ABOUT US

The Rio Americano Community Alliance (RACA) is a community-based organization partnering with the Save the American River Association (SARA) in response to the San Juan Unified School District’s (District) intended high-intensity sports and event stadium project at Rio Americano High School which is steps from the designated federal and state Wild & Scenic Lower American River and Parkway.

Our alliance is made up of neighbors, the public, and advocates who are deeply concerned about the ongoing and detrimental impacts this project will have on public health and well-being and safety, and the Wild & Scenic Lower American River and Parkway. We believe the scale and intensity of the District’s intended uses are incompatible with the sensitive, protected character of the Lower American River and Parkway, and are detrimental to Rio’s neighbors, Parkway users, visitors and communities on both sides and up and down the River.

We are working to ensure that the District, public agencies, and decision-makers will fully consider environmental protections, the public’s health and safety, and any precedent setting long-term consequences when evaluating development on Rio’s campus.

We support student programs and extracurricular activities. However, school facilities must be planned responsibly and not violate laws protecting the Wild & Scenic Lower American River and Parkway and must not impose significant, permanent impacts on neighbors and the greater community.

MISSION STATEMENT

OUR MISSION IS TO PROTECT THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING AND SAFETY OF PEOPLE, PLANTS, WILDLIFE, AND THE LOWER AMERICAN RIVER — NOW AND FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

PURPOSE STATEMENT

We ask the San Juan Unified School District accept its responsibility to the Wild & Scenic Lower American River and the American River Parkway, communities on both sides and up and down the river, and to the many Parkway users and visitors by:

  • Insisting on a full and comprehensive environmental review of the intended stadium project and events project, including all cumulative impacts, but not limited to, Jesuit High School’s stadium and event facility, and all other facilities like the cell phone tower, removal and construction of new tennis courts, science building and pool renovation

  • Requiring serious consideration of reasonable alternatives, such as designating Rio as an Arts and Sciences Campus, reduced-impact and no-project options,

  • Preventing significant and permanent impacts to community health and well-being, safety and neighborhood integrity, and the Lower American River and Parkway