Home: Recent News
Whitney Ranch Parkway Extension Scheduled to Open May 18
The extension connecting Whitney Ranch Parkway from Highway 65 to Park Drive is scheduled to open the afternoon of Tuesday, May 18.
The extension will provide a west-to-east connector in northwest Rocklin, allowing current and future residents improved access to their homes, local amenities, and other major thoroughfares.
Speed limits of 35 miles per hour have been posted on the new section of Whitney Ranch Parkway (from the eastern end of Ranchview Drive to Whitney Oaks Drive) and will be enforced.
Placer County Monthly COVID-19 Update
May 7, 2021
The latest monthly COVID-19 report from Placer County Public Health explores case rates and variants in Placer County, in addition to discussing the county’s vaccination progress.
May is Mental Health Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the City of Rocklin is sharing tips from the organization Mental Health America.
While there is a light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel as more and more people are vaccinated, coronavirus has affected everyone in some way. Daily life has been disrupted due to stay at home orders, social distancing, and business closures. It is normal to feel worry and stress during a time of crisis, and paying attention to mental health can help people better cope with the situation.
2021 Ruhkala Community Service Awards Honorees
On April 27, City Council honored four residents and one service organization with a 2021 Ruhkala Community Service Award.
The Ruhkala Awards recognize people for their exemplary efforts to give back to the Rocklin community and were created in honor of Roy and Peggy Ruhkala, a pair who worked for the betterment of the Rocklin for over 40 years.
April 27 City Council Recap
Housing Element Draft, Fire Dept. Annual Report
Draft Housing Element Modifications Discussed – Item 26
The City of Rocklin, along with many cities and counties throughout the state, is in the process of updating its 6th Cycle 2021-2029 Housing Element and Safety Element consistent with recent legislation and state law.
On Tuesday night, staff presented City Council with potential options for updating Rocklin’s draft Housing Element to address critical comments from the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HUD).
The issues focused on five areas, including:
Ruhkala Community Service Awards Feature
Kathie Nippert - Pioneer Award Recipient
It often seems like Kathie Nippert is everywhere things are happening in Rocklin. Her largest role may be as a longtime member and current board member of the Rocklin Historical Society, but she also serves many other aspects of the community.
She has worked on events hosted by the Rocklin Friends of the Library, graduated from the Rocklin Chamber of Commerce’s “Leadership Rocklin” program, volunteers for the annual “Run Rocklin” event, and even read “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” during Rocklin’s virtual tree lighting ceremony.
2021 Ruhkala Community Service Awards Feature
Stuart "Stu" Lehman - Individual Award Recipient
The City of Rocklin could not offer the quality programs and public services it does without the volunteers who work tirelessly to support staff efforts. 2021 Ruhkala Community Service Award honoree Stuart “Stu” Lehman is a great example of someone who has gone above and beyond to consistently serve Rocklin.
2021 Ruhkala Community Service Awards Feature
Staci Bier - Individual Award Recipient
Staci’s Helping Hands was born in 2017 when Rocklin resident Staci Bier took on leadership of a small charitable group and decided to run a food pantry out of her apartment. Her mission was to simply help those in the community who are hungry.
Today, Staci’s Helping Hands has grown into an online community with more than 2,500 members, who regularly provide food and baby products to those in need, and deliver meals and gifts during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
2021 Ruhkala Community Service Awards Feature
Father Michael Dillon - Pioneer Award Recipient
When Father Michael Dillon arrived in Rocklin on May 1, 1981, the first thing that struck him was the community – everyone seemed to know each other, was involved, and helped out.
“Since long before I came here, Rocklin has been very family oriented and full of friendly, helpful people who were very much in tune with one another,” said Dillon, reflecting back.
Grant Funding Approved for Potential SWRA Trails Expansion
Rocklin residents who enjoy walking, running or riding through the Sunset Whitney Recreation Area (SWRA) are one step closer to exploring another 0.75 miles of pathways after City Council approved $472,500 in funding for park improvements on Tuesday night.
$428,000 is available through state grants focused on recreation, with the city required to match $44,500. City Council approved resolutions to secure the grant monies and expressed the desire to fund Phase I of the East Trails expansion at SWRA once received.
‘We’re Open’ Business Feature: Tempo Studios
Tempo Studios is a Rocklin-based music studio founded in 2018 that offers lessons in vocals, music theory and a wide range of instruments from electric guitar to bagpipes. Their network of local instructors teach a variety of lesson plans virtually or in studio for any level of aspiring musician, beginner or experienced, young or adult.
Term Sheet for Community Tap House Near Quarry Park Adventures Approved
A proposed outdoor community tap house and public market on City land near Quarry Park Adventures took its first official step forward when the Rocklin City Council approved the project term sheet Tuesday night.
City staff and Beer 40, LLC, negotiated the initial agreement for the development of a concept modeled after the popular SACYARD Community Tap House and Beer 40 projects in Sacramento and Vacaville, respectively.
‘We’re Open’ Business Feature: Bubble University
Craving a sweet treat? Stop by Rocklin’s newest boba shop, Bubble University, on Sunset Blvd., to try one of their boba teas, smoothies, or specialty drinks.
Bubble University’s first location is in Roseville, but due to their popularity and established customer base (many of which come from Rocklin), ownership decided to extend their services to a second location in Rocklin.
New Map Highlights Potential, Approved Development Projects
Residents interested in learning more about development and construction projects in the City of Rocklin now have a new tool. Rocklin now offers an easy-to-use online map that lists commercial, housing, and other projects proposed, approved, or already under construction.
‘We’re Open’ Business Feature: Zoom Classes with Genesis Yoga by Jessica
In a time of increased stress and weariness, local business owner Jessica White believes yoga can be a great way to slow down, breath, and practice some much-needed self-care.
Through Genesis Yoga by Jessica, her vision is to offer yoga and wellness services that bring a positive and guiding light to her students’ fitness journey. White is an experienced yoga instructor, and her classes incorporate a variety of restorative movements, breathing exercises, and guided meditation techniques.
Stormwater Pipes being Relined in Rocklin Neighborhoods
If you have noticed an unpleasant smell in the air this week, it may be related to infrastructure repairs to stormwater pipes under city streets.
Rocklin Public Services recently began repairing corrugated metal pipes in several neighborhoods, starting with areas near Fair Dr. and Sunset Blvd, and Eagle Ct. These kind of pipes have a natural expiration date (some are nearly 30 years old) but have been wearing out faster than expected. To avoid unanticipated costs, Public Services has been repairing segments of pipes in residential areas over the past four years.
Mural Overlooking Quarry Park Adventures Complete
The faces of Rocklin’s quarrying past have come to life in the form of a 30-ft high mural now complete on the walls of city hall that overlook Quarry Park Adventures.
The spray-painted mural, by local artist John Horton, combines bright colors and modern art elements depicting a true-to-life image of real quarry workers from days gone by. The combined effect is designed to incorporate Rocklin’s rich history and the City’s current vibrancy.
Ruhkala Award Recipient Recap
Ken Yorde - 2008 Pioneer Award Winner
After living in Italy for six years and for a time in Japan while working as a civilian advisor for the Air Force, Ken Yorde was transferred to California and needed a home near McClelllan AFB. Wanting to live in a city with good public services, Yorde found Rocklin and moved there in 1975.
Hi-Tones Record Store
"Shop Placer" Business Feature
Shop Placer and show love for local by supporting Rocklin and other local businesses this holiday season. Check out this message from Rocklin’s own Hi-Tones Record Store. A few records might make a great gift! Visit their page for hours and contact info.
Predator Paintball
"Shop Placer" Business Feature
Shop Placer and show love for local by supporting Rocklin and other local businesses this holiday season. Check out this message from Rocklin’s Predator Paintball and shop their small business for all your paintball and air-soft needs. Visit their Facebook page for hours and contact info.