Saturday, November 15 is State Worker Appreciation Day at Costco, 1600 Expo Parkway, in Sacramento.

Avoid the crowds! The doors open to active and retired state workers only (and their families, if accompanied by a state worker) from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Costco will serve a free continental breakfast—a sampling of baked goods with juice and coffee.

If you're already a member, or if your membership has expired, it's a good time to renew, as well as to apply for a Costco/American Express Card which provides a 3 percent rebate on your Costco gasoline purchases. There's also a "goodie bag" waiting for those who renew.

If you're not a member it's a good time to join. Sign up as a regular Goldstar member at $50 per year and you'll get a $10 gift card. Sign up for an Executive Membership at $100 per year and get a $20 gift card.

Please be prepared to show your state employee identification or your SEIU Local 1000 member card.