Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "Crime"

OPEN LETTER TO THE SACRAMENTO CITY COUNCIL REGARDING CRIME, PENSION REFORM, THE BUDGET AND MEASURE U TAX FUNDS

2013-05-19T17:35:25Z

Dear Council Members:

Let me acknowledge the tough job you face addressing the financial challenges our city and our nation faces as we move slowly out of a massive financial melt-down. Adding to our worries are continuing closures of our business, and those in neighboring areas, such as Campbell Soup, Comcast and Coca-Cola to name a few.

Despite tough financial times, this council is poised to make monumental decisions in this budget that will affect quality of life for years to come. In many cases, in well known dangerous areas, your decisions will truly be a matter of life and death.

I have grave concerns about violent crime and police staffing and how we address both in this budget for 2013/2014. I stated during public comments on April 30, 2013, that this proposed budget is intellectually dishonest and council members should consider this factor when approving this budget.

Here is the problem. For Measure U to pass, the council assured citizens the money would go to restore core city services and stressed law enforcement would remain a prominent recipient of Measure U funds. The intellectual dishonesty occurs in this budget when the city manager eliminates 29 funded, yet vacant, positions from the police department and then proposes use of Measure U funds to hire an additional 58 police officers. The scam employed here is plain as day. Measure U funds were intended to grow an already cut-to-the-bone police force, but what the city manager is pulling now feels like a classic case of “bait and switch.”

Let me offer an analogy. If you bought a home after doing a walk-through, you were probably happy with what you saw. You later acquire the keys, enter the home and find all ceiling fans are gone, two hot water heaters have been removed and all of the elegant bathroom fixtures have been replaced with used and worn items. You find a note that reads, “The missing items were not part of the sale.” You would feel you had been swindled; and it is the same feeling when 29 funded police officer positions are cut from the police department and then Measure U funds are applied to hire officers. As a citizen, you just feel government has swindled you again.

Hopefully a council member(s) will stand up for the people who voted for Measure U and for the police officers who are doing a very dangerous job with too few staff members. Everyone knows crime is a major problem - it is why we passed Measure U. The Mayor’s Crime Task Force has not achieved a handle on crime. There is still much work to do. We keep losing kids to crime and prisons. Crime is hurting our local economy and our city’s image. Our crime in Sacramento continues to remind us of racism in a two tiered America. On one tier we still have people of color suffering the horrors of wide-spread crime and poverty. We need at least one councilmember to show leadership and stand up and give voice to this issue.

At council on April 30, I noted that Sacramento has a gang war starting and shootings appear on the rise. We need many-many more police officers on the streets. Think about where we are right now and consider this portion of a 2012 Sacramento Bee article on rising crime numbers:

Police Department staffing has fallen during that same period. The agency hit an all-time high of about 800 sworn officers in 2008. There are now about 650, a decline of almost 20 percent, said police Capt. Mike Bray, who oversees the Criminal Intelligence Unit.

In the most recent round of budget cuts, 16 officers lost their jobs at the end of June. Another 31 vacant positions were axed.

The ongoing erosion of police officers caused proactive policing (crime prevention) to nearly disappear. In the void of a meaningful police presence and the lack of specific street crime suppression efforts it is no wonder Sacramento still feels like the second most violent city in California, behind Oakland.

Now consider the Oakland California experience with police staffing and violent crime. The following is a portion of a 2013 news article about Oakland’s challenges:

The department has struggled to develop a crime plan since July 2010, when the City Council laid off 80 officers in a dispute over job security and pensions. The force declined from roughly 776 officers before the layoffs to a historic low of 611 this March as officers continued to retire and leave.

The shrunken ranks pushed department leadership to prioritize patrol shifts and 911 response - and de-emphasize investigations. Even after a police academy graduated in March that boosted the number of officers, now around 640, all officers in the department work a mandatory overtime shift every 10 days to fill open patrol shifts.

As I expressed to your body on April 30, this council seems locked in an all-or-nothing battle with the police union over a 12% pension contribution. I have no problem with working toward pension reforms and the police union is working towards some solutions (they worked with the city and cleared the way for a new tier of officers to be hired at lower costs). But, I do have a problem with an approach that draws a line in the sand, appears ego driven, reeks of inflexibility and may drive us to a breaking point like that in Oakland. Sure Oakland’s leaders laid off officers in a pension dispute and some may say they courageously “held the line.” But, what was the cost? Look at Oakland now! They did not do their citizens any favor. The city is drowning in crime and they appear desperate to get more officers to work there. Let us not go the way of Oakland. Sacramento’s citizens deserve better.

I know council members face tough choices. But you made policy choices when you dedicated $8.5 million to renovate the Community Center Theater. It was a policy choice when you committed $5 million towards a facility for the Sacramento Ballet. You made numerous policy choices to fund various aspects of different arena deals. When it come to the arts, you don’t mind expressing your values in the budget, but when it comes to giving a voice to improving public safety in our worst crime areas we get smoke-and -mirrors and elusiveness.

Here is a suggestion. Although the 24.4 million we are holding in budget reserve represents 6.6% of the 10% goal we have set, can we really justify not using a small amount of that reserve to keep the 29 funded, yet vacant, positions in the police department. This council shows interest in the arts - now you must show commitment to our kids. We have kids getting shot all the time. The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors recently embraced a report by a Sacramento County Blue Ribbon Commission entitled “Report on Disproportionate African American Child Deaths.” The commission found that, “African American children comprised 12% of the child population and 32% of third-party child homicide deaths.” We need a serious commitment from the council to deal with crime.

Based on various information points, preserving the 29 positions in the police department (keeping us at about 615 officers) and adding 58 officers through Measure funds would take us to about 673 officers. While I know we need more officers to properly control crime, getting us near 700 officers is a fair start and it shows your commitment to our kids and it is in keeping with the promise you made to citizens regarding allocations of Measure U funds. If there is another reason to eliminate the 29 position, for example to ensure that no new hires come in at the old higher pay rate, that’s fine but we ought to have a commitment from the city manager and council that the 29 funded positions will be add to the 58 for a total of 87 new hires under the new compensation rate.

In conclusion, there are portions of our city where crime and violence are deplorable. Police protection is one of those things the people cannot do for themselves. It takes government action. There is a great injustice when our leaders look at some of our citizens, particularly those families of color who are experiencing most of the violence and losing kids, and these leaders say we won’t help you right now because we want to save 24.4 million dollars in reserve funds. Why can we not save 22 million and use 2.4 million, or so, for public safety. In your vote on this budget that is what lingers just under the surface of discussions – not doing everything we can to address crime in some communities so we can save a couple of million dollars. Which council member would want their child’s safety to come up on the short end of that policy choice?

Citizens should be able to trust their elected leaders are not being intellectually dishonest with them and they should be confident the safety and security of all citizens are equally important.

Sincerely,
Henry Harry

All members of the council were sent this letter.

Barton Gallery robbery suspect in custody, police need your help

2013-05-15T06:20:09Z

UPDATE - On May 15, 2013, Knecht was charged with two additional counts of burglary. Detectives recovered additional stolen property from Knecht’s home taken during two separate burglaries to the same location. The Burglaries were to a closed business in the 800 block of 57th Street that occurred on May 4, 2013 and May 8, 2013 in the early morning hours. Most all property was recovered.

Burglary Suspect Caught

The Sacramento Police Department has arrested 43-year-old Gregory Knecht for multiple counts of burglary to businesses in a specific area of Sacramento.

On Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at 4:28 p.m., Sacramento Police detectives executed a search warrant at Knecht’s residence on the 1500 block of J Street. During the search of the suspect’s home, stolen property from multiple burglaries was recovered.

Detectives believe Knecht is responsible for at least four burglaries to businesses that have occurred between May 4, 2013 and May 10, 2013 in the following areas:

On May 4, 2013 at approximately 10:28 p.m., 1800 block of J Street
On May 6, 2013 at approximately 2:11 a.m., 1700 block of I Street
On May 8, 2013 at approximately 1:50 a.m., 1700 block of I Street
On May 10, 2013 at approximately 11:39 p.m., 1700 block of I Street

This continues to be an active and ongoing investigation. Detectives believe Knecht is possibly related to additional burglaries that have occurred in the area.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact the dispatch center at (916) 264-5471 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Disclosure: This is a direct repost from the SacPD press release.

Attempted Abduction- Police seek your help

2013-05-15T04:42:05Z

Help Us Identify

The Sacramento Police Department is seeking the community's assistance in identifying a suspect.

On Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at 3:55 p.m., an eleven-year-old female was walking in the area of Honor Parkway and Bill Bean Circle when she was approached by a black SUV. The unknown driver pulled to the side of the road, stepped out of his vehicle, and told her to get in. The child ran off and later reported the incident to her family. The suspect is described as a black male in his 20s with dark blue eyes and long black hair.

Officers responded and checked the area, canvased for witnesses and searched for potential video surveillance footage.

Felony Assault Investigators were assigned to the case and have been working with the victim and her family. A Sacramento Police Department sketch artist worked with the eleven- year-old to create a composite of the suspect. (See attached)

The Sacramento Police Department and the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department are in communication and are investigating two separate incidents to determine any possible connection.

The Sacramento Police Department is asking the community for any information regarding this incident and to also remind your children of a few important safety tips:

There is safety in numbers - avoid walking alone to and from school

Avoid short cuts - walk only in safe areas
Never go into a stranger's home or car
If approached or followed by a car, do not approach the car or speak to those inside - run and seek help
Remain alert to surroundings
Always report suspicious behavior

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this investigation to contact the Communications Center at (916) 264-5471 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Disclosure: This is a direct repost from the SacPD press release.

Crime Blotter- Sunday, May 12, 2013

2013-05-14T23:47:12Z

Sunday, May 12, 2013

ELMHURST- Disturbance, 6000 block of S Street, 5:50 p.m.
Officers were dispatched to a disturbance of two people in a parking lot and one was armed with a gun. The subject with the gun fled on foot and the other subject fled in a vehicle. Officers arrived in the area and contacted the subject the fled on foot. He was found to have a loaded gun and ammunition on his person. He was taken into custody and the second subject involved fled prior to police arrival. The second subject was later identified and contacted.

MIDTOWN- Disturbance, 30th Street/K Street, 10:36 p.m.
Employees of a business reported a subject disturbing customers. The subject was identified and found to be in possession of controlled substances and ultimately arrested. Paul Skapinok, 30, was booked into county jail.

MIDTOWN- Robbery, 2800 block of J Street, 1:27 a.m.
Victim was approached by four unknown subjects. The subjects assaulted the victim and went through his pockets taking his money and phone. The victim was also sprayed with pepper spray. The suspects were described as four men with one man wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and another wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt.

DOWNTOWN- Robbery, 4th Street/Capital Mall, 1915,
A victim just left an ATM and was heading to the bus station when he was robbed at knifepoint of his ID and money in his pocket. A report was taken of the incident and money from CARES program allowed him to get a ticket back to San Francisco.. Suspect was described as an 18-year-old black man with light skin and a goatee. He was wearing a white t-shirt, grey shorts, white hat and riding a red and white bike.

Disclosure: Crime blotter information is excerpted from the Sacramento Police Department Dailies.

Police Blotter- weekend edition, Friday May 10 & Saturday May 11

2013-05-14T00:26:11Z

Friday, May 10, 2013

MIDTOWN- Vehicle Tampering, 2400 block of C Street, 8:07 p.m.
Jared Bathe, 28, was taken into custody after officers responded to reports he was attempting to break into a parked vehicle. Bathe was booked into jail after officers observed him entering a vehicle for the believed purpose of theft.
FLORIN- Bicycle Stop, 4300 block of Stockton Blvd, 12:16 a.m.
Ryan King, 34, was arrested for possession of narcotics after leading officers on a foot pursuit in the area. King was also charged with resisting arrest and violation of his probation.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

MIDTOWN- Theft, 3100 block of Folsom Blvd, 12:37 p.m.
A subject was inside a store, selected and grabbed three cell phones and then ran out the door. The suspect was described as a Hispanic or white man, 28-32 years old, 6', 180 pounds, bald wearing a flannel shirt. He was seen driving away in gold Chevy pick-up with a broken driver's side window.
OAK PARK- Assault, San Jose Way / 4th Ave, 1:34 p.m.
Victims were approached by four suspects that drove up in a car. The suspects made a statement relating to a gang and fired at the victims. One female victim was struck multiple times and a second male victim was shot in the lower body. A third male victim was also shot at. The victims were transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Investigation into the gang related incident is in progress.
FLORIN/FRUITRIDGE INDUSTRIAL PARK- Shots Fired, 8500 block of Thys Ct, 11:48 p.m.
A caller from inside the store reported that someone was trying to break into the business. Officers were dispatched to the possible robbery and that a firearm may have been involved. Officers arrived, began to approach and could hear multiple shots being fired inside the business. Additional units came to the scene as well as SSD air unit. The initial caller (suspect) opened the rollup door with a gun in hand and surrendered without incident. The business was checked and no other subjects were inside. No injuries occurred. The robbery was unfounded and subject exhibiting irrationality was arrested. Keith Lovato, 56 was booked into county jail for felony gross negligent discharge of a firearm.
SOUTH OAK PARK- Assault, 3500 block of 19th Ave, 2:30 a.m.
Officers responded to a report of a stabbing. A known suspect stabbed the victim due to an ongoing feud. The victim was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The suspect was not located. Investigation is in progress.
FLORIN- Subject Stop, 4300 block of Stockton Blvd, 1:55 a.m.
Officers contacted and arrested parolee-at-large, Roger Crawford. Crawford, 47, was booked into county jail.
OAK PARK- Subject Stop, Stockton Blvd / Broadway, 11:39 a.m.
Officers contacted and arrested Samuel Lincoln, 48, for an outstanding warrant.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Disclosure: Crime blotter information is excerpted from the Sacramento Police Department Dailies.

Help sought finding teen last seen on American River Drive

2013-05-13T15:22:45Z

The Sacramento County Sheriff's Department is asking the public's help in finding a teenage girl who has been missing since Thursday morning.

The family of 15-year-old Daria Clarke – the Rio Americano High School freshman known as "Dasha" who was last seen near the school about 10 a.m. Thursday – thinks she may have been lured away by someone she met online, her mother, Margie Clarke, said.

On Sunday, friends and family members gathered at the Clarke home in a show of support.

On Thursday, Daria Clarke went to algebra class and was also seen on campus about 10 a.m. But when her mother arrived back at school to pick her up at 12:30 p.m., she was nowhere to be found, her mother said.

The 15-year-old does not carry a cellphone. Supporters have distributed leaflets in the American River Drive area near the school.

Daria Clarke, 15, was last seen in the 4500 block of American River Drive about 10 a.m. She is considered at risk because of mental health issues and because she may be in the company of people who could endanger her welfare, according to a Sheriff's Department news release.

Clarke is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 195 pounds. She has brown hair and blue eyes, and was last seen wearing a black shirt and gray leggings.

Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is asked to call the Sheriff's Department at (916) 874-5115.

Disclosure: My family has lived near the Clarke family, since Dasha was a small child. Just trying to be neighborly a get the word out.

New film : The Great Gatsby (x3)

2013-05-10T20:57:18Z

The Great Gatsby (x3)

1925 novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald
1974 film by Jack Clayton
2013 film by Baz Luhrmann

There have been four theatrical film adaptations of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” the earliest of which was made in 1926, only a year after the manuscript was completed (and which is now lost). Other than the latest version by Baz Luhrmann, the only version easily found for comparison purposes is Jack Clayton’s 1974 film, with a screenplay adapted by Francis Ford Coppola.

In anticipation of the press screening of Luhrmann’s film, I downloaded and re-read the novel in the break between last Sunday’s East Coast feed of “Game of Thrones” and the West Coast feed of “Mad Men.” That timing is significant, because Clayton’s film is 144 minutes long, Luhrmann’s is 143 minutes long, and the book can be read in the same amount of time – so watching a film version may make some lazy students of English happy, but it won’t save them much time. I also re-watched the 1974 film.

It’s a short novel to begin with, with only approximately 200 pages organized into 9 chapters, which would make for a fairly simple screenplay adaptation if length was the only issue. However, the story in the novel is being told to the reader by Nick Carraway, who is essentially Fitzgerald’s proxy, who describes in great detail the lives of material excess enjoyed by wealthy residents of Long Island, NY in 1922.

Carraway is a young man from the Midwest who has decided to try his luck as a bond trader in New York. He rents a small cottage in the up and coming “new money” town of West Egg (Fitzgerald’s substitute for Great Neck, NY) and he has a cousin, Daisy, who married into “old money” and who lives with her inattentive husband Tom Buchanan in tonier East Egg (Manhasset, NY) across the bay. As luck would have it, his cottage sits next to the vast mansion and estate of the mysterious Jay Gatsby, a man with a murky past and a strong interest in Daisy.

In a sense, it’s a somewhat delayed coming of age novel but it’s one that would result in a significant amount of voice-over narration (by Carraway) if it was filmed directly from the novel – and that becomes one of the primary difficulties in adapting it for the screen.

In the 1974 Coppola adaptation, this is addressed by taking many of the scenes that Carraway describes in the novel, some of which have previously been described to him by other characters, and simply lets the viewer watch them unfold directly. But it goes further than that by expanding on others, such as a series of romantic encounters shot with enough backlighting and four-point starburst effects for a dozen contemporary Harmony Hairspray commercials (“Is she, or isn’t she…?”). These aren’t just stylistic issues, as these are events and developments that Carraway, our witness and storyteller, couldn’t have seen.

In Lurhmann’s 2013 film, he and co-screenwriter Craig Pearce create a completely fabricated device that attempts to make the Carraway narration work without simply having it be disembodied voice-over. They do this by having Carraway write the story under the supervision of a doctor, during a later stay in an institution. The problem now being that, while it somehow justifies the idea of Carraway telling us the story after the fact, it also inherently changes that character and attributes health issues to him that aren’t in the novel.

The other most obvious difference between the two films is their general style and tone. Clayton’s film is slow and deliberate, with a soundtrack that occasionally borders on what one might expect in the horror genre, but it attempts to accurately capture the period in terms of popular music and wardrobe choices. Luhrmann’s film is an eye-candy montage of excess, with everything shown bigger and better and faster, and with a blend of music that’s packaged for independent sale and somewhat more suited to a rave than a party with a ‘Roaring 20’s’ theme. For example, in the new film, any scene that involves driving a car is like a live action version of “Speed Racer” – and it drops accurate depictions of details from the novel (types of cars and dogs, for example) whenever something cuter or glitzier is possible.

I’m not opposed to what Luhrmann was trying to accomplish here – it’s fun and loud and bold. But it’s also an over the top depiction of a time and place that was already over the top. Indeed, much of Fitzgerald’s descriptions are intended to convey the excesses he himself witnessed in that time and place. And while it’s calmer and more staid, the 1974 film gives a clear impression of wealth and the yawning gulf of socio-economic distances. From a narrative perspective, we’re told that the outrageous parties Gatsby throws are largely an attempt to lure Daisy – and Daisy seems more likely to find her way to one of the 1974 parties than one of the 2013 parties. Luhrmann’s film is like “Downton Abbey” as if shot to be a spring break special for MTV.

That said, there are also some remarkable similarities, with the new film at times feeling more like an adaptation of the earlier film than as an independent adaptation of the book. Chief amongst these similarities is the depiction of the area between the ritzy Long Island communities and Manhattan – the area around Wilson’s Garage, where the road and the train tracks come together in an almost post-apocalyptic environment, born by the consumption around it.

Despite being a short novel, as described earlier, the films both jettison material in pursuit of other goals. The romance in the 1974 film and the partying in the 2013 film both result in other storylines and characters being lost. The earlier film limits a separate romance between Carraway and Daisy’s professional golfer friend Jordan Baker and the newer film essentially ignores that story altogether, with both outcomes shifting the story away from Carraway (who spends much of that summer in the book away from the other characters) and more towards Gatsby. The 1974 film loses much of Gatsby’s backstory, including a mentor that shaped his future life and persona, and the 2013 film drops most of the last chapter of the book, including the appearance of Gatsby’s father, truncating much of the end of the story.

If I could wave a magic film wand, I’d probably attempt a mashup of some kind between the two projects – perhaps the period style and visual elements of the earlier film, with the cast and exuberance of the new film. There are some odd comparisons between the two films that are, at times, counter-intuitive. For example, the 1974 film has a more mature tone to it, and Robert Redford as Gatsby and Mia Farrow as Daisy seem older than the characters in the book – Coppola even moved the story forward slightly by saying that eight years had passed since earlier events in the story, rather than five. The new film has a much younger air to it, with Leonardo DiCaprio as Gatsby and Carey Mulligan as Daisy – but DiCaprio is actually older than Redford was in 1974, which is coincidentally the year that DiCaprio was born. Mulligan seems a closer fit, agewise, to Daisy than the slightly older Farrow and Sam Waterstone as 1974’s Nick Carraway has a fresher feel to him than an older Tobey Maguire in the same role in the 2013 film. Bruce Dern played an appropriately mean-spirited Tom Buchanan in 1974, but Joel Edgerton has more of the novel’s description of Tom’s physicality in the new film. And, in perhaps the oddest piece of cast trivia, Daisy’s (Mia Farrow) young daughter is played (briefly) by Patsy Kensit in the 1974 film, and Kensit later played Mia Farrow in a television movie about Farrow’s own ill-fated love life.

There’s a stability and pacing in the earlier film that borders on the ponderous (if you watch it, go and make a sandwich as the opening title sequence plays itself out ad nauseum) – compared to a frenetic energy and visual abundance in the new film that’s made even more profound by the availability of 3D screenings. The new film is like an uneven patchwork of heavy-handedness and deft accuracy. On the one hand, we’re given a short Tom Buchanan speech on white supremacy while he’s closely surrounded by black servants (the servants are white in the 1974 film), on the other we’re given a Gatsby mansion styled closely on photographs of the houses thought to have been visited by Fitzgerald that inspired the descriptions in the novel. The new film also appears to change the ethnicity of another key character, shows a pivotal scene in great detail despite it not being witnessed by Carraway, and has a secondary character seemingly mispronounce Kaiser Wilhelm’s name (despite it being DiCaprio’s own middle name). And, on the topic of pronunciation, DiCaprio’s delivers Gatsby signature phrase “old sport” to rhyme with “Colbert Report” in a manner that simply grows tedious over time.

All of which leads me to say that I’m glad I watched the new film, and I even enjoyed watching it on the level of eye candy and as a visual exercise, but I don’t especially like it as an adaptation. It transforms the Nick Carraway character and drops too much of the original story to be considered an accurate telling of the story. The 1974 film also drops some of the details, but to a lesser extent, but it’s also a flatter version of the story. Watching both films and re-reading the book, all within a week, primarily caused me to appreciate the book more – it’s a short story told in a manner that simply works better on the page, where narration works perfectly, than on the screen. Perhaps re-reading the book is a mistake if one simply wants to enjoy either film.

That’s not to say it can’t be adapted well, and there at least two adaptations that are either lost or hard to find and another television movie that I haven’t seen, but these two adaptations each lose something in the translation. It’s material I’d still like to see others have a go at – I could imagine, for example, Sofia Coppola creating a film that might exist somewhere in the middle of what we’ve seen so far, with perhaps a better balance of elements. I’d certainly enjoy watching her, or others, try.

I hate Sacramento

2013-05-10T19:43:17Z

There is nowhere else in the world I want to live but Sacramento, Calif. Bold statement? Not for me. Let me explain why.

Two recent life events have reopened my eyes as to why this place is unique. I’ll get to those in a minute, but first it’s important I define Sacramento. When I say Sacramento, I think of one place: the grid. That’s the area from Old Sacramento on the west to Interstate 80 Business on the east, and from the American River to the north to the WX Freeway on the south.

It’s a roughly 900-square block area that contains world-class food, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, art, recreation and businesses. It also has acres of parks, a beach (no, I’m not telling you where), miles of bike lanes – oh, and it just happens to be the center of power for the state of California. Which just happens to be the most influential state in the United States. Which just happens to be the most influential country on Earth. Which just happens to be the most influential planet in the galaxy. So, one could argue that Sacramento is the center of the galaxy. Think about it.

That is, to me, Sacramento. If you live in one of the beige stucco boxes off the grid, you may or may not hate your life. And you might as well go live in Omaha, Tallahassee, Spokane or anywhere else that worships at the altar of car-centric strip malls.

But I digress.

Fresh perspective
About six months ago, I started dating someone from Nashville, Tenn. During that time, she’s visited Sacramento about a half-dozen times. And what do we do while she’s here? Well, some of that is none of your business. But the rest of the time, we’re out living. That means walking, bicycling, eating, recreating, patronizing the arts, etc. I’ve been introducing her to all of the great things Sacramento has to offer. Through those introductions, I’ve seen this place through fresh eyes. It’s offered me fresh perspective.

Damn, Sacramento rocks.

Over the past couple of weeks, I have also had the great fortune to spend time in Dubai, London, Paris and San Francisco. In each of those cities I have had a blast. I mean, come on, who wouldn’t? But, and you knew there was a but, they are not Sacramento – not by a long shot. Yes, they have more art, restaurants, skyscrapers, people, businesses, attractions, etc. – they’re supposed to. With all of that "greatness" comes more congestion, crime, smog and other challenges.

Mad love to Dubai, London, Paris and San Francisco. I will visit again. And again. I appreciate them – perhaps most for the perspective they have given me. You know that unique perspective that only comes from travel. Sacramento is still on the short end of the teeter-totter. We have room to grow. And grow we will, in a positive way.

The first five years
My first visit to Sacramento was in 2000. I remember it vividly for some reason, a surprise even to me. My mother-in-law-to-be picked my future wife and I up at Sacramento International Airport. We drove south on I-5, exited onto J street, then drove down to Fleet Feet at the corner of 20th. I remember the blight. I remember the conversation. That’s when it happened – I instantly hated this fucking cow town.

I was told not to go downtown. I was told that’s where the crime happens. I was told that’s where the homeless people live. I was told there is nothing to do. I was told there is no parking (which seems ironic since there is nothing to do). I was told zombies crawl into windows and steal babies. OK, maybe not that last part. But you get the point.

I believed it – all of it. And when I finally moved to Sacramento in 2004, I avoided downtown as much as possible. I lived in suburbia and rarely soiled my SUV by driving it on the grid. I attended the occasional Broadway show or business networking happy hour. Other than that, I left the dirty people alone.

The page turns
When my wife and I separated in 2009, my life changed. I could write (and I have) volumes about the personal evolution, but what is important in this narrative is that I landed on the grid. In my haste to find a place to live, I stumbled upon a short-term lease. I thought, “How bad could living downtown be for a couple of months?” I mean, I could always go find a new stucco box in the 'burbs later.

Holy shit. Talk about fate. You have to remember, I had lived in Sacramento for five years, but never taken a walk on the grid. I had no idea. Well, I did, but it was tainted (see zombie brain eaters above).

And walked I did. Having no family within 3,000 miles and no friends, I turned to the grid for entertainment, engagement and enlightenment. I found it all.

I challenge everyone to get out of their car (a frightening proposition, to be sure), and just walk. Look at the homes. Go into the stores. Eat in the restaurants. Talk to strangers. You will see why this is a spectacular and special place. It’s all right at your fingertips – everything you could want. It’s walkable and bikeable, unlike Dubai, London, Paris and San Francisco. So, there.

What about the homeless issue?
Yep. Sacramento has become the regional dumping ground for the mentally ill and chemically dependent. It is also home to the volunteer vagrants. But what of it? Other than the occasional brief and uncomfortable encounter with a panhandler, and the time I have volunteered at Loaves and Fishes, I have had zero interactions with homeless on the grid.

Is this an issue that needs to be addressed? You bet your ass it does. Is it a serious problem? Yep. Is it a black eye? Sure. But are these people dangerous criminals who want to rob me and eat my brains? Nah.

What about the parking problems?
You have got to be kidding me. Finding a parking spot in Sacramento is easier than finding a tattoo parlor or hair salon. I know, I know, I know … we Americans feel a sense of asphalt entitlement when it comes to parking. We’ll wait three minutes in our SUVs for a car to pull out of a spot at the mall instead of instantly parking 10 spots further away. If I can’t throw a football from my parking space to the door of Target, it’s a goddamn Greek tragedy.

The farthest I have ever parked away from anything in Sacramento is three blocks. Ever.

But don’t they give a bunch of tickets downtown?
Yep. There are these things called meters. Within seconds of when they expire, a crack team of Israeli-trained soldiers descends from black helicopters and places a $52 ticket under your windshield wiper. Well, sometimes it seems like that. But in actuality, we have parking enforcement. They, and I know this is hard for some people to understand, enforce parking regulations. If you park where you are supposed to, when you are supposed to, you will avoid feeling their wrath. So, let’s get mad at others when we screw up, shall we?

What about the crime?
What crime? You mean you left your purse on the front seat of your car and someone stole it? Holy shit. Alert the ATF. That’s called a crime of opportunity, Junior. Show me one violent crime report that shows downtown is a dangerous place. One.

People know their neighbors downtown. There’s none of that driving up to your garage, remotely opening the door, pulling in, closing the door... and never talking to a damn person. You see these people. You say hi. Again, I know this is scary. But give it a chance.

Fin
To bring this diatribe to a conclusion, let me just say that I’m here to stay. I’m building a life and a business in downtown Sacramento. I love the lifestyle. I love not driving my car for days at a time (when is the last time you can say you did that?). I love the food. I love the people. I love the energy. I love the art. And I love the opportunity. Sacramento is going places.

So, if you don’t like Sacramento, ask yourself how you experience this city. If you bash it from afar, deriding its evils, I challenge you to roll around in it for a while. Come spend some time on the grid.

If you’re one of the long-time Sacramentans who constantly complains about our city, ask yourself exactly what it is you hate about Sacramento ... and what you are doing to fix it. Because if you do not like where you live, you have two options: change it or move. If neither of those options appeal to you and you just want to sit idly by and complain, please stop. Do us all a favor and just be quiet while the grownups enjoy all that Sacramento is, and work hard to fix its ills.

Thanks.

Join artilce author Thomas Dodson and Sac Press editor Jared Goyette for a luch and conversation about this article on Wenesday at noon at Bows and Arrows.

Disclosure: Thomas Dodson, a native of South Carolina, is a social media producer who works with public and private-sector clients around the world. You can learn more by visiting his website, www.thomasdodson.com.

Sacramento Police K9 Bodie retires early

2013-05-09T02:27:57Z

Sacramento Police K9 Bodie is retiring after three years of devoted service as a result of injuries sustained during a critical incident.

Bodie is one of only two Sacramento Police canines that have been shot in the line of duty. Bodie has gone above and beyond the call of duty while serving the Sacramento community and will now proudly be the first ever honorary Sacramento Police reserve K9.

In November of 2010 Officer Randy Van Dusen began training K9 Bodie. K9 Bodie is a German Shepherd dog that was imported from Germany for police work. After two months of training that included obedience, agility, search and suspect apprehension, Bodie was certified as a police canine. Bodie was certified for narcotics detection as well as article searching and tracking. Bodie was one of the Police Department's canines that assisted the SWAT team during warrant services and high risk entries and searches.

Bodie and his handler have received multiple recognitions. Most recently in April of this year, they were awarded the 911 Heroes Award presented by 911 for Kids.

Bodie is an extremely friendly dog and his hard work ethic will be missed among his K9 partners.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up .

Disclosure: This is a direct repost from the SacPD press release.

Crime Blotter, Weekend Edition, Friday May 3rd to Monday May 7th

2013-05-08T01:12:02Z

Friday, May 3, 2013

MIDTOWN: Suspicious Circumstances, 24th Street/P Street, 10:06 a.m.
The victim reported that a suspicious parcel was delivered to her door. It was determined that the package was in fact sent from a known friend of the victim; however, the item appeared suspicious to her. Officers arrived and determined that there was nothing dangerous regarding the package and the currier was notified for further follow up.
DOWNTOWN: Resisting, 7th Street/F Street, 12:46 a.m.
Parker Caldwell, 24, was taken into custody for resisting arrest after officers contacted him in the area. Witnesses reported seeing Caldwell knocking on doors in the area and he became aggressive upon officers arrival. Caldwell had to be physically restrained and pepper spray was deployed to safely taken him into custody.
OLD SACRAMENTO: Robbery, 1200 block of Front Street, 2:15 a.m.
Officers responded to a report of a robbery. The victim was riding his bicycle when he was approached by multiple subjects. One of the subjects attempted to engage in a brief conversation with the victim. The victim was then physically assaulted and had his bike and other property was taken by the subjects. The victim did not require medical attention and a report was taken.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

FAB FORTIES: Sex Assault Report, 40th Street/ J Street, 2:04 p.m.
Officers responded to a local hospital on a report of a possible sex assault of a minor by a known suspect. The outside agency where the assault occurred was advised and is investigating.
DOWNTOWN: Assault, 900 block of F Street, 7:51 p.m.
Officers responded to an assault call. The suspect got into a fight at a gathering, grabbed a bottle and hit the victim over the head with it. The suspect then grabbed her 5-month old child and ran off. She left her other two children at the scene of the assault. Shantae Taylor, 35, was located, arrested and booked into jail for assault with a deadly weapon. All three children were placed into protective custody.
OAK PARK: Assault, 3400 block of San Jose Way, 7:04 p.m.
Officers were dispatched on a report that a man had just shot at the caller's daughter. The suspect had yelled at the victim for parking her car in front of his residence, pointed a gun at her and fired. The suspect then went back into the house. The suspect would not come out for officers and ultimately HNT [Hostage Negotiation Team] and SWAT responded. The suspect eventually exited the house. Alan Myles, 52, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, resisting arrest, and felon in possession of a firearm. The victim was not injured.
SOUTHSIDE PARK AREA: Traffic Stop, 5th Street / W Street, 6:11 p.m.
Christian Walker, 28, was contacted and arrested for violation of parole.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

DOWNTOWN: Assault, N. 12th Street /C Street, 11:03 a.m.
Officers responded to an area hospital for a report of an adult male subject that just arrived with a stab wound. Officers arrived, contacted the victim and found that the fight occurred on May 4, 2013. The victim was drinking with several friends, fell asleep and woke up the next morning. The victim was unaware of his injury until someone pointed it out.
MIDTOWN: Subject Stop, 16th Street / Victorian Aly, 2:21 a.m.
Officers contacted a subject who initially gave officers a false name. The subject was ultimately identified as a parolee-at-large out of Colorado. Gilbert Montour, 43, was arrested and booked into county jail.
MIDTOWN: Burglary, 1700 block of I Street, 2:11 a.m.
Officers were dispatched to a report of a burglary. It was found that a witness heard glass breaking and later found the front window to the business was broken. The glass breaking and falling destroyed merchandise that was displayed inside the business. The owner arrived and found that an object had been taken from the display.
DOWNTOWN: Assault, 1300 block of H Street, 12:57 a.m.
Officers were dispatched to a call of a fight. They arrived and found that the victim and suspect got into an argument that became physical. The suspect hit and kicked the victim. The victim was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries and the suspect was arrested for battery. Michael O'Brien, 24, was booked into county jail for felony battery.
GRANT PARK AREA: Disturbance, 20th Street / C Street, 3:25 a.m.
Officers contacted a subject on a disturbance call. Tony Ruark, 47, was contacted and arrested for possession of methamphetamine, violation of probation and being under the influence of a controlled substance.
RICHMOND GROVE: Suspicious Occupied Vehicle, 17th Avenue / Washington Avenue, 11:18 p.m.
Officers contacted and arrested a subject for possession of heroin. Robert Rodriguez, 48, was booked into county jail.
OAK PARK: Arson, 3400 block of San Jose Way, 1:51 a.m.
Police responded at the request of Sacramento Fire for a possible arson. Fire department personnel put out the small fire that was found in the gutter. Sacramento Fire Department will be conducting the arson investigation. No one was injured.

Monday, May 6, 2012

DOWNTOWN: Disturbance, 100 block of Capitol Mall, 11:53 a.m.
Officers responded for a report of a possibly armed subject. Upon officers arrival the involved parties were contacted and a parole search of an associated vehicle was done. A hand gun and narcotics were located and Richard Villegas, 54, was taken into custody for violation of his parole, multiple weapons charges and possession of a narcotics.
COLONIAL HEIGHTS: Suspicious Vehicle, 5500 block of San Francisco Blvd, 8:36 p.m.
Four subjects were arrested when officers responded to a suspicious vehicle call for service. The unoccupied panel truck was determined to be listed as stolen and two subjects related to the vehicle were located. The two subjects were observed leaving the area and ultimately taken into custody. Two additional subjects were located during follow up related to this incident. One of the additional subjects had an active warrant and the other was in possession of narcotics.
TAHOE PARK: Burglary, 2700 block of 63rd Street, 12:55 p.m.
Witnesses reported hearing the sounds of glass breaking and officers observed signs of forced entry into a residence upon arrival. Items were reported to be missing from inside the home and a report was generated. A canvas of the neighborhood was done and this investigation is ongoing.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Disclosure: Excerpts from the Sacramento Police Department's daily logs.

Fallen Police Officers remembered

2013-05-07T03:57:13Z

"Today the people of California pay tribute to 12 men whose names will be engraved on the California Peace Officers' Memorial," said Master of Ceremonies Attorney General Kamala Harris of the State of California. "Their service and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten."

"To the honored families who are here today there are no words to match the depth of your loss," Harris said. "But I do want to say 'thank you' on behalf of the people of Save California for supporting our fallen heroes."

Since California became a state, 1500 men and women who gave their lives will always have their names on this memorial.

Officers from all over California came to pay their respect.

In 2012 two officers were honored; Deputy Robert Lee Paris, Jr., Stanislaus Co. Sheriff's Dept. End of Watch: April 12, 2012 and Officer Kenyon M. Youngstrom, California Highway Patrol, Contra Costa. End of Watch; September 5, 2012.

Eight officers from the distant past, going back to 1907, were also honored.

Governor Jerry Brown said he was at the first memorial ceremony 37 years ago."More than anyone else, officers who put their lives on the line everyday exemplify that core of our civilization, which is the willingness to stand for what holds us together, the rule of law," Brown explained. "Sometimes that rule of law has to be enforced sometimes under very tragic circumstances. And that is what we memorialize today."

"To keep our social fabric intact, we honor courage, we honor loyalty and that camaraderie that comes from being in uniform for defending life and property and doing it in a way our law enforcement officers do everyday," Brown said.

Jennifer Grant, surviving daughter of Deputy David Grant, Tuolumne Co. Sheriff's Department, EOW 2004, sang "Can you hear me when I talk to you."

Guest Speaker Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, California Supreme Court, shared with the crowd her husband is a police officer, who happened to be retiring today. She expressed the stress she felt being married to a peace officer.

Commissioner Joe Farrow, California Highway Patrol was the Keynote Speaker.He expressed thankfulness, gratitude and appreciation for the officers who serve and their families.

Farrow suggested people spend quiet time at the memorial. People come to pay their respect to those who gave their lives. He explains he has been at the memorial when school classes visit. He stood quietly by listening to the teachers explaining the significance of this memorial, listening as they describe the names engraved of those before us, our nation's true heroes.

"Almost instinctively, there would be no words spoken," Farrow said. "Even the youngest visitors seemed to understand the magnitude of this place and what it stands for."

Six California State officers have died in the line of duty in 2013.

Here are scenes before the memorial began:

Police on motorcycles and in cars drove around the Capitol Mall

New films: Iron Man 3 (two opinions) - Ginger & Rosa - other film news

2013-05-03T19:33:42Z

Iron Man 3
Directed by Shane Black

Malcolm Maclachlan: It’s often that I’ll think more of a flick the day after I see it than when I’m actually watching it. In this case, I like it less. “Iron Man 3” starts out with some compelling ideas and snappy dialogue, but ends up as a typical overstuffed…well, let’s just say towards the end when Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow argue about which one of them is more of a “hot mess,” my answer is “you’re both soaking in it.”

Tony Sheppard: I think we had opposite reactions, or at least opposite post-reaction reactions. I had gone into the film with some fairly specific concerns regarding the storyline and enjoyed the film more than I had expected to and, since watching it, have actually appreciated the overall effort and approach even more as I’ve given it more thought. I do agree that at some point, as with most of these films, the action, explosions, and overall grandiosity of it all reaches a level of overkill, but they’re also catering to folks who rate their films based on the residual level of ringing in their ears.

MM: So let’s start by focusing on the good. Ben Kingsley steals a few scenes as a terrorist leader known as The Mandarin.

TS: Agreed. And there’s far more to this performance than the previews might suggest, on multiple levels.

MM: Plus, the comic relief in the film is often actually funny. Downey is engaging and entertaining as amiable jerk Tony Stark. They also saddle him with anxiety attacks verging on PTSD, which is a lot more interesting and human than that catchphrase-infested coolness of too many action flicks.

TS: Again, agreed. There’s a very interesting method to the way Stark is depicted here – we’re reminded of what a brash <insert bad word here> he used to be and so we’re given more of a character arc than this single film would otherwise have by itself. And the anxiety he experiences seems very real, if not exactly in the way it occurs at least in its presence. We’re too often shown heroes and superheroes who aren’t just strong in one sense, they’re strong in every sense – physically strong, confident, emotionally stable, etc. “Iron Man 3” takes place post-“Avengers” and it’s not an overstatement to say that everything has changed – suddenly we’ve gone from planet saving to universe saving, with wormholes, aliens, ancient gods in the mix, etc. Even the Tony Starks of the world are suddenly brought down to size by all of that.

MM: There are also some interesting ideas around the interplay of terrorism, the media, and the motivations and personas of mass killers. Given that the Mandarin is a bomber who often strikes on U.S. soil, the release of this flick so soon after the Boston Marathon bombing is positively creepy. Toss in drones, oil, the current cultural obsession with bullying, an interaction between two powerful women that doesn’t dissolve into a petty catfight, and you’ve got a lot to work with.

Maybe too much. Some interesting ideas turns into a kitchen sink catch-all. Over time, the focus seems to turn back to Stark’s ennui and midlife crisis, the very same elements that turned “Iron Man 2” into a barely-watchable exercise in daytime television psychology. I’ve never been sold on the onscreen chemistry between Downey and Paltrow, and it feels particularly pallid here.

TS: It’s not just a relative lack of chemistry but I also find myself questioning, at times, why the two characters would even be drawn to each other – but that’s probably a whole different conversation.

As for timing, I thought the same thing last week with “The Company You Keep” and it’s domestic terrorism/protest storyline, as well as the way it told a story about the families of those who choose to take certain actions, for whatever set of reasons they may have.

MM: Meanwhile, while I loved “The Avengers,” going back to a universe of individual heroes feels a bit artificial. I get that Thor is off in Valhalla or someplace, and maybe Bruce Banner/The Hulk is back in hiding. But with a vaguely Middle Eastern terrorist (The Mandarin does seem rather culturally nonspecific, sort of like Ben Kingsley himself) blowing up bombs on U.S. soil and posing a credible threat to the President’s life, are we supposed to believe that Captain America, Black Widow and Hawkeye are just sitting this one out? Of course, it they’d all done cameos, it probably would have cut into Downey’s reported $50 million paycheck.

TS: Now you’re getting at my big concern going into the film. It’s like a story about a guy who makes several of the best friends in the world/universe and who then can’t find anybody to help him move. This is a series of explosions and claimed attacks that is plastered all over the news media – so the other folks would have to be in some kind of silent retreat, comatose, or buying Valhalla timeshares to be out of the picture – and I expected this to completely destroy the story and film for me. But they took an approach which actually made it work despite my misgivings – they made it more like a giant bar fight than a campaign. Stark basically calls this guy out and launches into action without any consultation or plan – it’s a chest-thumping charge (think about it) that doesn’t pause long enough to gather backup. But it’s still a problem they have to overcome every time they revisit one but not all of the gang.

The other part of the film that I particularly liked and which added an element of wide-eyed wonder that these films benefit from but often lose over multiple iterations, is Stark’s involvement with the kid. It has the tone of recent films like “Super 8” but also managed to remind me of “Iron Giant” (iron man falls from the sky, is found by a young boy, the son of a single mom who works in a diner, who helps fix up the iron man and protect him from the folks trying to capture him), which is a desirable association.

MM: “Iron Man 3” does have some fun with Stark creating multiple Iron Man suits. But it also begs the question why people are still driving normal cars and living with the same electrical grid in a world where that kind of power can be mastered. I know I’m probably overanalyzing it, but given the resources both sides have at their disposal, their ambitions seem rather limited.

Then again, superhero movies are about our own limitations and self-obsessions in the first place. I’d even argue that this is embodied, literally, in the hard bodies of Downey, Paltrow (she has a six pack!), Don Cheadle and Guy Pierce. There was a time when Pierce stood out in Hollywood for his near complete lack of body fat, his face always looking like he was headed into a hard wind. Now he’s just another gaunt face in the crossfit-sculpted crowd.

This is aspirational fiction just as much as “The Real Housewives of….” When Downey invokes the catchphrase “I am Iron Man,” it isn’t really about the suit.

TS: Letting your use of “begs the question” slide for the moment, while the multiple suits are fun it takes us deeply into the drone territory you mentioned earlier. We’ve gone from lone hero to clone wars in rapid fashion, except that the suits are generally being operated not by Stark but by his computer sidekick Jarvis (which also undercuts the role, now and in the future, of Cheadle’s character if he could stay home and Jarvis could take care of business).

But despite our disagreement in terms of overall opinion, I think we probably agree about the general direction the film takes – and perhaps I simply like that direction more. Stark/Iron Man is more Wayne/Batman than Kent/Superman – he’s a smart guy with cool stuff and deep pockets. And while we expect to see and enjoy the gadgetry, at some point it has to come back to the decisions he makes and the way he lives with those decisions – he can’t simply fall back on invulnerability. (Interestingly, that’s also the direction the rebooting of the James Bond franchise has taken – more man than machines.) I like my heroes flawed, limited, and vulnerable – not only does it make them aspirational, as you point out, but it helps us to pretend for a moment that they might actually be in jeopardy occasionally.

Ginger & Rosa
Directed by Sally Potter

In about as much of a contrast with this week’s major opening of “Iron Man 3” as possible, “Ginger & Rosa” open in an exclusive engagement at the Tower Theatre. It’s a powerful character study of a girl growing up in the early 60’s in England at a time when world news is dominated by the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Although the title includes both Ginger and Rosa, this a film seen mostly from Ginger’s perspective as their lifelong friendship and inter-dependence begins to be challenged. Ginger is surrounded by instability - in her primary friendship, in her parents on again/off again marriage, and in the perceived threat to the safety of the entire world. The only calm opinions she’s exposed to inadvertently fuel her concerns and she finds it harder and harder to cope.

“Ginger & Rosa” has an interesting and talented cast but this is really Elle Fanning’s film. She takes on the role of Ginger and makes it believable, including in her accent (which isn’t true of all the cast). It’s an emotional role and the heartbreak and struggle she embodies are palpable. This is worth watching for her performance alone in much the same way that “The Iron Lady” was worth watching for Meryl Streep’s Thatcher – and that she can accomplish this as a young teenager is remarkable.

Other film news

As I pointed out earlier in the week, there are some neat films coming to the Crest Theatre, including Shawn Carruth’s “Upstream Color” in a three-day engagement this weekend, a special screening of “Infinity and Chashu Ramen,” a one-night only screening of a tour movie based on the Co-Exist Comedy group (Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, and Atheist comedians sharing a stage), and a screening of the Wild and Scenic Film festival – all in the next week. So if any of that sounds appealing, check their website at thecrest.com.

Book Talk: Akashic, local writers and notable events

2013-05-03T15:58:26Z

Small press focus: Akashic Books

Akashic Books is this edgy press that you may or may not have heard of. Akashic published one of my favorite books of all time, “Ruins,” by Achy Obejas. Their noir series is sure to please fans of noir, and I recommend picking up one of the many titles, perhaps beginning with “Boston Noir 2: The Classics” or delving even deeper into the drug noir series, perhaps with “The Heroin Chronicles.”

You might be asking just how good these books are. Well, with contributors like David Foster Wallace, Joyce Carol Oates and Andre Dubus, how can you go wrong with “Boston Noir 2: The Classics?” This collection is divided into three sections: Broken Families where you’ll find “Night-Side” by Joyce Carol Oates and “Surrogate” by Robert B. Parker; Criminal Minds where Dennis Lehane’s “Mushrooms” and Linda Barnes’ “Lucky Penny” can be found; and Voyeurs and Outsiders with offerings like “Townies” by Andre Dubus, an excerpt from “Infinite Jest,” by David Foster Wallace and “At Night” by David Ryan.

Akashic's series of noir anthologies began with “Brooklyn Noir” in 2004. The series includes anthologies covering Wall Street, New Jersey, Boston, Baltimore, Barcelona, Cape Cod, Copenhagen, Delhi, Los Angeles, Miami, Mexico City and even Moscow. No Sacramento on the list. Yet.

In addition to the more traditional noir anthologies featuring works by Joyce Carol Oates, Andre Dubus, David Foster Wallace and many other recognized names, Akashic also publishes its drug chronicles series. Titles include “The Cocaine Chronicles,” “The Speed Chronicles,” “The Heroin Chronicles” and the forthcoming “The Marijuana Chronicles.” These are short literary fiction works that focus on people and place and feature some of the most well-respected and well-known writers, including Sherman Alexie, Beth Lisick and William T. Vollmann.

My copy of "The Heroin Chronicles" was inadvertently borrowed by someone, and I had to borrow another copy from the library. Yep, these books are good.

“American Honor Killings: Desire and Rage Among Men” by David McConnell is a true crime book that explores various cases, including one featuring an episode of Jenny Jones and one that includes the arson of three Sacramento synagogues in 1999. Congregation B’nai Israel’s library contents were destroyed. Congregation Beth Shalom and Knesset Israel Torah Center were the other targets of the brothers McConnell interviewed for “Matson, Mowder, and the Williams Brothers, 1999,” one of several pieces included. Each story re-creates the events surrounding the cases.

* * *

On the local front

Local writer and historical archaeologist Glenn J. Farris is the editor of “So Far From Home: Russians in Early California,” published under Heyday’s California legacy imprint in collaboration with Santa Clara University. In this fascinating book, Farris brings together documents dating back to 1768 and extending to 1951 and Fort Ross’s place in the Cold War.

A wonderful read for those interested in California’s history, this book is sure to find a place on any history buff’s bookshelf. Through letters like the one written to Ivan Aleksandrovich, dated Oct. 14, 1808, readers learn that Alexander Baranov, the chief manager of the Russian American Company, plans to “dispatch a hunting party to the coast of the American New Albion with the Company vessels Mirt Kadiak and Nikolai.”

With chapters like “Russian and Kodiak Deserters, Captives, and Martyrs: Bolcoff, Egorov, and St. Peter the Aleut,” “The Transformation of Fort Ross’s Primary Function from Fur Hunting to Agriculture and Light Industry” and “Botanists on Russian Expeditions to California,” Farris opens a part of history that many may not be aware of. Several animal species were named by or for Russians, including the tiger beetle; the Monterey salamander; the Steller sea cow, sea lion and sea jay; the live oak cluster beetle and the bombardier beetle.

Much of the material included in this 368-page book has not been previously published. Farris received assistance from the Fort Ross Conservancy and drew material - including letters, journal entries and reports - from California, United States and Russian archives, providing readers with a different look into California history.

* * *

The last time we met Sacramento writer Norm Schriever, he’d sold all of his possessions and had moved to the tropics to write. Well, he moved, lived, laughed and wrote. The result is his second book, “South of Normal: My Year in Paradise,” published by Sacramento-area Authority Publishing.

The release party for "South of Normal" is scheduled for May 11 from 5 - 9 p.m. at LowBrau, 1050 20th Street.

* * *

The first book has rolled off the new small press at American River College, Ad Lumen Press. The anthology, "Burning the Little Candle" features works by Lois Ann Abraham, Christian Kiefer, Michael Spurgeon, Traci Gourdine and an introduction by Anthony Swofford. The next book, "Let the Water Hold Me Down," by Michael Spurgeon is scheduled to release on July 1. Books by Jason Sinclair Long and Daniel Rounds are forthcoming.

Cold River Press, the sponsor of the ever-popular twice-monthly poetry series, Poetry With Legs at Shine Cafe, has been quite busy at the press. This local small press recently released books by Davis poets D.R. Wagner and Phillip Larrea. Ask for these books, and other small press books, at your independent book store.

* * *

On the event front

Conference time has begun. Actually, it never really ends, but summer's warmer temperatures seem to equate with the cooler indoor temperatures of writing conferences. As you know, the Sacramento Poetry Center held its annual poetry conference in April.

"Our Life Stories" is another local conference that is scheduled for Saturday, May 4 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at Cosumnes River College. This conference is a wonderful opportunity to take workshops from notable writers and poets. Jeff Knorr, the poet laureate of Sacramento, will present "Crafting Your Poems." Satsuki Ina will present "From A Silk Cocoon: Working with Letters, Diaries, Poetry to Tell the Story through Narrative and Film," and V.S. Chochezi will present "For a Live Audience." A full day of workshops, meeting other writers, lunch and materials runs $35 - $40. This is one of the best conferences in town and welcomes writers of all ages and levels.

SummerWords returns this year on May 30 and runs through June 2. T.C. Boyle is the keynote speaker this year, and a host of workshops and readings are available for $95.

The Community of Writers at Squaw Valley has presented workshops in poetry, prose and screenwriting for more than 40 years. This program begins June 22 and runs through July 15. While registration for this event has closed, you can attend several of the public events held in Squaw Valley. Additionally, you can help raise funds for this event by attending the annual benefit reading at Crocker Art Museum on June 21.

* * *

A reminder that May is short story month. Read many short stories this month. You might want to begin with some from Akashic's anthologies or from other anthologies you might have found. Do you have a favorite short story? A favorite short story author?

* * *

If you have book news (new books; author readings, signings, events; or any other book-related items), please email SacramentoBookTalk@gmail.com.

Help Sacramento Sheriff detectives locate a suspect who shot a 10 year-old boy

2013-05-03T00:55:24Z

Help Identify this Shooting Suspect

Sheriff's detectives are looking for the public's assistance to identify a man responsible for shooting a 10 year-old boy two weeks ago. The suspect (see attached composite sketch) is described as a Hispanic male, between 20-30 years of age. He is believed to possibly have a scar on the side of his forehead.

On April 20, 2013 at approximately 11:15 p.m., the 10 year-old victim was standing with friends in front of a residence in the 6300 block of Whitecliff Way in North Highlands. A black vehicle with several occupants drove up to the victim, and one of the occupants said something to the juveniles standing outside the home. The suspect, a passenger in the vehicle, then produced a handgun and began firing, striking the victim multiple times. The victim was transported to a hospital, and is expected to survive his injuries.

The motive for this shooting remains under investigation. Anyone believing they know the identity of the person depicted in this sketch, or having any information regarding this incident, is asked to contact the Sheriff's Detective Bureau at (916) 874-5070. Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com, by texting to 274637 (CRIMES) and entering the keyword SSD, or by calling (916) 874-TIPS.

Sergeant Jason Ramos,
Sheriff's Spokesman

Disclosure: This is a direct re post from the Sacramento Sheriff's Department press release

Help Sacramento police locate suspects who randomly assaulted people in a parking lot

2013-05-01T05:01:18Z

Fought and Fled – Help Us Identify

The Sacramento Police Department is looking for your assistance in identifying multiple subjects involved in a physical altercation.

On Sunday, April 14, 2013, at approximately 1:59 a.m., the Sacramento Police Department responded to the 1500 block of 21st Street for a report of a large fight that left multiple people injured.

Responding officers and detectives were able to obtain a description of at least two of the involved vehicles. One was described as a white Chevrolet Suburban and the other was a white 2-door compact car. Multiple subjects got out of the white SUV and without provocation, began challenging and fighting random people in a parking lot. At least one victim that was physically attacked was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. One person reported being struck with a blunt object and multiple other people were physically assaulted during the incident.

At this time Detectives believe that the unidentified suspects (pictured above) may have gang affiliation.

Please help us identify the subjects in the photos attached. The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this investigation to contact the Communications Center at (916) 264-5471 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Disclosure: This is a direct repost from the Sacramento Police Department press release.

SPD: Designate or Stay Home

2013-04-27T06:22:33Z

Drunk and unlicensed drivers beware. A checkpoint for drivers who are under the influence or driving with a suspended license will be conducted on Norwood Avenue near Silver Eagle Road in Sacramento Saturday evening, according to a press release posted on the Sacramento Police Department’s website.

Drivers found to be under the influence will go directly to jail. The intoxicated individual can also expect to pay out over $10,000 in fines, related expenses and increased insurance premiums.

In 2011 almost 10,000 people were killed nationally in accidents where at least one driver had a blood alcohol concentration higher than the legal limit of .08 percent. In California drunk drivers who did not designate a sober driver were responsible 774 of the fatalities that year.

Data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states checkpoints are the most effective of documented DUI enforcement methods. For more information visit the SPD's press release page: sobriety and driver license checkpoint notification.

Disclosure: Will Ownbey is not affiliated with the SPD or any other law enforcement agency. Statistical data, date and location of checkpoint provided through a press release posted on SPD website.

4 New films: The Big Wedding - The Company You Keep - Pain & Gain - Mud

2013-04-26T20:26:57Z

A mixed bag of four new films

It’s a busy week at the movies and a mixed bag of outcomes, including veteran stars who elevate their material and films that both benefit and suffer by being associated with true stories.

The Big Wedding
Written and Directed by Justin Zackham

This is the first of two movies this week that become more than they might otherwise be by virtue of their casts. In this case, what would otherwise probably be a C+ grade comedy romp is pulled up a notch or two by stars Robert De Niro, Susan Sarandon (see below also), Diane Keaton, and a refreshingly understated performance from Robin Williams.

It’s a surprisingly raunchy-at-times (and appropriately R-rated) take on a dysfunctional family wedding with a modern twist, in that bridegroom Alejandro (Ben Barnes) finds himself trying to juggle three mothers (or mother figures): His staunchly catholic and Columbian biological mother, his now-divorced adoptive mother, and his adoptive father’s long-time girlfriend who has been a quasi step-mother.

Some of the familial relationships feel quite genuine at times, including sibling rivalry raised to the level of sport, and the film has enough funny moments to cause subsequent lines of dialog to be obscured by audience laughter. But it’s also rather unbalanced and inconsistent, with somewhat abrupt editing, and the fact that it works even as well as it does is because of the talent and gravitas of the actors delivering the lines. If the thought of A-list actors in a C-grade sex comedy is appealing to you, this could be your movie.

Sidenote: I see a lot of movies, including horror films and thrillers, and few things have shocked me as much recently as watching a character in “The Big Wedding” casually throw a martini glass into a swimming pool. Which just goes to demonstrate how much I’m affected by real life scenarios as I leaned over to my companion and said “They’re going to have to drain that entire pool!”

The Company You Keep
Directed by Robert Redford

“The Company You keep” has an even more impressive cast than “The Big Wedding” including, again, Susan Sarandon, along with Robert Redford, Julie Christie, Stanley Tucci, Brendan Gleeson, Sam Elliott, Richard Jenkins, Chris Cooper, Nick Nolte, Terrence Howard, and relative youngsters (who look like teenagers by comparison) Brit Marling, Anna Kendrick, and Shia LeBeouf. Frankly, it’s a dream cast and I’d probably enjoy watching them all play dead for two hours – so I go into a film like this with an inherent bias.

Sarandon plays a suburban housewife who, for three decades, has hidden her identity as a former member of The Weather Underground – a Vietnam War era domestic protest group that elevated their activities to a level that we would now label terrorism. She took part in a bank robbery that left a guard dead and she’s arrested on her way to turn herself in. LeBeouf plays a young local newspaper reporter who’s drawn in by the story and begins to realize there are more folks around whose pasts cover similar ground.

The legitimacy of the backstory, with the actual Weathermen having roots around some of the movie locations, adds credence to the story and it’s a topic that is remarkably fresh despite those roots being 30 or more years old. As characters discuss their original motivations, their complaints and concerns sound as though they could be current and new, and that’s an obviously intentional aspect of the screenplay. That it also comes to screens so close to the Boston Marathon bombings makes it seem even more topical and, truthfully, it’s a subject matter that could play in almost any decade, with only the exact motivations of those involved changing.

Redford’s last film “Lions for Lambs,” was similarly political in its content and messages although “The Company You keep” is, perhaps, a little less heavy-handed in that regard. However, while Redford is a very capable director and storyteller, he doesn’t waste time on too much subtlety when he has a message to convey. And here we get multiple corollary messages, such as the death-struggle of print journalism and the work that can sometimes only come from a doggedly determined local investigative journalist, and the relative complacency of younger generations for whom the gross injustices of an earlier time have become the status quo.

This is a solid film, reminiscent of the drama “Running on Empty,” which tackled similar themes of long-term fugitive status and its effects on family and relationships. It’s also an excellent reminder to those of us who are out of shape that 76 year old Robert Redford can still run through the woods carrying a backpack in a manner that leaves me winded just thinking about it.

Pain & Gain
Directed by Michael Bay

“Pain & Gain” is my most conflicted movie of the week and is the second that’s affected by being based on truth – in this case a true crime story from Miami. But it’s that truth that forms the basis of my conflict.

This is the story of a bungling group of thieves who attempted to get rich through a couple of kidnappings and the associated theft and extortion that followed. The ring-leader is played by Mark Wahlberg, with Anthony Mackie and Dwayne Johnson in tow as his accomplices. They’re supported by an effective secondary cast, including Tony Shalhoub as one of the victims and Ed Harris as the ex-cop turned private detective who investigates the events.

It’s actually a well made and well acted film that manages to deliver some genuine laughs along the way, in much the same way that we enjoy stories of crooks who try to pull ATM”s out of walls by tying chains to their cars only to end up leaving an axle or transmission behind. The problem is that the film tries to deliver those laughs consistently across its content – something which would normally be a good thing. The difference here being that while it’s fine to laugh at the villains (who are closer to being the heroes of the film) and their incompetency, we’re also asked to laugh at the scenes of torture and murder and, for example, the difficulties encountered while trying to return a chain saw to a home improvement store with human hair stuck in the mechanism.

This may be a very personal and subjective reaction, and others may differ in this regard, but I couldn’t separate myself from the fact that this is a real story about actual torture and murders. A couple of weeks before seeing the film, I had read a newspaper article about the relatives of the original victims who were irate at their loved ones’ deaths being the subject of a comedy re-telling of the facts of the story. And the film even pauses as it gets to a point of seeming ridiculousness to remind us it’s all true.

For me, this one was too close to the bone to enjoy, especially being played so obviously for laughs. A darker, less farcical telling of the same facts and the same events might have worked for me, but this just seemed crass.

Mud
Written and Directed by Jeff Nichols

Which brings me to my favorite new film of the week – “Mud” – written and directed by Jeff Nichols, who last wrote and directed 2011’s “Take Shelter.”

Matthew McConaughey plays the title character, who is discovered by two young boys in rural Arkansas, hiding from law enforcement on an undeveloped island in the river that dominates their lives. One of the boys, Ellis (Tye Sheridan), lives with his parents on a condemned houseboat, working with his father to sell fish and other meat out of coolers from the back of a pickup truck. His best friend Neckbone (Jacob Lofland) lives with an uncle who uses home-made diving gear to harvest shellfish. Together, the two boys enjoy the kind of largely unfettered and undefined childhoods that have remained relatively unscathed in rural areas, exploring their world in a manner that Huckleberry Finn would probably appreciate.

It’s a world that’s foreign to many of us, although still far more recognizable than the extreme independence and poverty depicted in last year’s “Beasts of the Southern Wild.” And it’s brought to life through solid acting, especially and most noteworthy from the two child actors – Sheridan who first appeared in Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life” and who already has another film in the can, and Lofland in his debut performance. This is a film that couldn’t work at all without these two parts being played this well – it’s more their story than Mud’s.

In essence that story is one of love, in multiple forms. It represents my favorite film genre, the multi-layered coming of age drama in which characters of multiple ages come to realize new things about the world around them. The film centers primarily on Ellis and his burgeoning understanding of human relationships, not just of the girl he likes but also the changing nature of his parents’ failing marriage, and the ill-fated love he sees between Mud and Juniper (Reese Witherspoon), the woman Mud has loved since he was younger than Ellis. But we’re also seeing those, and other relationships, through the other characters’ eyes as well as Ellis’ as they each discover more about themselves.

It’s a beautifully simple and effective film, with only the most minor of missteps, and my pick of the week.

A Lamppost Memorial

2013-04-24T04:27:20Z

The candles are no longer lit, but here you will find mementos of his life, pictures with his friends, a poster demanding justice and a rock painted green that reads, “Rest in peace my son 3-17-13.” This is the where he was fatally beaten, only a few steps from his home. This is the lamppost memorial at 18th and P streets.
On March 17, early on St. Patrick’s Day, Josiah Humphreys, 28, had a physical altercation with three men near his apartment in midtown Sacramento while on his way home from a local bar and restaurant. Seriously injured, his neighbors administered first aid to him, but he later succumbed to his injuries at an area hospital, according to the Sacramento Police Department.
I did not know him, but I live in his neighborhood, a couple of blocks from where his life ended. I did not know him, but I wait. I wait with his family, his friends and his neighbors. We wait for justice, justice for Josiah.
Someone knows something, and someone will tell. It is now a little over a month since he died, and no arrests have been made. The latest information from police describes three light-skinned men that could be Asian, Black or Hispanic. One has spiked hair and one wore a Yankees jacket, and all are believed to be between 25 and 30 years old.
The men might be better described as three cowards. Three cowards, who beat up one guy. Three cowards, who ran away.
If you are the someone who knows something, the someone who knows a coward, the reward has grown to $15,000 for information leading to an arrest. For more information about the reward or the life of Josiah Humphreys, visit justiceforjosiah.com.

Safeway on Alhambra gets unwanted drive-through

2013-04-15T18:17:21Z

A vehicle ran into the Safeway on Alhambra Boulevard Monday morning, making a mess out of its floral department and creating a big hole in its facade.

Shortly after 9 a.m., emergency and law enforcement personnel responded to 1025 Alhambra Boulevard to a report of a vehicle that crashed through a commercial structure.

A female driver in her 60s pulled into the parking lot, and into a spot, and the vehilcle accelerated and went into the building, said Sacramento Police Department Spokeswoman Michele Gigante. Someone inside was hit with debris, but no one was seriously injured.

The traffic investigation is ongoing and the driver is being cooperative, Gigante said.

Woman walking in Midtown robbed by four men

2013-04-12T16:48:46Z

A woman was robbed of her phone Wednesday night while walking near I and 20th streets, according to the Sacramento Police Department.

At 10:04 p.m., the woman was approached by four men who surrounded and distracted her before one grabbed the phone from her hand. The suspects fled, no weapons were used and the woman wasn't injured, the SPD reported.

The suspects were described as black male adults in their 20s, between 5'10 and 6'. The primary suspect was described as wearing a white T-shirt and having dreadlocks.

Ask The County Law Librarian - Pet Theft

2013-04-11T20:34:37Z

Q. Hi Law Librarian,

I was taking my purebred Akita puppy, Jett, for a walk and I tied her to a parking sign for 2 minutes while I ducked into a bodega to get us some water; when I came out she was gone. Stolen! I called the police, animal control, posted signs, and talked to neighbors and so far nothing. Is this a crime?

Michelle

A. Hi Michelle,

Pet theft remains a terrible reality across the country. Often underlying these crimes are dogfighters seeking bait animals and dealers acquiring animals to sell to research laboratories or breeding operations. Less organized motivations include kidnap and ransom attempts even animal hording.

Yes it is a crime:

CA Penal Code 487e.
Every person who feloniously steals, takes, or carries away a
dog of another which is of a value exceeding nine hundred fifty
dollars ($950) is guilty of grand theft.

CA Penal Code 487f.
Every person who feloniously steals, takes, or carries away a
dog of another which is of a value not exceeding nine hundred fifty
dollars ($950) is guilty of petty theft.

What Can We Do To Prevent Pet Theft
Animals that are consistently left unmonitored are of course more vulnerable to pet theft but all unattended animals are potentially at risk.

Be familiar with your neighborhood and its animals. Where dog walkers and pet sitters are involved introduce them to your neighbors.

Keep clear and current documentation connecting you with your animal(s) – this could include adoption papers, veterinary records, and identifying photographs.

Keep contact information on animal collars and tags updated, using phone numbers and/or email addresses that are legible and reliable. Have your animal(s) microchipped.

Michelle I hope you are reunited with Jett very soon!

Do you have a question for the County Law Librarian? Just email sacpress@saclaw.org. If your question is selected your answer will appear in next Thursday's column. Even if your question isn't selected, though, I will still respond within two weeks.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian
www.saclaw.org

Man robs, assaults and tries to sexually assault woman early Tuesday morning

2013-04-09T18:29:52Z

A 29-year-old man allegedly propositioned a woman for sex near Broadway and 34th Street early Tuesday morning, and when she refused, followed her before attacking and attempting to sexually assault her.

At 1:36 a.m. Tuesday on the 3400 block of Y Street, police responded to a call of a possible robbery. The woman called in and said she'd been physically attacked and robbed; police later found that the suspect also attempted a sexual assault, according to the Sacramento Police Department.

The suspect, identified as Diewon James, allegedly walked up to the victim and propositioned her for sex, and when she refused and walked away, James followed her for a few blocks before attacking her.

James allegedly continued to physically assault the woman, and at some point tried to sexually assault her. A witness rode up on a bicycle and James fled, according to the SPD.

Officers arrived quickly, as they were close when the call came out. Police were directed by responding officers to the area where James was last seen running, and he was ultimately caught.

James was arrested and taken to the county jail. The woman was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries from the assault.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Midtown streets getting lit up

2013-04-04T14:26:24Z

Trish Wallis didn't used to walk around her Midtown neighborhood carrying a personal taser, nor did she leave her purse at home when going out at night. But a few months back, when a wave of pedestrian robberies hit her neighborhood, she started taking extra safety precautions, and even stopped walking her dog at night.

"It seemed like it was out of control," she said of the crime spree. “I keep my money and services within a few block radius from my house, so I don't want the recent crime to change that. That being said, I'm not stupid and want to be safe.”

Wallis, a self-described activist at heart, starting pushing for more lighting on 26th Street, between G and E streets, and notifying the police when she saw suspicious people or activities, like someone urinating in the parking lot behind her home, or a man smoking what she believed to be marijuana by a park, and even a man smoking a substance out of a glass pipe.

"If I'm just one voice to say things need to change in these smaller, related areas, that's OK, but I just want to see something change," said Wallis, who had lighting installed at her apartment building following the robberies.

While there are many issues related to preventing such crimes, street lighting is one where the solution is readily affable, and that the Midtown community is working to improve.

The Midtown Business Association is currently working with SMUD to add 12 more street lights to prime spots between J and K streets, from 21st to 28th streets, said MBA Executive Director Liz Studebaker.

For this project, the MBA is paying the approximately $15 monthly bill to SMUD for each light, which adds up to slightly more than $2,000 annually. The lights will be installed on utility poles, and will likely be in place by the end of the month, Studebaker said.

“Lighting is the kind of public amenity that sometimes people take for granted, but is really important in working towards a healthy, balanced nighttime experience in the district,” she said.

This isn’t the first time the MBA has put money toward street lighting. About two years ago it worked with the city and the Community Development Block Grant program and matched $60,000 in grant funding for 17 “acorn” lights. The lights were installed in high-pedestrian areas along the J-K street corridor, between 16th and 21st streets, Studebaker said.

The lighting was intended to increase and enhance the pedestrian environment, she said, and to help the transition from commercial to residential areas.

While it certainly may be easier, it doesn’t take an organization to get more street lighting installed. According to SMUD Spokeswoman Dace Udris, all one needs is an existing SMUD pole in his or her alley or backyard, and an account with the utility district.

“And they would be billed for the kilowatt usage, on a street lighting rate,” which would appear as a separate line item on their monthly bill, she said.

“There are a lot of SMUD poles in alleys or backyards, so those would all be potential locations,” Udris said.

During the pedestrian robbery spree in December andJanuary, newly elected District 4 Councilman Steve Hansen, who represents Midtown, organized and held a community meeting with representatives from the SPD, including Bernard.

The sense of safety was short lived, however, as a woman was shot outside of a party the following night when she reportedly refused to give up her purse to a man. No arrests have been made in the case and it remains under investigation.

In addition to the more high-profile pedestrian crimes that struck on St. Patrick’s Day – the fatal beating of 28-year-old Josiah Humphreys on the corner of P and 18th streets, and the man who was attacked with a bat on D and 20th streets – there have been several pedestrian robberies or attempted robberies. However police don’t believe they’re related to the winter robbery spree.

"It seems like we haven't seen the quintessential purse snatches we were seeing before in the Midtown area, thank god," said SPD Spokesman Doug Morse. "I don't see anything out of the norm or any patterns to those."

Overall, Crime in the central city has increased, according to an analysis by the Sacramento Bee. Violent crime increased 5 percent in 2012, over the previous year, and property crime went up 9 percent.

"It's incredibly troubling, it really shakes your sense of basic security to its core," said Julie Murphy, co-chairwoman for the Marshall School/New Era Park Neighborhood Association. "We certainly need to be aware of our surroundings, no matter where you are, but to know that the person walking up to you may mean to do you harm…it shakes your sense of security."

Despite these incidents, Midtown is still the place to live, says Barbara Steinberg, a member of the Midtown Neighborhood Association.

"I am a firm believer in urban living and walkability," she said. "I live and work and play as much as I possibly can in my neighborhood."

But Sacramento isn't immune to such crimes, said Steinberg, and if anything, more criminal activity is reflective of the city's attractive qualities.

"When you start to draw people to a place, you're going to draw all kinds of people, good and bad," said Steinberg.

Volkswagon vs. Honda in a slow-mo collision on T Street

2013-04-02T22:21:00Z

Two drivers in a relatively slow-speed accident faired better than their cars Tuesday afternoon.

Around 1:30p.m., a Volkswagon sedan traveling north on 6th Street near T Street collided with a Honda coupe backing out of a parking space on the east side of 6th along Fremont park.

The impact pulled the front bumper off the VW and the Honda backed across the road, hitting a fence around someone's yard.

The Honda sustained damage to its rear bumper from the collision.

The police officer at the scene said there were no major injuries but a few sore necks and backs.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Shots fired into Midtown's Buckhorn Grill Friday morning

2013-03-29T15:32:13Z

Multiple shots were fired into the Buckhorn Grill restaurant at 18th and L early Friday morning, breaking windows and hitting the front windows of the adjacent apartment lobby, immediately north of the restaurant.

There was no report of shots fired in the area, according to the Sacramento Police Department. California Highway Patrol officers discovered the broken windows and bullet holes on routine patrol. An investigation is underway.

Officers believe they will be able to find surveillance footage from surrounding businesses, but won’t be able to secure that footage until the businesses open later in the morning.

Josiah Humphreys reward fund to get bump from Low Brau fundraiser

2013-03-28T21:30:56Z

While the Midtown and greater community is uniting to raise money for the Josiah Humphreys reward fund, police are chipping away at the homicide investigation.

Sacramento Police Department detectives are reviewing hours of surveillance video from businesses nearby P and 18th streets, where Humphreys was beaten to death in the early hours of St. Patrick's Day, Spokesman Doug Morse said.

"Detectives are very pleased with the amount of surveillance video they've been able to collect and receive in the area surrounding the scene," he said. "As of [Wednesday] we haven't IDed anyone, but it's just a matter of sitting down and looking at all that, which they're doing now."

Police suspect three men were responsible for the crime that shocked and saddened many in Midtown and beyond. Humphreys, a 28-year-old Jesuit High School alumni, was found lying in the grass not far from his home on P Street shortly before 1 a.m. He was apparently walking home alone from a night celebrating with friends, when an altercation occurred between Humphreys and three men. He died from traumatic head injuries.

While the police are offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, those close to Humpreys and his family have upped the ante. A reward fund on Justice for Josiah – a website created by a close family friend – has garnered more than $8,000 in donations, and one of Midtown's newest and hippest restaurants will host a fundraiser event this weekend.

To be held Saturday night at Low Brau, $1 from each draft beer purchased will go toward the reward fund, and raffle tickets will be sold for items donated by local businesses.

Low Brau General Manager Patrick Ramos attended the all-male Catholic high school with Humphreys and graduated in 2003 with a class of roughly 200.

"My high school's very tight and always has been, and we felt it'd be a great opportunity to get everyone together and have a fundraiser," he said. "I jumped on the opportunity to be able to help in any way that I could."

If the fund doesn't end up going to someone, it may eventually be donated to a charity in Humphrey's name, Ramos said.

"It's amazing so far the outreach we've gotten from downtown and Midtown restaurants, and people in general who heard the story and want to make Midtown safe," Ramos said. "I've been getting phone calls from the last two days from the Sac Bee and you, and never thought it would get to this level – it's really nice to see and just goes to show what a great guy he was."

The story of Humphreys' death has hit home for many, Ramos said, as they can put themselves in his shoes. "I know there's a lot of people in situations where they're walking home by themselves, and it's important to remember that though it shouldn't happen, you have to be safe."

The fundraiser at Low Brau starts at 7 p.m. Saturday. "It's gonna be very busy, I can tell you that much," Ramos said. "Our Saturday nights are already busy, so I can only imagine how many people we'll have in there."

The SPD is still attempting to locate any video surveillance from businesses or residents nearby, and is asking that anyone who hasn't already been contacted regarding such footage contact them by calling the communications center at (916) 264-5471.

PHOTOS: Memorial service for Josiah Humphreys

2013-03-23T03:45:04Z

Three hundred chairs were set up for Friday's memorial for Josiah Humphreys. As people continued walking through the door, more chairs were added.

Just 28 years old, Josiah was apparently beaten by three men just prior to 1 a.m. Sunday and suffered traumatic head injuries.

The memorial became a celebration of Joshiah's life. Friends and family spoke of him and moments they had with him in life.

His favorite song, "I Will Survive," was played, and a "Remembering Josiah" video presentation was shown.

Mourners were in tears, as well as laughing, during the service.

Descriptions of him included "friendly, genuine and determined," "fantastic, caring, a shining star," "he had a million dollar smile, he was a sweetheart, he was happy, articulate, he had humility and was a 49er fan."

Inside the memorial pamphlet was a page dedicated to the things Josiah loved:
family and friends
video and card games
Michael Jackson music
cowboy hats
having his unique sense of style
giving gifts, flowers and chocolates to friends and loved ones
cheering people
biology and chemistry
dancing and singing
being goofy
Star Wars

Veronica, his older sister, said he will be missed so much. It happened it so suddenly. She hopes the killers are caught or someone comes forward.

About the crime: In the early morning hours of March 17, 2013, Josiah was walking home from a Midtown bar when he was brutally attacked about 20 feet from his apartment building. Despite the efforts of bystanders and rescue workers, Josiah was pronounced dead at the hospital.

What people can do:
Please encourage anyone who may have any information (no matter how small or irrelevant) to call the Sacramento Police Department at (916) 264-5471 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Man killed in South Oak Park shooting early Friday morning

2013-03-22T15:54:45Z

A man was killed early Friday morning in South Oak Park after being shot multiple times.

At 35th Street and 26th Avenue, police responded to reports of shots fired in the area and found a man lying in the street shortly after 4 a.m.

The man, who was in his 20s, was unresponsive and appeared to have multiple gunshot wounds. Sacramento Fire Department personnel declared the man dead at the scene. Sacramento Police Department homicide investigators were called to the scene and are continuing the investigation.

"At this time there is no known motive for this deadly shooting and detectives continue to investigate this incident," a SPD press release stated.

A dark sedan was seen in the area around the time of the shooting and is believed to possibly be involved. Detectives are asking anyone with information to please contact police as they attempt to determine the circumstances surrounding this case.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact the Communications Center at (916) 264-5471 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Ask the County Law Librarian - Private Security Guards

2013-03-21T22:43:43Z

Q. I wonder if you could discuss the authority of private security guards or perhaps just give me links to applicable code sections. I realize they can make a citizen’s arrest just like anyone else, but do they have additional powers? And, of course, if they attempt to detain a person, what is their authority in that event?

-Jim

A. The topic of private security guards is a timely one, because it seems like most stores I visit nowadays employ a security guard, if not several. An interesting fact: in California, security guards outnumber peace officers 4 to 1. Given that it’s a growing industry and one that permeates our everyday lives, it is certainly useful to learn more about the profession and its requirements: licensing and registration, training, and, as you mention, the security guard’s role and responsibilities in the scope of his or her employment.

In California, the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), a division of the Department of Consumer Affairs, has jurisdiction over the private security industry. The basic requirements to register and be licensed as a security guard with the BSIS are listed on the bureau’s Security Guard Fact Sheet, which also gives information on the necessary permits needed for security guards to carry batons, firearms, or tear gas; each type of weapon requires its own separate training and other requirements such as a criminal background check and U.S. citizenship. A valid security guard registration alone does not automatically entitle a security guard to carry any of these weapons.

Like all other citizens, security guards have the power to make a private person (citizen’s) arrest, as authorized by California Penal Code Sections 837-849; mandatory 8-hour training on Power to Arrest is required for all applicants seeking registration as a security guard. You can read the Bureau’s Power to Arrest Training Manual on its website, but here are some excerpts that may answer your question on a security guard’s authority:

• A security guard is NOT a peace officer. This means that a security guard is not obligated to make a citizen’s arrest.

• A security guard’s primary responsibility should be to protect the property or persons he or she is assigned to protect. In that role, he or she is an agent of the property owner and can question people on the owner’s property and may prevent someone from entering private property by standing in his way.

• The main role of a security guard should be PREVENTION.

• If prevention is not possible, the role of a security guard should be to OBSERVE and REPORT.

• A security guard should never touch a suspect except when they are protecting a citizen, protecting their employer’s property, in self-defense, or when necessary to use reasonable force in effecting an arrest. What’s reasonable force? Reasonable force in an arrest situation is the degree of force reasonably needed to detain an individual and to protect oneself. (People v. Garcia, 274 Cal. App. 2d 100 (Cal. App. 1st Dist. 1969)). To read the case opinion, go to http://www.courts.ca.gov/opinions.htms.

The BCIS has provided a wealth of information on the licensing and training requirements for security guards, proprietary private security officers, and many other security-related positions. If you’d like more information, you can read the entire Power to Arrest Training Manual, the 19-page Security Guard Guide, and the authorizing statutes in the California Business and Professions Code Sections 7580-7588.5, containing the Private Security Services Act. Other relevant California code sections are referenced in the literature, such as the laws governing the possession and registration of firearms. You can find those code sections and more at www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.

Do you have a question for the County Law Librarian? Just email sacpress@saclaw.or g. If your question is selected your answer will appear in next Thursday's column. Even if your question isn't selected, though, I will still respond within two weeks.

Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian
www.saclaw.org

Developing story- Armed, high speed, South Sacramento pursuit ends Downtown

2013-03-21T21:24:31Z

A high speed chase involving Sacramento Sheriffs Deputies and a man wanted for robbery ended when the suspect spun out of control and crashed on J Street in downtown Sacramento Thursday afternoon

The chase began when deputies with the Sacramento Sheriff's Office attempted to pull over Andre Rushing, 23, on Mills Tower Drive in Rancho Cordova, according to Sergeant Jason Ramos, the spokesman for the Sacramento Sheriff's Department.

The (appropriately named) Rushing sped off, and took officers on a chase that went through the South Sacramento area to Interstate 5, Ramos said.

Rushing, who had a 38-year-old female passenger in the car, reached speeds of 90 miles per hour and higher, and collided with multiple cars during the chase, including law enforcement vehicles, according to Ramos.

The chase ended when Rushing took the J Street exit at a high speed and spun out of control, crashing at the bottom of the ramp. Officers from Sacramento Sheriff’s Department, Sacramento Police Department and California Highway Patrol pulled guns on the suspects and took them into custody.

Officers pulled a blanket with a shotgun, shotgun shells, a gun clip and bags from the trunk of the vehicle after the arrests.

This is a news brief. We will update with more information as it becomes available.

Memorial service for Josiah Humphreys to be held Friday

2013-03-21T00:02:33Z

It’s hard for Veronica Humphreys to explain how the loss of her younger brother has impacted her life. The grief never ceases, she said, and normal activities like eating and sleeping have become a rarity.

“Every time I close my eyes I see his face and think, ‘Why did this happen?’” she said. “The rest of my life will be changed forever, I will never have my brother back.”

The death of Josiah Humphreys, a 2003 Jesuit High School graduate, has shaken and outraged the community. The 28-year-old died early St. Patrick’s Day morning on his way home from a bar. He was found lying in the grass on the corner of P and 18th streets, not far from his Midtown home on P Street. He died of traumatic head injuries after a fight broke out between Josiah Humphreys and three men, who have yet to be located or identified.

A vigil held Monday night saw an outpouring of nearly 100 friends, family members and community members. A memorial of flowers, photos and notes is anchored around a street lamp in Josiah Humprey's memory.

“It's so raw and emotional and it's so hard, it's something you never expect to happen to you,” Veronica Humphreys said. “Everyone is so distraught. How could this happen, how could people just sit by and watch?”

When Samantha Cypret heard the news Sunday morning of Josiah Humphrey's fatal beating, she didn’t know what to do or say.

She met Josiah when he was 10 or 11, through his older sister Veronica, and became close with their family. So when the Humphreys family lost its middle child, Cypret decided that she needed to do something to help.

In the span of a day, she created a simple website, "Justice for Josiah," and set up a donation fund to pool reward money. She wants to keep his story alive.

"No amount of tears will bring him back, but hopefully through our actions, be it through the website or canvassing or keeping his story prevalent, we'll be able to hold the people accountable for their actions," Cypret said.

Debi Quick, who knew Josiah Humphreys through his work at a property management company, was in tears when she described his brief but powerful impact on her life.

“He was just an awesome, awesome kid,” she said. “Everybody that he met, everyone in our complex, we've all been talking about it, and they all said the same thing – It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.”

"I'm just praying to god that someone has a conscious out there," Quick said. "Just give someone the strength and courage to bring forth a name – something – don't let him die in vain."

The donation fund started for information that leads to an arrest has garnered more than $2,500 since going live Tuesday night, Veronica Humphreys said. A memorial service has been planned for Friday in Roseville, at Bayside Church in room B120; the church is at 8191 Sierra College Boulevard.

"We've been overwhelmed with how much people have donated and are reaching out, it's been really shocking," Cypret said. "People who have never met Josiah heard the story and were so outraged by it, they wanted to do something. It's been really touching."

Veronica Humphreys hopes that through the community’s support and involvement, people won’t look the other way when they see acts of violence. “People can’t go around killing people,” she said. “It’s not OK for someone to take someone else’s life, that’s not theirs to take.”

Cypret said the past few days have been crazy, and the thought of the killers potentially committing another violent act makes her stomach turn.

"This has been just earth shattering, especially something so violent and so senseless," Cypret said. "There's just no way to wrap your head around what's happened. Now you have to turn to action and hold people accountable, and find a tiny amount of positivity that can come out of a situation like this."

Gay rights activist: Anti-gay attacks could increase with push for marriage equality

2013-03-20T00:09:49Z

A man was walking home the night of St. Patrick's Day in Midtown, near D and 20th when one man approached him and made gay-bashing comments.

Then another man hit him with a bat while making anti-gay remarks.

This occurred only blocks away from Sacramento's Lavender Heights, otherwise known as the gay-berhood, which is home to businesses, bars and clubs owned by those in the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community. Police have suspect descriptions, but no one has been arrested for the crime; the victim sustained minor injuries in the attack and is out of the hospital.

News of the attack spread Monday morning, and gay rights advocates were concerned for the overall safety of the community, given the fatal beating of Josiah Humphreys just hours earlier. But these types of hate-based crimes happen more than gets reported, says gay rights activist Ken Pierce, and are likely to increase as marriage equality gets closer to becoming reality.

"I'd be very concerned – I don't care if you're gay, straight or whatever – I'd be concerned that someone walks up and starts wailing because they think you're gay," Pierce said. "I think it's an excuse for a thug to go out and take his aggressions out on someone."

Pierce, public relations director for Sacramento's Equality Action Now, said the victim's sexuality is a moot point – a citizen of Sacramento was beat up on the street. But "the fact that they called him gay makes it a hate crime," he said.

His contention is that anti-gay rhetoric that's amplified on religious radio, TV and in some churches, can be the excuse for people who want to go out and commit acts of violence. "It's what fuels these people who are very violent to begin with," Pierce said.

And those acts of violence don't always reach the point of being beaten up or injured, and therefore go under-reported. For example, a friend of Pierce's was walking away from an ATM when someone called him a derogatory name and hit him in the face. "He went and got money out of the ATM, the guy saw that and wasn't interested in the money, just saw he was walking a certain way and assumed he was gay," Pierce said. "And thought it's OK to hit a gay guy."

"Most everyone knows that there are areas in Midtown that have gay bars and businesses that are gay run," Pierce said. "Anyone could be a target."

Which brings Pierce back to Humphrey's death. "They may not have said anything, it could have been a drunken brawl, but it's still another citizen being beat to death, someone thinking they have the right to beat up on someone," he said. "It's all the same to me."

As California and the nation get closer to attaining marriage equality, Pierce believes these types of hate-fueled acts will surface even more. "They think it gives them permission, and there will be more as we get closer to marriage equality, as we get closer to equality as a whole, as we have more and more people come out, there's going to be some people inundated with this hate speech," he said. "Again, they think it gives them permission."

Sacramento Police Department Spokeswoman Michelle Gigante said the felony assault unit is investigating Sunday night's hate crime, and is asking that any witnesses to please come forward. "It's just not tolerated, nor should it be," she said. "We take allegations of these types of cases very seriously."

Vigil held for man beaten to death in Midtown

2013-03-19T06:43:52Z

Josiah Humphreys was a big 49ers fan, a closet A's fan, a video game geek and TV show and movie buff. Friends describe him as warm and welcoming, as someone who they felt an instant connection with, even if it had been months or years since they’d seen one another.

“I can't stop picturing him in my head, he was always smiling," said Gregg Starr, a friend from high school.

Humphreys, 28, was killed early Sunday morning by a group of three men that beat him to death near his Midtown home on the corner of 18th and P streets. Police have no suspects and are asking for witnesses' help in the investigation.

On Monday night, more than 100 friends, family members and acquaintances came together at the scene of the crime to honor and memorialize Humphreys. As the crowd grew, so did the memorial, which included pictures, notes, candles, flowers, and a Jesuit High School T-shirt. A cowboy hat with an attached lily was was placed near the top of the light pole, which served as the memorial's anchor.

At one point, a family member came forward to thank everyone for showing up, and described the loss of Humphreys as devastating.

Many people stood in near silence, holding onto candles and each other, finding support and comfort in their shared loss. A large group of Jesuit graduates eventually circled the memorial and shared stories, laughs and tears over Humphreys, who was described as generous, one to step up and help out, and "everybody's friend."

One of Humphreys' closest friends, Matthew Anderson, said the two knew each other over three years and bonded immediately. "We understand each other on a lot of different levels," he said. "It's disheartening to know someone with such a strong will can be brought down."

Humphreys was not afraid to show his emotions, Anderson said, and was always going to have a fun time regardless of his environment. He described Humphreys as fun, exuberant and boisterous. "He's stronger than most of us and he's not afraid to show that," Anderson said.

While Anderson wasn't with Humphreys the night he was killed, he said a couple of friends had offered Humphreys a ride home, but that Humphreys had turned them down. Those friends are now blaming themselves, and Anderson said he wishes he could have been with his friend that night.

"This is a terrible fate to bring down on someone, especially so close to home," Anderson said. "We shared a lot of moments and it's been extraordinary in the years I've known him."

Anderson said that however many friends he makes, he won't be able to to forget Humphreys.

"You can't replace someone like that, who knows you on so many levels," he said. "You can't find somebody else that is so close to you."

Opinion: Medical marijuana court support expanding in Sacramento

2013-03-18T21:29:42Z

Try to imagine you are in jail charged with a marijuana crime. You’ve been lead to believe that all your friends believe the exaggerated claims made about you by the media. You enter a courtroom, but are in a cage to protect the room from you. Feeling humiliated, subjugated and demoralized you look up to see a courtroom full of people wearing green ribbons to show their support.. You are elated! You can see your community has not turned its back on you – you have friends who care enough to support you. This is the power of court support.

On March 9, over 30 supporters of medical marijuana filled up a courtroom in Yuba County for the case of Eric Salerno. The group was organized by Winagain, a court support group based in Northern California and The Human Solution, a similar L.A.-based organization.

Salerno was arrested in Marysville on drug trafficking charges during a medical cannabis delivery. The previous Tuesday, over 20 supporters showed up to support Daisy Bram. She and her husband Jayme Walsh’s home in Butte County was raided in September of 2011. They were charged with cultivation of cannabis. Their family is split apart while Walsh is held at Tehama County jail under a million dollars bond, and Bram tries to get their children back from Child Protective Services. Wednesday, again in Butte county, supporters rallied around Tom and Donna Korby, also appearing in court on growing charges after a raid of their farm in February 2012.

Some weeks can be quite busy for court supporters.

Seeing that the defendant has support from their community can add some credibility, I think particularly in marijuana cases. Micky Martin, Bay area activist and Author of Medical Marijuana 101, had his home raided in September 2007. He was charged with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute a controlled substance for manufacturing cannabis-infused candies that his company sold to dispensaries.

“On the day of my sentencing, the courtroom was packed with respectful supporters,” Martin said to me about his case. “As a result of the efforts of all the court supporters, at the close of the hearing, the judge announced that I would only receive one year of house arrest, and one year at a halfway house, and 5 years of federal probation. At this point, the whole courtroom erupted in cheers. Court support saved me from prison, in my mind.”

Perhaps court support impacts the decisions of judges and juries. Often the individual on trial has been accused of providing cannabis for recreation under the guise of it being medicinal. Seeing the medical community’s support lets the court see that the defendant is part of the medical community. There is a great psychological impact when a courtroom fills up for one person, and empties out after that person’s case is heard.

With the uncertainty about federal versus state law – and local laws being a hodgepodge of bans, moratoriums and other limitations – often these alleged criminals were not even aware they operated outside of the law. In the federal cases, cannabis providers accused of general “drug trafficking” can’t even inform the court they were provided medicine under Prop 215, and jurors are left to believe it was recreational for profit sales.

Furthermore, it is not uncommon for local law enforcement to exaggerate an alleged crime. When The Farmer's Daughter was shut down in July of 2012 for allegedly running a secret dispensary in back of the restaurant, law enforcement and the media claimed that 80 pounds of cannabis was confiscated, while the owners maintain they only possessed enough marijuana for two patients.

Court support isn’t just good for the defendant. It also benefits those attending in support. There are literally thousands of marijuana cases being tried daily in the state of California. Many of these cases involve patients accused of a growing, transportation, or trafficking violations in spite of Proposition 215, which made marijuana legal for medical purposes in 1996. I think watching how things work helps court supporters learn more about our legal system, and better understand what they may have to deal with in their future.

A few years ago court support was just a couple of people staying informed and showing up when the could. Recently more formal groups have formed to get out the word. In 2009 Los Angeles advocate and activist Joe Grumbine formed The Human Solution, a grassroots organization specializing in supporting medical cannabis patients, doctors, farmers and caretakers imprisoned on marijuana charges. Recently Grumbine, with the help of activists in Sacramento and Butte County, have expanded formalized court support organizing efforts. “Winagain”, a northern California branch of court supporters working in conjunction with The Human Solution founded by activist Lacota Sioux and Tom Korby, utilizes an email lists, texts trees, and social media to spread the word about cases and their dates.

If you live in Northern California and want to get involved with medical cannabis court support, check out the Sacramento court support Facebook page here, or email “Winagain” at Winagain215medicalpatients@gmail.com or call (916) 223-5191. Get involved – it does make a difference in the lives of some very good hearted people.

Editor's Note: The second paragraph has been edited to reflect that Eric Salerno's case was tried in Yuba, not Butte County. The eleventh paragraph has been edited to reflect that Grumbine formed THS in 2009, not 2012.

Man beaten to death in Midtown memorialized

2013-03-18T20:43:03Z

Beside the grass where a young man took his last breaths early Sunday morning, is a memorial of flowers, candles, photos and St. Patrick's Day beaded necklaces and plastic leprechaun hats.

“RIP from the P St neighbors 1725 God Bless,” read a note written on a candle.

Passersby, neighbors and witnesses stopped by the corner of 18th and P streets Monday to relight candles and incense, and for some, learn of the events that led to the death of a young man who was fatally beaten.

The man, in his 20s, was apparently beaten by three men just prior to 1 a.m. Sunday and suffered traumatic head injuries, according to the Sacramento Police Department.

A man who dialed 911 was walking from a nearby bar when he came upon the scene. Wishing to remain anonymous, the man said he witnessed the aftermath, and not the beating itself.

"He was knocked out and still breathing," he said. "I thought he was passed out drunk."

It didn't appear that the victim's friends were with him, and those who witnessed the beating didn't chase after the suspects, the man said.

Ken Freedlander, a nearby property owner, said the quality of life has improved in the central city since he bought a home 26 years ago. But the death of a young man on the same street as his home gives a sense of unease.

"It's just a shame, it's a step backward for us," he said. "It's just very sad and very unfortunate – it looks like he was a nice man."

The Sacramento Coroner's Office said it can not release the name of the deceased man.

The same day, though many hours later, another man walking in Midtown was the victim of a crime, but didn't suffer the same fate. A man walking near D and 20th streets was hit in the lower body with a baseball bat after two men yelled gay slurs at him. He suffered minor injuries and police are investigating what's suspected to be a hate crime.

Man assaulted with bat in Midtown hate crime

2013-03-18T15:19:23Z

A man walking home was attacked in Midtown Sunday night in what police suspect to be a hate crime.

At D and 20th Street, at 10:13 p.m., a man in his 40s was approached by a man who came up from behind and made derogatory statements using gay slurs, according to the Sacramento Police Department. The suspect was described as a black man, between 28 and 34 years old, 5’10”, with a heavy build and wearing a dark green T-shirt and blue jeans.

A second suspect hit the victim in the lower extremity with a bat while using derogatory slurs, the SPD reported. The victim was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. The bat-wielding suspect was described as a white man between 28 and 34 years old, 5’10”, with a medium build and wearing a dark colored T-shirt and pants.

SPD Spokeswoman Michelle Gigante said such hate-motivated crimes are uncommon in Midtown, and aren't tolerated. "I don't think we've had anything that brazen in a long time," she said. "We shouldn't have this at all – we've got complete zero tolerance for anything like this."

This crime follows the fatal beating of a man in Midtown in the early morning hours of St. Patrick's Day.

Police are urging any witnesses from both incidents to come forward to help solve the crimes. Witnesses can phone the SPD communications center at (916) 264-5471 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Early morning fight in Midtown leaves man dead

2013-03-17T13:31:40Z

An early morning fight in Midtown on St. Patrick's Day has left a man dead.

Around 1 a.m. on March 17, police, firefighters and medics responded to the corner of 18th and P streets in Midtown. They arrived to find a man on the ground and a bystander giving him CPR. According to radio reports, the victim had suffered head trauma, did not have a pulse and was not breathing.

The intersection of 18th and P streets was shut down in all directions for several hours while crime scene investigators and homicide detectives collected evidence, talked with witnesses and sorted out the facts.

Update: The press release from the Sacramento Police Department:

On Sunday, March 17, 2013, at approximately 12:48 a.m., the Sacramento Police Department responded to the area of 18th Street and P Street regarding a report of a subject who was bleeding. Officers arrived and found witnesses administering CPR to the male victim in his twenties.

At this time it is believed that a physical altercation occurred between the victim and three adult males, near or on the sidewalk of 18th Street. During the incident the victim sustained traumatic injuries to his head prompting a witness to call police. Responding officers performed CPR until emergency medical personnel arrived. The victim was transported to an area hospital by ambulance where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Sacramento Police Homicide Detectives and CSI were called out to assist with the investigation. It is unknown at this time what prompted the deadly fight between the suspects and the victim and this investigation is ongoing.

Detectives believe that multiple witnesses may have seen the altercation and are asked to please notify police with any information regarding this incident. Detectives are currently reviewing area surveillance video, as well as video from nearby businesses, in an attempt to identify the subjects involved.

Live crime and public safety blog

2013-03-15T07:00:23Z

We're testing out a new approach to daily public safety coverage. Follow along below and let us now what you think in the comments. While the blog is "live" in the current day, the most recent entries will be at the top, midnight will be at the bottom; At day's end, the "live" portion of the blog will close and the blog will flip with the first entries at the top and will become an archive of the day.

Live crime and public safety blog

2013-03-14T07:02:06Z

Live crime and public safety blog

2013-03-13T07:00:39Z

Live crime and public safety blog

2013-03-12T07:00:17Z

Live crime and public safety blog

2013-03-11T07:00:39Z

Live crime and public safety blog

2013-03-10T08:00:34Z

Live crime blotter - Friday night bar fights

2013-03-09T08:00:09Z

We're testing out a new approach to daily public safety coverage. Follow along below and let us now what you think in the comments. While the blog is "live" in the current day, the most recent entries will be at the top, midnight will be at the bottom; so if you're looking for the activity from the club fights, scroll to the bottom. At day's end, the "live" portion of the blog will close and the blog will flip with the first entries at the top.

New films: Dead Man Down and Oz the Great and Powerful - and other film news

2013-03-08T19:44:17Z

Courage, brains, and a heart … and a movie about Oz

Dead Man Down
Directed by Niels Arden Oplev

Oz the Great and Powerful
Directed by Sam Raimi

In an odd coincidence this week, after a screening of “Dead Man Down,” I was pondering its release alongside “Oz the Great and Powerful” and also recalling the “The Wizard of Oz” and its three characters in search of courage, brains, and a heart. Much to my surprise, “Dead man Down” which had looked like a fairly run of the mill action film in previews, actually has all three.

Having said that, it’s not a fantastic film, and it has some problems, but it’s far more interesting than I was expecting. It’s directed by Niels Arden Oplev who directed the original Swedish adaptation of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” and here he reteams with Noomi Rapace, who stars alongside Colin Farrell. The screenplay is by J.H. Wyman, whose last produced feature screenplay was for 2001’s “The Mexican” with Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts – having worked since then in TV, primarily producing and writing on “Fringe.”

Farrell stars as a man working with, but apparently not entirely beholden to, a rather undefined (or perhaps poorly defined) criminal organization. He lives in a high rise apartment, with windows facing the apartment of Rapace’s character and they have an awkward relationship which initially consists of tentatively waving to each other.

In the early parts of the film, each of their motivations remain largely unclear – she has suffered facial disfiguration from a car accident and he seems to be a bit of a fish out of water working as a gun-toting thug. On a couple of occasions, I found myself expecting something else to happen, not because the film is attempting to throw twists and turns at the audience, so much as that the pacing early on always seems very slightly off. Or the pacing is perfect in the sense that it does keep you second guessing yourself and that may be the intent. But it’s unusual and somewhat interesting, for example, to see a character go from a bloodbath shootout to eating a noodle bowl and vacuuming his apartment – and yet even criminals have a home life and, presumably, spend several hours a day not being criminals.

I also found myself questioning the pacing in “Oz the Great and Powerful.” It starts with James Franco’s Oz as a small time traveling carnival magician whose shenanigans catch up with him just in time for him to attempt escape in a balloon as a tornado approaches – whereupon the storm whisks him away to the magical Kingdom of Oz. The balloon ride itself seems largely an excuse to toss around objects, and Franco, in a way that will exploit the 3D imagery being employed, and Oz is like a compendium of the earlier film’s visuals mixed with every movie about a lost valley or a land lost in time.

All of the elements one expects are there: Good witches, wicked witches, flying monkeys, munchkins, etc. – with the notable exception of music. Here we have a film that isn’t a musical telling us a similar story to the narrative of the familiar stage musical “Wicked” and fulfilling the onscreen role of prequel to one of the great musicals of all time. Which isn’t to say that it should have been or needed to be a musical – but it happens to feel like a musical that’s had its songs pulled out. And, at 130 minutes long, it’s 29 minutes longer than “The Wizard of Oz” (although credit rolls have become far longer) without that movie’s recurring injection of upbeat happiness every time somebody burst into song. So, for me at least, it just felt longer than the relatively low energy could sustain. It’s cute and occasionally quite funny – but it just seems to keep plodding along without any great high points to lift itself out of a relatively mundane storytelling exercise about a non-wizard, set against a backdrop of actual visual wizardry (although I’d be quite happy to never see another film in which characters run over natural stone archways that crumble under their feet).

Which brings me back to courage, brains and heart – three things I wasn’t expecting to find more of in “Dead Man Down.” It’s a story that kept me engaged and it has far more nuance than any of the recent actions films from the Schwarzenegger/Stallone/Willis crowd (not that they are known for nuance). Farrell and Rapace both play damaged characters whose actions are grounded in deep loss and anger and there’s enough intricacy to the plot to keep it interesting despite flaws, such as the almost complete lack of a police presence through most of the movie despite groups of armed men strolling around.

“Oz the Great and Powerful” is clearly a more child-oriented film than “Dead Man Down” but I can generally get myself into a child’s frame of mind and enjoy a kids’ movie on the level it was intended to be enjoyed. Yet I find myself wondering if tinier butts than mine will shift around in their seats as much as I did through what seemed like an excessive running time – or whether 3D flying fanged baboons are a little too scary for a PG movie. That said, when I was a similar age, we sat through 144 minutes of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” with one of the creepiest villains ever in the form of the child catcher. But that was another film that kept injecting oodles of energy in the form of songs I still remember 40+ years later – and attention spans weren’t quite such an endangered species.

My sense is that I’m probably going against the critical crowd here in recommending “Dead Man Down” for those who enjoy an action film that has more going on than just an excuse to rack up a spectacular body count. But I found myself genuinely enjoying the story I was being told and the character development employed in that telling. In comparison, the very differently targeted “Oz the Great and Powerful” is a visual treat for children, and adults who like shiny things, but I suspect that the pacing and running length will result in many chaperoned trips to the bathroom for tiny viewers and a desire amongst some older viewers to watch (and sing along to) “The Wizard of Oz” instead.

Other Film News

The Crest Theatre is transitioning its film program from regular run movies to programmed events and special screenings in its historic main auditorium. So, when possible, I'll include a list of upcoming film-related events and screenings.

Sacramento Jewish Film Festival - started last night and continues on Saturday and Sunday.

Girl Rising - a single screening at 5:45pm on Sunday, March 10th.

Citizen Hearst - a single screening on Thursday, March 14th.

For more details, descriptions, and schedules, visit www.thecrest.com.

Live crime blotter

2013-03-08T11:58:12Z

We're testing out a new approach to daily public safety coverage. Follow along below and let us now what you think in the comments.

Live crime blotter (beta)

2013-03-07T16:19:03Z

We're testing out a new approach to daily public safety coverage. Follow along below and let us now what you think in the comments.

Opinion: Who are the Leaders in Sacramento’s Medical Cannabis Community?

2013-03-07T04:01:27Z

If you pay attention to medical marijuana politics, you may know some of the big California activists like Ed Rosenthal, Dennis Peron, and the DeAngelo Brothers. Not a lot of people know the folks behind-the-scenes and fighting locally for patients’ rights to access cannabis free of harm. Since I’ll be writing about these folks regularly, I thought I’d take a minute to introduce you to them.

I have to start with Joy Cole, a local activist and founder of “SacPatients” a Sacramento based patient advocacy group that hosted a lot of the rallies and educational events early on in our movement. who passed away on April 29th 2012. She was a cancer survivor living in Del Paso Heights. In spite of being disabled, she spent her time visiting each dispensary in Sacramento City and county on a daily basis, keeping people informed of the latest developments in cannabis news (four years ago there were not nearly as many people blogging/facebooking, etc. about medical marijuana). When I began running a dispensary, I was shocked by how badly the community’s rights were being violated. Dispensaries were not allowed to exist by virtue of there not being a box to check for a business license. Government officials freely expressed bigoted cannaphobic views shamelessly in public. State law was constantly being ignored.

In October 2009 the city decided to write its ordinance, when i heard I remember thinking, “There really needs to be a rally.” The day of the vote, someone came into the dispensary and told me someone was doing just that, so I closed the shop and walked down to Cesar Chavez Park. There was a sound system set up on the concrete stage and approximately 80 people had begun to assemble.

After a few speakers blatantly used the platform to promote their business (something I didn’t like at all), I asked who was in charge and was directed to Joy. “Is this a rally or a commercial?” I asked. She was immediately aware of the problem I was pointing out and asked me, “What would you say?”

I told her, “Well, I think medical cannabis is in a battle for its soul, and we the patients need to make sure that governments and profiteers don’t take away or ruin what we are building here. No one is talking about the city and the vote, which is why I thought we were here!”

“OK, you’re up next!” she responded.

Had she asked me to speak I would have declined, but she really just made me speak and so I complied. This was the impetus of my journey into medical cannabis activism.

She came back with me to the dispensary with a few of the rally goers, and we had a long talk about the state of patients’ rights in Sacramento. She told me about the group she was forming, “SacPatients.” That evening, we sat at the computer and designed her logo.

It was through Joy that I met the people that would become my friends and co-activists, a lot of them at the first event we put together, the “SacPatients Mixer.”

While planning the big mixer, Joy introduced me to her friend and mentor Ryan Landers, the California State Director for American Alliance for Medical Cannabis (AAMC), and very active in lobbying the city to consider patients needs when creating laws. I recognized him from the cover of the Sacramento News and Review as Mr. Compassion. Ryan was there the day that Prop 215 was filed. He was then named Sacramento County Director for Californians for Compassionate Use. Ryan headed the signature gathering to pass Prop 215 for the State Capital region of the State and immediately started publicly speaking to all forms of media. He was the local poster boy for medicinal marijuana during the campaign to pass Prop 215.

Working in the dispensary, I met Kimberly Cargile, founder of Safe Access Sacramento (SAS) and The Committee for Safe Patient Access to Regulated Cannabis (CSPARC). She has been hard at work helping patients since 2006, when she graduated from Humboldt State University and started running one of Sacramento's first dispensaries, Capitol Wellness. She has organized patients for letter campaigns, city, county and state council meetings and encouraged patients to stand up for their rights. She speaks for patients that are too ill or too scared to stand up for themselves. The collective she opened, Common Roots, served as a community center for us, and we had several gatherings and classes there before it was raided December 2011, under the county ban on collectives .

Kimberly introduced me to Americans for Safe Access (ASA, the national patients’ rights group), and together a group of us formed the local chapter Safe Access Sacramento in Spring of 2010. At one of the first meetings I met Richard Miller, who had opened a collective in the city of Auburn that was shut down in June 2011. He has been fighting this case for 2 years now. Richard also founded Health and Education for Legal Patients Rights (HELPR). His group participates in rallies, speaking at city councils and lobbying city and state lawmakers. They’ve been instrumental in getting signs printed and “boots on the ground.” They also help to distribute educational material about medical cannabis and host the largest medical cannabis-related Facebook group in the area.

SAS began holding its meetings at The Farmer’s Daughter shortly after it opened in the winter of 2011, a restaurant that began serving as our new community center after the closing of Common Roots Collective . It was there that I met owner Shelby Lucero, a staunch believer in the power of this medicine as a homeopathic healing agent and a maker of cannabis-infused remedies such as tinctures, balms and edibles.

In the back area, they hosted much more than just SAS meetings. There were legal workshops, yoga, massage therapy and a whole host of holistic educations and therapies. The county sheriff’s department raided The Farmer’s Daughter and the home of Shelby and her husband, Gus Sand on July 4th 2012. The Patient center was not able to re-open having all of it’s recources confiscated. Shelby and Gus are continuing to fight for their freedom and the rights of other patients.

I met Lanette Davis in May 2011, when Joy Cole, myself and others hosted a rally in response the arrest and incarcerof ation of Doctor Mollie Fry and her husband, Dale Schafer, for providing recommendations and cannabis to patients. Davis is the founder of Crusaders for Patients Rights (CRC), a Christian-based patients’ rights organization for medical marijuana that is still operating today and works on local, statewide and federal education and politics.

Davis is also the founder of Cannacare, the oldest dispensary in Sacramento. She has been active in the cannabis movement since 2005. She also served as treasurer and public relations director of the Compassionate Coalition from 2006 until 2008. She became the Americans for Safe Access Sacramento representative for 2006 and is still very active with ASA. Davis has held seminars on how to be in compliance with state law when opening a dispensing collective and testified in both the State of California Assembly and Senate on bills that affect patient rights.

Our resident medical cannabis professor is Doctor David B. Allen, a retired cardio-thoracic surgeon who saw how difficult it was for patients to get safe access and opened a practice that provided 215-compliant recommendations. I met him spring of 2011 after his 14 month pre-trial incarceration in a Mississippi prison.

Dr. Allen was accused of cultivation on a property he owned in Jackson County, Mississippi. When he finally received a trial, it was proven that the photos presented to the press from the “raid” on his property were in fact from another raid and not of his home. Unlike many of the “doc-in-the-box” outfits that crop up, he continues to provide patients with a host of valuable information on how best to ingest cannabis and the different medicinal effects of “cannabinoids” (the active medicinal component of marijuana) on the body. He gives lectures at local colleges and is published in “Treating Yourself” and other medical cannabis publications.

Having been a prisoner of the Drug War, Dr. Allen does not shy away from the battle he fights daily for patients’ rights, through education and studying cannabis from a medical point of view. Whenever we need a doctor to explain the wonders of this medicine in a debate, seminar or the like, David B. Allen, M.D., is our go-to doc!

All of these activists I have come to know and call my family, and every single one of them has been harassed and had their lives ruined by organizations like the DEA, county and city police or officials, the IRS or even the FDA – all simply because they support patients’ rights and help people get access to their medicine of choice. I am so amazed that, in spite of it all, they keep up this fight. The cases that have been resolved have mostly ruled in favor of patients rights and we are optimistic that the cases still pending will also exonerate these heroes of our community.

Disclosure: Medical cannabis Activist, former Dispensary Operator

Elderly woman crashes into dive bar, pins three men

2013-03-06T23:01:58Z

A minivan driven by an elderly woman crashed into a Sacramento dive bar Wednesday afternoon, pinning three men between it and the wall.

The incident occurred at about 1 p.m., outside the XO Lounge at 14th Street and Broadway. The men, in their 50s, were on the sidewalk outside the bar, when a silver minivan crashed into the wall, pinning them in the process.

An XO Lounge employee described the scene as loud and bloody, saying that the screams from the men were horrific.

“It was very loud because it hit a jukebox which then came forward and glass shattered,” said Lisa, who only wanted to be identified by her first name. She said the glass from the facade’s window shattered, causing the building to buckle.

Lisa went on to describe the sounds from the injured men. “There was moaning and screaming after that, that was the worst part,” she said. “It was bad, I saw a lot of blood. One man looked like he was in very good shape.”

“I talked to the lady’s son and he said ‘She’s older and she probably shouldn’t be driving,’” Lisa said.

Sacramento Police Department Spokeswoman Michelle Gigante said the woman, who hasn't been identified, mistook the gas for the brake pedal. The driver was in her 70s, and wasn't arrested; she was driven home by her son following the collision.

All three men were taken to a local hospital.

One man dead, another injured in shootout in South Sacramento

2013-02-26T20:05:51Z

A shooting Tuesday in the southern area of the city left one man dead and another with multiple gunshot wounds that are non-life threatening.

The Sacramento Police Department released the following news release on the incident:

"The Sacramento Police Department is investigating a deadly shooting that occurred in a south area residential neighborhood.

On Tuesday, February 26, 2013, at approximately 11:38 a.m., the Sacramento Police Department responded to the 3500 block of Reel Circle regarding several gunshots being fired and a male subject down near the roadway. Officers arrived within minutes and located a male subject lying near the intersection of Reel Circle / Detroit Boulevard. The subject, a male in his 20’s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Another gunshot victim was located near a residence on the same block. The subject, a male in his 20’s, was transported to an area hospital with several gunshot wounds. His injuries, at this time, do not appear to be life threatening. This individual is believed to be a resident of the home where the incident initiated.

At this time detectives believe the deceased male, and possibly another person, approached the residence on foot and got into an altercation with the hospitalized subject. The confrontation escalated and it is believed the resident and one of the other subjects produced handguns and began firing. It is unknown what led to the initial altercation.

Due to this incident, Susan B. Anthony Elementary School, located on Detroit Boulevard, initiated a lock down which lasted for approximately one hour. No injuries or incidents were reported on the campus.

Sacramento Police Homicide Detectives and CSI were called out to assist with the investigation. The investigation is on-going and the facts preceding the shootings have yet to be determined.

Roommate suspected of fatal stabbing

2013-02-25T23:00:32Z

A man suspected of fatally stabling his roommate with a kitchen knife Sunday night has been arrested.

According to the Sacramento Police Department, a 30-year-old man was stabbed on the 7700 block of 32nd Ave. around 10:55 p.m., and later died at a local hospital from his injuries.

Police quickly learned that a physical altercation had occurred between the roommates, and during the fight the victim's roommate armed himself with a kitchen knife and stabbed the victim. The two had been roommate for the past few months, according to the SPD.

Police detectives and CSI were called out to help with the investigation, and believe "that this is an isolated incident resulting from an argument between roommates that turned deadly," according to a press release.

The suspect, Sixto Rosas, 36, was questioned by detectives and arrested on suspicion of murder. He has been booked into the Sacramento County main jail.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Armed gunmen take over three North Sac businesses in one night

2013-02-22T19:50:09Z

The following is a news release from the Sacramento Police Department:

The Sacramento Police Department is asking for the community's help with identifying armed robbery suspects.

In the evening hours of Tuesday, February 19, 2013, police responded to three separate take-over-type robberies to businesses in the north area of the City of Sacramento. In each instance, three armed gunman enter the businesses and demand cash. Some of the victims were physically assaulted by the aggressive robbers causing minor injuries. The suspects are described as male Hispanic adults, ranging from approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall to 5 feet 9 inches tall, and approximate weight ranging from 140 pounds to190 pounds.

1) 3800 block of Willow Street, occurred at approximately 8:23 p.m.; the three suspects entered a restaurant and robbed the business at gunpoint. Two employees were physically assaulted by the suspects who stole cash and fled. (Please see surveillance photographs below)

2) 2600 block of Northgate Boulevard, occurred at approximately 9:20 p.m.; the three suspects robbed a liquor store at gunpoint. Two employees were physically assaulted by the suspects who stole cash and fled.

3) 3200 Block of Northgate Boulevard, 9:28 p.m.; the three suspects entered into a restaurant and stole cash from an employee at gunpoint. Officers were already in the area and made it to the scene very quickly but the suspects were unable to be located.

Watch video surveillance of one of the robberies here.

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Sheriff's Department: Missing woman hit by train

2013-02-20T23:51:33Z

Update: Alice Alspektor, reported missing from her residence on Edison Avenue since yesterday evening, has been located. Unfortunately, she was hit by a light rail train at Watt Avenue and I-80 earlier tonight. She has been transported to a hospital, and her family has been notified.

The Sheriff's Department is seeking the public's assistance in locating a woman who went missing from her place of residence yesterday evening. Alice Alspektor, 66, was last seen in the 3900 block of Edison Avenue at approximately 9:30 p.m. on February 19th, 2013. She is considered to be at-risk, due to being diagnosed as bipolar and having dementia.

Alspektor (see attached photo) is described as a white female adult, 5'7" tall and weighing approximately 160 pounds. She has brown hair, hazel eyes and a medium complexion. She was last seen wearing a brown, fleece zip-up jacket with a fur-lined hood.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of this missing person is asked to contact the Sheriff's Department at (916) 874-5115.

Sergeant Jason Ramos,
Sheriff's Spokesman

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Disclosure: This is a direct repost from the Sheriff's Department press release

Man left paralyzed after armed robbery in '70s dies, police seeking new leads

2013-02-20T20:12:21Z

The city's fourth homicide of the year stems from a shooting that occurred 36 years ago in Oak Park, which left a man paralyzed until he died Monday of complications.

Walter Johnson, 62, died of medical complications that arose from being paralyzed after a shooting in 1977. The shooting occurred April 9, 1977, at about 3:48 a.m., at San Carlos Way between 13th and 14th Avenues.

Johnson was driving to his parents' home when he was approached by three Hispanic men, who blocked the roadway with their car at the intersection, according to the Sacramento Police Department.

The men walked toward Johnson, who was seated in his car, and confronted him. A struggle ensued and Johnson was shot in the upper body. The suspects then robbed Johnson and fled in a red or brown Ford Pinto, according to the SPD. The suspects have never been apprehended for this crime.

Robbery detectives assigned to the case collected and booked evidence, and follow-up was done, but the case was never solved and no suspects were identified in the robbery/shooting, police say.

Johnson was left paralyzed by the gunshot wound and developed medical issues as a result, which ultimately caused his death 36 years later.

While it's been a while since the crime occurred, police remain optimistic that the case can be solved.

"Sometimes people have a conscience and want to talk about it over the years," SPD Spokeswoman Michele Gigante said. She said advances in technology may shed light on the evidence collected at the time, and police will be re-contacting possible witnesses.

"It's still up in the air at this point, but do I think we have a good chance of solving this? Sure," Gigante said.

The SPD is asking for the public's help in solving the case, and has provided the following information:

Sacramento Police Case number: 77-16571
Sacramento County Coroner’s Case: 13-00961

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this 1977 crime to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Man shot while meeting with group of men

2013-02-19T19:02:00Z

A man was shot Monday night near Dos Rios Triangle, and is expected to survive with non-life threatening injuries.

On the 1200 block of Sitka Street, at 9:23 p.m., Sacramento Police Department officers responded to a reported shooting, and found a man who'd been shot in the lower body.

The man had gone outside to meet the men he'd been in contact with on the phone, according to the SPD, and as they were talking, one pulled out a gun and shot the victim.

The suspects then ran off, and investigating officers were unable to find them. The victim was taken to the hospital.

No other information was immediately available on the suspects' description, or the number of them.

Standoff in Natomas ends with two arrests

2013-02-14T05:13:01Z

A standoff with two suspects in an apartment complex in Natomas ended Wednesday after Sacramento Police arrested both men.

"We have good news at this point. Both suspects the Sheriff's Department detectives were looking for earlier this evening, we have them in custody," said Michelle Gigante, spokesperson for the Sacramento Police Department.

The full statement from Gigante:

The incident began in the early afternoon when Sacramento Sheriff Deputies and Sacramento Police Officers arrived at a condominium complex near Club Center Drive and Natomas Boulevard to arrest a parolee on felony charge.

The facts, according to Gigante:

- At about 3:30 p.m. a woman who came out of the apartment was detained by police, who questioned her and verified that the wanted suspect was inside with another man.

- At no time was there a hostage situation, but both subjects refused to come out, Gigiante said.

- The Sacramento Police Department SWAT team and Hostage Negotiation were called to the scene and the suspects surrounded by 6:15 p.m.

- Nearby apartments were evacuated and Northbound Natomas was closed for a short time.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Armed bank robbery suspect arrested after brief vehicle pursuit

2013-02-07T18:30:15Z

Police arrested a man suspected of robbing a bank at gunpoint Thursday morning in Oak Park.

The robbery was at the U.S. Bank in Oak Park, at Broadway and 34th Street, and occurred at 9:50 a.m.

Following the robbery, the suspect got into a gray pickup truck and hit a parked vehicle and police cruiser, before leading police on a car chase down Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. He eventually collided with a van while heading southbound on Martin Luther King Boulevard, at 12th Street.

The suspect was identified as 45-year-old Ruben Rodriguez, and was arrested on suspicion of robbery, assault on an officer, evading and using a firearm in the commission of a felony. A search of his truck revealed cash taken from the robbery, and an imitation firearm police suspect was used in the robbery, according to the Sacramento Police Department.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Two teen boys arrested in gang-related Oak Park drive-by

2013-02-06T04:59:11Z

The following is a press release from the Sacramento Police Department:

The Sacramento Police Department has arrested two suspects for murder.

On Thursday, January 17, 2013 at approximately 12:44 p.m., police responded to the 3100 block of 39th Street regarding reports of a shooting. Officers quickly arrived and located 19-year-old Anthony Navarro suffering from what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds. Navarro was transported by emergency medical personnel to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Homicide investigators arrived on scene and have been working the case ever since. Detectives gathered information that led them to the suspects, their identities, roles in the shooting and eventually, their whereabouts.

On Tuesday, January 29, 2013, Sacramento police detectives tracked one suspect to southern California where he was taken into custody by the Palm Springs Police Department. The 16-year-old male suspect was extradited back to Sacramento where he was booked into juvenile hall.

Today, one week later, detectives located and arrested the second homicide suspect involved in the fatal shooting. The 15-year-old male suspect was arrested in the 3300 block of 20th Avenue Sacramento, California.

Homicide detectives are actively investigating the shooting and are still looking into the possibility of others involved in this gang related incident.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this homicide to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” – a message from SacPD

2013-02-03T00:13:51Z

Don’t Let Us Throw a Flag on Your Driving this Super Bowl Sunday
“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”

The Sacramento Police Department will conduct a saturation patrol on Sunday, February 3, 2013, for 5 to 7 hours after the Super Bowl.

The purpose of the saturation patrol is to promote public safety and serve as a deterrent to potentially impaired, unlicensed and dangerous drivers.

Don't forget to designate a driver to and from your Super Bowl party this year. Plan ahead and don't get caught off sides and impaired! DUI/Traffic Officers will be deployed throughout the city looking for dangerous and impaired drivers to help ensure our streets stay safe.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Disclosure: This is a direct repost from the SacPD press release

Police investigate possible murder and arson

2013-02-02T00:32:06Z

Patrick Kendrick's neighbors thought they heard his cries as flames rose from his apartment, but when they broke down the door to reach him, they realized it was too late.

"We had to break the door open in order to get to him, but by the time we tried to run in there and get him, it was on fire, it was all blazed up, couldn't help him," neighbor Eric Kelley said.

Police are investigating the "unusual circumstances" that led to the man's death Friday morning on the 3700 block of Norwood Avenue in Del Paso Heights. Kendrick was found inside his apartment after the fire was extinguished by the Sacramento Fire Department. Due to the "obvious trauma" found on his upper body, police were called in to investigate, said Sacramento Police Department Spokesman Andrew Pettit.

Police aren't sure whether Kendrick died as a result of the fire, or if the fire was set to cover up his death, Pettit said. "We don't know if the fire caused the homicide, or if it was maybe trying to cover up what actually happened," he said. "This could have been very bad, but the fire department got here in a timely manner."

Shortly after the fire was set, several witnesses saw a man drive away from the scene, Pettit said. He's been described as a Hispanic man in his 20s, driving an older model white Honda Civic with missing hubcaps, last seen driving southbound on Norwood Avenue toward El Camino Avenue.

Kendrick, who was in his 30s, had a son who is about 10 years old that lives in Stockton, according to his apartment manager, Kimo Morreira. Kendrick had lived at the complex more than three years, Morreira said.

After the fire, Morreira said Kendrick's mother called and said, "They killed him, Patrick's dead."

It appears that Kendrick knew his attacker, said Pettit. Two dogs also died from smoke inhalation in the blaze, which was called into the fire department at 9:45 a.m., he said.

The full statement from Sacramento Police Department Spokesman Andrew Petti:

See our live coverage of this story here.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Body found after fire in Del Paso Heights - live coverage as it happened

2013-02-01T19:33:56Z

Police are investigating the possible homicide of a man following a fire at a home in Del Paso Heights, in which his body was found. Details are unraveling, but the incident occurred on the 3700 block of Norwood Avenue, and police are looking for a suspect, described as a Hispanic man in his 20s, driving an older white Honda Civic without hubcaps.

Our live coverage of this story has ended. You can read our full story here, and our updates as they happened below.

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Two women stabbed after fight, police seek details

2013-01-31T07:44:31Z

On Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at approximately 4:20 p.m., the Sacramento Police Department responded to Del Paso Boulevard and Southgate Road on a report of two subjects who had been stabbed.

Officers arrived and found two female victims in their twenties suffering from multiple stab wounds. Fire department personnel also responded and transported both victims to an area hospital where they are currently being treated for their injuries.

At this time it is believed an altercation occurred involving the occupants of two separate vehicles. The incident appears to have started in the area of Northgate Boulevard and the Arden Garden Connector. The victims pulled over, exited their vehicle, and engaged in a physical altercation with the occupants of the other vehicle. During the incident the victims were stabbed multiple times. After the assault the victims got back into their car, drove to the area of Del Paso Blvd and Southgate Road and called the police.

Due to the seriousness of the victims' injuries Homicide detectives were called out to assist with investigating the circumstances that led to this incident. No one has been arrested in relation to the assault and this continues to be an active and ongoing investigation.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this investigation to contact the dispatch center at (916) 264-5471 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Disclosure: This is a direct repost from the SacPD press release

'Cycle-by' shooting in Oak Park results in arrest

2013-01-30T18:26:58Z

Police arrested a man suspected of a "cycle-by" shooting Tuesday afternoon on 37th Street.

A home on the 3300 block of 37th Street was hit with gunfire by a known suspect, who reportedly rode by on a bicycle and fired multiple shots at the victim's home, according to the Sacramento Police Department. No one inside was injured, and officers canvassed the area.

During a follow-up investigation, the suspect – Elias Rizak, 36 – was found at his home, along with a firearm. He was arrested on suspicion of multiple charges, including shooting into an inhabited dwelling, assault with a deadly weapon, and negligent discharge of a firearm. The incident occurred at 1:57 p.m.

Downtown armed robbery suspects leave property behind

2013-01-29T19:26:40Z

A man was robbed at gunpoint early Tuesday morning, only to have his property later returned when police found it at the scene of the crime.

On the 900 block of 15th Street, at 1:45 a.m., the victim was approached by two suspects in a vehicle when the passenger produced a gun, according to the Sacramento Police Department.

The victim complied with the suspect's demand for his property, and placed the items on the ground before fleeing on foot. The victim then called the police; officers checked the area and found the victim's property, as the suspects apparently left it behind at the scene.

No specific description of the vehicle or the suspects was available.

La Paloma Cash and Gold owner shot

2013-01-25T23:53:14Z

The owner of a business on 16th Street was shot in the face Friday afternoon and is being treated at a local hospital with non-life threatening wounds.

“It was gross,” said Sera Macseng, the owner of 16th Street Donuts. “I have never seen anything live like that.”

According to Macseng, the owner of the pawn shop came out holding a gun and walking in a daze with blood covering half of his face.

The business – La Paloma Cash and Gold, at 523 16th Street – is adjacent to a strip mall on F Street. Police say the incident started as a robbery and quickly escalated, and that the victim returned gunfire either at the suspect and/or a car.

One witness, Elias Rodriguez, said two Hispanic men came into the business to rob the man. The owner was shot in the mouth, and the bullet went through his cheek.

A customer, Lowell Dunlap, described the owner and victim – Jesse – as a nice and honest man, though Dunlap added that he knew Jesse kept a gun on him.

"Right now, you see why," said Dunlap. "Just this time yesterday me and him were shooting the bull. Chances are he's gonna close and leave town."

Another customer, Gabriel Bursiaga, said he was on his way to the shop when he came upon a scene of police and media. "That's messed up that he got shot – he was nice to me," Bursiaga said. "I'm glad I didn't get here earlier, I might have gotten shot."

Police are looking for the suspects, described as two Hispanic men in their 20s, and the vehicle – a 2000 Chevy Impala that may have damage to the rear window or right-side windows due to returned gunfire. The Impala also has a black bumper.

"We believe the motive was an armed robbery to the business," Sacramento Police Department Spokesman Doug Morse said.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Top Five Fridays: Our CC's shine during a crime-ridden week

2013-01-25T20:03:52Z

Another week, another Top Five Fridays. Our community contributors (mostly) gave us a reason to smile during a busy week for both the Sacramento Police Department and reporter Karen Wilkinson. And let’s not forget – the Kings are still leaving.

Before you dive into your weekend, take a look at The Sacramento Press’s most popular articles of the week.

Community Contribution:

5. How public radio helps indie artists by Alex Cosper
Weekly columnist and owner of SacTV Alex Cosper turned his attentions this week to the role public radio plays in the success of indie artists, as well as our community as a whole.

4. No injuries after RT light rail train and car collide by Kati Garner
Kati Garner snaps round two of the epic Light Rail vs. vehicle match up. No one was injured, though we can’t say the same for the Subaru.

3. Music Circus announces 2013 lineup; season tix on sale Monday by Barry Wisdom
Wisdom, a local theater expert, detailed the upcoming Music Circus lineup as well as his interview with California Musical Theatre Executive Producer Richard Lewis.

2. Sum 41 rocks out Sacramento by Ashley Hassinger, photos by Steven Chea
Sum 41 hit up Ace of Spades, and according to Hassinger, “Strong and creative bands IAMYDYNAMITE and Hunter Valentine were a perfect collective sound to open for the evening’s headliner, Sum 41.”

1. My story: Watch your back, pray and bring Mace by Kathleen Johnson
Johnson shared her personal story of being assaulted while waiting for the bus, providing details and cautioning area residents to be on the lookout.

Overall:

5. Police cancel perimeter search in South Sac following high-speed chase
Luther Burbank High School was on lockdown following a high speed car chase that police suspected may have been in relation to a shooting in Oak Park.

4. PHOTOS | SWAT team responds to despondent subject
The SWAT team took over 5600 block of Nolder Way in response to a “despondent subject.”

3. DUI woman hits pedestrian in Midtown entertainment district
A DUI accident in Midtown ended with the victim hospitalized and sparked a discussion in the comments section about inadequate traffic lights in the area.

2. Man surrenders in Tahoe park standoff, had warrant for arrest
Antwan Adger’s high-speed car chase resulted in a hostage stand-off in Tahoe Park. Police apprehended Adger that same afternoon, and the hostage was not injured.

1. Maloof family finally announces agreement to sell Kings
Once again, the Kings and their on-again off-again relationship with Sacramento ruled the week, this time with the Maloofs announcing another “end” to this torrid affair.

Top Five Fridays will provide a brief countdown of the most popular content posted in the past week overall, as well as our top-performing community contributors of the past seven days. These weekly lists allow us to give credit where credit is due, as well as keep you clued into some great info you may have missed during the weekly grind.

Man surrenders in Tahoe Park standoff, had warrant for arrest

2013-01-23T21:51:26Z

The name of the suspect involved in a police standoff Wednesday in Tahoe Park has been released, and officials say he may have been running due to his warrant from another county.

Antwan Adger, 49, was eventually arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, false imprisonment, burglary and his outstanding arrest warrant, according to the Sacramento Police Department. Following a high-speed chase with the California Highway Patrol that ultimately ended when Adger hit a parked car on Kroy Way and Broadway, he allegedly fled on foot and holed up in a nearby home.

The female resident was taken hostage, but eventually walked out of her home uninjured, with two dogs, to awaiting officers. Not much later, the suspect surrendered and was taken into custody around 3:20 p.m.

The incident shook up the Tahoe Park neighborhood, which neighbors describe as peaceful, quiet, and without much crime. Roads around the area of 63rd Street and 2nd Avenue were closed for hours, and some residents were directed to leave their homes by law enforcement.

Tahoe Park Neighborhood Association board member Isaac Gonzalez said such incidents are very abnormal for the Tahoe Park area.

"It's very unusual, this is a quiet neighborhood, it's just very weird to see a residential street with so many police officers with high powered riffles pointed at one of our quant little houses here in Tahoe Park," he said.

Another resident described the neighborhood as an oasis, where crime is infrequent and memorable when incidents occur.

"That's the way the neighborhood is – everybody knows everybody, said Jesse Jones. "It's a very quiet neighborhood – really really quiet, – this doesn't happen here."

The SacPD SWAT team, hostage negotiation team, and canine unit responded, along with the CHP, which also had a helicopter overhead. The suspect is listed as being from Hayward, Calif., in the Bay Area.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Marijuana robbery at gunpoint on Alhambra

2013-01-22T17:31:32Z

A woman trying to sell a pound of pot Monday was instead robbed at gunpoint in the Safeway parking lot on Alhambra Boulevard.

The victim was meeting the suspect to deliver medical marijuana at 6:38 p.m., the Sacramento Police Department reported. The would-be purchaser arrived and stole the pot from the victim at gunpoint. The police are investigating the incident, SPD Spokeswoman Michelle Gigante said.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

My story: Watch your back, pray and bring mace

2013-01-21T20:24:20Z

It happened Sunday, Jan. 20, about 7:15 p.m. I had missed the last 19 bus at Arden Way and Del Paso Boulevard by 10 minutes, so decided to go to the Rite Aid store by El Camino Avenue and Del Paso Boulevard. Bus 15 was my only last option, and wouldn't be coming for another 50 minutes, so I decided to catch it across the street from Rite Aid.

As I waited for the bus in my wheelchair with oxygen on, someone suddenly came from behind and put their big hands, which were inside rough work gloves, tightly around my face, so that I could barely breathe. He said that he wanted all my money, and wouldn't take his hands off my face as his grip got tighter and tighter. I tried to take my hands and move his hands away from my face, but barely got out a few light screams and yells for help.

Hardly anyone was out that night, but there were a few people at the Shell gas station, which was lit up right behind me. Then he bit me on the left side of my face and continued to ask for money as he covered my mouth. I can't thank God enough for sending those police sirens not long after. Even if they weren't coming to help me, it got the man away from me.

As I turned around to see where he was going, he (almost looked like a she) was getting into an older Suburban truck, or something similar. He made a right onto Del Paso Boulevard, and I wanted to write down his plates, but the numbers and letters were covered up or cut off. My glasses got thrown off my face when he attacked me, and got a little bent. I only got a few scratches from his gloves pressing so hard, but thank God I didn't have to suffer long, and was mainly shaken up.

I don't usually go out at night and will make sure I don't from now on, but had been at a Friends Library Meeting earlier, and then stopped to see a friend at the nursing home on Alta Arden Expressway and Watt Avenue. The man almost looked like a woman because of the saggy breasts under a T-shirt, but whatever sex, he was about 6 feet tall and weighed about 200 pounds. No match for my 95 pounds, 5 feet 2 inches, and my being a weakling disabled person, too. I called the police as soon as I got home from the bus, explained what happened and asked them to keep an eye out.

It wasn't necessary for anyone to come to our home and make a report, but if this has happened to anyone else out there reading this, or you know of anyone it has happened to, this person should be found and put in jail. I will be a witness for sure. I understand there have been a lot of muggings in that area. This person had his truck parked in the unlit section to the left of the gas station, so the next time you may be waiting for a bus or walking along Del Paso Heights Boulevard (alone), make sure you've got your back, bring Mace and pray! I have Mace but couldn't get to it. From now on it's in my pocket, or at close range, so I can spray right away!

Thanks for listening. Even after all this, I still say, "My kind of town Sacramento is."

Police cancel perimeter search in South Sac following high-speed chase

2013-01-18T17:56:32Z

Police have cancelled a search in South Sacramento for suspected car thieves after being unable to confirm whether they were involved in Thursday's fatal drive-by shooting in Oak Park.

"There is no confirmation that this is related at this point," Sacramento Police Department Spokesman Doug Morse said.

A police perimeter had been established around an apartment complex at Munson Way and Florin Road around 9:30 a.m., following a high-speed chase of a stolen vehicle. Luther Burbank High had been on lockdown, it's since been lifted.

Our earlier story:

Luther Burbank High School is on lockdown, and police are searching vehicles leaving an area on Florin Road following a high-speed chase that may involve suspects from Thursday's fatal drive-by shooting in Oak Park.

Per police radio traffic, police chased a red Dodge Durango through the South Sacramento area, and found it unoccupied in a Food Mart parking lot at Franklin and Florin roads around 9:30 a.m. It's suspected that its occupants were involved in carjacking a different vehicle that was used in Thursday's drive-by.

A police perimeter has been established around an apartment complex at Munson Way and Florin Road.

This is a developing story and we'll update it as we get more information.

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Council to consider police funding from Measure U

2013-01-15T17:29:49Z

Just as Sacramento is facing an increase in gun crime city wide, and a rash of muggings on the grid (including one Friday in which a woman was shot), the City Council is tasked with the decision of where to funnel funds resulting from the passage of the Measure U sales tax. What no one disputes is that the Sacramento Police Department has endured serious cuts, the question in front of the council now is how the department should be restored.

On Tuesday night the council members will vote on city staff recommendations regarding the usage of Measure U funds, and those recommendations will then be finalized with more detail in the city’s budget, which will go before the council on Jan. 29.

The Measure U funds must go to the restoration of services lost, not new ones, though those restored services may not look the same as before. Public safety services approved for restoration include 9-1-1 response, police officers, gang/youth violence prevention and fire protection and emergency medical service, according to the city staff report . Additional services that could benefit from Measure U include park maintenance, youth/senior services and libraries.

We reached out to the council members to get their thoughts. These are the responses we’ve received so far, we’ll update if anyone else chimes in.

Steve Cohn, District 3

“Public safety is the number one priority, to restore service with sales tax Measure U money. We told people that would be the priority and it still is. We cut back police too much, as well as other departments, but the police we really cut to the bone...

“Patrol is the most important, but ironically in order to save cuts from patrol we cut so much in other areas, such as detectives and crime scene investigation...We’ve cut so much that it’s very difficult to prosecute someone on a burglary. Patrol first and foremost, but even CSI and detectives – those departments need to be restored as well.”

Jay Schenirer, District 5

“The first thing we need to do is maintain the minimum of the current force .We have a federal COPS grant that will be expiring at the end of the year, so we want to ensure there is potential for using Measure U to retain those policemen. After that, it really is a matter of sitting down with our new police chief, whoever that might be, and talking about an overall strategy.

“In addition to that, when you talk about public safety, it’s more than just police. It’s about strong neighborhoods. So I think there is a number of things we need to talk about that go beyond the numbers...We need to look at the entire picture.”

Kevin McCarty, District 6

"I hope we can hire at least 100 new officers. I have confidence that the City Manager and the Police Chief will devise a specific deployment plan, however, I am hoping that patrol units will be fully staffed, and we are able to restore depleted and eliminated units such as gang intervention, POP/Neighborhood policing teams, Community Service Officers and illegal gun suppression."

Darrell Fong, District 7

“The city manager, chief of police and the staff will make recommendations. I don’t want to comment; I want to see what plans they bring forward. This is the time to look at different procedures and programs to address crime.

“Just because a unit existed in the past doesn’t mean they will be brought back in the same shape or form. This is not going to get us back where we were before, but to a place better off than we were before...This is about restoring services and public safety.”

What are your thoughts on restoring services to our city? What areas need the most attention, and how can the city best use these funds to ensure the public safety of our community? Share your thoughts in the conversation below.

Vehicle crashes into restaurant patio in Midtown

2013-01-14T18:10:33Z

Marina Filistoeich likes to dine at the tables on the patio when she visits the Crepeville restaurant in Midtown, but it was chilly Sunday evening, so she and her family went inside. Not long afterward, a car ran up on the sidewalk, crashing through the wrought iron fencing, tables and chairs.

“God is in control, that is how it makes me feel”, Filistoeich said, visibly shaken. “It was just too cold today, that is why we didn’t stay outside; we decided to come in and have dinner in here.... We dine out there pretty often at that spot outside, so just imagine us sitting there...”

Witnesses stated that two vehicles were traveling next to each other, west on L Street when the grey vehicle in the north lane attempted to execute a left turn and collided with the red vehicle in the lane next to it, forcing the red vehicle up onto the curb and through the restaurant's outdoor dining area.

The driver of the grey vehicle stated that his wife told him they needed turn left at 18th street. He stated that he checked the lane and didn’t see anyone, he checked again as he executed his move as his head hit the drivers side window and he saw the red car crashing up on to the curb.

The red vehicle also crashed into a parked black Toyota 4-Runner, belonging to a resident who lives in apartments above Crepeville, and caused a chain reaction collision with two more parked vehicles.

“No one was hurt, that’s one of the greatest things” stated Officer Nutila from the Sacramento Police Department.

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Look out for a rocking chair smasher

2013-01-14T17:56:57Z

In the past four days there have been two rocking chairs stolen from the front porch of my house near Winn Park, both chairs were smashed against the steps and the pieces were left on the sidewalk. Because this is the second time someone (perhaps the same person) has targeted this house and this particular type of chair, it is suggested that people living in the area make sure they do not leave valuable or cherished furniture on their front porches because someone out there is on a vandalizing rampage.

In comparison to the other recent criminal behavior happening around Midtown, this event surely pales in comparison, but as a community it seems like something that should be shared.

If anyone has any information about an irate man in his mid-thirties with a knack for destrying rocking chairs, please leave your comments below.

Disclosure: This event happened to myself and my four neighbors. We live across the street from Winn Park, between 28 and 27th.

Woman found dead after accident at Chevron gas station on 65th and S streets

2013-01-12T12:13:12Z

A woman was found shot at the Chevron gas station on 65th Street and S streets in Sacramento early Saturday morning.

The Sheriff's office sent out the following information in a press release:

"At approximately 3:15 a.m., Sheriff’s deputies responded to the aforementioned intersection in response to a call from the Sacramento Police Department. When SPD arrived at the scene for an accident investigation, it was discovered that a 20 year-old woman had sustained a gunshot wound to her upper body.

Preliminary investigation suggested that the vehicle the victim was in had been struck by gunfire at a different location, within the county of Sacramento.

Detectives are investigating a possible connection to a call regarding shots fired on Watt Avenue in the Arden-Arcade area. At this time, a motive for this shooting has not been determined and there is no information available regarding any suspect(s) involved.

A man and a woman who were in the vehicle with the victim have been detained for questioning, as has the driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident. None of those individuals were injured as a result of the collision.

Anyone having information pertinent to this case is asked to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (916) 874-5115. Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com, by texting to 274637 (CRIMES) and entering the keyword SSD, or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).

The identity of the victim in this case will be released by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office, after notification has been made to her next of kin."

Just after 4 a.m., the lifeless body of what appeared to be a young African American female lay on the ground at the gas station next to a black compact vehicle with its windows missing that was sitting across a grass area and the sidewalk. Earlier, Sacramento police officers had attempted to calm and restrain a distraught family member of the victim.

The incident occurred just hours after another woman was shot in an attempted mugging Friday night in Midtown.

Woman shot after resisting mugger in Midtown

2013-01-12T07:37:16Z

A woman was shot in Midtown Friday night when she resisted a man who was trying to steal her purse, according to police. The shooting occurred just after 10:30 p.m. on the 800 Block of 27th Street, half a block from where a community meeting on public safety was held Thursday night to address crime in Midtown.

The 34-year-old victim was shot in the arm, with the bullet traveling through to her chest, and was transported to a hospital in stable condition, according to Lieutenant Wendy Brown of the Sacramento Police Department.

The woman was attending a party and had stepped outside when she was approached by the suspect, police said.

"It sounded like a gun shot, and then a woman starting screaming, howling and then crying, and then there was nothing," said Lauren Ferrantelli, a neighbor.

An edited snippet of the interview with Ferrantelli:

Police have described the suspect as a male Hispanic, early 20’s, 5’11’’,with a red long sleeve shirt, blue jeans, moustache and goatee. Anyone with information about a crime can call the police dispatch center at (916) 264-5471 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357). Tips can also be texted to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

There were 13 pedestrian robberies on the grid between Dec. 16, 2012, and Jan. 6, 2013, a fact cited by police during the community meeting Thursday, which was held to address residents's concerns over an increase in crime in the central city.

"It's definitively devastating for the community," Lt. Brown said of the incident Friday night. "Since the holiday season we've had additional law enforcement resources in the area, we're doing everything we can to keep the citizens of this area safe, and we'll continue to do so."

The full statement from Lt. Brown:

Sacramento Police Captain Ken. Bernard, who oversees the police patrol district that covers the neighborhood, sent this update to residents:

"I’m sorry to report that tonight, just after 10:30 pm, a woman was shot in front of an apartment building on 27th Street, between H and I. We believe that it was an attempted purse snatch. The only suspect information we have is a Male Hispanic, unknown age and that he ran off in an unknown direction.

Officers are continuing the investigation as I type this.

Please pass this information on to your contacts and I will keep you updated as I learn further."

Police advise against resisting robbery attempts. In an email sent to residents last month about the recent uptick in assaults on pedestrian s, Sacramento police Lieutenant Marc Coopwood said people should consider walking in pairs or groups at night, be aware of their surroundings and, not resist if mugged. "We do not want to see somebody get injured," he wrote.

City Councilmember Steve Hansen issued a statement Saturday morning.

"My thoughts are with the woman who was shot and hope for a full recovery," he wrote in an email. "Thankfully, police were only blocks away and responded instantly. For anyone who might have witnessed this, please contact the police to help identify the culprit."

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Top Five Fridays: SacAnime and the Seattle Kings

2013-01-11T19:39:00Z

It should be an action-packed weekend for Sacramento. The 49ers are up against the Packers for the NFC championship on Saturday, Dine Downtown will be running through the weekend and next week, and the hogs are scheduled to overtake the city for the Easyrider bike show at the Convention Center.

But before you dive in, make sure you didn’t miss anything this week on The Sacramento Press.

Community Contributors

5. Sacramento's Newest Rising Star by Emilie Cameron
Everyone loves to see a local artist edge their way into the national spotlight. Local photographer Ryan Greenleaf is on his way.

4. ‘My Kind Of Town Sacramento Is’ by Kathleen Johnson
Kathleen Johnson connected with readers by sharing her very personal story of having lived homeless, and her love for Sacramento.

3. The National Danish Performance Team Visits Sacramento by Rob Brundage
Sacramento365 intern Rob Brundage made the list with his very first article for The Sacramento Press – a great preview of the upcoming Zoom show this Saturday at the Memorial Auditorium.

2. The Sacramento Kings .... a soon to be distant memory by David Spohn
Are the Kings moving to Seattle? We’re not sure yet, but the popularity of Spohn’s piece, which recounted the history of the Kings’ potential relocation, shows just how interested local residents remain.

1. SacAnime's growing pains by David Alvarez
Long-time contributor David Alvarez makes his first appearance on the list with his review and photo journal of this winter’s SacAnime. Attendees flocked to the comments section to discuss their mixed feelings on this season’s event.

Overall

5. Open Thread: Yahoo! Sports reports Kings to be sold by Karen Wilkinson
Yahoo! Sports first broke the news of the Kings potential move to Seattle, and readers were eager to discuss their feelings on yet another potential move for the team.

4. Frontline Special Focuses on Education Reformer Michelle Rhee by Kate Gonzales
KVIE PR assistant Kate Gonzalez shared the news that Michelle Rhee, wife of mayor Kevin Johnson and former chancellor of Washington, D.C. public schools, would be featured on Frontline.

3. The Sacramento Kings .... a soon to be distant memory by David Spohn

2. Community meeting to be held on crime in Midtown by Jared Goyette
After a string of pedestrian robberies, readers were eager for details about the upcoming public safety meeting in Midtown.

1. SacAnime's growing pains by David Alvarez

And congratulations to contributor David Alvarez, for publishing the most-viewed story on The Sacramento Press this week.

Packed house at Midtown crime meeting

2013-01-11T18:25:55Z

With the public on edge after a recent spree of armed pedestrian robberies in Midtown, law enforcement leaders fielded questions at a forum Thursday night in hopes of quelling residents’ fears.

It was standing-room only at the Hart Senior Centerm, with about 200 people present as Sacramento Police Department Cpt. Ken Bernard and Lt. Marc Coopwood addressed the robberies, as well as other crimes that affect those on the grid.

"Nobody's more frustrated than we are that we can't provide the services we want to," Bernard said, regarding cuts to the department.

But despite the elimination of entire units in recent years, people should still report crime so there's a record and police can identify trends, which ultimately affects the number of police allocated to patrol specific areas of the city, he said.

"When we do have incidents, we notice it," said Councilman Steve Hansen, who organized the forum.

Questions and concerns ranged from installing video surveillance, to how to deal with the homeless, to how the police will use the funds generated from the passage of Measure U to rebuild the department.

But right now – with no traffic, gang, vice (prostitution, gambling and drugs), or parolee enforcement units – Bernard said police are focusing on how to best patrol the city given their limited resources.

Pedestrian robberies on the grid

Bernard said there were 13 pedestrian robberies on the grid between Dec. 16, 2012, and Jan. 6, 2013. While two men have been arrested and are suspected of being involved in four of the armed robberies, they haven't been positively identified by witnesses, he said.

There has been an increased police presence in the area – though it's temporary – and other than homicide and sexual assault, robberies are a top priority for the department, Bernard said.

To avoid becoming a victim, Coopwood advised people to walk in pairs or in groups, carry pepper spray, and to avoid wearing flashy jewelry.

"Make sure you have your wits about you," Hansen said, noting that even if you've had a drink, it's smart to have a friend walk you home if possible.

If you do become a victim, Bernard said to be a be a good witness, and to pay attention to cars and faces. While clothing can be changed, cars can't so easily, he said.

Vehicle burglaries

There has been an increase in vehicle break-ins, particularly on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, according to Bernard. "You can't leave anything in your car," he said.

The problem is probably a bigger than the numbers show, because not all of these incidents are reported to police, Coopwood said.

Bicycle theft

Bicycle theft occurs more frequently in the central city due to the high concentration of riders, and is one of the more difficult crimes to investigate, given the frequent lack of identifying information on bicycles. Coopwood suggested not only using the serial number as an identifier, but also engraving your California driver license number on your bike.

How to reach the police

While some crimes – such as a bicycle theft – may require you to fill out an online report, others can be reported over the phone or an officer will come to your residence to take the report. The Sac PD's non-emergency line is (916) 264-5471, and the emergency number is (916) 732-0100.

If you call 911, you'll reach the California Highway Patrol dispatch center.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Police chief to be selected by month's end

2013-01-10T17:47:15Z

Sacramento will likely have a new police chief by month's end and the leading candidates for the position are about to be put through their paces by series of tests, exercises and interviews.

The candidates will go through a job skills and knowledge assessment next week, which is being conducted by a consultant – Bob Murray and Associates. Then they will go through a management exercise and short interview with a panel of community members representing each council district, according to City of Sacramento Spokeswoman Linda Tucker.

Based on scores from both processes, the candidates will be ranked, and those rankings will be forwarded to City Manager John Shirey, who will ultimately make the decision, Tucker said. The council has to approve his choice as well.

The city has been without a permanent police chief since the end of December, when Chief Rick Braziel retired. Dan Schiele has been the acting police chief in the interim, however he hasn't applied for the permanent police chief position, according to the city.

The city is not releasing the names of the four candidates because it is an internal human resources issue, Tucker said.

Councilman Steve Hansen, who represents District 4, said the new chief will need to focus on morale. The department has been resilient despite layoffs, he said, "but I think the officers need somebody who is going to be a stable leader and looking toward the long-term success of the department."

Hansen – who appointed Luis Sumpter, president of the Alkali/Mansion Flats Neighborhood Association, to the panel – said the person should also be an open communicator. "I hope it's someone who is good at engaging broad swaths of the community, and making decisions that are supported by more than just a narrow set of stakeholders."

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

THE CITY IN 2013: CHARTING A NEW COURSE

2013-01-10T14:37:16Z

     A couple of years back around the 4th of July, a Sacramento Bee article touted the virtues of voting and participating in government: it blasted Americans for a lack of civic engagement. I agree that too many Americans foolishly ignore the privilege of voting, lazily observe what government is doing and blatantly fail to get involved. But the article, like many people do, failed to address a very real and dangerous aspect of this predicament. The problem is unofficial efforts to suppress citizen involvement and then minimizing their actions when they do engage in the political process.
     Governing officials use a variety of strategies to achieve outcomes they want and the concerns of the citizenry are often secondary thoughts. Repeated experiences with a government that seems more of a foe than an institution “of the people” can weaken the resolve of even the most engaged citizens. Coupled with this condition of adversarial government is an often twisted media with its own agenda and business motives; they masquerade as guardians of free speech and the people but play key roles in misinforming citizens about important policy issues. Now, these news companies are controlled by fewer and fewer people. Add to the mix the crippling impact of money into elections and it is no wonder so many citizens don’t think their voices matter and why so many give up on the political process. In the end, disengaged taxpayers are just what our leaders want. They want us to go away so they can act unchecked by meddling citizens.
     With two new council members, Allen Warren (District 2) and Steve Hansen (District 4), Sacramento can hope 2013 will be the start of something different. Perhaps these new members will use their leadership positions to reshape our broken approach to addressing problems and change some attitudes about government, but I am not naïve. Without a big push it is too easy for politicians to just settle for fitting in and running the same old game rather than setting a new course that truly engages citizens and truly embraces transparency. For example, here are a couple of ideas for our council which can change our course. These are not sexy or money-connected political items, but they are important to the nuts-and-bolts operation of our city.
     First, each council member should hold citizen/press conferences at city hall just like Mayor Johnson. We should know what council members think about big city-wide issues like funding an arena, funding the police and how we create housing our young people can afford. Council members hold the awesome power we grant them and they control our money, yet two-way communication cannot take place in the council chamber. It is this lack of valid two-way communication that is undermining our democracy. Our leaders talk about being candidates of transparency - well here is their chance.
     Second, as I announced at city hall on December 11, 2012, the council should create a police commission to help deal with an array of issues concerning the police department and very serious crime problems. This is not an effort to beat up the police, but the vast power (life and death) and money we grant law enforcement demands a structure with accountability and which fosters two-way communication. Moreover, a police commission can deal with (1) establishing a base number of police officers and finding a stable funding source; (2) work with citizens, the police chief and the police union to stay on the cutting edge of crime reduction and (3) examine methods of punishing criminals while possibly raising revenue.
     There are many issues to deal with in this city. Business as usual cannot be the standard. If we truly want citizens to participate in government, our leaders and the media must acknowledge both side of the problem - the cynical citizenry and the complicity of government and the media.

Midtown arrest, Sacramento Police Department seeking information

2013-01-10T04:15:01Z

The following is from press release from the Sacramento Police Department:

On Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, the Sacramento Police Department arrested 53-year-old Robert Binns for robbery and violation of parole.

On December 30, 2012, at approximately 1 a.m., a victim left a local nightclub in the 2000 block of K Street and started to walk home. As the victim approached 21st and J Street, the suspect rode up on a bicycle, asked a question and then moments later struck the victim, knocking him to the ground. The suspect stole the victim's wallet and keys to his roommate's vehicle before fleeing the area.

Later that same morning, the roommate's parked vehicle, a 2011 gray Honda Pilot, was stolen from the area of 21st and F Street. The vehicle thief was caught on video surveillance, but does not appear to be the same suspect responsible for the robbery.

On Jan. 6, 2013, at approximately 1:03 p.m., police were dispatched to the 1600 block of 28th Street, regarding a suspicious subject. Officers contacted Robert Binns and found him in possession of identifiable property that was in the victim's stolen wallet.

On Jan. 8, 2013, detectives met with the victim who positively identified Robert Binns as the man who robbed him.

Today, Jan. 9, Binns was located, arrested and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail.

The vehicle has yet to be recovered and the vehicle thief is still outstanding. The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to these crimes to contact Crime Alert at 916-443-HELP (4357), or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

PUBLIC COMMENT: Mental illness, marijuana, gun buyback programs, train station renovation

2013-01-09T17:09:53Z

The following are issues that Sacramento residents have brought to the city council’s attention during the public comment session. From getting a handle on gun violence in Sacramento’s crime-ridden neighborhoods, to finding long-term ways to help the mentally ill, the public always have something to say to the city. Below are some highlights (and video clips linked) from Tuesday’s meeting:

Ben Bradley on mental illness

A lifelong Sacramento resident who's been living downtown recently – Ben Bradley – spoke on mental illness and how it affects those in the area. Specifically, on Monday, two women returning from yoga class on S and 19th Street, were attacked and assaulted randomly by a mentally ill man. The man was eventually detained by police, but was released the next morning, he said. "We have nothing addressing this right now," Bradley said.

"We can give them food, clothing and shelter, but this is not solving the problem at hand, we're just maintaining the big problem at whole," he said.

Vice Mayor Angelique Ashby advised Bradley that the council doesn't handle mental illness issues/funding, but that the county does.

Tim Boyd on gun buyback programs

Sacramento activist Tim Boyd spoke of the need for a different, more effective approach to reducing crime in neighborhoods well-known for it. He's concerned over gun buy back programs, like the one recently proposed by Mayor Kevin Johnson, and how they'll affect the overall communities.

Specifically, people living in districts 2, 5 and 8 don't have a lot of confidence in those programs, he said.

He said criminals aren't going to turn in guns for dinner or movie tickets, but that a more effective approach would be to organize neighborhood watch groups. "How many hard-core criminals from Del Paso Heights are going to turn in their guns for movie passes? It ain't gonna happen," Boyd said.

Mark Barmbraum on the train station renovation

Mark Barnbraum spoke about the renovation and rehabilitation of Sacramento's train station at 5th and I Streets. There will be a special workshop next month to review the Sacramento Valley Station's new design

"The workshop will include a public display of the project's design features as well as a formal presentation to the Preservation Commission," according to a flyer on the event. "Public comment will be taken following the presentation."

The meeting will occur at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at the Rail Museum's Stanford Gallery.

Ron Mullins on medical marijuana

Ron Mullins, former manager of the medical-cannabis dispensary J St. Wellness Collective, spoke against an ordinance passed by the City Council in October that banned the outdoor growing of marijuana and kept in place zoning restrictions that prohibit how close dispensaries can be from parks or schools.

"What we're asking for is a revisiting of the law that was passed recently of the out-and-out ban, zero tolerance of cultivating for patients,” he said. “We think that a small number of plants for patients should be allowed. And also we work with a lot of dispensers that cannot find a new location due to harsh zoning restrictions and we're hoping that the city council will also revisit those restrictions."

He also said that Safe Access Sacramento, a nonprofit that advocates for medical marijuana, would be forming a political action committee and getting more directly involved in city politics.

Editor's note: The 11th paragraph has altered to reflect that Ron Mullins is the former manager, not the current owner, of J St. Wellness Collective.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

H Street bridge reopens after suspicious packages found safe

2013-01-08T18:38:42Z

Two suspicous packages found on the H Street bridge Tuesday were deemed to be safe, and the roads were reopened shortly before 1 p.m.

The Sacramento Police Department's bomb squad responded, and after investigating them, determined they weren't explosive devices, said SPD Spokeswoman Michelle Gigante.

"It takes a while for them to do their investigation," she said. The initial call came into police around 9 a.m., and the road was closed for nearly four hours.

Community meeting to be held on crime in Midtown

2013-01-07T07:12:56Z

In the wake of a string of pedestrian robberies that rocked Midtown, the Sacramento Police Department will join community leaders for a meeting on public safety this Thursday night.

Councilman Steve Hansen, the Midtown Buisness Association, the Marshall School/New Era Park Neighborhood Association, the Midtown Neighborhood Association and the Alkali/Mansion Flats Historic Neighborhood Association, will be on hand at the Hart Senior Center at 915 27th Street from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., to "discuss tips on being prepared and staying safe," according to the event's Facebook page.

Hansen, who is visiting a series of neighborhood associations this week, said the purpose of the meeting was to, "gather concerns, hear what people's thoughts are and see what we can do to continue making people feel good about where they live."

"We're going to do as much as we can to make sure that not only are the residents safe but that we improve quality of life where we can," he said.

Last week officers arrested a group of men they suspect might have been behind several of the incidents and the robberies have since stopped.

Hansen said the police deserved recognition.

"I really applaud the police department," he said. "Even though times are tight and they haven't had any extra budget added, but they've reorganized and were able to deploy extra resources to these areas where there are problems to help people ensure their safety.”

There are also "bigger picture" public safety issues on Hansen's short-term agenda, including the selection of new police chief, creating a plan to restore funding to the department via the new funds made available after the passage of the Measure U sales tax, and addressing problem areas that have drawn numerous complaints from residents.

What do you think the priorities for new funding of the police department should be, and what specific areas or blocks in Downtown/Midtown do you think deserve the most attention? Let us know in the comments below – and tell the police and Hansen about it at the Jan. 10 meeting.

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Police find occupied stolen vehicle in Midtown, arrest female driver

2013-01-05T05:08:45Z

A Sacramento Police Department officer spotted a stolen vehicle Friday just before 8:30 p.m. while patrolling Midtown and arrested the female driver.

Police followed the vehicle from the 19th Street and K Street area, traveling eastbound K Street, then east on 17th Street then eastbound on O Street near 18th.

“The vehicle was followed by two patrol vehicles with a Sac PD helicopter overhead,” Midtown resident Anthony Cathey said.

Police officials said the vehicle was stolen in the Sacramento area, in the California Highway Patrol’s jurisdiction, however information on what part of Sacramento the vehicle was stolen from was not immediately available.

The vehicle, described as a 1994 maroon pickup truck, was towed from the scene, but the owner will be able to retrieve his/her vehicle when they are contacted.

The female driver – identified as Martha Aliano, 43 – was arrested on suspicion of multiple charges, including vehicle theft, bringing narcotics into jail and violation of her probation. A bicycle was also found in the bed of the pickup, however it's unclear whether it was stolen as well.

UPDATE: Another stolen vehicle was recovered early Saturday morning after a pursuit which began in the area of 9th and V Streets just before 1 a.m. Officers lost sight of the red Pontiac Grand Am with Kansas plates during the pursuit. It was discovered moments later in the V Street alley between 6th and 7th Streets, abandoned with the keys, according to police radio transmissions.

Officers also nabbed two car thieves after a brief Midtown pursuit just two nights before Christmas>

Police arrest Midtown robbery suspects, details lacking

2013-01-04T00:23:23Z

Police have arrested some suspects believed to be involved in a rash of armed pedestrian robberies in Midtown, but details are vague.

Over the weekend, officers stopped a vehicle that matched the description of one used in an armed robbery on Dec. 22, at H and 18th streets. "It is very likely that these suspects were responsible for, or involved in, the armed robberies," Sacramento Police Department Cpt. Ken Bernard wrote in an email. "Since their arrest, the armed robberies have ceased (knock on wood)."

The vehicle has been described as an older, white, four-door Saturn. The suspects had been described as Hispanic males (possibly four), in their 20s, however police couldn't be immediately reached for more identifying information. The men arrested were allegedly in possession of a firearm and booked into the main jail.

And though police found the men in the suspect vehicle, "we have not been able to link them to a specific robbery, but the investigation continues," Bernard wrote.

For much of December, Midtown saw a noticeable increase in armed, pedestrian robberies. While several involved the suspect approaching and fleeing on a bicycle, others involved other suspects, including the aforementioned ones, armed with a handgun.

Most of the robberies were either late at night or in the early morning hours. Police had beefed up patrols in the area and urged the public to be aware of their surroundings.

"For the last two weeks, we have been deploying extra officers, utilizing a variety of tactics, and this will continue for as long as we can (we are constantly shuffling resources to manage different issues in the city as they arise)," Bernard wrote.

He again asked for the public's support. "As always, please report any suspicious subjects you see in your neighborhood," Bernard wrote. "If you need to walk in the area in the very late evening hours (10 p.m. to 3 a.m.) please be aware of your surroundings and walk with a partner when possible."

We have requested more information from the police and will update this story as we know more.

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Tragic end to 2012: Suspect caught after two killed, three injured in New Year's Eve shooting in Old Sacramento

2013-01-01T05:58:21Z

UPDATE - On Friday, January 4, 2013, a male and female associated with Carlito Montoya were arrested for assault with a deadly weapon related to this incident. Amber Scholz-36 is believed to have instigated the altercation and her husband Charles Fowler-Scholz-34, was involved in the physical fight that preceded the deadly shooting. No further details are available at this time.

UPDATE - Suspect identification: According to a Sacramento Police update, the suspect, 22-year-old Carlito Montoya, is in police custody in an area hospital. Montoya is receiving medical treatment for multiple gunshot wounds.

A 22-year-old man wanted in connection with a New Year's Eve shooting in Old Sacramento that left two people dead and three others with gunshot wounds was apprehended by Sacramento police last night.

The suspect allegedly pulled a gun during a fight inside the Sports Corner Cafe and began firing, hitting a 30-year-old female, a 35-year-old male and an employee in his 20s, according to a police press release. The two male victims suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died on the scene, while the female victim survived and was taken to a hospital.

The fight had begun as an argument before turning into a physical altercation, which a bar employee attempted to break up. It was not immediately clear from the press release if that was the same employee who was shot.

- The press release continues:

"An armed security guard that was near a side door heard the gunshots, confronted the suspect inside the bar and the two exchanged gunfire. Both the suspect and the security guard sustained gunshot wounds from their exchange.

The suspect, still armed with the gun ran from the bar toward crowded city streets and was immediately taken into custody by responding police. The suspect and the security guard were transported to local hospitals with non-life threatening injuries.

The 22-year-old suspect remains in police custody while being treated at a local hospital. The identity of the suspect is temporarily being withheld while investigation is underway.

The Sacramento Police Department's Homicide Unit and Crime Scene Investigations Unit responded to investigate. At this time, detectives are actively investigating and contacting all subjects involved in the incident. Two guns were recovered at the scene. No further information is available at this time.

City Councilmember Steve Hansen, who represents Old Sacramento, posted a message about the incident on Facebook Tuesday morning:

"My heart goes out to the families of the innocent people who lost their lives or were injured last night in Old Sacramento," he wrote."This was a senseless crime. The police appear to have had immediately apprehended the shooter. I am grateful for the prompt response and quick thinking by the police and city staff to keep people calm and safe."

Our previous story:

The New Year's Eve fireworks celebration in Old Sacramento ended tragically before it had even begun: Someone pulled a gun during a fight inside the Sports Corner Cafe around 9:40 p.m., and now two people are dead three more have been shot, according to police. The midnight display was cancelled.

An eyewitness, who provided her name but asked not to be identified, was walking outside the bar when said she heard several gunshots. She said she ducked under a stairwell, turned, and saw a young man in a white hoodie run outside the door, pull out a handgun, turn it sideway and fire repeatedly into the building before fleeing into the crowd.

Other witnesses described a chaotic and confusing scene following the shooting. Mike Delpape had just arrived in Old Sacramento when he heard the first round of gunshots.

"When the shooting started the first time, people kind of just looked at it, like it was part of something that was happening out here," Delpape said. "But when people started running, there was a mad rush of people just running away."

Police spokeswoman Michelle Gigante said the investigation was still preliminary but that it appeared the incident began as a fight and spilled outside.

Jason Boyd did not see the shooting occur, but was in a nearby bar when it happen:

A police helicopter circled over Old Sacramento, announcing over a loudspeaker "Old Sacramento is closed, please go back to your vehicles, the midnight fireworks display is cancelled."

The shooting happen after the 9:30 p.m. fireworks display had ended and a new crowd was beginning to arrive for the midnight show. Witnesses told TV news stations that there were two bursts of gunshots, and that mounted police arrived as panicked bystanders ran down the street and into nearby shops.

The crowd was calm by 10 p.m. Groups of onlookers gathered by the police line tape.

Crime Scene Investigators studied the scene, including bunches of what appeared to be the victim's clothing, scattered by the boardwalk.

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Bicycle thefts up on grid, bait bike remains underused

2012-12-28T23:20:15Z

Sacramento’s central city continues to be the target of bicycle thieves looking for a quick score. Numbers from the Sacramento Police Department reveal there's been a steady increase in reported bike thefts in police patrol District 3 – which covers downtown, Midtown and East Sacramento areas – as well as citywide in recent years.

Yet one of the tools used to fight this crime – a sting bicycle with GPS technology that’s been used as recently as October 2010 – sits underused at police headquarters. During a recent tour of the department, SPD Spokeswoman Michelle Gigante said the sting bicycle is available, but due to fewer resources, not currently in use.

On Friday, SPD Spokesman Doug Morse said the bicycle isn't necessarily out of use entirely, but couldn't specify the last time it was used. "The essence of the program is we can't let people know if we're using it," he said. "There were financial times where we had the resources, and those just aren't the times, but it is available and ready to go.

"In the past it's been successful."

We've requested and are awaiting more information from the police on the sting bicycle, but in the meantime, check out this video of the SPD using a bait bike to catch a thief. And do yourself a favor – fast-forward to 1:30, which is when the thief starts walking toward the bike. Below are some initial figures we've been given from the SPD, dating back to 2007. The 2012 reports are an incomplete picture of the year, but still show it as having the highest reported crimes over the past six years. This is an ongoing story that we’ll continue to cover as we get more information from the police and other sources.

The heart of the city has traditionally been more prone to this type of crime, given the population’s varied transportation modes, so it’s not much surprise that bicycle thefts are more concentrated in this area. There’s even a Facebook page centered around putting a dent in stolen bicycles in Midtown.

But why the increase – the reported crimes in District 3 have more than tripled since 2007 – and what can people do to keep their property from being stolen?

There are several factors at play, said SPD Spokeswoman Michelle Gigante, from additional reporting methods, to possibly more people living on the grid.

“I really think that allowing people to have access to online reporting makes them more apt to report it,” Gigante said. “It’s an easier way of reporting, as opposed to calling and having an officer come out.”

Also with the downturn in the economy, more people could be ditching their car in favor of alternative transportation methods. “People might be trying to save a little money on gas and leave less of a carbon footprint,” Gigante said.

But the old crime of opportunity factor remains, she said.

Gigante said the following tips can help keep your bicycle secure and out of thieves' reach:

- Invest in a good lock and if possible, keep your bicycle inside your home overnight.
- Keep records of the serial number and any other identifying information, so police can try to get it back to you if it's located.
- Report the crime. Bicycle theft is often underreported, so if you're a victim, alert the police.

On a personal note, this issue is important to us at the Sacramento Press. Myself and Editor Jared Goyette reside in Midtown and are regular riders. We’d like to hear your advice on how people can keep their bikes from being targets of theft. Also, let us know what other questions you may have for law enforcement, businesses, etc. This will be an ongoing series and we will use the information in the comments to help direct what we write about next.

Top Five Fridays: Theater fundraiser, mall brawl & Louis C.K.

2012-12-28T19:12:39Z

Fasten your seatbelts – it's time for the final Top Five Fridays of the year. So who's popular this week?

Barry Wisdom hit it big, making the list both with his piece on Big Idea Theatre's post-theft fundraiser as well as his review of Pamela Hayes' "The Nutcracker." However it was Wednesday's mall brawl, courtesy of local youth, that topped off the week.

Community Contribution:
5.) Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet Theatre to present fun, frothy, fantastical 'Nutcracker' by Barry Wisdom
4.) A wild shoot-out at Sleep Train Arena by Fredric Hayward, photos by Ron Nabity
3.) New Year's Eve Sky Spectacular in Old Sac by Traci Rockefeller Cusack
2.) Comic Louis C.K. coming to Sacramento by Jim Carnes
1.) Big Idea Theatre staff hopes to offset theft with holiday fundraiser by Barry Wisdom

Overall:
5.) Lowbrau to open with New Year's Eve show featuring St. Lucia by Jared Goyette
4.) Women beware – Pedaling purse snatchers hit Midtown by Karen Wilkinson
3.) UPDATE: Elderly man struck by light rail train Friday pronounced dead at hospital by SacramentoPress Staff (paid staff collaborative effort)
2.) Sacramento police officer arrested for rape of elderly woman by Karen Wilkinson
1.) UPDATE: Three teens arrested after mass brawl in the Arden Fair Mall food court by Jared Goyette

UPDATE: Three teens arrested after mass brawl in the Arden Fair Mall food court

2012-12-27T01:43:03Z

Sacramento Police Public Information Officer Dough Morse explains what happen during a disturbance at the Arden Fair Mall on Wednesday, Dec. 26:

View the story "Update: Arden Fair back open after teens start huge ruckus in food court " on StorifyUpdate: Arden Fair back open after teens start huge ruckus in food court Storified by The Sacramento Press· Thu, Dec 27 2012 07:48:50

Three teens were arrested yesterday at the Arden Fair Mall after a mass brawl involving a group of about 20 juveniles who were caught on camera throwing signs and pushing people in the food court, according to the Sacramento Police Department. The incident caused a mass exodus from the mall as panicked customers mistook the sound of chairs and other objects hitting the ground for gunshots.

Here's what Public Information Officer Dough Morse told us:

- Police believe that there was no guns involved and that reports of a gunman or gunfire were unfounded.

-Three teens have been detained and about 20 were involved. They were caught on camera fighting, pushing people, throwing signs and in general "causing a disturbance."

- The incident was captured by mall surveillance cameras.

- The altercation started around 4:49 p.m. and police arrived within minutes. Morse indicated that the partnership the mall has with the department helped facilitate the quick response.

Listen to the full audio statement from Morse above for more details.

The incident was quickly trending on Twitter, as shoppers began posting messages about a "lockdown" and shots fired. Sacramento police were quick to dispel the rumors: Arden Mall is open to the public, reports of shooting and or subject with a gun are unfounded.Sacramento Police Large physical altercation at Arden Fair Mall, unfounded reports of gunfire, pd assisting with the disturbance.Sacramento Police While some shoppers twitted that they heard gunshots, one witness said he thought it was the sound of chairs falling – the conclusion the police said was supported the the video. At Arden Mall and saw a fight began. Somehow that led to everyone running saying there was a shooting. Chairs falling down is not a gun shotIsaac Gardon The helicopter and dozens of cop cars really aren't calming people. It's shocking how panicked people are based on hearsay.Isaac Gardon Officers arrived in force and a helicopter circled overhead, frightening some shoppers. At least 2 dozen patrol cars have converged on the mall.Kevin Oliver People in the mall fighting and had guns. Fucking crazy. Cops showed up with rifles and helicopters flying over. Me and @mariela650 had to run out the mall with everyone elsecarranza27 Sacramento police just said there was no shooting. The police officers were running through with ak-47s, helicopters were there within minSunshine✨✨ Police briefly closed off the area and the mass exodus caused a traffic jam. People stuck inside the parking lot turned to social media to vent their frustrations. I don't think anyone understands how scary that was though.Talia Kaczmarek I'm stuck in the Arden mall parking lot--we're never gonna be able to leave from hereAileen ✞ I'm not going to the mall. People started running out the moment we parked saying there was a shootout: heart goes out to any individuals harmed:( #where #is #this #world #goingjazminep123 I pray everyone is ok, dear God thank you for getting us out the mall safe and soundSunshine✨✨ The story had a happy ending for at least one shopper. Yay ! I got my boots.Adrienne Hammy

Worrying trend of armed robberies of pedestrians in the central city continues

2012-12-24T17:12:20Z

After a recent uptick in armed robberies on the grid, police are asking residents to walk in groups at night, be aware of their surrounding and report anything that looks suspicious.

"We want you to come to town and have a good time – Sacramento is known for its entertainment district, fabulous clubs and bars," said Sacramento Police Department Spokeswoman MIchelle Gigante. "But be responsible."

At least six more armed robberies more occured between Dec. 21 and Dec. 25, according to the Sacramento Police daily activity logs.

"We will continue to deploy our resources to focus on this problem nightl," Lt. Marc Coopwood of the Sacramento Police Department wrote in an email to residents. "Please be our eyes and ears when you are in and about your respective neighborhoods."

Police suspect that one person may be behind several of the robberies, as victims have described a similar suspect – a male Hispanic in his 20s or30s, armed with a hand gun, wearing a white T-shirt, a red baseball cap or a dark hoodie.

Several other robberies have involved suspects of different descriptions, often riding bicycles.

Coopwood has advised residents to walk in pairs or groups at night, be aware of their surrounds and, if robbed, to not resist. "We do not want to see somebody get injured," he wrote in a previous email.

Police have also beefed up patrols in the Midtown area, Gigante said.

Anyone with information about a crime can call the police dispatch center at (916) 264-5471 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357).

Tips can also be texted to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers/texters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

We've sent a request to police for more information about the latest incidents, but here, is what police noted on the daily activity logs for this past weekend:

Friday, Dec. 21 at 26th and H streets

"Victims were walking when they were robbed by a male Hispanic suspect. The victims were not hurt during the incident."

Saturday , Dec. 22 at 11th St and L streets

"The victim and a friend were walking in the area when the suspect ran up to them from behind. The suspect grabbed the victim’s purse and a brief struggle over it ensured. The suspect was able to overpower the victim’s grasp and continued to run – fleeing with the victim’s property. No injuries were reported and this investigation is ongoing."

Saturday , Dec. 22 at 24th and E streets

"The victim was walking when she was approached by an armed suspect who demanded her property. The victim gave the suspect her purse then she chased the suspect down and was able to retrieve her property. The suspect, and another person he was with, fled on foot from the victim."

Sunday, Dec. 23 at 700 block of 18th St

"A victim was walking home from work when she was approached by suspects that got out of a car. The suspects stole her purse and fled on foot. The suspects were described as three Hispanic or white male adults and one was armed with a handgun. The suspect vehicle was described as a white 4-door older model sedan."

Monday, Dec. 24 at 3600 block of 26th Avenue

"Victim was robbed by four subjects. The four subjects got out of a white 2000-2002 sedan and robbed him of his cell phone, cash and other property."

Tuesday, Dec. 25 at 1800 block of 19th Street

"The victim was in a parking lot when he was approached by the suspect who indicated that he had a weapon. The suspect demanded money and then fled on foot after taking cash from the victim. No injuries were reported and the suspect is described as a male black adult in his 50s."

Last weekend's incidents:

Friday, Dec. 14 at 10:23 p.m., at P and 18th Streets. A man on a bicycle rode up and grabbed a woman's purse.

Saturday, Dec. 15, at 1:19 a.m., on the 2600 block of I Street. A man crashed into a woman, demanded both her and her friend's purses, and indicated he had a gun. The women didn't see a gun and the suspect fled on the bicycle.

Saturday, Dec. 15, at 11:23 p.m., on the 2100 block of L Street. A man in a wheelchair was robbed of his cash by a man who fled on a nearby bicycle. The victim recognized the suspect, who was described as a thin Indian man, about 55 years old.

Saturday, Dec. 15, at 11:47 p.m., on the 700 block of 26th Street. Two women were robbed by a man who threatened to stab one if they didn't give him their purses. The suspect was described as a white man, with blonde hair, brown eyes, clean shaven, wearing a black raincoat and windbreaker.

Car-thieving couple nabbed by downtown cops after brief pursuit

2012-12-24T06:56:35Z

A couple led officers on a brief pursuit in a stolen vehicle Saturday night, Dec. 22, before being apprehended.

While patrolling, a Sacramento Police Department DUI unit spotted a stolen vehicle with two occupants traveling north on 16th Street near S Street, Saturday night before midnight.

When the officer attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspects took off and led officers on a brief chase north on 16th Street, then east on Q Street. The pursuit ended just a few blocks from where it started, with the suspects surrendering at gunpoint near the light rail train tracks.

Officers, with guns drawn, commanded the driver out of the vehicle. Once he was in custody, they ordered the female passenger out and took her into custody.

The vehicle, an older gray compact, was reported stolen over a month ago in the city of Sacramento, according to a Sacramento Police Department official.

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Women beware – Pedaling purse snatchers hit Midtown

2012-12-21T20:07:28Z

A recent rash of pedestrian robberies in Midtown has some neighbors on edge, warning each other – particularly women – to be extra cautious.

"I really hope that people be careful out there, especially women," said Julie Murphy, co-chairperson of the Marshall School/New Era Neighborhood Association. "Even if you're walking with a friend, that doesn't appear to assure your safety."

There were four robberies last weekend on the grid, all of which occurred between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., according to the Sacramento Police Department's daily activity logs.

In one case – on Dec. 15 at 1:19 a.m. – a man crashed his bicycle into a woman who was walking with her friend on the 2600 block of I Street, demanded their purses and indicated he was armed with a gun.

A bicycle was used either as a getaway tool, or as shown in the case above, a weapon, in three out of the four robberies. And most of the victims were women, with the exception of one case, in which a wheelchair-bound man was robbed of his money while on the 2100 block of L Street the night of Dec. 15.

"I walk around at night myself, and it's given me pause," said Murphy, who sent out details of the recent crime spree to her neighbors. "Women should be able to walk around at night without being afraid."

In an email update Murphy received from the police department, law enforcement advised people to be aware of their surroundings, and to not fight back in the event of a robbery.

"Please have them walk in pairs or groups," SPC Lt. Marc Coopwood wrote. "Lastly, please do not try to fend off a robbery; especially, with a gun or knife. We do not want to see somebody get injured."

Murphy said she hopes Midtown receives the attention and resources from police that it needs, given the uptick in robberies. Coopwood, in his statement to the neighborhood, said police are working to find the suspects.

"We are going to deploy resources accordingly to hopefully identify and arrest the subjects responsible for these acts," he wrote.

The recent robberies were described as follows:

Friday, Dec. 14 at 10:23 p.m., at P and 18th Streets. A man on a bicycle rode up and grabbed a woman's purse.

Saturday, Dec. 15, at 11:23 p.m., on the 2100 block of L Street. A man in a wheelchair was robbed of his cash by a man who fled on a nearby bicycle. The victim recognized the suspect, who was described as a thin Indian man, about 55 years old.

Saturday, Dec. 15, at 11:47 p.m., on the 700 block of 26th Street. Two women were robbed by a man who threatened to stab one if they didn't give him their purses. The suspect was described as a white man, with blonde hair, brown eyes, clean shaven, wearing a black raincoat and windbreaker.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Sacramento police officer arrested for rape of elderly woman

2012-12-21T03:27:11Z

A 22-year veteran of the Sacramento Police Department was arrested Thursday for the rape of an elderly woman. Officer Gary Dale Baker, 49, was arrested on suspicion of a slew of sexual assault charges stemming from incidents that allegedly occurred over a more than two-year period.

The 78-year-old woman had suffered a stroke, which affected her speech and was diagnosed with Aphasia, however she lived independently, according to the warrant affadavit for Baker's arrest.

Baker was charged with rape, two counts of forcible oral copulation, attempt to commit oral copulation, assault with intent to commit rape and sexual battery. His bail is set at $1 million and he's scheduled to appear in court Christmas Eve for an arraignment.

The first incident occurred more than two years ago – on Nov. 25, 2010 – and the woman told police the suspect was possibly a law enforcement officer or security guard. Baker also may have been driving a patrol car the first time he allegedly met the victim in her driveway, the same day. Unfortunately, the investigation was complicated due to the woman's pre-existing condition, police stated in a news release.

Baker allegedly forced himself inside her apartment (at 24th Street and South Manor Drive) when she answered her door, raped her and forced the woman to orally copulate him. He was described as a black male adult, between 35 and 40, 5'6" to 5'9", with a medium build and black hair.

DNA evidence was collected, but a match wasn't found, and a criminal investigation was launched. Video surveillance obtained this week by the woman's family, along with DNA evidence, ultimately led to Baker's arrest. But it took more than two years after the initial incident occurred – and three more sexual assault incidents – for the police to arrest Baker for the crimes.

After the woman's family brought police footage of Baker at her home on Tuesday, an "intense criminal and administrative investigation into his involvement in the case" was launched. He was then placed on administrative leave. Baker had been on active duty since the 2010 report.

Nearly two years after the first incident – on Sept. 20 – Baker allegedly returned to the woman's home and raped her again. More evidence was collected and detectives continued their investigation, police said.

Again, on Dec. 11, the woman reported the same suspect attempted to rape her. Police advised the her family to install a video surveillance camera at her home, which ultimately led to Baker's arrest.

Finally, on Tuesday, Dec. 18, the victim's family went to police with footage of the suspect, captured the day before at the woman's home. Investigators recognized Baker on the video and an investigation was immediately launched. He was then placed on administrative leave, and arrested two days later.

Baker's DNA was compared with that of the 2010 assault, resulting in a positive match.

In a statement released late Thursday by the police, SPD Chief Rick Braziel said, “We hold our officers to the highest standards on and off-duty. We understand that an incident of this magnitude reflects negatively on the good men and women in law enforcement everywhere. I can assure that this incident is not reflective of the dedicated officers that serve our community every day.”

* The following is the arrest warrant affidavit for Baker's arrest; it contains graphic details of the alleged incidents, so view at your own discretion.

Arrest Warrant Baker Final

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Female robbery suspect assaults woman, snatches purse and runs

2012-12-19T22:15:21Z

Female suspect assaults woman, snatches purse

A woman assaulted another woman Tuesday morning at Elder Creek Road and Golden West Way, then stole her purse and took off running. At 10:46 a.m., police responded, but were unable to find the suspect.

Pair of door-to-door solicitors arrested on outstanding warrants

Police responded to reports of several suspicious people soliciting donations Tuesday afternoon at Sandburg and Cisco Drives, and determined they were doing so under false pretenses. Both were arrested for their outstanding warrants. It's not clear from the daily activity log what the pair was collecting donations for.

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Men walk downtown streets with shotguns to protest gun control

2012-12-18T02:08:32Z

Gun rights advocates have been on the defensive after the mass shooting in Newtown, Conn. last week, but that didn't stop one group in Sacramento from demonstrating their opposition to gun control in a way that was sure to get attention.

Sacramento police questioned and then released a group of men who walked down one of the city's busiest streets with shotguns over their shoulders Sunday evening.

Two of the men in the group were carrying shotguns when police stopped them at 10th and J streets around 9:20 p.m., according to officer Michelle Gigante. They were found to be in compliance with current open carry laws as the guns were not loaded, Gigante said.

One of the suspects told officers that they wanted to carry the guns in public before it becomes illegal, Gigante said.

The state legislature passed a law in August that bans the carrying of long guns or rifles and shotguns outside of motor vehicles. That law will go into effect on Jan. 1.

Supporters of the law cited the danger posed by mass shootings, including the one in Aurora, Colo., while opponents said it targeted law abiding citizens and was "fear mongering."

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Sheriff’s Department seeks help in finding missing Sacramento teen

2012-12-17T23:03:54Z

The following is a press release from Sergeant Jason Ramos Sheriff’s Spokesman:

The Sheriff’s Department is seeking the public’s help to locate a teenage girl who has been missing for several days. Analyce Dominguez, 15, was last seen Friday morning, December 14th, leaving her home in the 5100 block of Connecticut Drive in Sacramento to go to school. She did not attend school that day, and is considered at-risk, because of her unknown whereabouts being inconsistent with her normal patterns of behavior.

Dominguez (see attached photos) is a Hispanic female, 5’4” tall and weighing approximately 110 pounds. She has long, brown hair and green eyes. It is unknown what clothing Dominguez was wearing on the morning that she disappeared.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of this missing person is asked to call the Sheriff’s Department at (916) 874-5115.

Police seek help identifying man wanted in connection with sexual assaults in Arden Arcade

2012-12-16T01:49:53Z

The following is a press release from Sacramento Sheriff’s Spokesman Sergeant Jason Ramos:

Sheriff’s detectives are seeking assistance to identify a man wanted in connection to two sex assaults in the Arden Arcade area in recent weeks. The same suspect is believed to be responsible for both incidents, and investigators believe that the public can help in bringing this person to justice.

On November 23, 2012, a woman in her 20’s was attacked inside her apartment in the 3100 block of Trussel Way. The suspect was described as a white or Hispanic male, 5’8” to 6’ tall and weighing between 180 and 220 pounds with a medium to stocky build.

He wore a grey, hooded sweatshirt and a white bandana that covered his face. The suspect entered the victim’s apartment through an unlocked point of entry, and sexually assaulted the victim before fleeing.

Two weeks later, on December 7, 2012, a male with the same physical description forced a woman in her 30’s into her apartment in the 2200 block of Howe Avenue. In this case, the suspect wore a black watchcap. He also sexually assaulted this victim
before fleeing the apartment.

Composite sketches have been prepared in connection with both of these incidents. Anyone believing they know the identity of the individual depicted in the sketches is asked to call the Sheriff’s Sex Assault Bureau at (916) 874-5070. Information may also be given anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com, texted to 274637 (CRIMES) and entering the keyword SSD, or called in to (916) 874-TIPS (8477).

Sheriff’s Department seeks help in locating missing teenage girl

2012-12-13T22:25:53Z

via The Sacrmento County Sheriff's Deparment:

The Sheriff’s Department is seeking the public’s help in locating a teenage girl who went missing from her residence yesterday morning.

Kaylecia Jackson, 13, was last seen on Dec. 12 at approximately 8:00 a.m., leaving her residence in the 6400 block of Wire Drive in Sacramento to go to school. She reportedly never arrived at school, and her whereabouts since walking away from home are unknown.

Jackson is considered t be at-risk due to her age.

Kaylecia Jackson is described as a black female, 5’6” tall and
weighing approximately 165 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone knowingthe whereabouts of this missing teenager is asked to call the Sheriff’s Department at (916) 874-5115.

Hostage suspect IDd following fatal takedown

2012-12-10T16:13:11Z

The man shot and killed by police over the weekend after an intense hostage standoff at a Jack-in-the-Box has been identified as 26-year-old Xang Khang of Sacramento.

The shooting ended an approximately three-hour standoff between police and the armed gunman Saturday at 8349 Folsom Boulevard, in the College Greens neighborhood. Khang apparently held two female employees hostage in what started as a take-over style robbery; he also threatened to kill them, according to the Sacramento Police Department.

While negotiators made sporadic telephone contact with Khang and the hostages, "…it was determined that the suspect would not release any hostages and that he had no intention of a peaceful surrender," a Sac PD news release stated.

Khang reportedly held the victims against their will and forced them around the inside of the restaurant at gunpoint. He was also seen using a hostage as a human shield while moving around the inside of the restaurant, police say.

As police moved closer to the building, a shot rang out and the restaurant's glass door shattered. The police sharp shooter had hit his target. The hostage fled, throwing the door open at a full sprint before an officer clad in SWAT body armor grabbed her, pulling her down while more officers streamed past, entering the restaurant as the sound of flashbang grenades echoed throughout the area.

Police Spokesman Doug Morse said while it's unfortunate that the standoff ended with a death, ultimately the safety of the hostages and people in the surrounding area was paramount. "We tried for several hours for this to end peacefully and it's very unfortunate that it had to end this way," he said Saturday. "The officers were forced to take action to end this safely."

The Sac PD's SWAT team and hostage negotiation team (HNT) responded to the standoff; the officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave per department policy, according to the news release.

Sacramento police shoot suspect as hostage escapes - Jack in the Box hostage situation on Folsom Boulevard

2012-12-08T22:31:20Z

A series of bangs echoed throughout the College Greens neighborhood at around 2:45 p.m. Saturday as a police SWAT team swarmed into the Jack in the Box on Folsom Boulevard where a man was holding a woman hostage. The suspect was shot by a police sniper and transported to a hospital. His one remaining female hostage escaped unharmed. Earlier, another woman had also escaped.

Police said the incident began at 12:30 p.m. as a robbery of the restaurant at 8349 Folsom Blvd. in the College Greens Shopping Center. When officers arrived shortly after, a standoff ensued. The SWAT team, a hostage negotiation team and dozens of patrol cars surrounded the building.

"We tried for several hours for this to end peacefully and it's very unfortunate that it had to end this way," said Public Information Officer Doug Morse. "The safety of those inside the restaurant as well as those surrounding the restaurant was just paramount. The officers were forced to take action to end this safely."

Police shut down the west end of the shopping center and evacuated nearby businesses. Folsom Boulevard was closed between Juilliard Drive and Notre Dame Drive. A police chopper circled overhead and the media arrived en masse.

"It was a very tense and frightening situation for everyone involved," Morse said.