2,500 members, who regularly provide food and baby products to those in need, and deliver meals and gifts during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
2021 Ruhkala Community Service Awards Feature
Father Michael Dillon - Pioneer Award Recipient
When Father Michael Dillon arrived in Rocklin on May 1, 1981, the first thing that struck him was the community – everyone seemed to know each other, was involved, and helped out.
“Since long before I came here, Rocklin has been very family oriented and full of friendly, helpful people who were very much in tune with one another,” said Dillon, reflecting back.
Grant Funding Approved for Potential SWRA Trails Expansion
Rocklin residents who enjoy walking, running or riding through the Sunset Whitney Recreation Area (SWRA) are one step closer to exploring another 0.75 miles of pathways after City Council approved $472,500 in funding for park improvements on Tuesday night.
$428,000 is available through state grants focused on recreation, with the city required to match $44,500. City Council approved resolutions to secure the grant monies and expressed the desire to fund Phase I of the East Trails expansion at SWRA once received.
Rocklin Resident Recognized as CA Parks Society ‘Champion of the Community’
Beautiful parks and trails can be taken for granted in Rocklin, but a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to keep these outdoor spaces clean and safe.
A good example of these efforts is the Trail Keepers volunteer program, made up of Rocklin residents who volunteer their time to walk Rocklin parks and trails, pick up trash, notify staff of damages or safety issues, and keep the community fresh for all to enjoy.
Placer County Moves Into The State’s Blueprint For A Safer Economy ‘Red Tier’, Effective March 14
Vaccine Eligibility Also Updated
The California Department of Public Health announced today that Placer County, including the City of Rocklin, will move into the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy “red tier” on Sunday, March 14, after statewide vaccinations thresholds were met and tier metrics relaxed as a result: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR21-084.aspx
March 9 Council Recap
2021 Concert Season Announced, PD Annual Report
Item 23 – Quarry Park
Amphitheater Concert Season
Headlining acts Parmalee, Flock of Seagulls, the Smithereens and more, will be joined by Jennifer Belle and Red Voodoo this summer season at Quarry Park Amphitheater, if state COVID-19 restrictions allow.
Additional events are also being planned, including improv comedy shows, A Day on the Green featuring numerous cover bands, and a women’s empowerment event.
Latest Tobacco Grant Continues Funding for Youth Services Officer
Kids in the Rocklin Unified School District will continue to benefit from the presence of a third Rocklin Police Department youth services officer for at least the next two fiscal years thanks to a new grant award of $454,540 from California’s Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016.
For the last two fiscal years, the City and RUSD have had a youth services officer working in tobacco prevention programs, funded by an existing Department of Justice grant. Due to the program’s success, the City has been granted a second tobacco grant award.
Signal Work at Major Rocklin Intersections
Equipment Upgrades To Increase Traffic Management Capabilities
The City of Rocklin will begin installation of traffic signal controller equipment at 28 intersections on main thoroughfares in the City beginning Wednesday, March 3, a major step toward ensuring traffic flows safely and smoothly into the future.
The work will begin at the Sierra College Blvd. and Granite Drive intersection at approximately 8 a.m. and then move south to each intersection along Sierra College Blvd. The signaled intersections along the following roads will have the new equipment installed:
- Sierra College Blvd. from Granite Drive to Rocklin Rd.
- Rocklin Rd from Sierra College Blvd. to Pacific St.
- Pacific St. from Delmar Ave. to Sunset Blvd.
- Sunset Blvd. from Pacific St. to University Ave.