The Rancho Cordova Podcast

This week join Curt Haven as he  dives into the extraordinary life of Ross Johnson, a marathon runner, retired Brigadier General, devoted community volunteer, and family man who embodies the spirit of service and resilience.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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, 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!

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!

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.

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!

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."

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.htmlCall 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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.