Week in Review, Jan. 9: Elections, Community Planning, Murals, More

Welcome to the first official Week In Review for 2011. It comes as no surprise to this humble local editor that Fair Oaks news returned in full-force the first week following the holiday haze. Let’s take a look back on the week in news, sports, arts and entertainment in the Fair Oaks area.

1. – Columnist takes a look at some of Fair Oaks' busiest streets, examining many of the dangers pedestrians face walking down them.
2. – In a special edition of “,” reporter takes to the streets, parks and bike trails of Fair Oaks to find out how the community is reacting to election of 39th California Governor Jerry Brown. See what advice and concerns residents have for the new governor.
3. – Resident culinary columnist goes from the kitchen into the garden, revealing inexpensive tips and tactics for growing one’s own healthy garden of fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices.
4. – Another week, another winner in FOP’s weekly feature, “.” It’s becoming very apparent you guys know your stuff when it comes to Fair Oaks, which just means I’m going to have to step up my game. Congratulations go out to , who correctly identified the cell phone repeater towers behind the tennis courts of Miller Park. Email me at joshua.staab@patch.com to collect your prize.
5. – All was quiet through the holiday season for folks in Fair Oaks. Unfortunately the same could not be said for Orangevale residents.
6. – In a consolidated election plagued by poor voter turnout, Ted Gaines (R-Roseville) was elected to fill the vacant California District 1 Senate seat, reports.
7. – The Bella Vista Broncos boys varsity basketball team started off on the right track, but could not stop the surging Rio Americano Raiders in a home court loss.
8. – It’s the first edition of FOP’s newest weekly feature, “.” Our first entry takes a look at a family-run business, open for more than 35 years.
9. – A new California law aimed at protecting young motorcycle riders went into effect Jan. 2. Fair Oaks resident and former Assemblyman Roger Niello navigated assembly Bill 1952 through legislation.
10. – Despite economic downturn, the Fair Oaks Community Planning Advisory Council (CPAC) feels assured their role within the community will not be negatively impacted by their loss of planning authority.
11. – Local artist Hugh Gorman is responsible for much of Fair Oaks Village’s artistic aesthetic prevalent throughout the area. We catch up with the artist to see what inspires him to do the work he does.
12. – Crime reporter Raheem Hosseini follows up his . The 19-year-old was sentenced to 90 days in a sheriff’s department work program and five years of probation.
13. Another edition of “The Village Voice” asks Fair Oaks residents how they like to spend their time on a rainy day.
14. – Del Campo's varsity boys basketball took an exciting victory over the Rio Americano Raiders in double overtime. Check out the slideshow, courtesy of photojournalist .
15. – FOP introduces another weekly feature this week with the “Player of The Week.” This week, intrepid reporter sat down with Del Campo senior varsity basketball player Chris Burnett to talk basketball, college and sci-fi books.

Office hours for Jan. 12

Catch me at the  any time between noon and 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12. Let me know what you think of the publication, and if you have any ideas or concerns regarding the area that you think we should be covering, be sure to fill me in. .