Crossing what? In case you missed it, the Folsom City Council last week agreed on a name for the new bridge over the American River that is set to open next spring. The winner, on a 4-1 council vote: Folsom Lake Crossing. Honest.
This despite the fact – and yes, the council was aware of this when the vote occurred – that the bridge does NOT cross Folsom Lake. It is near the lake and dam that share the city's name, but it crosses the river.
In the past, the council has understood such fine points. For example, the Lake Natoma Crossing bridge near the Historic District actually crosses Lake Natoma.
I missed the meeting – I make a habit of missing City Council meetings in a variety of jurisdictions – but later watched a telecast of the bridge discussion. Boy, does it cry out for a Nixonian tape gap.
Only council member Kerri Howell, the "1" in 4-1, fought the name that was chosen. She was all fired up to name the bridge after Johnny Cash, a position that also was pushed by John Gladding, reader-tipster and head honcho of myfolsom.com.
What the heck, how often do you get to honor a drunken, drug-addicted and womanizing jailbird?
Anyway, the city earlier held a "name the bridge" contest that drew some 800 entries, including good ones based on history, geography and whimsy.
Only one (1) of the 800-ish, however, endorsed Folsom Lake Crossing. Another suggestion was Folsom Lake Crossing Bridge, which was so bad that I'm surprised it didn't win. During the council discussion, it was pointed out that, though the new bridge will not cross the lake, it will offer a great view of it. Too bad Vista del Lago already was taken. Now there's a name. …
Big weekend (Folsom): The loss of aerial fireworks won't put a damper on the 48th annual Folsom Pro Rodeo. That's according to formerly helpful correspondent Kris Keables, who purportedly retired from the chamber of commerce a while back but keeps resurfacing when they need something in the paper.
"It's a stay-at-home vacation kind of year, so we're expecting a full house," Kris said.
The basics: The rodeo runs tonight through Saturday. Gates open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 (kids and seniors) to $22.50. For tickets or more info, visit www.folsomprorodeo.com.
This year, for the first time in a while, the rodeo even has a queen – Lydia Leanos of Orangevale. A graduate of Sierra College, Lydia is a legit cowgirl who belongs to the Twin Lakes Riding Club and competes in gymkhana.
"We used to have a rodeo queen contest," Kris said, "but not for quite a while. This time, we used a selection process instead, and Lydia is absolutely perfect."
Back to fireworks, briefly. Kris said they will have a professional fireworks show in the arena each night as usual. The only display that has been canceled is the aerial show on the Fourth – and the in-arena show that night will be extra- special to make up for the loss.
Meanwhile, the airwaves, print and Internet have been full of dire warnings from everybody from The Guv to Folsom Fire Chief Dan Haverty about the dangers of so-called safe and sane fireworks. Maybe it's just me, but I doubt that anybody lame enough to start a fire with a Piccolo Pete is going to pay much attention. Or even can read. But be careful out there. …
Big weekend (Rancho): Actually, the headline should read "biggest weekend." That's what it is in Rancho Cordova, where they are celebrating Independence Day, the city's fifth birthday and (darn, I forgot to send a card) the 50th birthday of the Cordova Recreation and Park District.
"Heart of America: Rancho Cordova, USA" is the 24th edition of Rancho's Fourth of July festival, Friday and Saturday at Hagan Park.
It kicks off with the annual parade at 10 a.m. Friday and winds up with free concerts by the Turtles and Felix Cavaliere's Rascals (talk about history!) on Saturday night. In between will be everything from a carnival petting barn, pony rides and crafts for youngsters to a beer garden for non-youngsters. Also a BMX bike stunt show and "Guitar Hero" video game contest for all ages and maturity levels. Friday night will be highlighted by a free concert by Hip Service at 8 p.m. and (stay tuned) a fireworks spectacular. Admission is free, but parking is $10. Free shuttles will be available both days from the Mather Field-Mills light-rail station. For more info, call (916) 851-8818 or visit: www.ranchocordovajuly4th.com.
Meanwhile, happy Independence Day eve. Cheers.
Call The Bee's Bob Walter, (916) 608-7448. Back columns, www.sacbee.com/walter.
