The Rancho Cordova Podcast

Guest Host Curt Haven Interviews Community Champion Julie Hagan-Belka

Julie Hagan-Belka is an active member of the Rancho Cordova community. She is the immediate Past Chair of Easter Seals of Superior California, the Vice President of the Cordova Community Council, and the Co-Founder of the Rancho Cordova Community Golf Classic, which, since 2016, has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to various organizations throughout the community.
 

JP Dolliver - Head Coach, Cordova’s Lancers Varsity football team

Football season is here, and there’s quite the vibe going on at Cordova High School. Host Mike Marando sits down with 2nd-year Lancers head coach JP Dolliver for a preview of the 2024 season, a look back on 2023 and an inside look at some of the cool activities that will be taking place during Cordova home games this year. The team has emerging talent in QB Tristan Smith and wide receiver Damajae Moses, but that’s not all. Tune in this week!

Micah Runner, Rancho Cordova City Manager

This week we have a great episode with guest host Curt Haven who sits down with Rancho Cordova City Manager, Micah Runner.
Curt and Micah go way back as Curt hired Micah to work in the Economic development dept at City Hall when Curt was Economic Development Director for the city. Of course, Micah went onto a great career in city management and today he is the third city Manager of our city.
I really enjoyed this episode, I learnt a lot and I think you will too,
Today’s episode is sponsored by Fat Elephant Records books and Music a new record and bookstore opening in Rancho Cordova.

Welcome New Guest Host Curt Haven!

If you are a regular listener of this podcast, you will have heard our two guest hosts, Mike Marando, who covers all things sports, and Cheryl Gleason, who brings us great shows about the arts scene here in Rancho Cordova and our region as a whole.
Well, today I’m delighted to introduce you to our third guest host, and I am so happy he has agreed to join the podcast and bring us regular shows, which he is calling “Community Champions.”
I have known Curt Haven for a couple of years. In fact, last year, on an early episode of this podcast, he was a guest, and I had the pleasure of interviewing him. Curt is a truly kind and compassionate human being. Many people who have worked at City Hall since the incorporation of the city refer to Curt Haven as “number 1,” as he was the first employee at the City of Rancho Cordova after its incorporation in 2003. Since then, he has held numerous senior positions at the City of Rancho Cordova, where he worked for many years until his retirement.
Shelly Blanchard, Executive Director of Cordova Community Council, once said, “A hug from Curt Haven can cure cancer.” One of the best phrases I have ever heard about someone, and now knowing Curt, I tend to agree.
On Curt’s inaugural show, he turns the tables on me, and I am his first guest. A true honor for me.
So please sit back and welcome Curt Haven as our new guest host on the Rancho Cordova Podcast.

Bajrang Moran , Master Sattva Yoga Teacher /Vedic Astrologer, Sattva California - Host Charles Lago

Sattva California is home of “Positive Mind Performance Training”, 30-minute classes designed for busy minds and practiced sitting on couches or cushions. Sattva’s practices integrate time-tested, practical and scientific techniques designed for optimal mental, physical, and emotional health benefits. In addition, Sattva offers yoga classes which include hatha/vinyasa, yin, and kriya.  
Bajrang Moran is a Master Sattva Yoga Teacher and Vedic Astrologer with over 500+ hours of practice, and Co-Founder of Sattva California. After an epic motorcycle trip to the Himalayas in 2018 led by his Himalayan Master Teacher, he went deeper into studying and teaching yoga, ayurveda and vedic astrology. He encourages his students to practice radiating lovingness.
I really enjoyed speaking with Bajrang and learning so much about the practice of mindfulness and yoga.    

Lee Frechette, Planning Commisioner, City of Rancho Cordova - Host Charles Lago

Join a conversation with Host Charles Lago and Lee Frechette, a leading pyrotechnics expert in the county who has worked on many spectacular fireworks displays. We'll explore the vibrant history and exciting details of Rancho Cordova's Fourth of July Celebration, the largest event in the region. Discover how the Cordova Community Council revitalized this beloved tradition in 2000, transforming it into a symbol of community pride. From the fun run and parade to carnival rides, food trucks, top-notch entertainment, and breathtaking fireworks shows, this two-day festival at Hagan Park has something for everyone. Hear from Lee Frechette about the magic behind the displays.
Get your tickets at ranchocordovajuly4th.com and join us for an unforgettable celebration!

Jeff Kaut - Sports Host Mike Marando

Jeff Kaut, regarded as the best catcher to come out of Cordova High School, sits down with Mike Marando this month on the Rancho Cordova Sports podcast!
In 1970, Kaut earned the rare distinction of being named to both the Sacramento Bee and Sacramento Union’s All-City baseball team – as a junior. Kaut led all area catchers with a .362 batting average in 1970 and hit .469 in league. Post high school, Jeff enjoyed a stellar real estate career.
Jeff talks about growing up in Rancho Cordova in the early 1960s, the important role his mentors played in shaping the man he has become today, and yes, a little baseball along the way!

Carlos Fuentes, Pianist/Composer, Symphony d'Oro, Guest Host Cheryl Gleason

Join host Cheryl Gleason for an engaging conversation with Carlos McMillan Fuentes, a versatile pianist, composer, singer-songwriter, and music educator. He has performed with the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera, Symphony d'Oro, Camellia Symphony Orchestra, and Camerata California. We'll delve into his acclaimed recent suite City Portraits, commissioned to celebrate Rancho Cordova’s 20th anniversary. Inspired by local stories and landmarks, City Portraits features movements like "The Woman at Mills Station," "Pioneers of Sky and Space," inspired by the pioneers in the aerospace industry and the military members who have contributed so much to our country and the community of Rancho Cordova, and "Toccata Koreana," inspired by the people who visit the commercial innovation that is Koreana Plaza.
Tune in to explore Fuentes's musical journey and creative process!

Dr. Steven Winlock, Executive Director of the Sacramento County Office of Education, guest Host Cheryl Gleason

Welcome  listeners to another captivating Arts and Culture installment of the Rancho Cordova Podcast. Today, Guest Host Cheryl Gleason, Director and Curator of the MACC, extends a warm welcome to a true dignitary in the field of education, Dr. Steven Winlock, Executive Director of the Sacramento County Office of Education.
Born and raised In Rancho Cordova, and a career spanning over 45 years, Dr. Winlock's dedication as a teacher, principal, and superintendent serves as a guiding beacon  in our evolving educational journey. As the Sacramento City arts commissioner, his dedication to advocating for the arts and commitment to enhancing our communities through culture and creativity shines through. We hope you enjoy this special episode. 

Jason Harper, Director, Rancho Cordova Athletic Association, Hosted by Mike Marando

Community advocate … philanthropist … ultra-runner and promoter. This guy has one speed:  fast! Mike Marando sits down with Jason Harper, Director of the Rancho Cordova Athletic Association for a high-octane conversation on everything from youth athletics to what the Rancho Cordova of tomorrow will look like. No stranger to the Sacramento region, Jason grew up in El Dorado Hills, and played varsity baseball for Oak Ridge High in the late 1980s and pitched a no-hitter against Mesa Verde in 1989. Fasten your seat belt!

Guest Host Cheryl Gleason speaks with Dan Fong, Ceo of The Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps

On today's episode, Dan Fong joins guest host Cheryl Gleason, offering a glimpse into the organization's rich history and cultural significance. With a background in optometry, shares his journey from flute player to deep involvement in the Mandarins, marching for nine years and eventually taking on leadership roles.
As the current president and CEO, Fong oversees various programs beyond the drum corps, including music education initiatives in schools. Founded in 1963, the Mandarins initially served as a musical outlet for Sacramento's Chinese community but have since evolved to welcome members of all backgrounds. The organization's commitment to equity, inclusion, and core values like respect and family has kept its community strong and cohesive, fostering a sense of belonging and support for all members.
"Transforming lives through performing arts." 

Elizabeth Culp, Regional Development Director, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

On today’s show we are delighted to welcome three special guests. Elizabeth Culp the Regional Development Director for  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Landon Capagli, Resource Planning Manager at Woodside Homes and Alexandria Seele, Sales and Marketing coordinator at Woodside Homes.
If I told you that for $100 you stand the chance, and a very good chance at that, of winning a newly built, 2,400 sq. foot, 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath, double garage and a beautiful backyard home located in the Sycamore at Cypress community right here in Rancho Cordova that was built by well-known developer Woodside Homes and  that is worth $750,000, and then I told you that no more than 9,000 people will be entered to win so the odds are extremely good, would you believe me?
Well it's absolutely true. The City of Rancho Cordova, Woodside Homes and other partners are making this happen. And the reason? to raise money for  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
In order to buy tickets visit
Sacramento St. Jude Dream Home landing page https://www.stjude.org/give/dream-home/sacramento.html
Call 24/7 to reserve a ticket:  800-564-8758
The Home is located at the Sycamore at Cypress community in Rancho Cordova
4304 Nobelton Way, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
Free open house tours:
April 6 – April 21
Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sundays: noon – p.m.
              Guests may register for free at the open house for a chance to win a $10,000 shopping spree, courtesy of Ashley®
 
About  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
 
As a young man, Danny Thomas had a simple goal: to entertain people and be successful enough at it to provide for his wife and family. But work wasn’t easy to come by. As he and his family struggled, his despair grew. He wondered if he should give up on his dreams of acting or find a steady job. He turned to St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of hopeless causes. “Show me my way in life,” he vowed to the saint one night in a Detroit church, “and I will build you a shrine.”
That prayer to  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital marked a pivotal moment in his life. Soon after, he began finding work, eventually becoming one of the biggest stars of radio, film and television in his day.
And as one of the world’s biggest celebrities, Danny used his fame to fulfill his vow to St. Jude Thaddeus and to change the lives of thousands of children and families with a unique research institute.
Danny’s shrine to St. Jude Thaddeus was originally to be a general children’s hospital located somewhere in the south. Danny’s mentor, Cardinal Samuel Stritch, recommended he look to Memphis, Tennessee, the cardinal’s hometown. By 1955 Danny and a group of Memphis businessmen he’d rallied to build the hospital decided it should be more than a general children’s hospital. At the time, the survival rate for childhood cancers was 20%, and for those with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) — the most common form of childhood cancer — only 4% of children would live
 
Danny began raising money for his vision in the early 1950s. By 1955, the Memphis business leaders who’d joined his cause also began local fundraising efforts. Danny also wanted to get the word out across the country about what he was doing and enlist the support of everyone he could.
 St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital opened its doors on February 4, 1962, based on Danny's dream that "no child should die in the dawn of life." Since then, we’ve made incredible strides in childhood cancer research. We’ve helped improve the survival rate of childhood cancer from 20% to 80%. And ALL, the disease with a virtual death sentence in 1962, now has a survival rate of 94 percent.
 
So let’s get right to the show and we are going to let our guests explain this exciting opportunity. So grab a pen and paper, and get ready to buy a ticket or more there’s no limit to your new dream home.  

Claire Bone, Owner & Co-founder, Wild Sisters Book Company

On today's episode of the Rancho Cordova Podcast we are joined by Claire Bone, the passionate owner and co-founder of Wild Sisters Book Company. Claire's journey into entrepreneurship was ignited by a long-standing desire to run her own business, but it took the upheaval of the pandemic to truly catalyze her dreams into action.
Tune in as Claire takes us through the inspiring tale of not just opening a bookstore, but creating a vibrant community hub. Wild Sisters isn't merely a place to peruse books; it's a sanctuary for relaxation, a haven for learning, listening to a upcoming long list of guest speakers and authors,  a space for forging new connections, and above all, an inspiring environment where individuals can simply be. Join us as we delve into Claire's entrepreneurial odyssey and explore the profound impact of her vision.
Wild Sisters Book Company
3325 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95816

Guest Host Mike Marando speaks with Mark Young (Cordova High ’84)

Few players electrified fans with breakaway speed more than Mark Young. His 28 touchdowns and 2,257 all-purpose yards as a senior led the Max Miller coached Lancers to an 11-1 record in 1983 and a 22-2 two-year varsity record. Young was an elite flanker, punt returner and tailback who was named to the Bee’s 1983 1st team All-Metro squad.
 
Young’s signature football moment was a bewitching 53-yard TD catch-and-run as time was running out that gave the Sacramento State Hornets its first Causeway Classic win over UC Davis in 18 years, 31-28. Young played for the Chicago Bruisers in the Arena Football League and is an inductee into the Sacramento State Hall of Fame. He is the brother of 2015 Hall of Fame inductee Reggie Young.

Guest Host Cheryl Gleason talks with Pete Nowlen, Rancho Cordova Symphony d'Oro Conductor

One of Northern California's busiest musicians, Music Director and Conductor Pete Nowlen has been a member of the UC Davis faculty since 1988 and currently serves as Director of Concert Bands. Pete currently holds Artistic Director posts with Camerata California Chamber Choir and the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band. He has been the California Youth Symphony Brass Coach since 1992 and summer camp co-director since 2007. 
Orchestral conducting credits include the Sacramento Symphony, U.C. Davis Symphony Orchestra, Sacramento State University Symphony Orchestra, Camellia Symphony, and Music in the Mountains Orchestra. Opera, ballet and theater conducting credits include La Boheme, Hansel und Gretel, Magic Flute, Amahl, Orpheus in the Underworld, La Finta Gardiniere, Billy the Kid, L’Histoire du Soldat, Façade, Little Shop of Horrors, Falsettos, Company, and Man of La Mancha.
Horn performance credits include the San Francisco Symphony, Opera and Ballet orchestras, Symphony Silicon Valley, Sacramento Symphony, Philharmonic and Opera, the Music in the Mountains Festival, and the International Orchestra of Italy.
Pete is the founder and driving force behind Sacramento’s VITA Academy, dedicated to revitalizing classical music through innovative community and audience engagement and school music programs.
 

Guest Host Mike Marando interviews Larry Wolfe, former MLB player

Mike Marando sits down with Larry Wolfe, one of Cordova High School’s early three-sport stars who went on to play MLB for the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox.
Wolfe is a 1971 CHS graduate who starred in football, basketball and baseball for the 1969-1971 Lancers and developed into one of the area’s top quarterbacks, infielders and pitchers as a senior.
Larry was inducted as part of the Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame’s first class of inductees in 2015.  What’s Larry doing today? Find out on the next edition of the Rancho Cordova Sports podcast!

David M. Sander, Ph.D. Mayor, City of Rancho Cordova, President of National League of Cities

On today’s show we welcome back Rancho Cordova Mayor, David Sander to the podcast.
 
Mayor Sandor has served the City of Rancho Cordova since the city was incorporated back in 2003 where as one of the original elected officials, has served on the city council for over 20 years and this year, 2024 is serving his fifth term as Mayor.
 
We are particularly delighted to have Mayor Sander on the show today as this year he is also serving as the president of the National League of Cities which also celebrates their 100th anniversary in 2024. The NLC represents the 19,000 cities, towns, and villages of our country in Washington, DC which gives our Mayor a great insight and connections to other cities and their operations across the country.
 
I really enjoyed welcoming Mayor David Sander PHD back on to the show, my name is Charles Lago and please enjoy todays episode.

Guest Host Cheryl Gleason interviews Marsha Mason, artist/treasurer Rancho Cordova Arts

Arts and Entertainment: Rancho Cordova is known as the "City of Events" and houses one of the best Art Complex in our region The MACC. The City has its own orchestra, Symphony D'oro, a Swing Dance Band, a Black Box Theatre, and features one of the largest July 4th fireworks displays in the region, and a whole slate of large outdoor events.
Every month Director/ Curator of The MACC, Cheryl Gleason speaks to visual artists, musicians, actors, theatre groups as well as other notable influencers in the art scene in the Sacramento Region.
It is not uncommon to hear people marvel at the explosion of the arts in Rancho Cordova, and for good reason. Where ever you go in our city, you are likely to experience a bit of art – whether painted on the side of a utility box, as music heard wafting through a grocery store or enjoyed during a casual wander through the Mills Station Arts and Culture Center.
 It’s true that the arts have continued to grow in Rancho Cordova in so many ways that it is easy to forget that it has been only 10 years since this spark was ignited, and how the wonderful Marsha Mason has guided it to success.
Marsha brought a background as a landscape architect with experience running large programs in the public sector to Rancho Cordova’s newborn arts movement back in 2012. She was CEO of Sites Pacific, Inc., a landscape architectural firm specializing in public works projects and visual impact assessments. She taught landscape architecture courses as a lecturer at U.C. Davis. Marsha served as President of the Sierra Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, was a founder of WalkSacramento.
 Those skills all come together in 2012 as Marsha joined a small group of local artists to work with the Cordova Community Council to form what has become known as “Rancho Cordova Arts.” That year, the first City Hall exhibit launched with a fine art exhibit of local artists aptly named “Genesis.”
Most artists are content – and prefer -- to simply work on their art, but Marsha is not like most artists. Understanding the importance of having an organization of people committed to an artistic future, she rolled up her sleeves to accomplish less glamourous foundational tasks like creating a non-profit organization, developing a website, creating a newsletter and focusing artistic energy in the community to produce memorable art events.

Robert Sanger, Executive Director of the Folsom Cordova Community Partnership

On today’s show we speak to Robert Sanger Executive Director of the Folsom Cordova Community Partnership.
 
The Folsom Cordova Community Partnership is a 501(c)3 community based non-profit whosemission and vision is to: build strong families, meet the needs of struggling parents to increase self -sufficiency, promote youth development through positive peer and adult relationships and develop employment skills for individuals to achieve their career goals.
 
With two primary focuses.  First, to prevent child abuse through parent education and support, and free family activities and vital resources. The other is to assist families in achieving self-sufficiency through job search assistance, providing scholarships for career training, professional skill building education, financial empowerment, refugee / asylee employment supports, youth leadership and career exploration.
 
Robert Sanger joined the FCCP team in 2006.  During his tenure, he has provided leadership and vision for mission fulfillment in an effort to meet the needs of our community.  For 25+ years, Robert has dedicated his career to enhancing supportive services for overburdened families in Sacramento County.  He feels that one of the greatest pleasures is to see families succeed because they have the tools and opportunity to achieve their full potential.  His educational background includes a degree in Psychology from California State University Sacramento, years of working in the human services field and multiple professional certificates.
 
The Rancho Cordova Podcast is produced by Jose Ruiz, engineered by Rafael Portillo with music by Anthony Espina.
 

Cheryl Gleason, Art Director/Curator at The MACC

We are honored to have Cheryl Gleason Curator/ Artist Director of the MACC Gallery- Mills Station Arts and Cultural Center to be joining us again.
 
Cheryl Gleason's roots in the art world date back to her childhood. Growing up in Sandpoint, Idaho, she was passionate about drawing, often recreating found pictures on paper with pencil. She dreamed of being an artist. After finishing high school Cheryl moved to California and started community college for art classes and fell back in love with art the thing that was missing in my life for the longest time".
With a degree in fine art and a minor in art history from the University of California, Davis. Today Cheryl is the Curator/Director of the Mills Station Arts and Cultural Center (MACC) regularly featuring exhibits focused on local artists, culture, history, and social justice.
Starting February, Cheryl will be a regular guest host on the Rancho Cordova Podcast where she will host a show on all things art in the City of RanchoCordova.
 

Rancho Cordova New Chief of Police, Matthew Tamayo

On this episode of the Rancho Cordova Podcast, we introduce you to the new Rancho Cordova Police Chief, Matthew Tamayo who took over the reigns as RCPD Chief from Chief Brandon Luke in December 2023. Chief Tamayo is no stranger to Rancho Cordova, having had three previous stints at RCPD as Sergeant, Lieutenant and Assistant Chief under Brandon Luke. 
 
Matthew Tamayo started his law enforcement career with the Sacramento Sheriff's Office 24 years ago, and has held numerous assignments including Corrections, Patrol, Problem Oriented Policing (POP) Officer, Gang Detective, Narcotics Detective, Internal Affairs, and most recently as the Commander of the Training and Education Division. Tamayo also previously served the Rancho Cordova Police Department (RCPD) as a Patrol Supervisor, Patrol Watch Commander, Operations Commander and Assistant Police Chief.
 
Chief Tamayo has been committed to building relationships and trust through community involvement and transparency throughout his career. With his experience previously working as a sergeant and lieutenant in the City of Rancho Cordova, and knowledge of the diverse neighborhoods, The Rancho Cordova Police Department is in great hands under his leadership. 
 
We really enjoyed getting to know Chief Tamayo and we hope you enjoy the show as much as we enjoyed speaking with him. 
 
The Rancho Cordova Podcast is brought to you by the Rancho Cordova Film Office. 

City of Racho Cordova’s Neighborhood Services, Russell Ducharme

Happy New Year! 
We are very happy to be back after a two-month Hiatus during which time we have been working hard to bring you diverse slate of shows with some great guests in 2024. 
 
As we kick off 2024 our guest today in Russell Ducharme manager of the City of Racho Cordova's Neighborhood Services. 
The Neighborhood Services Division’s goal is to grow and maintain strong and vibrant neighborhoods through five main programs: Code Enforcement, Animal Services, Parking Enforcement, Rental Housing, and Homeless Outreach. Collaborating with and educating our community about municipal codes, health and safety requirements, and animal services laws creates healthy neighborhoods, happy residents, as well as a sense of community and shared pride.
We had a wide-ranging discussion with Russell who told us about the many services Rancho Cordova Neighborhood Services provides the residents of Rancho Cordova. If you enjoy this program, look out for future shows as we ride along with an Animal Services Officer as they go about their work and on another episode as we follow an officer from the Code Enforcment Division to give us a birds eye view on what these hard working men and woman do to keep Rancho Cordova the great city it is today, safe and beautiful. 

Guest Host Mike Marando speaks with Joey Ortiz

As the gift of Christmas and the hope of a New Year approach, on this weeks show, guest host Mike Marando sits down with 1989 Cordova High School Alum and former football player Joey Ortiz, for an unabashedly candid conversation how he overcame a series of personal tragedies, and how his experience can offer a beacon of hope to those addicted to drugs and alcohol.
AS we prepare for our new season of shows premiering on January 10, 2024, we hope you enjoy this special episode and on behalf of everyone here at the Rancho Cordova Film Office, Charles Lago, Jose Ruiz, Rafael Portillo and Daniel Aniceto we wish you very happy holidays and a very happy and successful 2024. See you next year! 

Curt Haven, Rancho Cordova’s Founding Father (Replay)

Welcome to the Rancho Cordova Podcast brought to you by the Rancho Cordova Film Office.
 
While we continue to take a break for the month of December as we put together a great slate of shows for our new season that will launch January 3rd of 2024, this month we are going to replay some of our most listened to and popular episodes.
 
This week we are delighted to replay the conversation I had with Curt Haven.
 
Curt was the first employee at the City of Rancho Cordova upon the city’s incorporation back in 2003. For over 20 years, Curt had a great career with the City of Rancho Cordova and was instrumental in building this city in the powerhouse it is today. Today, Curt is affectionally referred to by city leaders as “number one”…meaning the first employee of Rancho Cordova.
 
Curt and I had a great conversation, I really enjoyed sitting down with him. We hope you enjoy this replay.

Col. Merryl Tengesdal, USAF

Today's podcast was taped 4 weeks ago, and we saved it to launch this week in honor of Veterans dat. 
On this week show we speak to Merryl Tengesdal a retired career military officer who is the first and only Black woman to fly the United Sates Airforce's U-2 spy plane used for specialized high-altitude reconnaissance missions. She is one of five women and only the fourth Black person to be in the U-2 program. She shares the plane's nickname, The Dragon Lady.
Tengesdal is a military veteran, aviator, and commander who served in both the US Navy and the US Air Force. Tengesdal had also served in the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan, and served as Director of Inspections for The Air Force Inspector General from October 2015 through August 2017, retiring at the rank of United States Air Force Colonel.
Col. Tengesdal is a true hero and a formidable and accomplished woman. I really enjoyed our conversation and I think you will also. 

Rebroadcast of Kathy Lester, Sacramento Police Chief

On this week's episode we speak with Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester.
Kathy Lester was raised in Rancho Cordova and enlisted in the Army after High School. She attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA where she became fluent in Russian, and served as a crypto logical linguist. Additionally, she was cross trained as a combat medic and range master. Kathy served both stateside and in Korea and Japan while she was attached to the 373rd and 368th Military Intelligence Battalions.
She was awarded the Combat Lifesaving Medal, the National Defense Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.
She joined the Sacramento Police Department in 1994 as a dispatcher, became a community service officer and was sworn in as a police officer in 1996. During her long career with Sac PD she has worked in almost every Department and today she is the first woman to hold Chief of Police position.
During our conversation, we really got to know Kathy Lester and we discussed all things policing in the City of Sacramento.
 
 

Doc Talks - JOE238

One of our missions here at the rancho Cordova film office is to organize and put on the California Capital Documentary Film Festival that this year takes place on Saturday, September 29 and Sunday October 1. The film festival screens over 50 films at three screening locations over the two days. This will be the second year of the festival and this year is shaping up to be a great event.  
 
The main screening location is at Rancho Cordova City Hall where we turn the City Council Chambers into a movie theatre. We bring in a giant screen and state of the art projection and sound system. The second screen is also at Rancho Cordova City Hall in the American River Room and the third is at the new RC Youth Center where they also have state of the art screening facilities.
 
Over the past 2-3 weeks we have been talking to film makers whose films we are screening. On this week’s episode I’m delighted to be speaking with Colleen Brown the Director of JOE 238.
 
JOE238 deals with the sudden death of Sacramento Police Officer Joe Chairez who collapsed while making an arrest, he was rushed to UC Davis Medical Center where tragically he died of a brain aneurism. Joe had always made it clear that if anything happened to him he wanted all his organs donated.
 
JOE238 looks at who Joe was, his untimely death and his father’s, Jess Chairez quest to keep Joe’s memory alive and to bring light and awareness to organ donation and how important that is.
 
I thoroughly enjoyed speaking to Coleen about her film and I think you will enjoy hearing this story.

Yvette Collins, Rancho Cordova Hall of Fame Inductee

Yvette Collins and the 1984 Lady Lancers racked up a 32-1 record on their way to the Section Championship and is considered the best girls basketball team in Cordova High history.  Today she owns and operates an academy for young children in Ghana, West Africa. 
 

Col. Robert J. Martinelli, USAF (Ret)

The most important and long-lasting institution in Rancho Cordova history has been Mather Field which would become Mather Air Force Base and today is Mather Airport.
For 100 years, Mather has drawn people from around the country and the world. But as the old saying goes, people’s memories are good, but short. And that is what makes the contribution of former Mather Wing Commander Col. Robert J. Martinelli so important.
Col. Martinelli’s contributions to Mather have actually spanned more than 30 years. He first came to Mather during the Cold War to train at the beginning of his long Air Forcecareer and years later he returned as its commander to close it down when the peace dividend was paid in 1992.  
Col Martinelli had a distinguished career in the United Sates Air Force.
Bob Martinelli, who began his military career flying combat missions over Vietnam, later served in various command and administrative postings, including an assignment at the Pentagon. In the ’90s, with the Cold War over and Saddam Hussein defeated for the first time, the military began to downsize. During that time Martinelli oversaw a $200 million expansion of one base to accommodate the relocation of troops and equipment. Locally, he later supervised drawdown and eventual closings of both Mather and McClellan Air Force Bases.
Upon his retirement he Bob went to work with Sacramento City College as Vice President and chief financial officer. City College, one of four colleges in the Los Rios Community College District. The Los Rios system provides education, training and career development opportunities for some 80,000 students annually in over 70 career fields.
Today Bob is a member of the board of directors of the California Capital Air Show which is one of the largest and most respected airshow in the united states today.
I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Col Martinelli and I hope you do too.
 

Doc Talks - ”The Long Road to Hope - Ending Parkinson Disease,” & ”Our World in Our Words”

In today's episode, we have a conversation with a pair of directors. We'll be hearing from Iyad H. Amer, the director of "The Long Road to Hope - Ending Parkinson Disease," ," and Chris Casaceli, the director of "Our World in Our Words."
Our show's initial portion will be conducted in English, followed by our inaugural international interview segment, which will be in Spanish.Over the next 6 weeks or so leading up to the festival, we will be presenting a series of shows every Friday that will feature the documentaries we are showing. We will talk with the filmmakers about their films, and the host for this series of shows will be two of the young guys who work with us here at the film office, Daniel Aniceto and Rafael Portillo, both are avid filmmakers and understand the process of making films.I think you will find theses shows interesting and informative.
If you’d like to find out more about the documentary film festival please visit our website at www.Calcapdocfest.org where you will find information on all the films we are screening, view the trailers, check out the screening schedule, get information on the screening locations, and look at the various packages we have as far as getting tickets which we have purposefully kept very low and affordable.
So please sit back and be inspired by these weeks interviews with our documentary film makers. I hope you enjoy the show and we hope to see you at the California Capital International Documentary Film Festival

Darcy Brewer, Executive Director at California Capital Airshow

On today's episode we speak with Darcy Brewer, Executive Director at California Capital Airshow. 
Darcy has always had a mission to inspire and educate young people using the power & magic of flight. She set her sights on accomplishing this through highlighting the important role aviation plays in history, showcasing the innovation and opportunity found in aviation, aerospace, and military service careers and by honoring those who serve by sharing their stories and experiences every step of the way.
Darcy also serves as the executive director for the nonprofit California Capital Airshow, on the International Council of Air Shows Board of Directors and is active in a variety of organizations promoting pilot safety, proficiency, and youth STEM education as well as scholarship, internship, and mentor programs.
A long time pilot, flying is her passion and she has a level of enthusiasm about aviation that is contagious. When she is not at an airport (which is rare!), she loves flying the Alaska wild and exploring small airports across the western United States in vintage airplanes.

Congressman Ami Bera, M.D.

Today we have a conversation with Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. who has represented Sacramento County in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2013. The 6th Congressional District is located just east and north of California's capitol city, and lies entirely within Sacramento County.
Representative Bera is currently a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where he serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia, and Nonproliferation. He is also a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Congressman Bera is the longest-serving Indian American serving in Congress.
 
During Congressman Bera's twenty-year medical career, he worked to improve the availability, quality, and affordability of healthcare. After graduating from medical school in 1991, he did his residency in internal medicine at California Pacific Medical Center, eventually becoming chief resident. He went on to practice medicine in the Sacramento area, serving in various leadership roles for MedClinicMedical Group. Chief among his contributions was improving the clinical efficiency of the practice. He then served as medical director of care management for Mercy Healthcare, where he developed and implemented a comprehensive care management strategy for the seven-hospital system.
Congressman Bera went on to put his medical experience to work for his community, serving Sacramento County as Chief Medical Officer.
He has lived in Sacramento County for over 20 years with his wife Janine, who is also a medical doctor.
 
I hope you enjoy this episode of the Rancho Cordova Podcast.
 

Doc Talks - ”Losing Grip” & ”The Happiness Line”

In today's episode, we have a conversation with a pair of directors. We'll be hearing from Steven Nye, the director of "Losing Grip," and Ismael Villasenor, the director of "The Happiness Line."
Our show's initial portion will be conducted in English, followed by our inaugural international interview segment, which will be in Spanish.
Over the next 6 weeks or so leading up to the festival, we will be presenting a series of shows every Friday that will feature the documentaries we are showing. We will talk with the filmmakers about their films, and the host for this series of shows will be two of the young guys who work with us here at the film office, Daniel Aniceto and Rafael Portillo, both are avid filmmakers and understand the process of making films.I think you will find theses shows interesting and informative.
If you’d like to find out more about the documentary film festival please visit our website at www.Calcapdocfest.org where you will find information on all the films we are screening, view the trailers, check out the screening schedule, get information on the screening locations, and look at the various packages we have as far as getting tickets which we have purposefully kept very low and affordable.
So please sit back and be inspired by these weeks interviews with our documentary film makers. I hope you enjoy the show and we hope to see you at the California Capital International Documentary Film Festival

Rancho Cordova’s 20th Anniversary Special

Today we have a very interesting show as two our favorite past guests make a return visit to the podcast discuss Rancho Cordova on this, its 20th anniversary year.
 
Today we have a very interesting show as two our favorite past guests make a return visit to the podcast discuss Rancho Cordova on this, its 20th anniversary year.
 
I was so happy to sit down again with Rancho Cordova Mayor Linda Budge and Cordova Community Council Executive Director, Sherry Blanchard as they reminisce about our beautiful city Rancho Cordova.
 
We look back over the 20 years Mayor Budge has served on the City Council, serving as Mayor five times as well as being an active and important resident of this city. Shelly who was the editor of the Grapevine newspapers when the city incorporated and then took the helm of Cordova Community Council a position she still holds all these years later.
 
Both Mayor Budge and Shelly recount some of their favorite events over the past 20 years, they talk about people who were an integral part in building the city and we have some fun along the way.
 
I hope you enjoy this episode  of the Rancho Cordova Podcast as much as I did.

Doc Talks - Bicycle Island (A donde nos lleva)

In June of last year, here at the film office we organized and presented the California Capital Documentary Film Festival. It was our first year and all in all, the festival went of without a hitch, well maybe a hitch or two but was enjoyed by all who attended. We presented around 60 documentary film  over three days and we learnt some lessons along the way.
 
Well the time has come for the Second Annual California Capital International Documentary Film Festival which this year will take place on Saturday, Sept 30 and Sunday, Oct 1.
 
We will screen over 50 films at three screening locations. Two of the screening locations will be at Rancho Cordova City Hall (yes we turn City Hall into a movie theatre) and the third, at Cal Cap Black Box Theater which is next door to our offices in Rancho Cordova.
 
We are very excited about the films selected this year and amongst them are 23 films from 23 different countries from around the world so truly an “International Film Festival”.
 
Over the next 6 weeks or so leading up to the festival, we will be presenting a series of shows every Friday that will feature the documentaries we are showing. We will talk with the filmmakers about their films, and the host for this series of shows will be two of the young guys who work with us here at the film office, Daniel Aniceto and Rafael Portillo, both are avid filmmakers and understand the process of making films.
 
I think you will find theses shows interesting and informative.
 
If you’d like to find out more about the documentary film festival please visit our website at www.Calcapdocfest.org where you will find information on all the films we are screening, view the trailers, check out the screening schedule, get information on the screening locations, and look at the various packages we have as far as getting tickets which we have purposefully kept very low and affordable.
 
So please sit back and be inspired by these weeks interviews with our documentary film makers. I hope you enjoy the show and we hope to see you at the California Capital International Documentary Film Festival

Mark S. Allen, Seven time Emmy Award-winning television host; and, producer, writer/director.

I am delighted about today’s show for a couple of reasons. When we opened the Rancho Cordova Film Office three years ago we were very fortunate to get some TV coverage about our opening. A producer from ABC 10 in Sacramento called me and told me that the following morning at 5.30am their entertainment reporter would be here with a crew to do a series of live shots from our new offices for the Sacramento Morning Show. 5.30am I thought, is that even a time when people are up.
 
Well the next morning our whole crew was in the office gushing down on coffee trying to wake up, and sure enough right on the dot and on cue at 5.30am our guest today shows up…he was so bright and cheery as he came bounding into our office and started to talk to us about the new Rancho Cordova Film Office. That was back in February of 2020 and that reporter was none other than Mark S. Allen. Mark is one of the best known and most popular local TV reporters in Sacramento but what sets Mark apart he is also well known and successful on the national stagewith his Emmy Award Winning National shows.
 
I had a great time talking with Mark, we talked movies, celebrities, local news and we even got up close and personal about some issues in his life.
 
This was a great conversation and one of my favorite episodes.
 
Also, if you you’d like to see the interview on a screen, visit our website www.theranchocordovapodcast.org where the full interview with some added bonus footage is up. It’s a real fun video which I think you will enjoy.
 
I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!

Shawn Harrison, Founder & Co-Director at Soil Born Farms.

Recently We had the pleasure of visiting Soil Born Farms right here in Rancho Cordova. If you have never visited Soil Born I would recommend a visit.  
 
So what is Soil Born Farms? 
Inspired by a shared vision of healthy food for all, a dedication to improving the quality of life in our community and a love of the natural world, three co-founders transformed the farm into a non-profit organization in November 2004. With help from a small group of talented staff and apprentices, foundation grants, grassroots support, dedicated volunteers and encouragement from community partners, Soil Born Farms grew to operate two urban farms on 55 acres in Sacramento and Rancho Cordova. It has evolved into a nationally recognized center for the promotion of urban agriculture, sustainable food systems, and healthy food education. 
Soil Born Farms is about so much: growing food, mentoring youth and future farmers, teaching people how to cook and garden, creating urban farms and preserving wild spaces, developing partnerships and improving access to fresh produce throughout our community, and at the core, it is about making a difference. It means transforming a shared vision of healthy food for all into a local reality. 
On this episode of the Rancho Cordova Podcast, we have an informative conversation with Founder and Co-Director Shawn Harrison  
So join us on this journey toward a healthier Rancho Cordova and Sacramento as a whole.  

John Patrick ”JP” Dolliver, Cordova Head Football Coach

Cordova is pleased to announce John Patrick “JP” Dolliver as the new Cordova High School, Head Football Coach. 
Coach Dolliver comes to us from El Camino High School where he led the team to success on the field, making the 2021 playoffs, and more importantly, created a winning culture with a strong emphasis on character and high academic achievement. With over 30 years of coaching experience spanning from youth football to the collegiate level, with the last eight years as a high school head coach, Coach Dolliver understands the importance of incorporating education, community, and athletics. He states, “I strive to create an environment that fosters a challenging and worthwhile high school experience for my scholar-athletes.”
His colleagues have said that JP lives by the 4 C’s: Commitment, Courage, Compassion, and (Quiet) Confidence. He instills these virtues in his student-athletes, on and off the field, as a coach who leads by example.
Coach Dolliver is a husband, father of two girls, and mentor to his students. His passion for football and student success will serve the Lancers well. 

Conrade Mayer, CEO of Cordova Lancers, Leaders, and Legends, MACH (Mentors at Cordova High)

Is there anybody in Rancho Cordova that does NOT know Conrade Mayer? This man wears a lot of hats. 
 
Like a lot of people in Rancho Cordova, he's an Air Force brat whose Dad brought the family to Rancho Cordova via Mather Air Force Base. But long after Mather has closed, Conrade Mayer is still being true to his school.
 
The Mayer family is a stalwart of the old Cordova Villa neighborhood, where Conrade grew up and went to school. He moved on to Cordova High School where, like the song says, he "got a letterman's sweater with a letter in front" for football and track. 
 
He was a wizard under the hood even then, so it was not a surprise when he went on to became a crack auto mechanic with a skill for problem-solving.
 
But even as he pursued his career, got married and became a real Rancho Cordova grown up there was a part of Conrade that never left Cordova High. 
 
He continued to keep his class of 1979 close, bringing them together for reunions with a purpose, raising money to buy extras for Cordova High. This legacy of being true to his school continues on, even today.
 

Pat Hume. District 5 - Board of Supervisors

Pat comes to the Board of Supervisors following 16 years on the Elk Grove City Council. His longstanding devotion to serving his community was inherited. Pat hails from a long line of public servants.
His father served in the US Air Force and died in the line of duty when Pat was still young.  Pat's grandfather Harry Hume was City Manager in Chico from 1930-1950 and his mother's family has had a strong presence in Sacramento County for over half a century. His grandfather Jim Guttridge served on the EGUSD School Board for over two decades and was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Elk Grove
Pat grew up in Elk Grove and attended Kerr Middle School and Jesuit High School before receiving his Bachelor's Degree from San Diego State University. He also holds a Master's Degree in Ethical Leadership from Claremont Lincoln University. After college, Pat moved back home to Sacramento County to help the family business following his grandfather's death in 1998.
Pat served on the City of Elk Grove Planning Commission from incorporation in 2000 until he was elected to the City Council in 2006; he went on to serve three additional terms as a Council Member. Through his work on regional boards, including Regional Transit, Capital Southeast Connector Joint Powers Authority and LAFCO (Local Agency Formation Commission), Pat gained deep expertise on transportation and land use issues.
In 2022, Pat was elected to the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors to represent District 5, which includes the cities of Elk Grove, Galt, Isleton and Rancho Cordova, as well as rural farming areas and communities in the southern portion of Sacramento County and the Delta.
As the District 5 Supervisor, Pat currently serves on several Boards and Commissions, including: the Area 4 Agency on Aging Governing Board, the Capital Southeast Connector Authority, the County Leadership Advisory Committee, the Delta Protection Commission, the Freeport Regional Water Authority, the Lower American River Conservancy Program Advisory Committee, the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA), the Sacramento Area Sewer District (SASD), the Sacramento Central Groundwater Authority, the Sacramento County Water Agency, the Sacramento County Water Financing Agency, the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District Board of Directors, the Sacramento Metropolitan Cable Television Commission, the Sacramento-Placerville Transportation Corridor JPA, the Sacramento Public Library Authority Governing Board, the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District (SRCSD), the Sacramento Regional Transit District, the Sacramento Transportation Authority (STA)/Sacramento Abandoned Vehicle Service Authority (SAVSA), the Sacramento Valley Basinwide Air Pollution Control Council, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy, and the South Sacramento Conservation Agency Joint Powers Authority.
Pat and his wife Lisa are active in​ the community and enjoy traveling and spending time with their dog, Diego. Pat also volunteers his time to serve as an auctioneer for many local non-profits as a way of helping others do their good work.
 
 

Erin Wachter, Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

On today's episode we speak with Erin Wachter, Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame Inductee.
Wachter’s list of lifetime achievements includes running in her first Junior Olympics at age 12, winning eight All-American medals in track and field and cross country, and setting the mile run record at Cordova High. She was the first female cross-country competitor from Cordova High to qualify for the California State meet, ran with two Big Sky Conference championship teams while at California State University, Sacramento, and ran multiple marathons including Boston among a long list of distance running accomplishments

Nancy Bean, Head of New Pacific School

On today's episode we speak with Nancy Bean, principal of New Pacific School.
Nancy has over 20 years in California education, over 18 of those in non-site-based charter schools. She leads PCI’s Heritage Peak Charter School’s Homeschool Guild program which serves over 330 diverse students. As a founding New Pacific School principal, her leadership brings experience and wisdom from working with the individualized needs of TK-12th grade students and their families. Nancy graduated from UCSB with a BA in Psychology and German and went on to earn her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Cal State Hayward. She also has completed VPSS Professional Development courses in Math, Science, and English Language Arts. Nancy has gained a professional and personal following as an expert in personalized learning in the extended Sacramento area.
New Pacific School – Rancho Cordova is a free, full-day, public charter school open for all students (including out of district). Our campus will open with TK-5th grades in August 2023 with middle school opening in Fall ’24, and high school to follow. Join a school that grows with your child!
New Pacific School advances equitable, and innovative education that builds connectedness between students, parents, and school. Our small school setting provides students with child-centered academic practices including project based learning.

Max Miller, Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Part II

Miller coached for over 40 years within the Sac-Joaquin Section, compiling a 254-90-4 record as the head coach.
He was at Rio Americano from 1974-80, at Cordova High from 1981-93 and 1999-2007, and he was at Johnson from 1996-97. His 1985 Cordova team was a Sac-Joaquin Section championship winner and was the Section's first 14-0 football team.
He is fondly remembered by many for turning Cordova football from a hot Saturday afternoon event to a cool Friday Night game. He was the defensive coordinator at Folsom in 2010, when the Bulldogs went on to win the Section D2 championship as well as the CIF State D2 championship bowl game.
Max was a true innovator with his high scoring offenses and featured some of the most electric players the area has ever seen.  He helped continue a tradition that Ron Lancaster built and then he took it to another level.  All in all he was a fixture in the community as will always be known as the winningest high school football ever in the Sacramento area.

Rancho Cordova 20th Anniversary, Mayor Linda Budget Replay

In today's podcast episode, we have a special treat for you as we revisit our conversation with Mayor Linda Budge in honor of our city's 20th anniversary.
Long serving City Council Member Linda Budge. We discuss her early life growing up in the UK as a military brat, and get into her many visits to Taiwan with her family, her education and first jobs. We discuss how she arrived in Sacramento and her eventual entry into city government. Vice Mayor Budge discusses many of the projects she is involved in today as a City Council Member. 
Linda was instrumental in the incorporation of Rancho Cordova as a city in 2003 and has been a powerhouse in Rancho Cordova City Politics since then.Linda Budge was elected to the first city council when the city incorporated in 2003 and reelected in November 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018. She served as Mayor in 2004, 2008, 2013 and 2018 and Vice Mayor in 2007, 2012, 2017, and 2023.
 

Alana Thornburg, Community Relations Specialist, Fiber City powered by Sifinetworks

Rancho Cordova is the first city in Northern California to bring citywide, Gigabit plus broadband delivered by an extensive fiber network that, once built out, will reach every house and business in Rancho Cordova. It’s just one of the initiatives that give Rancho Cordova it's Smart City status. Rancho Cordova FiberCity® will be more than just a superfast fiber internet connection to homes and businesses. It will futureproof the area for generations to come, bring you more choices of providers, boost its economy, and enable Smart City applications  to make for a great city to live, work and play 
 
On today's show, we have a conversation with Alana Thornburg who is the Community Relations Specialist here in Rancho Cordova for fiber city powered by Sifinetworks. Alana is born and raised in Rancho Cordova so she knows and understands the city well. Sifinetworks is the company that under is FiberCity® brand will fund, build and operate city-wide, open access 100% fiber networks across the US and they are currently here in Rancho Cordova to make us the first fiber city in northern California.

Alessandra Assaf, Author/Actor

On today’s episode of the Rancho Cordova podcast we bring you something a little different.
 
As many of you know this podcast is brought to you by the California Capital Film Office here in Rancho Cordova where we also operate a 70 seat live performance space, Cal Cap Black Box Theatre.
 
Alessandra Assaf hasn’t been on a theatrical stage for nearly two decades, so when she headed down on Saturday mornings to a local theater for a writing workshop, she didn’t think much would come from the experience. She stayed focused on her writing and never thought a return to the stage was in her future.
 
Well, Ava Gardner, the late, great Hollywood star, had other plans for Assaf.
 
From that writing workshop emerged Twelve O’Clock Tales With Ava Gardner, a new solo show co-written by and starring Assaf.
The show takes place in 1974 when Gardner is on the set of Earthquake, her first Hollywood blockbuster in quite some time, according to press notes. While in her dressing room she reflects upon her life, from growing up in North Carolina to her advocacy of civil rights to her many films and romantic relationships over the years including Frank Sinatra
 
Alessandra recently performed 12 O’clock Tales in Los Angeles to rave reviews and we are delighted to bring her and her show to Rancho Cordova and Cal Cap Black Box Theatre.
 
Allesandra and I talked about her life growing up in New Orleans, living in Europe for several years, and finally landing in Los Angeles and Hollywood to pursue an acting career.
 
I really enjoyed speaking with Allesandra Assaf and I hope you enjoy the show.
 
If you’d like to purchase tickets to 12 O’clock Tales playing July 21/22/23 please visit www.calcapblackbox.com
 

Max Miller, Rancho Cordova Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

Miller coached for over 40 years within the Sac-Joaquin Section, compiling a 254-90-4 record as the head coach.
He was at Rio Americano from 1974-80, at Cordova High from 1981-93 and 1999-2007, and he was at Johnson from 1996-97. His 1985 Cordova team was a Sac-Joaquin Section championship winner and was the Section's first 14-0 football team.
He is fondly remembered by many for turning Cordova football from a hot Saturday afternoon event to a cool Friday Night game. He was the defensive coordinator at Folsom in 2010, when the Bulldogs went on to win the Section D2 championship as well as the CIF State D2 championship bowl game.
Max was a true innovator with his high scoring offenses and featured some of the most electric players the area has ever seen.  He helped continue a tradition that Ron Lancaster built and then he took it to another level.  All in all he was a fixture in the community as will always be known as the winningest high school football ever in the Sacramento area.

Robert J. (Bob) McGarvey, Rancho Cordova Founding Father

Robert J. (Bob) McGarvey started a committee in favor of Rancho Cordova incorporating as a city in 1986 and chaired the committee until Rancho Cordova voted for cityhood in November 2002, as well as served on two other incorporation committees. He was one of five community leaders elected to be the first Council Members and served on the City Council for 18 years.
Bob has been a steadfast leader in many community, church, and school organizations and activities. He was named Rancho Cordova Man of the Year by The Grapevine Independent Newspaper in 1987. Robert J. McGarvey Elementary School was named after him in 2016. He was named Rancho Cordovan of the Year in 2022 by the Cordova Community Council. Bob is currently a member of the Folsom Lake College Philanthropy Board, Folsom Lake College Veterans Committee, Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control Board, Rancho Cordova Food Locker Board, and Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce. He also has been an active member of the Mather Restoration Advisory Board since 1994 and the Cordova Community Council since 1975.
During his tenure on the City Council, Bob formed a Sister City Citizens Committee that resulted in Turrialba, Costa Rica becoming a Sister City with Rancho Cordova. He started the annual Rancho Cordova Veterans Day and Memorial Day celebrations. Bob also worked for 11 years to open Mather Veterans Village, the first permanent supportive housing development for homeless and disabled veterans in the Sacramento region.
Bob retired from PacBell after 33 years working in the central offices and network operation center. Even in his retirement, he serves his community as a substitute teacher. He served in the Air Force from 1961 to 1967, the last 2 ½ years of active duty was serving at Mather Air Force Base, and the last two years were in the reserves.
Bob received an Associate Degree from Sacramento City College and a Bachelor's Degree in Government from California State University, Sacramento.

Kathy Lester, Sacramento Police Chief

On this week's episode we speak with Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester.
Kathy Lester was raised in Rancho Cordova and enlisted in the Army after High School. She attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA where she became fluent in Russian, and served as a crypto logical linguist. Additionally, she was cross trained as a combat medic and range master. Kathy served both stateside and in Korea and Japan while she was attached to the 373rd and 368th Military Intelligence Battalions.
She was awarded the Combat Lifesaving Medal, the National Defense Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.She joined the Sacramento Police Department in 1994 as a dispatcher, became a community service officer and was sworn in as a police officer in 1996. During her long career with Sac PD she has worked in almost every Department and today she is the first woman to hold Chief of Police position.
During our conversation, we really got to know Kathy Lester and we discussed all things policing in the City of Sacramento. 

Carrie Johnson, The Rancho Cordova Community Food Locker Executive Director

On today's episode of the Rancho Cordova Podcast, we speak with The Rancho Cordova Community Food Locker Executive Director, Carrie Johnson. 
 
RCFL was founded in 1987 by a group of concerned citizens in Rancho Cordova who saw a real need for a local food locker. The group, headed by Walter Little and John Healey, included private citizens and representatives from the community's churches and civic organizations.  It set a goal to develop a "community-based" food locker -- not a small project! Help from a number of people and many donations were needed. Over 300 interested people attended the informational meeting and more than 150 people volunteered to help. Generous people with great ideas pitched in to make RCFL a reality. St. John Vianney Church offered a 12' x 60' trailer, a walk-in refrigeration unit, and use of the Church's property. Our box truck was donated and is maintained by the Cordova Kiwanis Club. Other donors and supporters too numerous to list here were also instrumental in RCFL's establishment and successful operation. On April 1, 1987, RCFL began operations and has served the community continuously ever since.  In the first year, over 1,500 individuals per month received emergency food supplies.  Staffed by dedicated volunteers and, with the help and donations from caring citizens and organizations in the local area, RCFL now provides food assistance to about 5,000 hungry people each month. As stocks permit, RCFL tries to provide each family with a 3-day emergency supply of food.  All this would have been impossible without our many selfless volunteers and generous donors. 
 
Volunteers are always needed, welcomed, and greatly appreciated! RCFL is a non-profit organization and, as such, is covered under the "Good Samaritan Act."  Those interested in volunteering should call RCFL at the number shown below. Many of the Rancho Cordova area's churches, civic organizations, businesses, and private citizens financially support the Food Locker. Funds are used not only for food and administration but also for essential supplies (e.g., baby food and diapers) and maintenance of the facilities. Every donation is very much appreciated, and critically important to helping the hungry within our local area.  Receipts for donations are provided.  Please consider a contribution to this extremely worthwhile community service organization.  
 
For additional information, please call RCFL's General Manager, Carrie Johnson, at (916) 364-8973. 
 
https://www.ranchocordovafoodlocker.org/