New Listing - 109 Johnston Court, Folsom, CA 95630

Opportunity awaits in lovely Willow Creek Estates in Folsom. This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home is a blank canvas that is ready for your personal touches. You will love the new flooring and freshly painted interior. Enter into a foyer, and a large living room with bay window and a gas fireplace insert. Open kitchen has a breakfast bar and looks out to the backyard and the family room with wet bar. Formal dining room. Upstairs you have large hallway bedrooms with lots of closet space. Primary suite has a walk-in closet, and an enviable ensuite primary bathroom with dual sinks, soaking tub, and stall shower. Inside laundry/utility room and attached 2-car garage. HUGE backyard! The possibilities are endless. Close proximity to top-rated schools, trails, parks, and historic downtown Folsom. Don't miss your chance to own in this incredible location with creativity to make it your own! Seller prefers ALL CASH offers. Offered at $499,900. For more details and a 3D Virtual Tour, please visit 109 Johnston Court, Folsom, CA 95630.

New Listing - 300 Katarina Lane, Folsom, CA 95630

Beautifully renovated American River Canyon Folsom home! You will love the open, light and bright floorplan! Enter to find a formal living room with cathedral ceilings, flowing seamlessly into the dining area and family room. The remodeled kitchen is the perfect place to refine your culinary skills and features quartz counters, stainless steel appliances including an induction cooktop with a hood vent, built-in oven and separate convection/warming drawer. You will love the island with a spacious breakfast counter, and lots of counter space, and an adjacent eat-in nook. A possible bedroom/den and full bath are located downstairs. The downstairs bathroom has been updated with a tiled floor, new vanity, and granite counters. Upstairs, the spacious primary suite has a luxurious ensuite bathroom including tub, a luxurious stall shower, dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. Three more upstairs hallway bedrooms, and the upstairs hallway jack-and-jill bathroom has dual sinks, a tiled tub/shower, and granite counters. The landscaped backyard is the perfect place for al fresco dining on a crisp evening, and features a concrete patio and plenty of plush grass to garden or play. HUGE 4-car garage! Close proximity to award-winning schools, the American River Parkway, Lake Natoma, and Folsom Lake! Don't wait! Offered at $899,000. For more photos and a 3D virtual tour please visit 300 Katarina Lane, Folsom, CA 95630.

New Listing - 1480 Bicker Circle, Folsom, CA 95630

Welcome to The Knolls in Folsom! This stylish, former model home offers 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, and 2,322sf (per assessor) of functional light-filled space. You will love the freshly painted interior, tile flooring downstairs, with new carpet upstairs. Designed for modern living, the open layout and kitchen features lots of storage space, stainless steel appliances, breakfast bar seating, and flows seamlessly into the dining area and spacious family room. You will also appreciate the downstairs bedroom and full bathroom, which provide flexibility for guests or multigenerational living. Upstairs, the spacious primary suite includes an ensuite bathroom with two separate vanities- each with a sink. You will love the soaking tub, stall shower, and a large walk-in closet. Two additional upstairs bedrooms share a convenient Jack-and-Jill bathroom, while the upstairs laundry room adds extra storage capacity. Step outside to enjoy a low-maintenance backyard with a charming stamped concrete patio with lots of sunny space to garden, relax, or to entertain. With upstairs sierra views, proximity to Folsom Lake, Folsom Point State Park, The Palladio, award-winning schools, scenic trails, and Historic Folsom, this home combines comfort, convenience, and lifestyle in one perfect package. Don't wait! Offered at $760,000. For more photos and a 3D virtual tour, please visit 1480 Bicker Circle, Folsom, CA 95630.

Accessory Dwelling Units -- want to build one? It is a lot easier than it has been in the past...

At the end of 2019, during an interview with the Sacramento Bee asking my opinion about the local Sacramento real estate market, the reporter asked about my most "out there" forecast or trend: I responded with -- wait for it -- constructing Accessory Dwelling Units, aka - ADU's! 

At that time, I was optimistic that as some state legislation encouraged city/county ADU application streamlining and the "by-right" ability of residential property owners to add ADUs to their properties, we'd see more homeowners building them. There are many parcels in greater Sacramento that could easily accommodate ADUs, whether that means converting existing space like a garage or basement to an ADU, or constructing a freestanding ADU Casita in the backyard. We could have thousands of mini-infill projects all over our region adding more housing at affordable prices.

Well, fast forward to 2025: ADUs have arrived! 

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary residence on the same lot as a primary home. It can be attached, detached, or created by converting existing spaces like a basement. ADUs offer flexible living solutions, increase housing unit supply, and provide more affordable housing options. Examples include detached cottages, garage conversions, or repurposed home areas.

I am noticing ADU construction all over greater Sacramento...I am also noticing more and more that you can purchase existing resale homes with ADUs (which is now a searchable property characteristic in our MLS), and I am noticing new construction builders offering options for detached ADUs or attached "multigen" suites -- separate attached units with private entrances, kitchenettes, living space, and private bedrooms/bathrooms. Super cool, and I can tell you these are in demand.

I am so glad to see that Sacramento County and many of the cities withing Sacramento County have not only made the permit/application process easier for ADUs -- they have also created pre-approved design plans!

ADU info in different jurisdictions -- 

• Sacramento County (basically will be any areas within Sacramento County that are not within the city limits -- areas like Antelope, Orangevale, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, parts of areas called Sacramento that aren't in the city limits, etc) -- https://building.saccounty.gov/pages/adu.aspx 
• City of Sacramento -- https://adu.cityofsacramento.org/Shelf-ready-plans 
• City of Citrus Heights -- https://www.citrusheights.net/1108/Permit-Ready-ADU-Program 
• City of Elk Grove -- https://www.elkgrovecity.org/sites/default/files/city-files/Departments/Building/building-forms-and-handouts/over-the-counter-adu-program.pdf 
• City of Folsom -- https://www.folsom.ca.us/government/community-development/housing-services/accessory-dwelling-units
• City of Galt -- https://www.cityofgalt.org/government/community-development/planning/planning-division-forms-handouts
• City of Rancho Cordova -- https://www.cityofranchocordova.org/home/showpublisheddocument/20034/638644999044430000

If you are interested in constructing an ADU, I can point you to a few different builders who have come to specialize in them...or if you are wanting to purchase a resale or new construction home with an ADU, I am happy to assist you. Don't hesitate to reach out.

2024 Independence Day fireworks celebrations in the Sacramento region...

Carmichael - Red, White & Blue Celebration 

• Location: La Sierra Community Center, 5325 Engle Rd. Carmichael, CA 95608
• Cost: FREE
• Time: June 29th, 6-9pm, fireworks at 9:30pm

Citrus Heights - Stars & Stripes Celebration

• Location: Van Maren Park, 6601 Thalia Way, Citrus Heights, CA 95621
• Cost: Free
• Time: July 4th, event starts at 6pm, fireworks at 9:45pm

Elk Grove - Salute To The Red, White And Blue 

• Location: Elk Grove Regional Park, 9950 Elk Grove-Florin Road, Elk Grove, CA 95624 
• Cost: Free Admission – Parking $10 - Free Shuttle Service beginning at 4:30pm from SacRT No in/out parking privileges after 3 p.m. 
• Time: July 4th, 5pm-10pm, fireworks at 9:40pm

West Sacramento - 11th Annual Fourth on the Field 

• Location: Sutter Health Park, 400 Ballpark Drive, West Sacramento, CA 95691 
• Cost: Advance tickets are $15 and increase to $18.50 on the day of the event. Family four-pack tickets are available for $12.50 per day ticket ($16 day of). Club level for 21-and-over attendees are available for $25 ($30 day of) 
• Time: July 4th, Gates open at 6pm. Fireworks show begins at 9:30pm 

Rancho Cordova - 4th of July Celebration

• Location: Hagan Community Park; 2197 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 
• Cost: $5 online ($10 the day of). Parking is $10 (cash only) 
• Time: July 3rd, gates open at 4pm, fireworks at 9:45pm; July 4th, gates open at 10am, fireworks at 9:45pm 

Folsom - Folsom Pro Rodeo

• Location: 200 Wool Street, Folsom, CA 95630
• Cost: $30 general admission, $45 reserved seating, $75 corral club, $110 family pack. 
• Time: July 3rd & 4th, gates open at 5:30pm, rodeo begins at 7:30pm, fireworks at 9pm.

Davis - 2024 Fourth of July in Davis 

• Location: Community Park, 203 East 14th Street 
• Cost: Free admission 
• Time: July 4th, 4pm-10pm, fireworks at 9:35pm

Woodland - Fireworks Celebration

• Location: Woodland High School; 21 N West Street, Woodland, CA 95695 
• Cost: Free admission 
• Time: July 4th. Pre-fireworks festivities begin at 6pm, fireworks at 9:15pm

Galt - Fireworks Spectacular

• Location: Veterans Field: 900 Caroline Avenue Galt, CA 95632
• Cost: Free admission
• Time: events start at 7:30am, fireworks at 9:30pm

New Listing - 325 Mette Court, Folsom, CA 95630

Well-maintained by the original owners for over two decades, this charming 3-4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, 2,180sf Prairie Oaks Folsom home is ready for a new owner! You will love the open, light and bright floorplan. Enter to find a lovely living room and picture window overlooking the front yard. The living room opens to a stunning family room with fireplace, and remodeled kitchen with white cabinets, breakfast bar, full backsplash, custom lighting, and pantry. Laminate floors throughout. At the top of the stairs find a large loft/possible 4th bedroom, and large hallway bedrooms. Lots of storage space. Envious primary suite that easily fits your Cal King bed and then some, with remodeled ensuite bathroom with dual sinks / vanities, huge closet, separate stall shower and soaking tub. Remodeled hallway bathroom with tub/shower combo and extra half bathroom downstairs. The backyard is an outdoor oasis with a built-in pool. Relax under the shade of the covered patio or canopy of trees, or in your sunny garden. There are abundant options for coffee and conversation, or the perfect al fresco dining on a crisp evening. All this on a cul-de-sac lot within close proximity to award winning Sandra J. Gallardo Elementary and Folsom High School, the Folsom Premium Outlets, Hwy 50 and more. Don't wait! Offered at $775,000. For more photos, additional detail, and a 3D Virtual Walkthrough, please visit 325 Mette Court, Folsom, CA 95630.

New Listing - 704 Natoma Street, Folsom, CA 95630

Incredible opportunity awaits you in Folsom! You will love this unique, updated gem located in the Natoma Riley Bidwell Subarea of Historic Folsom -- with zoning that allows for numerous residential and business/commercial type uses! Ideally located a hop skip and a jump to Old Town Folsom and all of the fun that comes with it, this property is the perfect blank canvas for your personal touches with 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, open layout, updated flooring, central heat and air, dual pane windows, tankless water heater, recessed lighting, and more. Large lot has a long private driveway, and rear area is paved with potential parking space that could accommodate several vehicles, your toys, and more. Ample additional secured storage with two large sheds. All this located near amazing public amenities, the River, the parkway, award-winning schools, shopping, nightlife, and more. Don't wait! Offered at $449,900. For a 3D virtual tour, more photos and detail please visit 704 Natoma Street, Folsom, CA 95630.

New Listing - 213 Cimmaron Circle, Folsom, CA 95630

Lovingly maintained by one owner for nearly two decades, this impeccable single-level 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1767sf Folsom home is ready for a new beginning. You will love the spacious open layout with abundant natural light. The sizable kitchen has a double oven, lots of counter and storage space and a breakfast bar and eat-in nook. It opens to the living room, which has a brick fireplace and sunny windows overlooking the manicured backyard. Adjacent formal dining room and family room. Large hallway bedrooms. Primary suite has lots of windows, door to the backyard, and a large walk-in closet. HUGE .35ac park-like backyard is an outdoor oasis, featuring a built-in swimming pool, lots of sunny space to garden or play, covered patio, manicured gardens, pergola, and covered side RV access. Laminate and tile floors throughout, composition roof, central HVAC, lots of storage space, newer fencing, and 3-car attached garage. All this located near Folsom Lake, parkway & recreation trails, the Folsom Zoo, award-winning k-12 schools, shopping, restaurants, & more. Don't wait! Offered at $699,900. For more information and a 3D virtual tour, please visit 213 Cimmaron Circle, Folsom, CA 95630.

Completed my 5th California International Marathon yesterday...

After I enrolled in graduate school in fall of 2015, I ended up taking a little running hiatus since my masters degree required quite a bit of time in class, reading, researching, and writing...something had to give, and since I was not going to sacrifice time with my family, and not going to slow down in real estate -- exercise was what I ended up sacrificing. 

Running long distances takes a lot of time, physical endurance, mental fortitude, and dedication. And I am not a fast runner. But after graduation in May this year, after not really running for a few years, I dove back in. My finish of the California International Marathon (26.2 miles, running from Folsom to the state capitol in downtown Sacramento) this year was by no means anywhere near a personal best, but I finished it under the time cut-off (and with a faster time than my very first marathon finish at that)! 

I am very much looking forward to continuing to carve out time for my endurance sports as we approach spring and summer! In early 2015 before graduate school started I completed two 50k runs (31.07 miles). So we shall see how wild and crazy I decide to get now that I have my free time back. LOL

On average, a Sacramento home sells for 100% of its listing price...but be sure to focus on the micro market that applies to you!

I like to meet with new clients at my office first before we ever go look at property to review the process, and among the topics we discuss are the market dynamics for whatever area and price range of interest. Often, my clients have preconceptions about the market that developed as a result of media coverage, advice from a family member, or a friend's past real estate experience.

So I may hear things like "my dad told me to make lowball offers on every home because sellers over-price homes assuming they will negotiate the price" or "my friend got a house for 10% less than the asking price" or "I saw on the news that every home is in a bidding war." Well...everyone has an opinion or a past experience. I let current data speak for itself.

Let me tell you first, that our Sacramento real estate market is a tricky beast. It is full of micro-markets, and no two areas have the same market dynamics. It is very important to look at the market as a whole, and then focus in on the micro market that applies.

So as an example, this first table is a look at the entire Sacramento real estate market as a whole with regard to average days on market, and the average listing price to selling price ratio. On average, in Sacramento in May 2017, a single family home in Sacramento County sold in 20 days on the market for 100% of its listing price.

Clearly, these are averages - so for every home that sold in 5 days for 5% over its listing price, there is another home balancing out the average that sold in 35 days for 5% less. You get the idea.

But then compare that data to that for Folsom homes under $500,000 in this second chart. In May 2017, a single family home in Folsom sold in 12 days for 101% of its listing price. Those may not seem like big differences, but those are significant! That means that buyers have to be prepared to act faster when a property hits the market, and more often than not be prepared to offer an amount over the listing price.

Even the Folsom table is still probably too broad, and if there is a specific neighborhood or tract that interests you, be sure to specifically examine those sales and trends. It is important for both buyers and sellers to arm themselves with data. And not just any data -- but the correct and most current data.

Want to list your Sacramento area property on AirBnB or VRBO? Here's what you need to know...

"If I buy this downtown condo, can I just list it on AirBnB and rent it to legislators when they visit the Capitol?"... "What if I turn this detached garage into a 'granny unit' and rent it out on AirBnB?" Hmm...good questions.

I get asked pretty often about transient occupancy and short-term rentals. Just to clarify, a transient occupancy or short-term rental is one that is for a term of less than 30-days. Think of a place that might be rented using AirBnB or VRBO -- probably more commonly thought of as vacation rentals. This type of short term arrangement is becoming more common these days thanks to these websites, and can be a nice alternative for travelers who perhaps want to stay somewhere other than a hotel. (Side note: a rental in excess of 30 days does not fall into this category. A landlord-tenant relationship is created in that case, and an entirely different set of laws apply.)

For example, my family and I stayed in a home for 5 days that we rented on VRBO in Scottsdale when we attended the SF Giants Spring Training a couple years ago. It was a nice place and the convenience of having a home where 6 of us could all comfortably stay, with amenities like a kitchen and laundry facilities were great!

It sounds appealing -- and a nice way to supplement income renting out part of your home, or perhaps you have a rental property and you'd like to offer it as a short-term rental instead of leasing for a longer term...People visit Sacramento, right? But as a property owner, what are the local rules? Well, right now the rules differ all over our Sacramento region.

City of Sacramento: for properties within the city limits, the City requires owners to obtain a Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit and pay a fee of $125. Owners must also collect and remit 12%  Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). And there is a different set of parameters if you are renting out space in your own primary residence, versus renting out a vacant/non-primary residence (such as a 90 days per year limit).

County of Sacramento: for properties within the unincorporated areas of the county (like Antelope, Arden, Orangevale, Fair Oaks, Carmichael, other non-city Sacramento areas, etc.), the county requires owners to obtain a Vacation Rental Permit and pay a fee of $270.66. Owners must also collect and remit 12% TOT. The county does not allow short-term rental of vacant/non-primary residence property.

City of Galt: it seems there is no specific ordinance regarding short-term rentals within the city limits, however if you own any Galt rental property you are required to get a business license from the city. They also require TOT.

The Cities of Citrus Heights, Folsom, Elk Grove, and Rancho Cordova all require collection and remittance of TOT, however it seems they have no specific policies governing short-term rentals right now. You may want to defer to the county's policies here.

Keep in mind that just because the city or county may allow short-term rentals, if your property is located in a Homeowners Association (HOA), the HOA may specifically prohibit short-term rentals. I have started to see this in a number of HOA documents for my transactions. Also, speaking with a local insurance agent, be sure that your property insurance policy covers this sort of activity. Most policies specifically exclude coverage for short-term rentals.

My 4th California International Marathon is complete!

Well, yesterday started out with a little rain, but the remainder of the day yielded perfect running conditions for the California International Marathon. My husband and I completed the 26.2 mile race yet again. What was also really neat, is that my company, Dunnigan Realtors, sponsored "The Wall" at mile 21 right out front of our office in Sierra Oaks on Fair Oaks Blvd. It was cool to run past my colleagues and friends there, and I am sure all of the other thousands of runners appreciated the cheering squad as well. At that point in the race, runners really start to feel the pain...ironically the pain tends to be mostly psychological despite how bad my feet and muscles ache. Any friendly face or cheering section is so greatly appreciated...helps make that pain a little more tolerable. And with that, on to the next race!

Sacramento Christmas tree recycling for this holiday season...

It's that time of year -- the de-holiday-ification of your home is probably either underway already or planned to be underway soon...and with that, many of us need to dispose of that dried out old Christmas tree that's been sitting cheerfully in the front window. Depending on where you live, you may be able to leave your tree on the curb for pick-up or take it somewhere for mulching...

Within the City of Sacramento limits, you can leave your tree out for curb-side removal as a part of the regular seasonal leaf pick-up until January 31, 2015. The cost is included in the fees residents already pay.

Within the unicorporated Sacramento County areas (like Arden, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Orangevale, etc), you can take your tree to the Sacramento Recycling and Transfer Station at 8491 Fruitridge Road between 8am - 5pm, Monday - Saturday. There is no cost for this service.

Within the City of West Sacramento limits, you can take your tree to the Yolo County Landfill at 44090 County Road 28H between 8:30am - 4pm, Monday - Saturday, or 9am - 5pm on Sundays. There is no cost for this service.

Within the City of Citrus Heights limits, you can set tree at curb side (next to your trash can) on your regular trash collection day from December 26, 2013, through January 17, 2014.

Within the City of Folsom, they will hold the annual Christmas Tree Recycling Drop-off Event on Saturday, January 3rd and Sunday, January 4th, 2015.  Trees will be accepted at Rodeo Park located at the end of Stafford Street. Both dates are from 9am to 3pm.

Within the City of Rancho Cordova, they offer curbside pickup of natural trees set next to trash can on regular collection days, Friday January 2nd through Friday January 9th or cut to fit in green waste carts for regular green-waste collection days.

Within the City of Elk Grove, leave your Christmas tree on the curb next to your grey green waste container by 6am on your collection day until January 23rd, 2015. If your tree is longer than six feet, they request that you cut it into 3-foot or shorter pieces.

My 3rd California International Marathon Finish! Please don't make me walk up or down stairs today...

The weather could not have been more perfect yesterday - low of 50 degrees and a high of 65 - as my husband and I ran the California International Marathon. This was my third finish (2011, and 2013 were my other years), and my husband's second finish. Neither one of us qualified for Boston Marathon, in case you were totally wondering. I'm not THAT fast. Next up, I will attempt my first "Ultra" run - a 50k in February. While a marathon is 26.2 miles, a 50k is about 31 miles. What's another 5 miles? That's what my friends keep telling me...so I'm going to tell myself that 5 more miles can't be that bad. We shall see what my body thinks, because it's a little hard to walk for a few days after a marathon...today I toured a 2-story Land Park home with a basement. Two sets of stairs were rough, but I made it!

Finished the California International Marathon 2013...together, just like we planned!

If you have been reading my blog for a while, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, then you will already know that early this year my husband and I made a pact; that I would do a Century (100 mile bike race) with him, and that he would run a marathon (26.2 miles) with me.

Back in September I successfully completed my first Century, and then in November I successfully completed my first 200km (124 miles) bike ride....well this weekend was the California International Marathon. Despite the FRIGID weather conditions, we both finished in about 5 hours, 12 minutes. We arrived in Folsom at the start line around 6:15am and it was about 25 degrees out. Thankfully since we are members of the Sacramento Running Association, we were allowed to spend time before the 7am start in a heated tent! But the race itself was super cold. We had to be on constant look-out for icy pavement, and my hands, feet and face were constantly numb. Needless to say, it was exhilarating to finally cross the finish line shortly after noon. We were greeted by my mom and step-son Cameron, who whisked us away in a warm car. We then celebrated at Hoppy Brewing with a pint and some food, and then went home and rested. It was a great experience to train for this together and complete it together. Looking forward to more running and cycling adventures in 2014!

Sacramento Residents - Check Before You Burn!

Brr! It seems that we went straight from summer to winter this year! Where are our mild autumn days? With our overnight low temperatures in Sacramento heading south, you may be tempted to light a cozy fire in your fireplace tonight. BUT, be sure to "Check Before You Burn." For the last few years around the beginning of November, I have posted information regarding the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District's designated "Spare the Air" days where you can not burn wood in your fireplace...this program has been in effect for a few years now and has been very successful!

Their "Check Before You Burn" days are in effect this cold season from November 1, 2011 through February 29, 2012. Burning will be restricted or prohibited in Sacramento County when fine particle pollution is elevated.

You can actually sign up for email alerts from the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District. If you do not want to sign up for their daily emails, you can "Check Before You Burn" each day by calling 1-877-NOBURN-5, or by just visiting their website.

Check Before You Burn is in effect in Sacramento County and all its cities including Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, Isleton, Rancho Cordova, and Sacramento. Area residents AND businesses are prohibited from using indoor or outdoor fireplaces, wood stoves, firepits and chimineas that burn wood, pellets, manufactured logs or any other solid fuel, when fine particle pollution is forecast to be elevated. It is your responsibility to "Check Before You Burn." First time violations will result in a $50 fine, or a requirement to complete and pass a wood smoke awareness course. Fines for subsequent violations will result in more expensive fines.

Did you know that the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District offers an incentive of up to a $1,500 voucher to replace or upgrade your older wood-burning / polluting units with cleaner-burning, USEPA certified or equivalent units? In order to be eligible, you must be a Sacramento County resident, and you must be replacing an existing uncertified wood stove, insert, or open hearth fireplace. Funds for are still available via this program, but are running out. If you are interested I suggest you contact a participating retailer of the replacement units asap.

I love having a cozy fire on cold nights, but I definitely pay attention to the daily alert emails I receive. It is extremely important that we all pay attention to this before lighting a fire...we all have to breathe the same Sacramento air!

Remember to Check Before You Burn in Sacramento County

For the last few years around this time, I have posted information regarding the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District's designated "Spare the Air" days where you can not burn wood in your fireplace.

Their "No Burn" days are still in effect this year too from November 1 through February 28. wood burning will be restricted or prohibited in Sacramento County when fine particle pollution is elevated.

You can actually sign up for email alerts from the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District. If you do not want to sign up for their daily emails, you can Check Before You Burn each day to confirm if it is legal to burn in your indoor or outdoor fireplace, wood stove, pellet stove, fire pit or chiminea by calling 1-877-NOBURN-5.

Check Before You Burn is in effect in Sacramento County and all its cities including Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, Isleton, Rancho Cordova, and Sacramento.

Check Before you Burn in Sacramento County!!!

Last year around this time, I posted information regarding the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District's designated "Spare the Air" days where you can not burn wood in your fireplace. Their "No Burn" days are still in effect this year too.

You can actually sign up for email alerts from the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District.

Check Before You Burn is in effect in Sacramento County and its cities: Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, Isleton, Rancho Cordova, and Sacramento.

I heard on the radio yesterday that there are 70 enforcement officers out looking for illegal burning on No Burn days, and the fines are $1,000! YIKES!

Folsom Pro Rodeo

Some friends, my husband and I went to the Folsom Pro Rodeo last night...it was my first real rodeo, and I have to say I have a new appreciation for the guys (and gals) who ride the buckin' broncos - pretty crazy to watch in person!

Sacramento July 4th Activities

There are many fun Independence Day activities tomorrow...here are a few...

- Buffalo Chips Running Club 4th of July 5-Miler at Glen Hall Park - admission is free! Claimed to be Sacramento's oldest running event!

- July 4th Pocket Parade at Parkway Oaks Park / Garcia Bend Park - admission is free! Parade from Parkway Oaks Park to Garcia Bend Park - be on hand to help select the winning float!

- Folsom Pro Rodeo at the Folsom City Park - admission ranges from $15 - $21. Features rodeo events, carnival midway, live music, and fireworks display.

- Carmichael Gala Parade & Fireworks Show at Carmichael Park - admission is free! Features a pancake breakfast, parade, live music, and fireworks display.

- Rancho Cordova Heart of American Celebration at Hagan Park - admission is free! Features a kids parade, pony rides, petting zoo, live music, vendors, a food court, and contests.

- Elk Grove Run for Independence at Elk Grove Regional Park - $25 per runner. 10k run/walk benefits the Elk Grove Community Assistance Network.

- Independence Day Celebration at Cal Expo - admission is free (reserve seating available for $10) + $8 parking. Live music and Sacramento's largest fireworks display.