The Natomas Buzz - #1 Source For Natomas News!

For A Good Cause: Free H1N1 Flu Vaccinations

2009-12-27T12:44:00.000-08:00

The Sacramento County Public Health Department is offering free H1N1 Flu vaccination clinics at several locations in our community. The vaccine will be provided free of charge to anyone medically eligible aged 6 months and older.

Monday, Dec. 28 10 a.m. to 2 p.m

Robertson Community Center, 3525 Norwood Avenue

Wednesday, Jan. 6, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Grant Union High School, 1400 Grand Avenue

The Twin Rivers Unified School District and Regional Transit are partnering to ensure that our families are able to attend one of the Vaccination Clinics being held in the community. You may call Twin Rivers School and Community Relations at 566-1600 ext. 1346 if you need transportation assistance.

Depending on supply, a flu nasal mist or injection will be available at the vaccination clinics. Schedule subject to change check www.sacpublichealth.net for updates.

tj@yournextlevelcoach.com

Sirens Cheer Team Tryouts Scheduled

2009-12-27T12:36:00.000-08:00

The Sirens Cheer Team will soon be holding their final tryouts for the 2010 season.

January 13th is the stunt clinic with the team & January 15th is the actual tryout. Both dates are at 6:30 pm Pozsars Gymnastics 2709 El camino Street.

There is a $10 gym fee per day. Tryout packets are available on the organization's website at www.sacramentosirenscheerelite.com.

www.teal.net

NATOMAS TOP SPOT: Best Cup Of Joe

2009-12-27T00:50:00.000-08:00

We recently conducted an online survey of our readers asking where we could find the "Best Of..." in the neighborhood. Here is the first installment in a series of posts sharing the results of our 2009 "top spot" awards!

Maestro's Cafe & Gallery, 2069 Arena Blvd, Suite 130, has a lot going on under one roof. It's a coffee house, it's an art gallery, it's a place people gather on weekends to play chess, and it's one of the best places to get one fine cup of coffee. Here are some of your comments posted on our Facebook fan page:

"Mastro Coffee House, you name the coffee Sam fixes the best. Try it!" -Dianne M.

"Maestro Coffeehouse makes the best coffee (the chai tea lattes are really good too)." -Melissa B.

"Maestro Coffeehouse is on hit. I usually get the Chai Tea with a shot." -Martha A.

"Maestros's! Just had the Chai Tea with a shot this afternoon ... Yumm-O!" - Peggy M.

It's A Grind, 2731 Del Paso Road, came in a close second with readers citing both the cafe's Vanilla lattes and Vanilla nut coffee as being buzz worthy!

The Starbucks at 2121 Natomas Crossing Drive came in third earning high praise for their customer service with Peet's Coffee & Tea (in Raley's/Bel Air), Panera (on North Freeway and Del Paso Road) and Bella Bru getting honorable mentions for their quality cups of Joe!

PHOTOS BY PHREEPHOTOGRAPHER.COM

2009-12-25T00:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays from NATOMASBUZZ.COM!

Santa's Helpers Will Be Wearing Sac PD Blue

2009-12-18T11:19:00.000-08:00

Families from Natomas, North Sacramento, and Del Paso Heights will get some much needed cheer this Holiday Season.

These families are struggling financially but despite that, they are role models for other parents and students, as well as positive contributors to our community.

To reward them, prominent community members and businesses are giving back to these families.

On Sunday children from each family will go on a shopping spree with a Sacramento Police Department Officer at the Natomas Target. Each family will get $200 to buy whatever they want.

Some of the kids will help with food preparation and table set-up at Sophia's Italian Restaurant. A reception for all fifteen families (90 people) will be hosted at the restaurant. Family photos will be taken and given to each family and the will also have the opportunity to mingle with Jerry Manual (Manager of the New York Mets), Leon Lee (Ex-Pro baseball player), and a few other surprise guests who are scheduled to be in attendance.

A full holiday dinner will be served to every family member and after the festivities, each family will be given food so that they can cook a full holiday meal at home. They will also receive gifts and gift cards.

Sponsors of this event include: Target, Sophia's Italian Restaurant (11^th St/H St), Arden Fair Mall, Councilmember Sandy Sheedy and Councilmember Ray Trethaway.

www.PhreePhotographer.com

2009-12-17T07:27:00.001-08:00

Sketch Released Of Hit-And-Run Suspect

2009-12-16T17:49:00.000-08:00

SacPD has released a composite sketch of the driver suspected of driving the vehicle that hit and killed a 4-year-old boy in Natomas.

The vehicle dragged the boy several feet before fleeing south on Northgate Boulevard. The died from his injuries.

The suspect vehicle is described as a 1995-1997 Nissan Maxima, dark red or burgundy with a black tinted rear window. Detectives believe that there may be minimal if any damage to the front of the vehicle.

The driver was described as a man in his 40's with a dark complexion. Investigators hope that someone will recognize this person and come forward with the information needed to identify him.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this incident to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) or call the traffic detectives directly at (916) 808-6030. Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

www.nntma.org

Sac PD Investigates Murder In Natomas

2009-12-16T11:21:00.000-08:00

The Sacramento Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred in South Natomas.

On December 15, 2009, at 9:55 p.m., the Police Department responded to the 1900 block of San Juan Road on the report of someone possibly shot. Upon arrival, officers located a male 19-years-old suffering from gun shot wounds. The male victim was transported to an area hospital where he later died.

The Sacramento Police Department's Homicide Unit and Crime Scene Investigators responded to the scene. Based on the investigation, detectives believe that the victim and his friend were about leave in the victim's vehicle when three black males wearing dark clothing shot and killed the victim.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime or this person to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP 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.

www.mcplumbingandbackflow.com

Natomas Teachers Vote to Ratify Contract

2009-12-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

Teachers in the Natomas Unified School District voted Thursday to ratify a Tentative Agreement negotiated between the Natomas Teachers' Association and the school district which will contribute about $2.2 million to the District' budget, which has been devastated by recent cuts.

As a result, and after approval by the Sacramento County of Education and the NUSD School Board, teachers will be taking five furlough days during the remainder of this school year, and six furlough days during the 2010-2011 school year.

“Eliminating days from the school year is going to hurt. It’s going to hurt teachers, but most of all it’s going to hurt our students,” said Cynthia Connell, president of the Natomas Teachers’ Association. “This is not the outcome we’d like to see, but it is our reality.”

Natomas class sizes have already increased 25 to 30 percent this year, which has impacted students and teachers alike. Students have less time with their teacher individually while teachers have seen a substantial increase in their daily workload. Even a small stipend from the district for teachers to buy classroom supplies has also been eliminated. Meanwhile, as Natomas students adjust to the loss of 40 teachers who were laid off this summer, teachers have learned that more layoffs are anticipated in March.

“This is a horrible situation and it’s going to get worse,” Ms. Connell said. “Despite these cuts, Natomas teachers remain committed to providing the best learning experience possible for our students, and continue to strive to make their school experience a positive one.”

She added, “But what we need to do is come together as a community to look at solutions. The $18 billion in state budget cuts has been devastating to our schools. We must find the resources necessary to educate our students for the future.”

www.MajesticSeatCovers.com

Help Identify Two Armed Robbers

2009-12-11T12:50:00.000-08:00

The Sacramento Police Department is seeking the community's help to identify suspects in three similar armed robberies. An armed suspect is seen in the attached photograph.

On November 10, 2009, at 9:57 p.m., two suspects entered a restaurant in the 2900 block of 65th Street. Suspect #1 jumped over the counter and ran into the kitchen area. Suspect #2 held the cashier at gunpoint. The suspects fled on foot with cash from the business.

On November 18, 2009, at 11:15 p.m., two suspects entered a restaurant in the 3500 block of N. Freeway Boulevard. Suspect #1 jumped over the counter and suspect #2 was armed. In this robbery, suspect #2 actually fired one shot into the air. Suspects fled on foot with cash from the business.

On November 21, 2009, at 10:12 p.m., the two suspects entered a restaurant in the 1000 block of Florin Road. Just as in the first two robberies, suspect #1 jumped the counter and suspect #2 was armed. They removed cash from the business.

The suspects' descriptions are similar in each of the three robberies. Suspect #1 is a male Black adult, 18-23 years old, 5'10" - 6'0", 165 - 230 pounds. Suspect #2 is a male Black adult, 18-24 years old, 5'6" - 5'10", 160 - 215 pounds. Both suspects were wearing dark clothing and a mask.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP 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.

www.klassykleaning.com

2009-12-11T12:36:00.000-08:00

New North Natomas Library Grand Opening Set

2009-12-11T12:27:00.000-08:00

CLICK ON IMAGES FOR LARGER VIEW

The public is invited to the grand-opening celebration of the new North Natomas Library, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, January 9, at 4660 Via Ingoglia (at Del Paso Road), Sacramento.

The free festivities will include kids and family activities; ribbon-cutting ceremony; refreshments; and tours of the new 22,645-square-foot library which features 120 public computers and computer lab, Art in Public Places artworks, teen room, community room that accommodates up to 75 people, and more.

For details, call the Sacramento Public Library at (916) 264-2920 or visit saclibrary.org.

Where In Natomas?

2009-12-11T12:02:00.000-08:00

Kiwanis & Key Club Wrap It Up!

2009-12-11T11:59:00.000-08:00

Take a load off during the holidays and let the Kiwanis and Inderkum High School Key Club help relieve some of your holiday stress.

The groups will host a gift wrapping service 11:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 12 at Straw Hat Pizza.

Part of the proceeds for the gift wrapping and pizza sales will help Inderkum High School Key Wrapping charge is $3 per boxed gift; pizza and food cost extra.

2009-12-11T11:37:00.000-08:00

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR LARGER VIEW

IHS Tigers Battle For Football Division Title

2009-12-11T11:28:00.000-08:00

Saturday, Dec. 12 the Inderkum High School Tigers will play the Del Campo Cougars for the San Joaquin Section Championship. The game will be at Folsom High School, start time 7 p.m.

For A Good Cause: Help Stanford Settlement!

2009-12-11T10:48:00.000-08:00

Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center needs VOLUNTEERS!

If you have a just few hours to give during this busy holiday season to help sort the food and pack the boxes for the Christmas Baskets, please contact Sister Jeanne ASAP at 927-1303 or sisterjeanne@stanfordsettlement.org!

Volunteers will be working during weekdays, some evenings, and the next two Saturdays.

2009-12-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR LARGER VIEW

Get Involved: Regency Park Decks The Halls

2009-12-10T16:39:00.000-08:00

http://www.regencyparkcares.com/rpnapicgallery.html?func=detail&id=25

Click here to see photos of Regency Park decked out for the holidays!

South Natomas School Gets New Library

2009-12-08T11:45:00.000-08:00

The Garden Valley Elementary celebrated the grand opening of its new school library this morning in South Natomas.

Students, families, and staff at the school have waited a long time for a library. The campus was built without a library and teachers have been creative over the years in trying to bring books into their classrooms. As of today, the wait is finally over.

The past two years, in partnership with area families and businesses and through unification into a larger district, the Garden Valley Elementary School community has made a school library a reality for students.

This morning's grand opening festivities mark an accomplishment for the school and Twin Rivers Unified School District in this era of educational budget and programs cuts throughout California.

www.teal.net

City Switching To Metered Water Bill

2009-12-08T01:32:00.000-08:00

Sacramento water customers who have a water meter on their home, and who have received a comparative bill for at least one year, will start paying for the water they use in January 2010.

"(This) impacts any home built after 1992 and any home that has been subject to our water meter retrofit," city utilities spokesperson Jessica Hess said. "In some areas, this means there is only one or two houses on the street and in other areas, the whole street will be converted."

Residents who have a meter, but who have not had a year of comparative billing will remain on a flat rate until they have received a year of comparative billing. Customers who do not currently have a water meter will receive a year of comparative billing once a water meter is installed before being switched to a metered rate.

The City is installing water meters on more than 110,000 homes by 2025 and converting customers with a water meter to metered billing in compliance with State law. Questions to ask to help determine whether you are paying a metered or flat rate include:

Was your home built after 1992? If yes, a meter was installed when the home was built and the city has been providing a comparative bill for over a year.
Did your home receive a meter yet as part of the city's Water Meter Retrofit Program. If yes, there will be a rectangular meter box in the sidewalk in front of their home labeled "water." And have you received a comparative water bill for at least one year (this is on the back of most customer bills)?

Questions? Call the City's Utility Billing group at 808-5454.

For A Good Cause: Hight Craft Fair

2009-12-06T23:23:00.000-08:00

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR LARGER VIEW

Open House For New Fire Station

2009-12-06T23:16:00.000-08:00

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR LARGER VIEW OF FLIER

Save The Date: NHS Annual Crab Feed

2009-12-06T22:59:00.000-08:00

CLICK ON IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD TICKET ORDER FORM

Seen In Natomas: Tiger Pride!!!

2009-12-06T17:34:00.000-08:00

PHOTO BY NATE ASHBY

Inderkum High School freshman Dylan Akins seen here at Friday night's game.

The final score at Friday night's playoff game: Inderkum 49, Oakdale 23. THIS Saturday the Inderkum Tigers will play the Del Campo Cougars for the Division lll championship at Folsom High School. Got more photos from the game? Send them to natomasbuzz@yahoo.com.

PhreePhotographer.Com