About 50 neighbors heard updates on SCNA and Sierra 2 activities and the fundraising campaign for the 24th Street Theatre renovation at the annual membership meeting Nov. 14. They also heard about the proposal for a commuter rail expansion along the Highway 99 corridor and voted for the current board slate and a change in bylaws.
SCNA President Eric Johnson opened the meeting by recognizing two long-standing board members who are leaving. Andrea Rosen is departing Sacramento after 28 years of service and moving to Los Angeles to live near her new granddaughter, and Patrick Soluri is leaving the board after eight years of service.
At the same time, Eric encouraged neighbors to serve on the board as a way to make friends and work for the good of the neighborhood.
Strategic Plan Update
The board’s Strategic Plan, last updated five years ago, will be reviewed at a Dec. 13 meeting with Impact Foundry, who facilitated the process. Eric observed that SCNA is unique among neighborhood associations as it runs a nearly $1 million per year business with Sierra 2 Center. SCNA and Sierra 2 are part of the same organization. SCNA’s fundraising efforts combined with Sierra 2 rental income fund programs and events.
Annual Financial Report
Sierra 2’s executive director, Terri Shettle, presented the 2017 annual financial report. The budget projected a loss this year, but sustained higher expenses due to legal fees, a $10,000 increase in utility costs, and a loss of $10,000 revenue from two tenants who left the center, plus additional repairs and maintenance.
Terri noted that Sierra 2 is the economic engine, providing 79 percent of revenue. SCNA provides 15 percent, while the Senior Center and The Learnery provide 4 percent. The Senior Center is now economically viable with its revenue up 38 percent. Sierra 2 rental income grew by 3 percent.
The newly redesigned website is now online. It’s been well received and is much more interactive than before. Terri credited Heather Hogan, who guided this project.
Renovation of the 24th St. Theatre will be the big fundraising push for 2018. A Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission matching grant of $40,000 was secured, in addition to the Hart Foundation’s funding and $14,000 from the annual Big Day of Giving. The art commission’s matching grant made it possible to do more work than just updating one item at a time. Upgrades and improvements should last for 30 years. Terri reminded attendees that the next big fundraising opportunity is Giving Tuesday on Nov. 28 December 16-17 at our movie matinees of Elf and Miracle on 34th Street.
Sierra 2 staff now totals 15, including a program manager who oversees the Senior Center and an operations manager. Terri noted that the Sierra 2 staff is now Red Cross certified, and an AED (automated external defibrillator) device is in the Center.
The Learnery
The Learnery is content driven. The Center now obtains direct revenue from classes and workshops for all ages. Currently, classes are arts centered, but future plans call for more food-focused activities and tech courses. The Learnery revenue stays with Sierra 2.
Sierra 2 Center has six years remaining on its current rental lease with the City. Terri said the City is pleased with Sierra 2’s stability. She is working with City Councilman Jay Scheiner’s office to change some language in the lease.
Assembly member Kevin McCarty was scheduled to speak but did not attend due to a scheduling error by his staff.
Board & Boundaries
Five board incumbents were re-elected with one new member, Kat Haro, nominated from the floor and elected as a write-in candidate. There will be 13 board members to begin the new year. Members also approved a change in SCNA bylaws to reflect the updated neighborhood boundaries.
Attendees were fortified after voting with beer, wine, water and cookies during a social time.
The annual meeting concluded with a presentation about increasing Sacramento passenger rail service, along the Highway 99 corridor.
Staff writer Susan MacCulloch contributed to this story