Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "sacmav"

Budget cuts and fire engine brown-out significant factor in Oak Park blaze

2012-06-09T10:32:40Z

Sacramento, CA | When a fire truck crew arrived on scene of a house ablaze Thursday afternoon, they had to wait for an engine with water to arrive from a distance.

Thursday afternoon, Sacramento firefighters were called out to a blaze in the Oak Park area. When Truck 6 arrived in three minutes (trucks carry no water) the structure was fully involved with fire. The first engine, Engine 10 (carrying water), arrived in 6-8 minutes; Engine 6 (who likely would have arrived with Truck 6) was browned out due to budget cuts.

Fortunately this was an unoccupied home which had burned a couple of years ago but had not been torn down. Chief Chris Ortiz explained that fire grows exponentially and literally doubles itself every minute. Had this been an occupied home, given the brown-out delayed first in engine with water, the difference of minutes is very significant.

The fire was so burning so hot that surrounding homes, called exposures, had to be protected from radiant heat so they would not catch fire as well.

I asked Chief Ortiz about the City’s “Dangerous Building” organization that is supposed to tear down structures such as this when the fire occurred a couple of years ago. Ortiz stated that he called for “Dangerous Buildings” to respond; his dispatch advised him that “Dangerous Buildings” would not respond. Ortiz stated that he could not divulge the reason.

There were no injuries in this blaze and the cause remains under investigation.

Battalion Chief, Chris Ortiz, talks about the incident...

Defensive 2 Story Structure Fire, June 7, 2012 Oak Park, CA from SacMav Rapid Media on Vimeo.

Statewide alcohol sting operation nets 390

2012-03-17T22:01:17Z

Sacramento, CA | Several people busted in Sacramento and throughout California Friday purchasing alcohol for minors.

As part of a state-wide operation, agents from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) with Sacramento Police Department DUI Enforcement Officers ran sting operations throughout the day.

Several teams were in the field utilizing actual under-aged decoys who would approach individuals entering a liquor store or market, disclosed their age and asked the persons to purchase alcohol for them.

In one incident at Natomas Liquor, the sales clerk (not knowing an operation was under way) even warned the female purchaser that if she was purchasing the beer for minors not to do it; she made the purchase any way and gave the beer to the decoy minors waiting outside the store.

When the officers moved in for the bust, the woman attempted to explain her actions away but was advised by agents that the entire thing was recorded as the cuffs went on.

Sergeant Andrew Pettit, Public Information Officer for the Sacramento Police Department stated that this is a misdemeanor offense. As long as today’s arrestees did not have other wants or warrants outstanding, they were cited and released to appear in court at a later date to answer for their actions. The penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor is a minimum $1000 fine and 24 hours of community service.

Pettit stated that this is an annual operation around Saint Patrick’s Day and other targeted holidays. The program is intended to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors. According to the American Medical Association, underage drinking can increase chances of risky sexual behavior and teen pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, compromise health, and result in unintentional injury and death according to SacPD.

Per SacPD, the local task force investigated 12 random locations within Sacramento. Eleven individuals were cited for furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors and one subject was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant. The operation was conducted statewide for the first time ever and resulted in over 390 arrests.

Many local operations were funded by the California Alcoholic Beverage Control through the department's Grant Assistance Program (GAP), and some were funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). ABC is a Department of the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, according to a SacPD press release Saturday.

VIDEO/ADDITIONAL PHOTOS: Sergeant Andrew Pettit, SacPD PIO talks about the operation>>

Bikers rally at the Capitol

2012-01-11T19:42:12Z

Two bills were on bikers’ minds Monday as they rallied at the Capitol.

Hundreds of California motorcyclists, drivers and passengers, showed up for the yearly motorcycle rally sponsored by the American Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education (ABATE) Monday morning.

They gathered on the Capitol building’s south-side in support of two bills that would change the state’s helmet law and throw out the motorcycle-only checkpoints.

Legislators were scheduled to vote Monday afternoon after rally.

For results, CLICK HERE>>>

What happens when Sheriff K9's retire?

2012-01-03T03:01:18Z

The Sacramento Sheriff's K9 Association held a fundraiser and demonstration Sunday at Pet Food Express on Fair Oaks Blvd.

Along with meeting the K9's, getting to rub a K9 belly and meet their handlers, goers had the opportunity to purchase the new 2012 SSDK9 calendar loaded with dynamic images of the dogs and their handlers by XSiGHT Photography and Video.

Ike, one of twelve active K9’s in the unit, has seen his fair share of rough and tumble, part of the job as a K9. Deputy Pomerson, Ike’s partner and handler, related how Ike went over a fence after a bad guy and punctured a lung. With the punctured lung, Ike still latched on to the bad guy until deputies apprehended the perp. Ike’s chest swelled to almost twice his normal size and he was rushed to medical care and saved. After a two week recovery, Pomerson related, Ike eagerly went back to work.

Pomerson shared tales of his partner, such as how he slides back and forth in the back seat responding to calls.

“It seems the more he (Ike) is tossed around in the back, [the] more he’s excited and ready to get the bad guy when we arrive at the scene.”

Pomerson also explained the toll the tossing around takes on the K9’s, giving them an average of five to seven workable years. When the K9’s retire, “they get to de-stress and just enjoy the rest of their life as a pet and adapt well,” stated Pomerson.

We got to tag along while Pomerson gave Ike a bath at the pet store. Even though the water was nice and warm, Pomerson agreed Ike would much rather be getting wet in the river.

When Ike retires, Pomerson will purchase him from the county for one dollar plus tax, and Ike will enjoy his retirement as the family pet. With Ike’s retirement, Pomerson will get a new K9 partner. At that time, Pomerson explained, the hardest part for Ike will be not going to work.

On their off days they do absolutely no work related things at all, and when it’s time to go back to work and Pomerson dons his uniform, Ike gets all excited.

“Even when I chirp the alarm on the car or move the car around, Ike gets all excited thinking it’s time to got to work,” said Pomerson.

A large portion of the fundraising proceeds are dedicated to the retirement needs of the K9’s who served their community. The fundraising calendar is a wonderful way to get to know the beautiful and talented animals that protect and serve our community.

If you are interested in donating and being involved with the SSDK9 association, their site has all the information and details you need to get engaged. Be sure to check out SSDK9 Association fundraising golf tournaments and marathons as well.

SSDK9 Demo/Fundraiser from SacMav Rapid Media on Vimeo.

Deputy Amos talks about the K9's>>

Commute interrupted, vehicle crashes into downtown business

2011-12-13T19:29:41Z

Sacramento, CA | Busy morning Downtown commute interrupted Tuesday morning when a vehicle crashed into a building.

Close to 7:30 Tuesday morning, the busy downtown commute was interrupted when a woman driving east on J Street, reportedly felt sick and passed out behind the wheel. Her vehicle hopped the curb and crashed into "Patino Building" at 1010 J St. The driver was transported to hospital via paramedics.

'Occupy Sacramento' blasts City Council

2011-11-03T07:24:38Z

'Occupy Sacramento' blasts City Council during the public forum of the Tuesday, November 1, 2011 meeting.

View more photos>>

More 'Occupy' arrests in Sacramento

2011-10-26T08:57:58Z

Occupy Sacramento participants once again stood their ground at Ceasar Chavez Park in Downtown Sacramento. At midnight, an hour after the park is officially closed, dispersal orders were given and 4 (including one in a wheel chair) were arrested peacfully.

Sacramento's below average readers. Who's working on solutions?

2011-10-18T20:48:45Z

Sacramento, CA | The momentum is building. That was the message that Stand Up, the Sacramento based non-profit organization devoted to reforming education, touted in front of a packed house at the Guild Theater on Monday night.

The event was part of a series of monthly meetings organized by Stand Up to spotlight education improvement efforts in Sacramento. Previous events have brought in former California State Senator Gloria Romero to discuss the “parent trigger” law, the founder of Teach for America Wendy Kopp, and the co-founder of the Knowledge is Power Program, Mike Feinberg.

Local high school students acted as ushers alongside staffers from a variety of organizations including Sacramento READS!, Mayor Kevin Johnson’s third-grade reading initiative, and StudentsFirst, Michelle Rhee’s latest foray into education reform.
Monday’s guest speaker was CNN’s education correspondent Dr. Steve Perry, there to promote his new book Push Has Come to Shove, a warning cry to the “grownups” about our failing education system. Dr. Perry pulled no punches in his address to the mostly welcoming crowd. “Every day you drive by a failing school in your community,” he said, “and you know where they are, you have blood on your hands for not doing something.”

The frankness that won him accolades as “America’s most uncompromising principle” was on display as he excoriated communities for failing to shut down schools, principles for allowing unions to bully them, and absentee fathers to whom he pointedly asserted, “No, we can’t be friends.”

His fiercest criticism, however, was reserved for poor teachers. When asked in the post-presentation Q & A session about disproportionate numbers of minority students facing in-school suspension and other punishments, he laid the blame squarely on the educators. “If my detention hall is filled with student athletes who are doing well in other classes,” he said, “then maybe the problem is [the teacher]. You suck.”

If his presentation had a dose of harsh medicine it only endeared him to the crowd members even more, many of whom were educators and parents struggling with their own classrooms and schools. He fielded questions about boarding school alternatives to public school education, the tendency to blame parents, and the high illiteracy rate in Sacramento County.

Mayor Johnson addressed the audience briefly to tout the progress made in the reading initiative and to thank business partners who adopted schools in which they spent time and money to assist education efforts. In particular, Old Soul Co. was applauded for hosting a book drive and encouraging employees to volunteer their time to read to students at Peter Burnett Elementary School.

Other speakers included the Eric Lerum, the Vice President of National Policy at StudentsFirst, who ran down national mission goals of the organization, and the oldest volunteer in Sacramento READS!, former Queen of the Rose Parade Margaret Huntly. Her personal journey, as a 90-year old former school teacher who still goes back to the classroom to volunteer, drew perhaps the most enthusiastic applause of the event.

The statistic that most participants will walk away with was pointed out by Sacramento Reads earlier in the evening, that “only 37% of our third-grade children are reading at grade-level; the flip-side of that coin is that 63% are not.” Dr. Perry later took the opportunity to expand on that point. “If we are to have a real conversation about this issue, we have to recognize that some of us in here aren’t reading as well as we should either.”

'Occupy' group stops at Bureau of Indian Affairs on march to Capitol

2011-10-18T00:21:36Z

'Occupy' protesters in Sacramento marched on Capital Mall Friday afternoon with a stop at the Bureau of Indian Affairs at 650 Capital Mall with some definite opinions of Columbus and the recent celebration of Columbus Day. After their brief stop and rally at John E. Moss Building, they continued east on Capital Mall where they rallied again on the north steps of the Capital Building

See video from demonstration>>

View some other 'Occupy' articles on SacPress>>

Pastors remain on task, city council hopefuls interviewed

2011-09-23T05:33:02Z

Sacramento, CA | Area Pastors promissed to remain on watch, holding current city council members and hopefuls accountable.

Area pastors remain on task as promissed, holding both current council members and June 2012 City Council hopefuls accountable. Today, Allen Warren (running for the district 2 seat), and Betty Williams (running for the district 8 seat) were interviewed by a large constituency of area pastors.

Both hopefuls shared their backgrounds, qualifications, goals and priorities and then were asked tough and challenging questions and quizzed by the pastors. Warren and Williams were interviewed and "put on the hot seat" seperately by the group of pastors.

Sharing his background and qualifications with area pastors, Allen Warren, who intends to run for the district 2 seat, shared how his life was set for pro baseball with the New York Yankees when his carrer path took a drastic change. He found himself on Wall Street being trained and groomed with a large financial agency and then further into business. Warren stated that job creation is a top priority on his agenda.

Warren stated that he had not inteded politics to become a carrer choice for himself, but with the currentl lack of leadership he feels he had to step up. He promissed pastors that he is prepared to "stay the course".

Betty Williams, with a long diverse tenure in many upper level positons with the NAACP and long time community advocate, stated that crime and education top her list of priorties. Under incumbant, Bonnie Pannell's watch, Sacramento Police Chief, Rick Braziel, has indicated publicly that district eight's Meadowview area has become the worst crime ridden area in the city, Williams stated. Already on advisory counciles with the Sherrif and Police Chief, the Meadowview area is high on Williams radar for crime reduction.

Williams also advised the pastors that she has hired Sam Walton, the late Sam Pannell's campaign manger to manage her campaign. When asked what defines the difference between Pannell and herself, Williams emphatically stated, "My leadership is stronger than Bonnie Pannell's." Williams stated that she has already received endorsements from Mayor Kevin Johnson, Jay Schenirer and Willie Brown among others.

Moderator, Pastor Darryl Heath, made it very clear to both contenders that "there is no quid pro quo here". He was careful to state that the pastors are not promissing their vote and are not expecting anything in exchange. He stated to both that "the only thing we want from you is for you to do your job with integrity and honesty."

The pastors have promissed current and future council membes to have at least one represenative present at every council meeting and to remain on watch for the city as a whole.

Disclosure: I am an area pastor and affiliated with the pastor's newly formed watch group, CYHU- Can You Hear Us Now

Chinese Culture Fair

2011-08-30T20:43:30Z

Sacramento, CA | On a very warm Sunday afternoon, many people came out to celebrate the 5th Annual Chinatown Culture Fair. It was a family friendly event that gave young and old a chance to experience the culture of the Chinese-American community.

The fair started off with the sounds of drums and cymbals as a traditional Lion Dance energized the crowd. As the dancers worked their way through the people, younger children seemed to be in awe or not sure what to make of these large, but friendly beast.

Master of Ceremonies, Amy Tong, got things going by introducing some of the members of the Chinatown Mall Culture Fair Committee, who without their time, effort, and hard work, the event would not have been possible.

Miss Teen Asia Sacramento 2011, Christine Yan, along with others, spoke briefly and then turned over the stage for the entertainment portion.

The entertainment, as well as the fair, had a little to offer everyone. From the Ai-Hua Dance Group to Diana Tang who gave a performance on the harp. Singing, dancing and martial arts were almost non-stop throughout the event on the performing arts stage.

There were many more things to see and do beyond the stage. You could try your hand at lantern making, origami, or maybe even calligraphy. Vendors at the event offered an array of services from health needs, insurance, or if you just needed some artwork or plants to spruce up the home or office.

There was an area for children’s activities as well. They could do many hands-on activities such as painting lanterns. Children also had the chance to hear author, Ann Martin Bowler, read her book, Adventures of the Treasure Fleet. Not only did she read the story, but got many of the children involved in helping out with the sound portion of the piece.

At the entrance to the mall on J Street, you could find the Capitol Chinese Orchestra playing for attendees as well as people who were just walking by. In the courtyard, Byron Brown and Edith Bohlke from the United Chinese Martial Arts Academy School put on a demonstration.

Later in the afternoon, Master Lai Hung and his students performed a Lion Dance and martial arts demonstration that attracted a large crowd in the courtyard.

Also throughout the afternoon in the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Museum, there was a lecture series that included, Chinese Restaurants: Three Continents, speaker Cheuk Kwan; Sun Yat-Sen and his US experience, speaker Manfred P.T. Peng and “Flying Tigers” Captain William King, speaker Gene Chan.

This years theme at the fair was, “Bringing the past to the future”, with the many events, activities, entertainment and hard work by all those involved, the past did meet the future in an event that all could enjoy. VIEW MORE PHOTOS>>>

Disclosure: Rusty Kleine is an official photo journalist with MaverickPhotography.us and SacMav.com in collaboration with SacPress.com

Budget cuts impact resources for major hazmat incident in South Sacramento

2011-07-07T01:43:59Z

Sacramento, CA | A level 3 Hazmat situation shuts down a large industrial area in South Sacramento. Budget weakend hazmat team has to reach out with unusual mutual aid requests.

Wednesday morning, the Sacramento City Fire Department was called to Mike and Sons Inc, in the 8500 block of Elder Creek Road, for a commercial trailer fire. When firefighters arrived “they realized the doors were shut and there was a very pungent odor; so they turned this into a level three hazmat which is the highest level of hazmat response that we have”, Niko King, Assistant Chief for Sacramento City Fire Department stated.

As things progressed, they contacted the shipper and the property owner discovering that there were over forty household products in the trailer, King stated. “For some unknown reason, something happened in there and there was a chemical reaction taking place.”

Evacuations began immediately. King stated that as a result of the off-gassing of the product and wind direction, over fifty-five business were evacuated which equated to 520 people. Reverse 911 was utilized to assist with the evacuations. Traffic was backed up all the way down Young Creek Drive as area workers vacated the industrial park. King stated that the evacuation was in place for about four hours. King also stated that a seven digit hotline was put in place to update evacuees and let them know when they could return to their businesses.

One person, who reportedly inhaled a good amount of the vapors, was transported to the hospital via paramedics.

Large fire suppression lines were put in place in the event they had to fight fire, and measures were taken to protect storm drains from potential contaminated water runoff as a result of firefighting efforts.

“What’s unique about this, Sacramento Fire department just experienced some budget cuts; it cut our hazmat team right in half,” King stated sternly. “…so, we had mutual aid resources from Metro Fire, Hazmat 109 come in. And what was really unique, we had to reach out and get Roseville’s hazmat team to come into the City of Sacramento to assist in mitigating this incident.”

It was finally determined that the substance was some sort of refrigerant oil. The assumption is that due to the warm rising temperature in the trailer, the container of product exploded then mixing with other materials in the trailer.

Many agencies responded to this incident to assist Sacramento City Fire, such as: Sacramento Metro Fire, Roseville Fire, and CERT to name a few. The Red Cross also responded with their Disaster Relief unit.

King stated that all the hazards had been mitigated and the incident would be turned back over to the shipping company.

VIEW MORE PHOTOS>>

RAAM UPDATE: Team SacPD on final push through the Appalachians

2011-06-24T19:26:29Z

Team SacPD is on their home stretch. “Group B is on the way to meet group A for our final day of racing. On the way to the finish line!” was sent out on the team’s Twitter feed Friday morning.

Having cycled just over 2,820 since Saturday afternoon’s start, Team SacPD has just 176 miles to go, however, embedded photographer Kati Garner stated, “…the last day of RAAM is not an easy ride for the racers…..they are in the Appalachians, full of ascents and descents for miles and miles.”

Team SacPD is the first all police officer team in the history of Race Across America (RAAM), fully comprised of police officers from the Sacramento Police Department doing the race on their personal vacation time with a goal to bring support and recognition to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

“The Sacramento Police Department is embarking on a unique adventure that will bring national attention to the nearly 19,000 law enforcement officers who have been killed while protecting the communities of this nation,” Sacramento Police Chief Rick Braziel stated.

The Chief further stated, “On average, one law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty somewhere in the United States every 53 hours. As a racing member of Team SPD, I encourage you to help us at the Sacramento Police Department honor America’s law enforcement officers as we work to commemorate the sacrifice of our fallen comrades.”

As the team rides their final leg Friday, the time clock is shadowed by their passionate mission. Todd Carr, crew person, stated “it is stressful because of tough navigation, little sleep and the climbs. This past week has taken a toll on our racers. We can’t see the end of the tunnel because we have major mountains in our way.”

As the team members trade off in the relay, they’re able to get messages from the crew members who are monitoring their Facebook and Twitter feeds. You are able to cheer them on through this last leg by messaging them directly.

TeamSacPD’s Twitter: CLICK HERE>>
TeamSacPD’s Facebook Fan Page: CLICK HERE>>

Meet the entire team volunteer support crew at their RAAM web site>>

RAAM UPDATE: It's all downhill from here

2011-06-21T06:49:28Z

It’s all downhill from here… so to speak. Monday, in the Race Across America, Team SacPD concurred their highest elevation climb of the race. With their climb to nearly 11,000 feet above sea level Monday, the team has climbed a total of 55,952 vertical feet since the start of the race Saturday.

From this point, the majority of the race is downhill except for a few smaller elevations climbs later in the race.

At the time of this posting, the team is skirting the southern part of Colorado and is about half way across the state. At this point they have traveled almost 1,030 miles and have about 1,969 miles to go.

The only significant challenge reported today was a racers blown tire shortly after the start of the day.

RAAM UPDATE: Team SacPD has strong second day

2011-06-20T07:14:00Z

Sunday was a long but rewarding day for Team SacPD in their second day of Race Across America. The team traversed north east through Arizona and at the time of this posting they are just north of Tuba City heading toward Utah.

Team SacPD is now 33 hours into the race and have traveled over 615 miles. They have climed a total of 32,744 vertical feet and are presently around 5,000 feet above sea level and will reach around 11,000 feet in this assent.

The day was not without challenges. Early in the day one of the riders wasn't feeling well and had to sit out several relay rotations, but later returned to the race reportedly doing well. The same van that broke down Saturday developed mechanical trouble again Sunday near Sedona, Arizona, forcing the team to shuffle some crew and gear around.

Overall, the crew and team remain strong and in good spirits. They have aproximately 2,381 miles to go.

RAAM Update: Team SacPD starts strong Saturday afternoon

2011-06-19T06:10:01Z

Team SacPD, started the Race Across America (RAAM) Saturday afternoon. Starting from the pier in Oceanside, they already peddled over 170 miles with just under 2,830 to go at the time of this post. They have cumulatively climbed 8,789 vertical feet and reached a top elevation just over 4,000 above sea level.

The team is now commencing a stretch in the race where over the next 750 miles they will ascend to an elevation of over 10,000 feet above sea level. Until they reach that elevation, they will be on a consistent climb with few brief downhill breathers.

Shortly after the races start, one of the teams vans with relief riders on board, broke down with radiator issues. “1st crisis! One van died…. We will be flexible and work through it,” the team stated on their Facebook page.

And they're off... Team SacPD starts trek across America Saturday

2011-06-18T20:19:36Z

Oceanside, CA | Team SacPD starts pedaling across America, a 3,000 mile trek, at 2PM today and will end in Annapolis, Maryland.

The first all police team to compete in the Race Across America (RAAM), Team SacPD, entirely comprised of officers from the Sacramento Police Department, assembled in Oceanside over the past few days, prepping and taking care of last-minute details heading into the big start at 2PM Saturday in Oceanside.

Team SacPD is riding to raise awareness of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. “The eight member SPD Team will raise money and bring media attention to the National Law Enforcement Memorial, Washington DC. Working with the hundreds of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies along the route, Team SPD will honor law enforcement officers killed by carrying their names, visiting local and state memorials, and encouraging media coverage of our efforts,” Chief Rick Braziel stated.

Friday the team was busy with preparatory activities: Chief Braziel and another officer were interviewed for a documentary of their RAAM experience, per embedded Maverick Photographer, Kati Garner. Teams also went to see the first part of the race and posed for team and individual photos. Participant support vehicles were inspected yesterday as well as their bikes, shoes and helmets for safety.

For more information about Team SacPD, read their bios and learn more about their mission, you can visit their site here>>

Follow Team SacPD’s progress here>>
locate Team Sacramento Police in the category dropdown menu on the top right.

More photos from Friday>>

TeamSacPD's Facebook Page>>

Follow TeamSacPD's Twitter>>

Team SacPD gearing up for RAAM

2011-06-17T07:15:48Z

Oceanside, CA | Part of Team SacPD (Sacramento Police Department's new cycling team) arrived in Oceanside Wednesday evening for registration in the Race Across America (RAAM) event.

Six people affiliated with Team SacPD headed to Oceanside Wednesday in two vans; fourteen more crew members and racers traveled Thursday to join them. The relay teams for RAAM will start on Saturday at Oceanside Pier. Other RAAM races began Tuesday. The race finish is in Annapolis, Maryland between June 24th and 27th at the City Dock. Fourteen additional Team SacPD members head to Oceanside Thursday.

You may have never heard of “Team SacPD” before, and with good reason; the team was recently assembled and this is their first major undertaking. “As the name of the team may suggest, we are all police officers here in the City of Sacramento. While our day-to-day jobs vary from patrol officer to the Chief of Police, we do share one hobby… cycling! When we heard about another local team (Donate Life) who participated in the event, we decided to see if we, too, could compete in this incredible race. When we later learned that there had never been an all-police team, we were sold. It didn’t take long before we had assembled a team, picked a worthy cause (to recognize and pay tribute to fallen officers) and started preparing for the epic ride. We have no idea how this adventure will end, but we welcome you to share the journey with us,” the team states on their website.

Per RAAM, Racers must traverse 3000 miles across 12 states and climb over 170,000 vertical feet. Teams will ride 350-500 miles a day, racing non-stop.The 2011 race will be the 30th edition of RAAM.

Chief Braziel states, “The Sacramento Police Department is embarking on a unique adventure that will bring national attention to the nearly 19,000 law enforcement officers who have been killed while protecting the communities of this nation. Starting June 18, 2011, the Sacramento Police Department Cycling Team will be the first law enforcement team ever to compete in the Race Across America. The race is a 3,000-mile bicycle race from California to Maryland.”

You will be able to track the teams live location and progress via the “My Athlete Live” interface. On the right, you can scroll down to the teams and select “Team Sacramento Police”. Their GPS tracker will appear on the interactive map and the timeline that also shows the elevation they are racing at.

Our Kati Garner is embeded with TeamSacPD and will be with them for the entire race. As we can, we will continue to bring you regular updates on the team’s progress and developments.

Car and Motorcycle show with lasting purpose

2011-05-30T05:13:42Z

El Dorado Hills, CA | Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. Today at the El Dorado Hills Town Center, the Fallen Warriors Memorial held their 6th annual Motorcycle Poker Run and Car Show.

The mission of the Fallen Warriors Memorial Organization is, “Through a scholarship program and school participation, is to honor and remember former area high school students who gave their lives while serving our country.”

Currently, their website lists 29 Fallen Warriors from 22 different area schools. In memory of those Fallen Warriors, veterans and participating high schools have established a scholarship fund to recognize the sacrifice of that school’s Fallen Warriors and acknowledge the contributions of veterans.

When asked about turnout for today’s event, Jim Blatchford, Board Member, indicated it was down from last year, “the weather and current gas prices, contributed to a slight drop in attendance.” Current estimates are that today’s event raised about $8,000.00 to add to the fund.

Even though there was a bit of light rain off and on, it did not seem to dampen anyone’s spirits. Some car owners were drying off the vehicles multiple times, while grandparents were showing their grandchildren what they may have once owned. Car enthusiasts got to share stories, families got to spend time together, and there seemed to be smiles and laughter everywhere you looked.

One special attendee, Mr. Dick Grinnell, Korean War Veteran and Silver Star recipient, had more than a few people lined up to shake his hand. Some wanted just to say hi, but many wanted to give their thanks for the sacrifice that he and others made.

Also in attendance today was Ian Baldwin who recently was given one of the scholarships from the Fallen Warriors Memorial Organization. Ian currently has a brother serving in the Marines and when asked about the scholarship, stated, “Everything that is honoring our fallen soldiers and marines, has special meaning for us”

The organization has scholarships setup at some area high schools including Elk Grove, El Dorado Hills, Oakridge, Granite Bay and recently added Woodland. When asked about adding other schools, Jim Blatchford replied, “We’re trying to work to get into Folsom, a local school where we have lost a couple kids.”

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT>>

PHOTOS BY MAVERICK PHOTOGRAPHERS: Rusty Kliene, Kati Garner, Andrew Guthrie, Ed Fogle

Visit us to learn more>>

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The Hangtown National Motocross pleased local crowds

2011-05-24T06:51:19Z

Sacramento, CA | Motorcycle engines roared, dirt flew and riders grabbed air Saturday in the fortieth annual Hangtown Classic.

Almost prophetically, Brandon Short, Media Manager for MX Sports Pro Racing stated in an earlier press release, "With the overall victory at Hangtown last year to his credit, Two Two Motorsports/Bel-Ray racing's Chad Reed should also be a fixture at the front of the field on Saturday and beyond." Short went on to say "...the 2009 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Champion had an up and down season during his title defense, but with a clean bill of health and support from Factory Honda, Reed is eager to show his younger counterparts that he's still ready to mix it up."

And mix it up Reed did. For the second year in a row, Chad Reed, originally from Australia, grabbed this year's title riding a Honda CRF45R. The previous year's records show he took the title astride a Kawasaki KX450F.

"We came here this weekend and it was a totally different track than what we were expecting; I was pleasantly surprisde. It was a lot of fun." Reed said adamently, "I would admint saying that I don't like this place."

Riders who hale from all over the world came to race at this star studded event. Some local riders are from Walnut Creek, Lodi, Yuba City, Carmichael and more.

Blake Baggett, riding a Kawasaki grabbed the crown this year in the 250 Class

1. Blake Baggett
2. Dean Wilson
3. Tyla Rattray
4. Eli Tomac
5. Marvin Musquin
6. Gareth Swanepoel
7. Kyle Cunningham
8. Darryn Durham
9. Broc Tickle
10. Cole Seely

The 450 Class results is as follows:

1. Chad Reed
2. Ryan Dungey
3. Ryan Villopoto
4. Kevin Windham
5. Brett Metcalfe
6. Davi Milsaps
7. Tommy Hahn
8. Christophe Pourcel
9. Ricky Dietrich
10. Christian Craig

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Violence and bottles break at downtown Parlare Euro Lounge

2011-05-22T01:01:00Z

Sacramento, CA | Fists and bottles fly early Saturday morning at Parlare Euro Lounge, leaving one person in serious condition.

Just around midnight Saturday, a fight started at the Parlare Euro Lounge on the corner of 10th and J Streets in downtown Sacramento.

“The fight spilled out from the club into the street. One of the security guards was hit in the head with a bottle, subsequently fought with the original suspect who in turn, turned and fought with another suspect who was also hit with a bottle,” Sargent Wendy Brown, Sacramento Police Department stated.

Later the area was deemed a tapped off crime scene with CSI collecting evidence and photos as one of the injured person’s condition worsened. Per Sargent Norm Leong, Sacramento Police Department’s Public Information Officer, the subject is now listed in serious condition.

Vist the scene via raw footage and hear from Sargent Brown about the incident>>

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Capitol Garage shooting

2011-05-21T23:52:00Z

Sacramento, CA | Friends were saying good-bye for the evening downtown when shots rang out and two people were injured.

As friends were enjoying the wonderful evening air outside Capitol Garage early Saturday morning and getting ready to part ways, a black male wearing a hoody walked by and shot into the crowed, per Sargent Wendy Brown of the Sacramento Police Department.

Brown stated that two women were struck by the shooters bullets. One sustained a significant gunshot wound to the leg while the other woman was grazed in the leg. They were transported to the hospital via paramedics.

“We are assuming the women were not the intended targets. There were no problems going on at the club,” Brown stated.

Officers discovered one slug that had lodged in the trunk of a tree.

The shooter remains at large on got away in a maroon, four door Dodge Intrepid with chrome rims.

Hear from Sargent Brown and visit the scene [video]

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Hangtown motocross celebrates four decades Saturday

2011-05-21T15:09:42Z

This year marks the fortieth running of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship. Celebrated as the most historic motocross race in the United States, the kickoff is Saturday afternoon at Hangtown in Rancho Cordova, California.

Jason Weigandt will be the Pro Moto Cross Championship play-by-play anouncer on television. The event will be telivised on NBC, SPEED & FUEL Networks.

In a world of Moto Cross starr studded event Thursday at the Capital, Weigandt introduced several of the world's top racers to Sacramento along with several dignataries. Bikes, race participants, sponsors and more were on hand to introduce folks to the world of American Motocross and allow fans to get some quality with their favorite world class racers. Ryders on hand to meet and greet and autograph posters.

Weigandt lists ten things to watch for at Hangtown: >>

The Short run
Supercorss Hangover
Ladies
Dungey keeps it simple
The wild card
Wide open
Orangemen
Rebuild time
Doing it the right way
The great outdoors

Racers will compete in three different classes: two for Men = 450 CC bikes & 250CC bikes, and one for females.
There are twelve races in the championship chase that runs across the United States, ending in Southern California in September.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS MORE INFORMATION ON TODAY'S HANGTOWN EVENTS>>

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Photos by Maverick Intern, Andrew Guthrie

Annual Law Enforcement Candlelight Vigil

2011-05-03T00:41:28Z

Sacramento, CA | Sunday night at the California Peace Officers’ Memorial, located at 10th Street and Capitol Mall across from the Capitol, a candlelight vigil was held to honor the memory of fallen Peace Officers, and to add 11 more names to the honor roll.

Peace Officers from around the State and as far as San Diego made the trip not to only pay tribute to those fallen Officers, but to help keep the memories fresh in citizens’ minds, so that these great sacrifices will not be forgotten.

There was an overflow crowd at the event, which not only included fellow Peace Officers and their families, the families of the fallen, but the general public that wanted to pay their respect to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for others.

After the ceremony, many could be seen walking around the memorial to find names of their loved ones, their former colleagues, or that officer that touched their lives.

One such person, who wished to reamain anonymous, found the name of a fallen officer that meant everything to him and his family, as he shed a few tears. “He gave his life protecting me and my neighbors”

Article/Photos: Rusty Kleine, MaverickPhotography.us
Photos: Kati Garner, Maverickphotography.us

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Roses, roses, roses and more roses

2011-05-01T20:15:39Z

Sacramento, CA | This weekend, the Garden & Arts Center near McKinley Park played host to the Sacramento Rose Society’s 63rd Annual Rose Show. The show was open to anyone from novices to amateurs.

“This year, participants came from as far away as Chico,” said Dave Coop, a member of the Society.

The Rose Society this year went with a smaller trophy table than in earlier years to make more room for the floral displays. All winners were to receive gift cards for their entries, but the main winners of the rose show are the Hybrid Tea Roses, which compete for the biggest trophy “Queen of Show”.

Judges are looking for form, substance, and if the roses stay true to their variety. Getting roses ready for competition can be tense. Competitors check their entries to make sure they look presentable for the judges up until the last-minute.

According to Past President Linda Knowles, attendance varies each year between 300 and 400 attendees. “It dwindles some, depending on weather and other events,” Knowles stated.

At this year’s show you could find many types of roses, including ‘Old Garden Roses’, which have been known since before the 1860′s. Many of these types of roses can be seen at the Historic Rose Garden at the Sacramento Historic City Cemetery, which partnered with the Sacramento Rose Society 4 years ago.

Sue Magill, who has been with the society for 15 years, encourages people to grow roses for their beauty, regardless of whether they’re grown for competition or not. She says that it’s all about picking the right rose for you.

“It might not be queen of show, but it’s going to be in bloom,” says Magill, “As long as you pick the right variety, that’s the key”.

If you would like to learn more about the society, or about joining, contact Sue Magill at rosemtn@surewest.net.

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DUI driver injures three in Downtown crash

2011-04-17T03:35:58Z

Sacramento, CA | An alleged drunk driver crashed into an occupied taxi cab early Saturday morning in Downtown Sacramento, next to City Hall.

Early Saturday morning, at the intersection of I St. and 10th St., a drunk driver crashed into an occupied taxi cab.

Two people were transported to the hospital in critical condition, a third was transported with minor injures.

Being struck by the alleged DUI driver, the taxi cab careened across the front lawn of City Hall and came to rest on against a light pole and across the sidewalk next to the steps of City Hall.

After being given a field sobriety test and refusing to take an in field breathalyzer test, the driver was arrested for DUI.

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Unstable air paints beautiful clouds against sky blue canvas

2011-03-22T06:29:52Z

Sacramento, CA | Unstable air in the area paints a myraid of cloud formations in Sacramento skies.

While we enjoyed a breif break from the rain in Sacramento Monday, incredible clouds could be viewed all over the Sacramento skies. The unstable air that produced these sites was also responsible for a low grade tornado that touched down in near by Colusa county and produced a downpour of pea sized hail in Penryn and Loomis areas as well as thunder storms.

Tuesday should yield some more awesome sights in the sky as the next wave of rain moves into the area for another wet week. The National Weather Service has issued this forcast for the remainder of the week:

Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. South southeast wind between 8 and 13 mph.

Tuesday Night: Rain. Low around 48. South southeast wind between 10 and 18 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Wednesday: Rain. High near 56. Southeast wind between 18 and 21 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Wednesday Night: Rain. Low around 46. South southeast wind between 11 and 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Thursday: Rain. High near 55. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Thursday Night: Showers. Low around 45. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Friday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58.

Friday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.

Saturday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 48.

Sunday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 59.

Sunday Night: A chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 46.

Monday: A slight chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.

Downed tree injures one and damages vehicles

2011-03-21T02:53:02Z

Sacramento, CA | Club goers leaving a local club escape fallen tree incident with minor injures and damaged vehicles.

Late Saturday night, as Azukar Lounge at 16th Street and J Street was winding down and club goers filled the parking lot heading to their cars, a large tree collapsed landing on one occupied, damaging others and pinned a female to the ground. Several bistanders worked together to get the tree off the girl as resue crews responded. The victim was transported to the hospital via paramedics with minor injures.

Occupants of the vehicle struck by the tree were unharmed and able to exit the vehicle without further incident.

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Cementing the future

2011-03-12T11:33:12Z

Oak Park, Sacramento, CA | In tough economic times, Sacramento Food Bank pours the foundation to the next phase of their facility Thursday.

Cement trucks began arriving early Friday morning at 3308 3rd Ave., the expansion site of Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services. They were busy at work laying the foundation for the new expansion, one that the food bank's President, Blake Young is "ecstatic" about. Blake stated that he and the board of directors, through good stewardship of funds, waited seven years for this day.

Blake stood outside the fence at the site Friday morning and looked on as the cement was poured and a snazy laser guided machine and workers leveled the cement that would be the foundation of a legacy for a community.

This is what Young had to say: "This project, in particular, is years in the making. The board of directors and myself based this project on a community needs assessment. Through our strategic plan we put together, we found that education programs for children and adults, job skills training, and a really important parent education program, we felt that we were at capacity in our current center. So through this strategic plan we decided to take the next step, which would be to build out these four in particular programs, build this center which would allow us to serve close to triple the amount of people. For us it was really about helping the moms and dads, it was about helping people gain jobs through technology training, and it was about really helping kids realize high school and college through one on one training and technology programs.

"Our hope is that a lot of people will benefit from this. We've had a great response from the community, We feel that we are part of the community. And this was brought on because the community had a huge demand for our services.

"Our objective is to cement ourselves once again, we've been here 40 years, for the long term and as the economy and the community changes, we'll change along with it, and this gives us the opportunity to be here in perpetuity and continue to grow our programs.

"It will house an adult education center, a children's' education center, a senior education center, and an expansion of our Mother Baby Program. Adjacent to the building will be what we call the Food Bank Farm, which will be a five thousand square foot farm for the adults and children of the center. Phase two will be a remodel of the existing center. The farm, even though a small for a real farm, will produce food and vegetables that will go right into our food assistance program where we do mobile distributions.

"We are ecstatic. What it really is, it is a gift from the community to allow us and to give us what we need to be able to do this. But really it's about the community having confidence in us; delivering quality programs that aren't a reflection of government funding. The community really owns this; they're the ones that step up and donate to our programs. It's just a result of a lot of hard work.

"A real big shout out and thanks to the community for giving us the confidence and support to run and operate really effective and relevant

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DUI driver injures several in Midtown wreck

2010-12-31T02:35:12Z

Sacramento, CA | A drunk driver with passengers collides head-on with a Taxi minivan leaving several injured in Midtown early Thursday morning.

At approximately 1:47 am Thursday morning, a black compact car collided head on with a taxi cab minivan at 20th and N Streets in Midtown. Occupants in both vehicles were injured and transported to area hospitals with non threatening injuries, per Sacramento Police department. more from this incident and about Midtown DUI checkpoint >>

Gunman holds up in downtown parking garage

2010-12-10T18:53:02Z

Sacramento, CA | SWAT gears up to go into a downtown parking garage where an alleged gunman has taken refuge.

SWAT personnel have geared up and taken positions around and inside a parking garage at 7th Street and Q Street in downtown Sacramento.

In an email communique, a state employee in a nearby building stated, “…right across from my building. I have a good view of the 8th floor of all the cops crouched down and hiding behind walls with their guns drawn. 3 blocks have been cordoned off. They won’t let employees go to their offices and are holding them in the lobby.”

There were unconfirmed reports that the suspect has a history of mental illness issues and a criminal history with firearms.

Roads have been closed in the area to facility law enforcement staging and equipment as well as community safety. 7th Street has been shut down at P Street, while Q Street has been shut down at 9th Street.

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Scott Pruett Revs up California Auto Museum

2010-11-10T08:29:12Z

Scott Pruett, the 2010 Rolex Grand Am driving champion, was the ideal Keynote Speaker for this year’s Fundraising Dinner, “Life in the Fast Lane.”

After all, the local hero from Auburn has become one of the nation’s most successful race car drivers by going very fast for almost 25 years now. Scott’s humble and down-to-earth style definitely endeared him to an enthusiastic and appreciative audience on November 5th at the California Auto Museum. It is easy to see how this native Californian has been able to make such an incredible impact in the racing world.

Scott spoke from experience about the value of a team effort to succeed in racing whether in the Grand Am Series, Trans Am Championships or NASCAR. In fact, Scott shared, “this is the best year I can remember in racing. It was a Dream Season! It was one of my best racing seasons ever!”

The Auto Museum obviously understands teamwork as well. Executive Director, Karen Mc Claflin, Good Day Sacramento’s Nick Toma, the Museum staff, and Mr. Pruett teamed up to put on a successful event that thrilled the 170 racing and car enthusiasts in attendance. Most importantly, “Life in the Fast Lane” raised over $21,000 for the California Auto Museum.

Many racing fans are aware that Scott Pruett just claimed his third overall championship and set a record for the most wins in a single season. They may also know that Pruett was an Indy 500 co-rookie of the year and that he has won the 24 hours of Daytona seven times. However, not everyone may realize that the Pruett’s (Scott and Judy) are now enjoying success as vintners producing wines from their Pruett Vineyard. As the father of a four year old, I was very excited to find out that the Pruett’s have written and published four children’s books about racing. Even though Scott doesn’t seem to be ready to retire any time soon, it’s nice to know that the Pruett’s will have plenty to keep them busy long after their very successful racing career is finished.

John Mc Namee, a self proclaimed “Motorhead” and proud owner of a 1973 Pantera, remarked that he could listen to Scott Pruett share his racing stories all night long. I’m sure Mr. Mc Namee and many others who enjoyed this years “Life in the Fast Lane” are already looking forward to the California Auto Museum’s next event.

If you are a car enthusiast, the Auto Museum is a must see. There are over 150 vehicles in a variety of makes and models from the early 1900’s to future vehicles featuring alternative power. The Museum is open daily to educate and entertain locals and visitors alike. For more information on upcoming Auto Museum events and opportunities go to www.CalAutoMuseum.org

Rick Atchley | Rick@MaverickPhotography.us

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Old Soul meets Rockabilly

2010-10-30T09:39:30Z

Sacramento (Oak Park), CA | What do you get when mix great coffee, food and Rockabilly? Tess & Hip Trash at Old Soul 40 Acres.

It was nearly standing room only, or dancing room only, when you entered Old Soul at 40 Acres Friday night. Now the new coffee house for the new international terminal at Sacramento International Airport, Old Soul hosted "Tess & Hip Trash" Friday night as customers and fans took in the Rockabilly tunes, fine coffee and great eats.

It wasn't long after the first set of music started that toes were tapp'en, heads were bobb'en and feet were danc'en to the tunes and elegant voice of Tessie Marie.

Per the band's web site, "Tessie Marie met her bandmates in prison.... no they weren't doing time, they were playing music for the inmates as part of a blues society project to educate juvenille offenders, real "Jailhouse Rock". Part of this gig was a songwriting contest that had bandleader/guitarist Paris Clayton write and record songs using the young inmates lyrics. One of those songs "Life", is on the new CD. When the group recorded this song Paris was so impressed with Tess's killer vocals that he asked her to record some other songs he had written. And the rest, as they say, is history.

"Blues, Soul, and Roots Rock influenced original tunes and heartfelt covers, all done in a smart, unique, and sometimes humorous style Tess is backed by a group of veteran pros who have played with a long list of legendary artists. Produced and recorded by Paris Clayton,with bassist Allie Marcel,and "Ratatat Pat" Balcom on Drums."

The quartet ended with a rousing second set but the full house at Old Soul begged for more. Tess and company kicked in with an encore set that raised the roof and had most of the attendees on their feet.

Old Soul at 40 Acres regularly hosts local bands on Friday evenings. Be sure to follow their Twitter (@OldSoulCo) to keep informed.

Photos: MaverickPhotography.us | Ed Fogle

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Drive-by shooting. Help solve the crime.

2010-10-20T18:52:39Z

Sacramento, CA | A drive-by shooting in South Sacramento leaves one wounded and area homes pelted with gun fire.

A drive-by shooting occurred in the 5500 block of Sampson Blvd Tuesday night in the evening. The victim was making a U-Turn in front of his home on Sampson when suspects in a dark colored sedan opened fire on his vehicle with a large caliber weapon, per SacPD spokesman. Several rounds hit the victims vehicle shattering the passenger and drivers side glass. One round went through the passenger side door striking the victim in the butt-ox. The victim was transported to UCD via paramedics. Rounds did travel across Fruitridge Blvd striking a home on the other side of the street. These rounds easily could have struck passing vehicles on the busy road.

If you were in the area of Fruitridge Blvd and Sampson Blvd, Tuesday evening between 9:30 and 9:45 or have information pertaining to this crime, you are encouraged to contact the Sacramento Police Department.

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Rusty bucket of bolts or treasure?

2010-10-13T05:35:50Z

Automotive treasure hunters find gems and long sought items at California Automobile Museum's Fall Swap Meet.

6am and already they are setting up the tables. The vehicles were lined up for over an hour and now it’s time to get to work. Trunks are opened, tailgates lowered and pop-up canopies appear to shade goods. A few polish up the goods, but most leave them alone. The older, the dirtier, the more rust, the better. They have found these in their backyards, attics, the neighborhood garage sale and maybe even here last year.

Two men haggle over a black old toy truck trailer with one missing door. A young lady waits eagerly in the back ground. Finally the man returns and hands her the prize. The smile on her face is unmistakable. To her she has just won the lottery.

An elderly gentleman spoke of a ten year search for just the right antique fire extinguisher for his Willies Jeep. He had found the elusive item at long last. As he showed his treasure he beemed with pride. He did a little haggling himself to get it for only fifteen dollars but there was no way he would part with it now. Not even for fifty dollars.

This is the California Auto Museum's Full Swap Meet. Car enthusiasts abound as well as those looking for a diamond in the rough. Items long lost and forgotten by most can be found here. From a hood ornament off a 32 Ford to hula doll for the dash. Looking for those old signs of the Marlboro Man riding across the plains. Look no farther, they have it here. Bed springs and car shocks, table lamp made from a fuel nozzle and headlamps for a 64 Judge muscle car.

You can also find a little of the new polishes to bring out that shine hidden by years of accumulated dust and grime. Tables and tables of tools. Custom hammers, screwdrivers, air impact tools, metal working tools to remove the dents and dings. And of course some of the old is still new. Never used parts for your overly used motorcycle or car or a radiator and hose for your Corvette. It is a place of wonder and amazement if you only look close enough. It’s not exactly the State Fair but still a place to gather and enjoy the company of young and old with a commonality. Restoring things past their prime.

Photos by CAM PHOTO powered by MaverickPhotography.us-Fred Jennings

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CAM goes Italian with "Automobillia"

2010-09-13T04:41:01Z

Sacramento, CA | Automobillia opens at California Automobile Museum (CAM), November 13th.

The ears are greeted with that uniquely distinctive note of the finely tuned exhaust system, you can tell even from a distance with your eyes closed “That’s a Ferrari coming”. The clean fluid body lines inspired by the racing legends, it just screams high performance. That’s a Ferrari.

It was a rare opportunity to view some 15 of the finest examples of the famed Italian sports car which were on hand for the special preview event at the California Auto Museum in Sacramento. The event, which ran from 11am to 2pm was a kickoff celebration for the upcoming Automobilia “Celebrating Italian Automotive Design” car exhibit which will be at the museum opening November 13th, 2010. The exhibit, sponsored by Ferrari of San Francisco, featured the unveiling of the plan for the event which will be staged inside the museum. A special display from the Ferrari Club of North America helped round out the décor.

The exhibit will feature vehicles with “Italian Pedigree”. Various cars from private owners and collections are being rotated in and out of the exhibit for variety. Approximately 15 cars will be on display at any given time.

After some photo opportunities provided by MaverickPhotography.us, the drivers separated out of the crowd to their vehicles in anticipation of the upcoming cruise through the streets of Sacramento. The engines lit up to the delight of onlookers. A 1966 Ferrari 275 GTS and a 246 GTS Dino, which were on display in the museum, fired up their engines and headed out to join the caravan followed closely by a race prepped Ducati, a fine example of Italian performance on two wheels. A lonely vintage Vespa scooter was left to watch over the empty space.

People in attendance gathered outside to listen to the variety of wonderful sounds as the cars exited the parking lot and proceeded to get up to speed down Front Street. Their destination was Hot Italian Restaurant at 16th and Q, to continue the festivities.

The mission of the California Automobile Museum is to educate and entertain while preserving and promoting the automobile and its influence on our lives. The Museum is open daily from 10am - 6pm (last admission 5pm) and every 3rd Thursday until 9pm

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Downtown parking garage shooting

2010-08-27T16:02:55Z

Sacramento, CA | After two groups leave a Downtown night club, an argument ensues and a female is shot.

Early Friday morning, two groups leaving a downtown club, per SacPD, got into an altercation in the parking garage off L st. between 10th and 11th Sts in Downtown Sacramento. When officers arrived they found that a female victim had been shot. She was transported to UC Davis via Paramedics. The suspect fled on foot and remains at large.

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Two homes tragically burn in South Sacramento

2010-08-25T18:59:24Z

Sacramento, CA | Early Tuesday morning, two South Sacramento families were awakened to find their homes ablaze.

Sac Metro Fire and Cosumnes Fire Departments were called to Liscarney Way in the area of Vintage Park Dr. and Calvine Rd., for two homes burning. When firefighters arrived, they found two, two story homes with the second floor of both homes well involved with fire. All familiy members made it safely out of the homes after neighbors awakened them. Per Sac Metro Assistance Fire Chief Rice, both homes were severely damaged and the families would not be able to inhabit them. Red cross was called to assist the families. SacPress Contributing Writer and Photographer, Kati Garner, was one ot the Red Cross members who responded to aid the families. The blaze is currently under investigation.

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Neighborhood Barber Shop Burns

2010-08-11T14:22:32Z

Sacramento- Neighbors were awoken by an explosion this morning and looked out their windows to discover smoke and flames coming from the barber shop next door to them. Just before 1:45 a.m. Wednesday morning, Sacramento Fire responded to a structure fire at the 3B's Barber Shop and Beauty College on Grand Ave and Dry Creek Rd. Marcellous York, an employee at the barber shop (living next door), said he woke up to a loud explosion and noticed there was smoke coming from the shop and called 911.

The part of the shop that caught on fire was the beauty college section, which is a add-on to the barber shop that came from McClellan AFB. The college had four students currently enrolled, and it was frustrating for the owner to see that part of his business in flames.

Click here to see video coverage of this incident>>

Transient flees when his fire burns out of control

2010-07-28T17:37:03Z

Sacramento, CA Local transient fled the scene when his fire burned out of control Tuesday evening.

Aprox 8:30 p.m. Tuesday evening, SacCity Fire was called to a vegetation fire between the Sacramento River and the bike path off Jiboom by the water treatment plant. On arrival, firefighters found a blaze burning upsloap from the beach area toward the bike path. The fire was brought under control quickly. Witnesses in the area saw a transient leaving the scene. He's described as a white male, mid 30's to to early 40's, aprox 5'8" and dark brown shoulder length hair. He was wearing blue jeans and a small dirty red backpack. SacPD Officer Gunville and area Park Rangers had detained a couple of potential suspects, however they proved not to be the suspect and were immediately released. The suspect was last seen fleeing the area running south on the bike trail from the water treatment plant area. If you have information or see anyone in the area matching this description, you are urged to call the Sacramento Police Department or Sac City Fire.

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DUI driver makes wrong turn onto RR tracks, UP trains delayed

2010-07-28T11:57:21Z

Midtown, Sacramento, CA An early morning, wayword, DUI driver, gets his car stuck on the tracks.

Per Sac PD at 2:11 a.m. Tuesday, they responded to a call for a vehicle stuck on the railroad tracks at the 19th and N street railroad crossing. When officers arrived, they discovered a vehicle that had made a right turn onto the railroad tracks and high centered on the tracks, delaying Union Pacific trains until 3 a.m. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence.

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Market robber gets LoJacked

2010-05-07T05:09:43Z

A 44 year old Sacramento man robs a convenience store but gets dooped by technology Wednesday afternoon.
Sacramento, California

According to Sacramento Police Department spokesman, Conrad Vonschoech, 44 year-old Colon Carmelo is the suspect being held for the robbery of the Fast Stop Food Stores, at 5600 Wilkinson Dr. in South Sacramento Wednesday afternoon. He was booked into Sacramento County Jail at 7:32PM Wednesday evening for felony robbery.

Per police radio traffic Wednesday afternoon, at the time of the robbery, the store clerk was able to insert a tracking device into the money bag before handing it over to Carmelo. A short time latter, officers began picking up the signal from the device in the area of Lemon Hill Ave. After Carmelo stopped at a residence on Nona Way near 37th, officers honed in on the suspect finally stopping him at 41st Ave. and 44th St. taking him into to custody without incident, with the cash still in the front seat of the vehicle.

Another team of officers stood ready to access the residence on Nona Way to search for additional weapons and potential evidence.

Carmelo, with a list of aliases including Mike Carmelo, Michael Johnson, Carmelo Jones and more, has a history of petty theft, charged once in June of 2003 and again in March of 2004. Carmelo also has a charge in October of 2009 for providing alcohol to a minor. Carmelo is currently being held on $175,000 bail all according to county records.

Old Soul Co. sign goes up

2010-02-13T05:23:28Z

After the sign's installation was halted Thursday, it was permitted to go up Friday afternoon.
OakPark, Sacramento, CA
Friday, February 12, 2010

The sign installation crew was literally about to drill the mounting holes for the new Old Soul Co. sign in Oak Park Thursday morning when a call came in from the city to halt the installation. Due to the building being historical, there was an issue of placement and electrical connections. (see previous article)

Just a little more than twenty four hours later, the installation was approved and the sign was installed around 3 P.M. Friday afternoon, exactly in the spot intended and electrical hooked up to light the sign just as planned.

Old Soul's Grand Opening Reception will take place Saturday evening from 6-10PM.

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Signs of Soul in Oak Park halted

2010-02-11T21:30:00Z

The City of Sacramento halted efforts to mount Old Soul Co. sign Thursday morning.
Oak Park, Sacramento, CA
February 11, 2010

Excited patrons of the new Old Soul Co. location in Oak Park were eager to see the iconic glistening new sign ready to go up Thursday morning and so was the crew. That eagerness was squelched when a call came to the Alpha Signs' crew, from the city, to halt.

The building at 35th and Broadway is a historical building and though the old Starbucks sign was in the same location, the city won't allow the sign installers to drill new holes in the historic bricks nor is the sign allowed to have any exposed electrical cable. Furthermore, the city wants the sign above the horizontal band of bricks which puts the sign at the level of the 2nd floor apartments rather than the store level where the previous Starbucks sign was located.

Patrons are upset at the "unnecessary hoop jumping" the city is imposing. They pointed out that the well crafted and beautiful sign is a welcome sight over the boarded up building across the street at 3501 Broadway and other "eyesores" in the area. Alpha Signs did the much larger and elaborate sign installation at Guild Theater next door without issue a few years ago. A spokesman for Alpha Signs is hopeful that things will be ironed out shortly and is optimistic that they will be able to install the sign sometime next week.

Ongoing neighborhood feud escalates to shooting

2010-02-11T20:27:23Z

Ongoing neighborhood feud escalates to shooting Wednesday afternoon
East DelPaso Heights, Sacramento, CA
February 10, 2010

Wednesday afternoon, an ongoing neighborhood feud escalated to somone being shot.

A small portion of Conifer Way was taped off Wednesday afternoon as CSI collected evidence and officers untangled details. Just prior to this incident, a home invasion robbery took place nearby causing some confusion at first whether the two incidents were related or not.

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South Oak Park home explodes

2010-02-07T13:19:47Z

An unoccupied South Oak Park home explodes Sunday morning and the cause is under investigation.

An unoccupied home in the South Oak Park area exploded early Sunday morning. Debris from the home blew all the way out to the street. The home was a total loss and while the cause is under investigation, natural gas has not been ruled out. Per Sac City Fire, the home was a total loss and no one was injured.

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Old Soul Co. Opens New Location in Oak Park

2010-02-05T01:35:05Z

Old Soul Co opened their third Sacramento location Thursday morning in Oak Park.

An old familiar spot has a new face in Oak Park and the community is well pleased. Starbucks shut down its 35th and Broadway location last year, much to the disapointment of many. The location was a community hub where many gathered daily to socialize, conduct business or just relax with a good book and a cup of coffee. Despite many letters from patrons voicing their conerns to Starbucks corporate office of the closure, the doors were finally closed in September of 2009.

Knowing the community cenergy the coffee house brought regular goers better known there as "The Usual Suspects" were confident something good would come of it…the prime location couldn't sit quiet for long.

Thursday morning, with no fanfare, advertisement or forewarning, Old Soul Co opened their doors for business. Location manager Tim Jordan stated they were suprsingly very busy this morning, "you would have thought it was our official grand opening".

While all the furniture is not moved in yet, what furniture and décor that is there shows the location is going to be a wonderful and comfortable spot for "The Usual Suspects" and those who patron the new friend in Oak Park. College students were already enjoying the coffee and space as they cracked their books open to study. One stated, "I've been walking by here every day waiting for them to open".

Owner of "Underground Books", Mayor Kevin Johnson's Mother (known to locals as Mother Rose), said "Thank God this coffee house is open. It's what this community needs."

Not only does Old Soul roast and brew their own smooth coffee, they have a breakfast and sandwich menu as well.

The official open house will be the evening of this month's 2nd Saturday, February 13th from 6 to 9:30 P.M. The management is planning a wonderful event, and even obtaining a special event permit for the evening.

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South Sac pursuit ends through a wall in Elk Grove

2010-01-29T09:57:39Z

A pursuit that started in South Sacramento Thursday night, ended in Elk Grove when the driver of the fleeing vehicle crashed through a wall at a house on the corner of Villeneuve Dr. and Power Inn.

The driver fled leaving a bloody trail for officers to track him by. Other occupants of the vehicle were trapped until Firefighters extricated them and were transported to the hospital with injuries.

The driver was found and arrested in the neighborhood a short time later. The capture came by officers tracking the blood trail, fresh footprints, K9 alerts and neighbors calling in too 911 with sightings.

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Dogs Gone Wild

2009-11-10T07:41:02Z

Pit bulls go on the attack terrorizing a Carmichael community in the area of Libby Court. Several neighbors bitten. Whitney Elementry School locked down. Dogs so aggressive the order is given "take the shot if you get it" to on scene officers.

Carmichael, Sacamento, CA
Ed Fogle, MaverickPhotography.us
SacMav Rapid Media
November 9, 2009

Friday, November 6, 2009, multiple agencies were dispatched to a neighborhood in Carmichael. At least two pit bulls were on the loose attacking people. More and more reports poured into 9-1-1 as Police, Sheriff, CHP, Fire and Animal Control all converged on the area.

As victims were located and treated by EMS, law enforcement with shotguns in hand and Animal Control officers went on the hunt. The dogs took them on a chase that led to a densely vegetated creek area that ran along the backs of the homes. The thick foliage gave the dogs good cover and made it difficult for officers to track. Lack of fencing gave the dogs freedom to roam and evade their trackers.

A law enforcement supervisor came over the radio and announced to officers that "Animal Control absolutely needs these dogs". The order was given that if an officer gets a shot, "take it", and to avoid a head shot so the animal can be tested for rabbis. The dogs were "extremely aggressive and agitated" per police radio traffic.

Shortly after that, two shots rang out from the creek area and one dog was down. The other dog was still on the loose. Officers continued to search the creek area while Metro Fire stood by to treat any more victims. Authorities had the foresight to lockdown Whitney Elementary School, and that is exactly where the pit bull headed next. As the dog ran across the playground where children moments earlier played, patrol units raced across to corner the dog. At one point the dog jumped up and tried to attack a CHP Officer through his open window. The officer put his cruiser into reverse to get away from the dog and get him off the door.

Finally, the dog was cornered and shot. With all clear and the situation safe and under control, neighbors began to emerge from their houses where they had taken refuge and shared their stories of how they saw the dogs terrorize their neighborhood. Two of the victims stopped to tell us their stories. One man was gardening in his front yard when he found himself under attack by the dogs. "The smaller dog ran right at me and bit me on the ankle" he said. He grabbed a shovel and hit the dog then they fled. Another elderly victim was standing in front of the care home where he is a resident. He said the dogs saw him across the street and came right at him. There was nothing he could do and no one to help, he stated; with his sock filling with blood as he stood there with us waiting to be treated.

Coincidently, while this was happening, a Placer County Superior Court Judge was ordering four pit bulls be destroyed who mauled a 17 year old boy in the parking lot of Big O Tires on Lincoln Way on September 16th. CLICK HERE TO READ THAT ARTICLE

Just in the past few days, other cities have outlawed pit bulls and just today, another pit bull attack was reported in the greater Sacramento area.

Should pit bulls be outlawed? Are pit bulls just a bad bread or is it bad and irresponsible owners? This same story seems to surface time and again. Be it a bad bread, bad owners or just a strange phenomenon, it is clear that there is a major issue around pit bulls. What is the problem and what is the solution?

See our action video from this incident at SacMav Rapid Media. Go to "On Demand" in our channel viewer, select "Weekend Action News Capsule, November 6-8, 2009" and click on the "Dogs Gone Wild" video.

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Photo Quality Disclaimer: The quality of the photos found here are not to our high Maverick standard. On this incident we concentrated on bringing the action to the web live via video. The photos found here are screen clips from the low res digital video.