.....a tour inside a food closet

I have no flippant remarks about that food bank down there off the corner of 6th and M Street. If you don't know where I am talking about.....just drive down M Street on any given Thursday around 930 a.m. .....you'll see a long line of folks waiting for some help. A very long line.

I was going to write all bout "this and that" of the program down there that was started nearly 35 years ago....named R.E.A.C.H. but I just want to show what is the food bank....inside. Have you not ever wondered what goes on in there? Do they pass out just junk food and day old stale bread? Is there glorious church music being played ....perhaps a sermon as the folks gather up a little ol' bag of groceries?

Over 30 volunteers ...a couple of co_coordinators named Sara and Beverly....and then there is Brenda, the coordinator of this Rio Linda Elverta Food Closet (REACH).....serving up to 500 Rio Linda / Elverta residents.

Just think.....this is just one outlet that helps with the community's needy.   So let me take you the reader here..... to look at the volunteers unloading, helping set up, the food storage and the distribution table lines.....inside this place.

Click on the photos to enlarge.....

With the community help.....with the local businesses .....and other churches of our the area .....there is about $1000.00 coming in each month. This helps pay for fuel to pick up truck loads of groceries..... to buying meat products. You'll see the pleads for donations a lot on Face Book and then there is the Food Source Store that donates in a big way. In fact...there are many in the community that is silently helping out like the elder woman that unloads her car trunk of food each Thursday......but more help is needed.

Oh.....there is no junk food. I was very impressed with the quality and selection of grocery offered. Lot's of produce and some diary. Folks of need ....usually go home with an ample supply of grocery for their families. Did I say that pet food to toiletry is given too?!

I'll be posting about the many other churches and organizations that help out here in R.L. each month. One last thing.....no glorious church music was being played ....no sermons. Just plain good ol' fashion help from the folks that care.

https://www.facebook.com/riolindaelverta.foodcloset

Next week: those art murals that are appearing in Rio Linda. This post will indeed cause some uproar.

.....introducing baby Grayson Johnson

He comes from a very long blood line of a Rio Linda family. Elle and Toby Johnson is who this little feller calls Mommy and Daddy. He got a couple of siblings too....Gavin Darren which is 7 yrs old and the second kid is Garren Mark ...... which is enjoying his sixth birthday today. What more can  Grayson ask for? 

Mommy Elle is due with baby #4 next month on the 24th. Toby....you been a busy man, eh? 

The sad news for this role model family of our town is that  Grayson Charles Johnson has some serious health issues. Very serious. Grayson was diagnosed with Chiari malformation..... a condition in which brain tissue protrudes into the spinal canal.
http://www.princetonbrainandspine.com/subject.php?pn=chiari-type-1

Tough part of all this .....he will only be 2 yrs old this coming September 23rd. 

I talked to Toby today.....called him a few derogatory names for not telling us about the family's dire straights. Toby has done lots of electrical work here at the farm, we know his family very well......and yet I had to find out all of this by a person named Rebecca Ann Cullifer that posted mid week about this situation...asking for community help.

 
She is the true hero ..... for the Johnson family. On August 26 at 12:02 pm at the Face Book's site "Rio Linda Pay it Forward"....she posted this request:
So I hope some of you can help. I know a family here in Rio Linda and they need some help. They have 3 kids and one on the way in 4 weeks. Dad has a good job but one of their kids has on going health problems. He just had another surgery this month and has been in the er from issues from the surgery. Dad hasn't been able to be at work due to the health of the family. Been off for 3 weeks and fighting to get paid family leave. They need help with bills food and baby stuff. Please let me know if anyone can donate gift cards or something to them. Been in Rio Linda for most of their lives.

The joint lit up like a fireball within minutes. The true spirit of Rio Linda was flaming away with offers of help. Partial list within two hours below:
Cheryl Cook I will help.......I will get a gift card
D.j. Stipe I have a small paying gig tonight. Don't know how much I'll make, but it's theirs.
Farmer Deno has a hundred dollar bill here for them.
Laura Miller Zine I don't have much right now myself, but I can give some homemade goat milk soap.
Summer Jessee Get paid Thursday, I'll see what we can do. Maybe a gas card?
Marcie O'Hearon I have some I could donate
Jill McNamara-Twiss Why don't you open a gofundme

To see ALL the folks that jumped in to help....go here:  https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.cullifer


At hour 3.....Farmer Deno got a PM from Deanna of the 
145 Club 6750 Front St Rio Linda. She wants to create a fund raiser......"right now". Two hours later...she got a poster made up....and doing the ol social networking big time. She has set aside her normal bar business to host a spaghetti feed from 2 to 10 pm Live music too! Another Rio Linda hero.

It didn't stop here...all this community help .....Property Sisters announced a offer to help: a $500.00 dollar donation from each home refinance or purchase done during the month of September. Walk in and refinance your house. Buy a house this month...they can help you with credit I heard.  They are located at the Archway. Too cool of a company!

Toby made a statement to me today about the cost of all the medical. I quote: "Poor kid worth over a million dollars. He has had about that...... in hospital bills". 

Do the family a big favor...............share the Face Book page that you got this story from....or copy this link and post it on your page http://riolindapublicaffairs.blogspot.com/2014/08/introducing-baby-grayson-johnson.html

....calm down Todd

This will be the first.... and last retort...... to clear the air from the slanderous  facebook.com/riolindaonline statements made a few days ago. I refuse to get into a pissing match that only diverts the real issues present by this blog. I apologize in advance to any reader that hates this sort of garbage. John Todd is the black print......


A new website focused on our community. Curiously, the writer has chosen to spew his hatred for Rio Linda anonymously.
Curiously....the new site was announced on my personal Face Book site. 

It's the same guy that had a chance to make changes to the Farmers' Market but instead QUIT
I did accomplished change....Moore and you did all of my recommendations including a new logo that was created. Taco trucks to the music. Historic archives on my pages and email transactions will show this. Please go ahead and take the credit if you wish...I and the community just wanted change and got it. Quit? More like RAN when I saw the business file that Moore shared with me.

It's the same guy who's so embarrassed of Rio Linda that he misrepresents where his business is actually located.
Now you are getting silly as hell..and most here knows that. 

Now that we are on the subject of  "misrepresents".......on each and every one of your on line sites .....you claim to be a news organization. The word news is plastered all over the Face Book pages. I see that yesterday 8/25/14 you dropped the word "news" on your banner. ....replacing it with a new "rocky" background  banner. Rocky suits your site perfectly.

 The comment section of your site(s) and mine.....are loaded with negative reviews about you....how you misrepresent your pages being a newspaper on line. You are not a accredited news agency. You simple copy and paste. In fact......many of the pictures you post are copyright infringements....please contest this :-)  Some those historic pictures are watermarked.......for example. Also....the comments are about how you ban those that disagree with you....or how you edit out their comments.

Now Johnny boy.....why did you ban me yesterday? Afraid of a little debate of truth?  Hell dude....you make  FOX News look wonderful!

[Update: I am "unbanned" from his site 8/21/14 3:21 pm]
[Update: I am "banned" from his site 8/28/14 11:12 pm] 


 It's the same guy that (probably) complained to the Parks and Rec District about the jams and jellies and baked goods being sold at the farmers market.
Will John Todd....I be happy to go down the where this complaint is and give them permission to disclose this anonymous person if it was me. The county has had numerous crackdowns in the past...... in or nearby Rio Linda. A simple call to the county will get you records of these inspections. With the three ring circus you created down there with all the food trucks...It was a matter of time before the county stuck their nose in there. If you are going to operate a Farmers Market ....do it correctly and legally. Just don't blame me for all of your mistakes down there because you didn't do your homework on running a Farmers Market.

Your slanderous and desperate statement shows your true colors. You really think that most of your followers really believe this garbage?
I do have knowledge of a few "issues" that would certainly knock the RLFM into the Twilight Zone.......but I made it VERY CLEAR on my blog and web page weeks ago that I was satisfied with the results of the FM getting their act together. It's all way dated stuff...so why would I snitch out the FM? Bad try John Todd and don't be surprised that you get a nasty summons for making slanderous statements. Lawyers are free for this type of litigation.  

I saw this on your "Not Rio Linda News"site: Charlea Moore, David Adams and myself met with KOVR13 and Good Day Sacramento today to talk about the County Health issues with homemade foods at the Farmers Market.

Good Gods! You both admitted that you knew you were breaking the county rules...... on T.V. ? You call the station to make a bitch.....and you said that? Who was watching that DID NOT laugh their asses off at this interview?

The guy that's new to the community from Southern California.
You are full of misinformation or outright story telling. I have lived in Sacramento since 1969...went to school at CA Jr High as the first of many schools. Lived with my family on Land Park Drive. Green heaven. Fair Oaks. Davis. San Francisco. Downtown Sactown. From Southern California ? Yes....45 years ago!

What gets me is that this guys hasn't done ANYTHING for the community. Not one thing. He goes on and on and on, but does nothing. I've never seen him at a Water Board meeting, never seen him at a Visions meeting, never seen him at a Chamber meeting, never seen him at a CASA meeting... but he's good at sitting behind a keyboard and pecking at the letters.
The same day you posted this retort this on your site...you had 42 entries on Face Book, Twitter and Google Circle. Who is pecking? 42 entries. :-)

Well I did go to a CASA meeting. Couldn't really understand anything because there was no close caption or sign interpreter. As you will know John Todd after spending weeks with me on the Rio Linda Farmers Market issue...you know that I am 84% deaf. I can hear fairly good close up....but not at a distance. You knew. Everyone knows this that has conversed with me. You invited me to several town meetings and I explained to you that was not really an option for me. Why in the hell would I go to a meeting where I couldn't hear it? Another disparate statement from you.....a total disregard for the hearing impaired. BTW: you can go to hell for using my disadvantage to gain attempted advantage. You pick on cripples too?

I am curious though.....how do you really know what I do or not do for this community? You don't. Just like that guy in the smoke shop that you never knocked on the door to ask him questions...you just blasted him like a bully for attention. You never asked me what my participation is in this town and yet you blast non truths.

Oh....I do a lot as anyone can read my posting about the events I do here Rio Linda at the churches, The Historical Society. The food closet(s) where I donate time and money......The Rio Linda Library Fair.....and one hell of a lot more. I give tours of the farm to the Girl Scouts....to the local home school groups...and the elderly. We help four families that cannot afford our farm stand produce for medical reasons. Say...how bout that free community compost program we had this year....over 1000 cubic yards were given to the citizens of Rio Linda. Need I continue this listing.....just let me know.

Funny...I never seen you at any of these events :-)

The people that change the world show up and participate.
That is one way. There are other ways to stand up and make change. Blogging, protesting, going for political office....not just your way.

I'll tell you this; I've never misrepresented where I was from, and never not been proud to be from Rio Linda. I've invested in my community with time and money. I've never, ever hidden who I was and where I'm from and what I've written. I've made mistakes, and I've owned up to them.
I think we covered this "misrepresented" crap above. Let me see now.... for some simple investments but not all of what we have done here in Rio Linda: Bought this land here in Rio Linda. Leasing 12 more acres "to buy". Funding for building this farm from the dirt up. Rebuilding the house...using local folks. Buying equipment within this community. Hire from this community. That's only within the last 5 years.Thats a lot of dough dished out. Way....way....way over a half of million.

You were unemployed til a year ago or so....and now you are living at your Mother in Laws business/home? Some investments you have made.

I've made mistakes too John. Lots. No secrets there from anyone that knows me well here in Rio Linda. 

One of the biggest was getting involved with "that guy".
Really? Then why all the good words about me just a few months ago? I quote from your frozen or defunct (?) website(s):
By John Todd on February 20, 2014  (Today I reprint an article originally posted at The Natomas Farm blog by Deno McFez. Deno is building a farm here in Rio Linda and is smart enough to see the beauty in our town that so many people miss. Please drop by the Natomas Farm blog, or the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TheNatomasFarm to let him know how much you appreciate and understand his writing, his passion for farming and his perspective on the place we all call home.

 ......his perspective on the place we all call home.
 ......his perspective on the place we all call home
......his perspective on the place we all call home.
 .....his perspective on the place we all call home.

    So, read over his point of view and decide for yourself... why is he writing this? Who does it serve? Despite what you might think of my occasional strongly worded opinions... what good does his commentary do for the community?
What good are your bully stories you present at your so called "news" on line? Why pick on one building and yet four blocks away there is a building under the same exact circumstances. Friends? We get it John, we do :-) 

 How bout calling the homeless BUMS? So I ask the same question about you: what good does his commentary do for the community?
There a whole bunch of undertone hate coming from your site. Look at the commentaries...on your site ...you allow hateful conversation to remain posted.

Enjoy. I know I will.
I don't think you did. Your reaction from my post was incredibly child like. Hell....you were just slushing out accusations like a machine gun to shed the light off of you.  

Now.....I merely answered to the bogus statements you made the other day. Will I attack you now...since payback is sweet? Oh no.... I refuse to stoop down to your standards.

Next week we get back to the good, the bad, and the ugly of Rio Linda. Enough of this Todd ugliness. Coming up: The Good.....amazing people of Rio Linda that dont need a public audience. 

........hypocrites at work- RioLindaOnline

I have a question for you John Todd....in a moment.

Yesterday the local online "newspaper" must have had a bad hair day over there. It seems that John Todd was going around town taking pictures of stuff that he felt was a terrible presence for Rio Linda.

After posting this picture above with his smug caption.....his comment section lit up like the grand finale on an hot fourth of July night. These comments were going with the flow at first until some folks (including me) started to question Todd's actions for picking on a establishment. Read it below:

RioLindaOnline.com

Looks. Like. Crap. I hope that's a temporary sign, and I hope the permanent sign looks better than that.
This is what the Downtown Rio Linda SPA is meant to take care of. Making businesses conform to an appropriate, aesthetically appealing standard for appearance. This is just crap.
Sending this to our Supervisor's office right now.
http://tinyurl.com/orce3qw

What is wrong with this building? What is your ulterior motive for this story.............being asked by the majority of the comments on his site. Todd was claiming that he owned the site and can do whatever he pleases in terms of kicking folks out that disagreed with him. Dont bother reading the story now....Todd has edited the living hell out of it....including banning several commenting folks. He even took it off his main page as of late last night....but I found the post through the back-door on his site. Watch...it will magically reappear on the site's main page :-)


Here's my question to you John Todd:

How come you didn't bash this establishment that has a plastic banner out front? :-)  It's the brand new realty office right down the street from the smoke shop. Four blocks! It's looks swell..... as the one you have been bullying about. It is an identical situation. You cant spin this story ...no twisting the words around. This habitual bashing .......is it that you want attention? You feel like you are the Mayor. What?

Another line of of crap that you presented to the public.You need to stop degrading Rio Linda. Who is next John Todd? The old woman that had a stroke and let her yard go to hell? Maybe Granites hamburger stand because their picnic table needs to be replaced? Jeeze.....I bet next that you will be calling all the homeless women...... the lost Vets..... perhaps the mentally disturbed folks......."bums"?

So....are you "Sending this to our Supervisor's office right now" about this building? 

.......................................................................................................................

Below is a partial of the comment section off of Todd"s website.....make sure to read the last comment. Remember....many comments were wiped away by editing.
.......................................................................................................................

Mike Miller, Emily Randolph, Holly Griffin and 40 others like this.
    Shane Dakan Wow. Why would you even WANT to open your business that poorly represented. Pathetic and sad.
    20 hrs · 3
    Gus Gallegos Business to the right is not much better.
    20 hrs · 13
    April Donnel I hope it's not like mr. Nice guyz!
    20 hrs · 2
    Jules Nicole I had a cool spiderman sign when i had that spot....
    20 hrs · 1
    RioLindaOnline.com I don't think any dispensaries are allowed to open in Sacramento County any longer, April. This is the Nu-Way Market guys moving all the non-grocery items to a different storefront. I wonder, how many smoke shops does Rio Linda need?
    20 hrs · 9
    Ashley Quill Personal he makes alot of money. im sure he will make it look better I love his business and will continue to by from it
    20 hrs · 17
    Dolores Mendoza McDonald Well look how long it took that "Bullseye Plumbing" on Elkhorn to take down that "cheesy" looking sign... The one with the pigs in the front , between 6th St and Cherry lane.
    20 hrs
    Jeffrey Timmins Is it because it's a smoke shop? Sandy's sign looks just as bad.
    20 hrs · 21
    Butch Pfeiffer This picture makes it look like an old jail.
    20 hrs · 6
    Renee Elder I'm appalled at the rude comments by the representer of this this Facebook page. I was thinking this was a positive community outreach page for local information. Not a put my neighbor and local business down. I'm ashamed to live in Rio linda if this how we treat others in the community.
    20 hrs · 50
    Sasha King alot of businesses out here look just as bad .....bright side atleast he stayed in rio and opened ANOTHER business....jus saying
    19 hrs · 18
    Leilani Naylor All of the business in Rio Linda need a makeover, focus on the dilapidated Mar Val property for one.
    19 hrs · 10
    RioLindaOnline.com Yeah! Screw that Rio Linda Online guy! He's a jerk that makes fun of businesses that make our community look like crap!
    19 hrs · 9
    John Gomes At least this person has some ambition to try and start a business. Instead of complain about fences and signs..etc..etc. bravo to the small business, even if it helps people maintain a disgusting and cancerous habit. That's what people want. This post is out of line. Boo to you sir.
    19 hrs · 26
    Lori Fanning Agree. Thanks
    19 hrs · 3
    Mechelle Crites What if this could be a mural project? With a blank space above the door for businesses names? And for that matter there are lots of building around town that would be blank canvasses for muralists.
    I love the mural projects that I have seen going around. What if that could be a Rio Linda Thing? What other towns or cities have a virtual outdoor building gallery.
    19 hrs · 3
    Cody Riddle i would prefer a gym, or some type of work out place close to home.
    19 hrs · 4
    RioLindaOnline.com
    RioLindaOnline.com's photo.
    19 hrs · 6
    RioLindaOnline.com
    RioLindaOnline.com's photo.
    19 hrs · 5
    RioLindaOnline.com
    RioLindaOnline.com's photo.
    19 hrs · 5
    RioLindaOnline.com
    RioLindaOnline.com's photo.
    19 hrs · 5
    RioLindaOnline.com If he's making so much money, as Ashley noted, it should be well within his means to make an effort. The businesses above made an effort. They obviously care about their appearance. Why should one business be exempt from a standard of appearance?
    19 hrs · 4
    Jennefer E Mccormick-Hicks Its fuzzy what does the sign say
    19 hrs · 1
    Sasha King For every pic u post of a good looking business I can post 2 that look in need of a makeover ....all I'm saying is he's paying taxes to our community and that's better then the bums do.....and if you feel like reporting the horrible appearance please report mar vel...bowinkles.. The side of the 7\11 ...the business next to tummies(church of whatever) ....sandys... Oscars....and a whole bunch more....
    19 hrs · 13
    Shawna Ables The above mentioned businesses have been in business for a period of time and have had time to get their signage done. It all depends on who owns the building as to how long they have to get it done
    19 hrs · 2
    John Gomes I'd rather have the local cancer/drug utensil peddling businesses have small non descript, signage as not to appeal to youths. This sign does look temporary, and it does say grand opening on the place.
    19 hrs
    RioLindaOnline.com I don't disagree with you. We have a lot of needs. Obviously this person had a chance to do something appropriate, and he decided to do the cheapest thing possible. What does that say about their respect for the community? Aren't his customers members of the community? I don't expect much, but I expect more than that ^^^^.
    19 hrs · 6
    Shawna-Michelle Dellos Aren't these kind if pages supposed to support their community. Not put then down. Instead if posting something that says their fellow business owners looks bad why not post something that introduces the new business and encourage people to go check it out and support them to help get some new signs. This kind of negativity discourages people and hurts the businesses and community.
    19 hrs · 16
    Zella Jimenez He, s not worried about what it looks like, he just want to make money, right.
    19 hrs · 2
    Leilani Naylor That shopping center is new and developed by rich developers, is A1 storage down town? Does anyone still use that button place? Tummys could use a makeover, so could archway, Lews, etc.. I think any new business is good business bringing more revenue
    19 hrs · 3
    RioLindaOnline.com Shawna-Michelle... I'm not opposed to calling someone out when I feel it's warranted. Zella hit the nail on the head. Ultimately it's a smoke shop. They don't care about appearances. They're just in it for the money.
    19 hrs · 2
    Laura Longsdorf Askins I agree that the sign looks pretty tacky. Have you tried discussing it with the business owner or the owner of the building? I happen to know that the owners of the building take a lot of pride in the building and do their very best to keep the building in good repair. Perhaps before you start slamming something in public or reporting to the county, you should at least make an attempt to be a good neighbor. And I think our wonderful little community has some MUCH bigger problems than tacky business signs.
    19 hrs · 18
    Billy Warren it seems like everyone on here has an opinion why don't we organize roll up our sleeves and do something about it instead of armchair quarterbacking
    19 hrs · 6
    John Gomes What's the project billy?
    19 hrs
    Rye Ann I think you're reading into the sign a little too much. Things like selling items that are not even desired by the community, or having crappy customer service, are things that would categorize him as not having respect for the community. But this is just a sign. Maybe his priorities have led him to temporarily put his real sign on hold. Maybe a more positive and encouraging post, like "Grand Opening for the new shop. Looking forward to seeing the new sign come up.", giving him the benefit of the doubt. And if after so long, there is still no sign (that meets YOUR standards) then you could privately report it.
    19 hrs · 9
    RioLindaOnline.com Not MY standards... The Rio Linda Downtown SPA standards.
    19 hrs
    Billy Warren Laura Longsdorf Askins has a point try discussing it with the owners and the occupants of these businesses
    19 hrs · 3
    Billy Warren John Gomes the whole point of organizing is to discuss what kind of projects can be done to better the community
    19 hrs · 1
    Rye Ann You clearly stated your opinion, with a lot of 'I's, saying that it looks like crap. Which I think is uncalled for. Which apparently I'm not the only one. And this is just my opinion. But, according to your comments, I think you're coming down a little too hard on them because it is a smoke shop.
    19 hrs · 6
    April Donnel My opinion to everyone that doesn't like the riolindaonline Fb posts is welcome to remove themselves from the page and start their own. I get where everyone is coming from but seriously He did say I hope it's a temporary sign and I hope the permanent sign looks better than that. I didn't take it as knocking the business down and honesty I think the sign looks like crap myself. Just stated an opinion which everyone is entitled too.
    18 hrs · 3
    RioLindaOnline.com Because, clearly, the new business clearly saw the shabby sign next door and thought "I don't have to do better than that. I'll lowball it and put more money in my pocket." Clearly.
    18 hrs
    Rye Ann So April, clearly you agree with him. But, the majority of us do not. And as the head of this website, he should be taking on the responsibility of being more positive even when posting on a negative. This type of post should remain on his personal page. And yes, if posts such as this one continues, I will unfollow.
    18 hrs · 7
    Billy Warren let's all just agree it's better to have these buildings occupied rather than vacant we have enough of those around town
    18 hrs · 10
    Rye Ann CLEARLY that is your assumption. What you should be doing when running this page, is sticking to facts! You have absolutely no idea if this is their permanent sign or not!
    18 hrs · Edited · 4
    RioLindaOnline.com And I stated that in the post. Did you read the part that said " I hope that's a temporary sign, and I hope the permanent sign looks better than that."?
    18 hrs · 1
    Rye Ann Yes. And that's what I pointed out in one of my previous comments regarding that it was not to your standards. That there's a lot of 'I's in there. You are bashing this business online. You are not privately taking the correct steps in fixing it. Which step number one would have been to ASK the owners about the sign. And based on the facts that you would have gathered, you then could have privately put in a report to the SPA. "Reporting" them to all of your followers, right off the bat was unnecessary.
    18 hrs · 2
    RioLindaOnline.com Hoping doesn't always make it so. Should I sit on it for two weeks, hoping that it starts to look better? Should I wait and see if it remains after the next windstorm? Are you going to come do a mea culpa if it's still there in two weeks?
    18 hrs · 1
    Holly Griffin I like Mechelle Crites' idea of murals, they could be tastefully done & not look like a jail. Could either let some local artists volunteer their talent, have some fun, and get their names on something. The owner just supplies the paint, some lunch & drinks, they get custom work done & the community looks better.
    18 hrs · 4
    Rye Ann Are you not reading my comments in entirety? You should have asked. If you're presenting yourself to be a form of a leader, or to represent this community, then please do it right. Instead of bashing and gossiping. The hope was yours. And why is that? Because you did not bother to find out their plans for their sign! I already listed the proper steps to take. Find out facts. Then, if need be, due to them refusing to put up a sign, privately report them. Then yes, give it some time. If nothing, go ahead and turn to social media. But still, even then, there will be no reason to be ugly and negative. Simply state facts. Leave the opinions to your followers.
    18 hrs · Edited · 5
    Erika Mabrey Just my two cents: signs are not as cheap as most would think as well as the property owner may not have approved a permanent sign yet. There all lots of "little things" that have to be done. Maybe they are waiting on lighting or painting... Lots of what ifs. Maybe if you just ask???? Aren't there more important things to worry about in Rio Linda??? Than a sign? It's not a shack built next to mansions. Maybe check to see if there are rules about business signs. If not, start a campaign to make one. Something better than going behind a community merchants back with a less than positive Facebook post. Make a positive change.
    18 hrs · 7
    RioLindaOnline.com Lisa doesn't live in our community, yet she likes to argue about our communities' issues. I have a rule about that.
    18 hrs · 2
    RioLindaOnline.com But wait! She works here. You may proceed.
    18 hrs · 1
    Jeanette Ron Roberts Why does Rio Linda, need a smoke shop anyway?... Just my thought...J
    18 hrs · 2
    Samuel A. Graham Jr. Rio Linda needed another smoke shop like it needs more meth labs. This business is located at the eye-catching archway. As junky as that area looks with the fence around the newly muralled Old Archway Hardware store and closed and vacant buildings... the owner could have done better for appearance sake. I'm just glad we have a community voice like this Facebook group.
    18 hrs · Edited · 1
    Trina L. Drotar I'm seeing more and more of this type of signage when I travel throughout the greater Sacramento region and beyond. And there's been a surge in the use of banners that wave in the wind. It's really becoming too much. I understand that signs aren't cheap, but signage says a lot about the business, those running the business, its standards and practices and what the business thinks about the community it chooses to do business in. It is part of the overall cost of doing business.
    18 hrs · 2
    RioLindaOnline.com Lisa, I state my opinion, as you have and as I have allowed you to on my page. That's all. Some agree, some don't.
    18 hrs · 3
    RioLindaOnline.com Allowing you isn't needed? Wow... watch this. -POOF- you're no longer allowed.
    17 hrs · 1
    Rye Ann It's funny that you call it your page. Yes, you run it. you have the password. and you get to do the actual posting. But really, isn't it the communities page?
    17 hrs · 9
    RioLindaOnline.com (What Lisa doesn't know is that now she can see her comment, but nobody else on this page can.)
    17 hrs · 1
    RioLindaOnline.com Rye Ann, No. This is MY page. I've made that very clear in the past. I am the sole editor and content manager. These are MY opinions.
    17 hrs · 1
    Ashley Quill Well they just opened give them sometime to see what he does. Whats the difference if its a smoke shop or any other store there are bringing business to rio landa and tax money. So I dont see the problem.... if u have a problem with what it looks like go in and talk to the owner let him know hes a nice guy..im sure he has something planned.
    17 hrs · 9
    RioLindaOnline.com Ashley, he's absolutely a nice guy. Way back when I was a smoker, I used to buy my cigars from Nu-Way. A lot of my concern comes from the way that Nu-Way Market looks now. They've had that store for years, and it's really... not looking good.
    17 hrs · 3
    Rye Ann Yes, the editor and comment manager. That's it! But your page is NOTHING without followers. Followers that are the RL community. Therefor, this is the communities page. You should keep opinions to your own private personal page, and still to facts for this one.
    17 hrs · 6
    Mike McKone Looks like a thinly disguised Pot Paraphernalia Shop. Bet they have "Spice" or similar crap on the shelves. Just the kind of crap RL needs less of.
    17 hrs · 4
    RioLindaOnline.com Rye Ann... you're still here... following.
    17 hrs
    RioLindaOnline.com And thank you for your advice.
    17 hrs
    Howard Smith Hate to read about how bad Rio Linda looks growing up on U st. In the sixty's i remember town being your typical small town clean. landscape d .Archway Market , New Way, McMullen Hardware ,Dairy dream. Going down to Rio Linda creek crowdad fishing sneaking cherries out of Mr. Millers trees and being chased out by he's sheep hearder Ramone. Most people living there were from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, Missouri. Most awsome childhood growing up in Rio Linda. Pick one day a month and clean up your town.
    17 hrs · 11
    Jules Nicole Theres an electric sign there..i know i rented the spot for three yrs...The masons had no respect for my store and parked in front of it during my business hours.
    17 hrs · 3
    Rye Ann You're right! And that's because I AM a part of this community. I live here and work here. CLEARLY you are not FOR the community, therefor, I've had enough! Buh-bye!
    17 hrs · Edited · 9
    Craig Lind How much of a hypocrite can you be, mr. RioLindaOnline.com? I literally just read a article that you wrote about bringing new businesses to rio linda. Then you turn right around and complain about the first new business that has opened in rio linda in a while. Why? Because of a sign? It just opened, did you ever think to find out why he chose that type of sign? Maybe he needs permits, maybe he is waiting on a company to make him one. Things don't just happen overnight, it takes time to get anything done theses days. If it is such a big deal, maybe start a donation fund to get a better sign, or make a nicer one yourself, I'm sure Abdul would appreciate that. I would be willing to bet if this were any other business besides a smoke shop, this conversation would never exist in the first place. Besides all of that, I can think of a million other things that look much worse in rio linda then a sign. Why not complain about how horrible the chain link fence looks around the old hardware store, or how old and beat up the old rio java building is...just to name a few things.
    17 hrs · 16
    Cody Riddle @jules Nicole what business was that?
    16 hrs
    Cody Riddle the thing is why do we need another business like that "smoke accessories?" basically its a liquor store with out the liquor, the rio linda liqour, oscars and the cig place next to food source sell smokes and accessories like we need another one. if u ask me, what the guy is doing is eh,
    16 hrs · Edited · 1
    Marie Gomes It's a discussing smoke shop, really!!! Like RL needs another smoke shop.. Why not a Papa Murphy's, Art shop with accessories or Jamba Juice
    16 hrs
    Mike Cottrell Quit trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear! This is Rio Linda! We have lots of beauty and diversification. We have great parks and parades. We ain't fancy just country. Get your biscuits and gravy on. This ain't an eggs Benedict kind of town folks! And I like it that way! People make the community and there is a bunch of good ones out here!
    16 hrs · 7
    Misha Zamarripa At least he is putting money into this town. How can you put a new business down?! Support our community. Even if it is a 'smoke shop', give him a chance. If its the owners of Nu-way, I bet its not all 'smoking' related. He had clothing, jewelry, hats, gifts, etc. I'll support them! This is our town, let's bring them up instead of putting them down.
    15 hrs · 9
    JonJulienne Peters From what I have read on this page, this is not the first time things have been posted without getting "all of the facts first". Clearly this site is not, just about this community or great leadership, but about someone's opinion and rallying others to jump on board, which the moderator is completely entitled to do.
    Building community and great leadership brings people together for the purpose of building up, not tearing down. Check out the Rio Linda Park & Rec page, it really is about building community and great leadership.
    15 hrs · 8
    Jeremy Trimble If there's a new business in Rio Linda, I call that good news. I can't recall having ever been upset at signage. I'm more interested in whether or not the business in question will hire locals and how it will contribute to the community. Better signs are obviously better, but as a local, I have to respond mostly with, "Eh."
    15 hrs · 5
    Rio Linda CB Radioman It's good seeing new business. so let's hope this places does well and can improve it's signage
    13 hrs · 4
    Rio Linda CB Radioman The second had store next door to RCI Plumbing is the one that needs some help
    13 hrs · 2
    Randee Brown Rio linda online is a joke in my opinion .Good bye
    12 hrs · 2
    Angie Ghiselli-Gaytan Where did rio linda news office go?
    11 hrs
    Amy Standridge Conner If everyone wants to complain about signs then why isn't anyone saying anything about that shop in between RCI plumbing & Vanessa's Hair shop. There name is Spray painted on the front of the store !!! At least these people have a proper sign. It may not be neon but it's better then Spray Paint ! Ps ~ everyone be nice..
    11 hrs · 3
    Joe Adams Its a smoke shop, who cares what the sign looks like! Its there business not yours
    10 hrs · 2
    Paul Lindsay What else would a business be in business for besides money? Dumbest thing I've ever heard.
    10 hrs · 2
    Rick Morgan Looks so appealing and modern though. Lol
    2 hrs
    Rick Morgan Good old Rio Linda. Surprised it not a check cashing outfit.
    2 hrs
    Rick Morgan Very attractive
    2 hrs
    David Long I think this used to be a vets office where I got my first job in 1966 vaccinating turkeys. Next to Nuway market?
    2 hrs
    Matthew Remkiewicz "Rye Ann, No. This is MY page. I've made that very clear in the past. I am the sole editor and content manager. These are MY opinions." Then it should have YOUR name, not the town's name. When you post as "RioLindaOnline.com" then you are speaking on behalf of that organization. And if that "organization" is just one person, then it's not really an organization. Any way you slice it, you are COMPLETELY out of place for making most all of your comments throughout this thread.
    52 mins · 1

..... stand up for change....voice aloud.

A few years ago I was reading an ad in the local newspaper about the Rio Linda Farmers Market and Peddler's Fair..... for all to come to the event of the week for downtown. So I went....and thank the GODS that my car wasn't loaded up the kids, a tired partner from working all day sitting next to me.... that if I lived 4 miles from this "event".

There was one tent that had brochures on three tables ....with several ladies sitting under this structure. Talking and having a good time. To the right of their tent was a vendor that had bottles of something....for sale. ......and a little wee bit of produce at the end of her six foot long table. I did not see any items from a farm.

What are items from a farm or a farmette ? Produce. Handmade merchandise create from a farm. Bakery. Jams and Jellies. Soaps and candles. Doesn't matter whether it's from a organic grower....or a sustainable grower....or just the plain ol' farm with old fashion theories on how to grow.

For that year....not much changed. The ads kept running and here is where the issues started. Folks are busy these days. They also expect what they read. If they are reading "come on down and join the fun on....." they drive there only to find...... one tent that had brochures and other info on three tables ....with several ladies sitting under this structure. Talking and having a good time. Just add caskets to this site and it would had be perfect.

Now why in the world should Farmer Deno and friends that are involved in farming.....care? Small farmers need as many outlets as possible to sell their crops and this includes a real, functioning Farmers Market. Having the general public drive up after reading the ads...only to see nothing......they will go to a nearby FM and never back to the Rio Linda FM. This happened over and over and over....................and over.

This current owner of the Farmers Market... C Moore (yes...it is a private business operation in a public park) heard of me and invites me see her at the FM. I offered to help to breath life back into this DOA market place....by becoming  the Co-Host.  Recommendations were to bring in more sellers and to promote through social networking. A web-page.  Get the bathrooms unlocked (!) Change the hours and the days to Saturdays. Free vendor space. Move her info tent to the far end away from the sellers. Make the sellers not to park in the front. Refreshments and a few picnic tables.

The second week in....6-7 vendors and a good little crowd. I stopped helping when the old guard refused to make most of the changes and there was another issue that I will not air here.

Back to the beginning now...."Now why in the world should Farmer Deno and friends that are involved in farming.....care"? We still do.

After applying public pressure through my blog and other avenues including many citizens that stood up.....the changes are being made as I type. There is food....more produce...music...a website...so on. I can verify that these changes were from me with a time line from FB and emails. Just stand up and demand change. It works in time.

Then they got a new logo and dumped that Gods awful one as above!

I had some hoodlums that tried to discourage my right to free speech and my right to make change. They claim that I was attacking Moore and a few others publicly. "Making trouble for the town" it was said.

Farmer Deno has been taking in false remarks to slanderous statements through emails and Wendy's Whitemores Face Book site. One is facing a potential lawsuit.  I had a few close friends that publicly encourage me to "leave it all alone and stop being a bully". Hell no.....stand up and call for change.

Should we call Wendy Whitehouse a bully for wanting change at the M Street park with her sculpturing and other visions? Perhaps we should call Cathy Nelson Hood of the Water Board a hoodlum for standing up and demanding change....that is why she is on the board, right? But Hood has forgotten her place for change.

No...they are just standing up for change. I respect that.....but they are bullies.

Yet.................we all are now seeing change of a large movement at the Farmers Market. It would not had happened if folks like Farmer Deno stood up and demanded change.
 

There are still issues with the current Farmers Market. Their application has several flaws of misleading information. Their advertisement is making it sound as if there is a vast number of tables with produce....there is not. Just three tables last week. The FM has entered info on their Face Book page only three times since Oct 15 2011. Still...it's a improvement that I am not knocking.

I do however detest the importation of produce from outside of our area. C Moore's explanation on Face Book was this : "All the other Farmers Markets do it" (verified). Not true. It's my understanding that she is not going to allow this to happen in the future. Farmers like us cant compete with imported tomatoes and the other goods from other countries.

All in all.......on the contrary of what some of Moore's friends think....I like  Moore "somewhat" on a personal level. I just dont like her Farmers Market business that was hurting us farmers... or her mouthy friend Cathy Nelson Hood which needs to get the facts right. No wonder why the water board is in a mess.

Special thanks to John Todd for helping C. Moore and the folks of Rio Linda. Farmer Deno for the time being is finished with this subject....as long as these changes are being made.

....the troubled Farmer's Market in our town

In the old days Farmers would set up fruit stands to generate income for the family farm. They would delivery to the town folks and to the Mom and Pop stores too. Then there was bartering..... a common practice that worked out great for all. Still....more avenues of creating sales were needed. . 

Then came along a concept.....Farmer's Markets. Here's a little paragraph from the USDA: "When food is produced, processed, distributed and sold all within the same region, more money stays in the local economy.  This leads to economic development and job creation.  Farmers markets provide opportunities for small farmers and businesses to sell their products, and they help meet the growing demand for locally produced food.  Being able to quickly and directly market to the consumer gives farmers important income opportunities without the added costs of shipping, storage and inventory control".

 What began as a business necessity for many small farmers has evolved into a social event for entire communities, with many families and patrons viewing a trip to the Saturday morning event. New features like live music, cooking demonstrations, gardening tips and educational opportunities are added.  Businesses that surround farmers markets also benefit from the additional foot traffic that the market brings.

Except for my hometown...Rio Linda.

Rio Linda has a rich history in farming and poultry. It's still evident too. Go down most of our country roads and one will see a small farm operation. There are lots of backyard operations here too. Farmer Deno would say that all of these rural farms could stock the shelves of a Supermarket everyday. A Farmers Market as well. 

But it is not happening. The so called Rio Linda Farmers Market and Peddlers Fair that sets up on Thursday from 5 to 8 is virtually non existent. For years now it has at the most.... few vendors....one selling produce....the other is peddlers junk such as t shirts and other commercially acquired retail goods. This past week there was only one vendor selling produce......and most of the produce came from Reedley Ca which is 201 miles from Rio Linda. Yes...they are allowing folks to buy produce from a wholesale warehouse to sell under the disguised as "local produce". The top picture was taken from the vendors sell table......that a local on line newspaper posted a day ago......and you can see that the peaches have a little sticker on each....and the origination of the fruit on the box (click on it to enlarge). Outright deception because the management allowed it to go on.

Sometimes being a farmer...you'll have to fight the old guard of town so that your farm can thrive. Farmers Markets can be the blood of Rio Linda...bringing back the town to what it once was. I can see that happening......without the old guard. Farmer Deno was a co host for three weeks but I had to resign from trying to work within a system that cared more for their reputations than the needs of the farmers and folks of our town.

The first week of my involvement was a little shocking. No open bathrooms. No park tables. Vendors parking where the public should had been parking. no announcement of the event on the park's event sign they have, and perhaps the most shocking was that there were zero produce vendors. Fact is...this function is not even a register Farmers Market! It cant be listed in the Master Listings of Farmer Markets! 


Not sure how anyone will sell or buy at 5:00 pm during the days that the mercury reaches over 96 degrees. After working all day long...who would come just to buy produce that wasn't grown here in Rio Linda. Shade trees are of little help.

I suppose the finale straw was....the shocking picture that a local on line newspaper posted a day ago of the three tent vendor event......those boxes of peaches that were brought in from 200 miles away and sold in a "Local Farmers Market". Pure deception or outrageous mismanagement.

Change is needed. Change will come. Let us farmers tell you that much!