natomas buzz

Fort Natomas Rebuild Effort: Don't Forget!

2008-08-07T09:46:00.001-07:00

The rebuild Fort Natomas effort is still in need of volunteers for the Core Committee specifically to assist with tools, donated materials, volunteers, and site coordinator (construction experience is vital).

Also the help of a tile setter or mason could be used to help remove tiles from the tile wall.

If you are interested or would like further information, please contact Dodie Newman at dodienewman@gmail.com or 359-3634.

Thank you for your continual support of Rebuilding Fort Natomas.

Dodie Newman and Kate Rozental
Co-Coordinators of Rebuild Fort Natomas

Community Leader Calls Agenda Item Into Question

2008-08-06T20:39:00.000-07:00

About that City Council agenda item THE BUZZ posted earlier...

Angelique Ashby, President of the Creekside Neighborhood Association and Co-Founder of North Natomas Crime & Safety Leadership Team, sent the following to both Mayor Heather Fargo and Councilman Ray Tretheway earlier today:

Heather & Ray T. - I have a question about tomorrow's agenda item number 16. can you explain to us what that item is and why it is on consent?

It appears to be $650,000.00 to count trees... Is that correct?

Obviously in these tough budget times that does not seem like the best use of our already stretched tax dollars – especially while fire stations are on brown outs and police have haulted recruits for the academy.

Would you please fill us in on this item?

To which, a rep from Fargo's responded with the following background info:

In 2004, Urban Forestry staff with assistance from the citizens advisory committee for Parks and Recreation and community stakeholders reviewed Sacramento Tree Services Best Management Practices study and final report. Together they developed the Urban Forest Best Management Practices Implementation Plan and Urban Forest Enhancement program.

In 2005, City Council approved the Urban Forest Best Management Practices Implementation Plan and Urban Forest Enhancement Program and authorized $1,150,000 to fund the program. Phase 1 of the Urban Forest Enhancement Program was completed in 2006.

Fast forward to 2008...

Tomorrow's agenda item -- an inventory award -- pertains to Phase 2 of the Urban Forest Enhancement Program which includes; tree location, planting site, species, and condition of all City street trees and trees located in Parks in addition to a stratum analysis which will estimate the environmental value of the City's urban forest.

The funding is provided in part by the original Urban Forest Enhancement Program authorization by City Council along with a $200,000 reimbursable grant from the California Department of Forestry and Fire protection.

A message from Tretheway, who also happens to be executive director of the Sacramento Tree Foundation, soon followed:

Thanks for asking your question on the city tree inventory item on tomorrow’s agenda. This item was on last week’s agenda, however, it was pulled and moved to this week. Also, I understand that Councilmember Sandy Sheedy has requested it be moved off the consent calendar and it will be heard at tomorrow’s public hearing.

The Sacramento Tree Foundation is very much in support of this inventory. In fact, it is very unusual for a city our size not to have a current and readily accessible tree inventory. These street and park trees represent a public resource of extraordinary value. A conservative estimate of the total net value of our city street and park trees is in excess of $ 1 billion. These values include contributions to air and water quality, energy savings, public health and carbon sequestration. If the city is to properly manage and optimize the benefits of this leafy resource, we must know the structure, function and condition of the resource. The public also benefits from this inventory as it includes – at no cost to the city – an analysis of the current economic values of our street and park trees.

The inventory is one of the final actions from the City’s Urban Forest Services Best Practices Study. Several years ago $1,500,000 was set aside to meet the study recommendations. As I understand it, the $650,000 funding can be broken down in the following way: $200,000 grant from a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection; $200,000 mandated grant match; and the remaining $250,000 from the funds set aside for the implementation of the Best Practices Study.

This item was probably placed on consent due to the prior approval by the city council and no new monies from this year’s budget were needed.

At the Sacramento Tree Foundation we work hard to educate elected officials, business leaders and citizens on the remarkable benefits of our urban forest, which serves us everyday in the air we breath, the water we drink, and the energy we save. Generations of Sacramentans have worked hard and made investments in its urban forest to gain the worldwide reputation as the ‘city of trees’, second only to Paris, France.

So it looks like only $250,000 is coming from City of Sac coffers and the amount was previously set aside for this purpose.

Do y'all this is the best way to spend a quarter mil?

HUH?!

2008-08-06T16:01:00.000-07:00

Some folks are a wonderin' why the city is paying $650,000 to count trees – and how they can afford it.

South Natomas Sex Crimes Reported

2008-08-06T14:46:00.000-07:00

Click to view video!

Harding To Pay Restitution

2008-08-05T21:50:00.000-07:00

NATOMAS BUZZ readers will be delighted to hear...

The Sac Bee is reporting Frank Harding will pay the Natomas Unified School District $32,553 in restitution. Harding was prosecuted for felony conflict of interest.

Harding agreed today in Sacramento Superior Court to the restitution payment.

Fight The Bite During National Night Out

2008-08-05T14:32:00.000-07:00

Protect Yourself and Your Family From Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus

Tonight is National Night Out and many will be engaging in fun outdoor activities around dusk, a time of peak mosquito activity.

The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District reminds the public to protect themselves against mosquito bites and West Nile virus.

“We’re in the middle of mosquito season and it remains critical that people take proper precautions to guard themselves against mosquitoes and West Nile virus,” said David Brown, District Manager. “The threat to everyone is still very real."

Though National Night Out focuses on crime and drug prevention, mosquitoes will be focused on biting humans so wearing an effective mosquito repellent such as DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus is very important.

Opinion: Natomas Businesses & All That Crime

2008-08-05T12:59:00.000-07:00

THE BUZZ read the Sac Bee's story today Crime's an issue, but Natomas business owners say they're coping with interest... And we were disappointed.

Much of the article is a recap of previously reported stories about the home invasion and armed robberies a couple months ago.

According to the story, neighborhood businesses "have seen little impact" from area crime and that "most store managers and employees said they were more concerned about rents, the wobbly economy and shaky consumer confidence."

Which businesses did the Bee interview? Reps from Merlot Marketing, Legal.Com and Hair Mania were quoted in the story.

Did the reporters talk to all the pizza joints that were held up at gunpoint? Oshima Sushi which has been robbed more than once? Jack's Urban Eats and Y2K Nails which both have been broken into after hours and significant amounts of cash stolen? In N Out Burger which has had to close early when rushed by hundreds of young people (some with guns) after parties?

While we agree the economy is a concern, we can't help but wonder: What was the point of this article?

Was it about crime? If so, why not interview people who have actually been victims of the types of crimes mentioned? Robbed, with guns kind of crimes. Why not talk to owners whose businesses have been robbed or burglarized? Did the two kids working at Straw Hat quit after two hooded thieves waved a shotgun in their faces?

The headline says businesses are "coping," but security cameras and fences don't always keep the criminals out. What are managers telling employees about being held up? Do they offer counseling after an employee has been robbed and their car stolen?

Was this article an attempt by the Sac Bee to show its readers the economy is hitting Natomas businesses hard? Because you'd pretty much have to be living under a rock to not know the economy is affecting businesses all over the region, not just our neighborhood.

Or was the point to show a correlation between the slowing economy and an increase in crime in Natomas? Oh, and we thought affordable housing was to blame.

Not.

Be On The Lookout — Two Suspects Still At Large

2008-08-05T12:47:00.001-07:00

Sac PD is still looking for two more suspects in the July 25 shooting at Point Natomas Apartments. The victim in the case was shot in the head and survived.

PD has already arrested Cassell Meadors, 19, for attempted murder for this case. Still at large are Joshua Nickerson, 18, and Matthew Jones, 18.

Police ask that you call in if you spot the suspects or have information about their whereabouts.

2008-08-04T15:30:00.000-07:00

Seen In The Neighborhood

2008-08-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

A new eatery is slated to takeover the spot previously occupied by Ohana Hawaiian BBQ in the Natomas Marketplace shopping center.

New Look For Oshima Sushi

2008-08-03T21:58:00.001-07:00

THE BUZZ and family popped in to Oshima Sushi this afternoon to take advantage of the half-off menu prices -- available during certain hours every Sunday!

Besides a yummy lunch we also got a peek at the all the restaurant's bar revamp and Fugu Lounge dance club addition.

Check it out!

Seen In The Neighborhood

2008-08-02T14:48:00.001-07:00

THE BUZZ spotted this sign at the Barnes & Noble store in the Promenade shopping center. Sources tell us the original plan was to only reduce the store's hours during the week, but new signs indicate the change will be in effect seven days a week. Employees were told the cutback in hours were handed down by corporate because it's not very busy after 10 p.m. -- even though the in-house Starbucks cafe is almost always packed til closing time! (The store currently closes at 11 p.m.)

USPS Doesn't Live Here (Yet)

2008-08-02T14:43:00.001-07:00

Despite the new sign and revamped customer service counter, USPS services are not yet available at Raley's. Sources tell THE BUZZ customers have come into the neighborhood grocery store lugging their large packages only to find out they couldn't ship them from that location! The Raley's employee lamented installation of the sign saying she "didn't understand" why it was mounted before the services were available.

Share Your Love For The Natomas Buzz

2008-08-02T00:51:00.003-07:00

Ringer T - $19.99

Cap Sleeve T - $19.99

Get your NATOMAS BUZZ wear on...
Check out our brand-new online store HERE!

Trucker Hat - $14.99

Bumper Sticker - $3.50

Seen In The Neighborhood: Something Exotic

2008-08-01T23:26:00.000-07:00

The new Kobe Restaurant is now open in the shopping center located on the corner of Truxel and Arena. More interesting than that? The EXOTIC DANCE STUDIO which opened next door...

NUSD Supports D.A.'s Efforts To Seek Restitution In Controversial Conflict-Of-Interest Case

2008-08-01T21:25:00.000-07:00

The Natomas Unified School District tonight approved a statement related to the Sacramento County District Attorney's intent to seek restitution in the conflict-of-interest case of Frank C. Harding.

According to school district trustee Lisa Kaplan, comments previously made by Superintendent Steve Farrar and school district trustee Teri Burns about whether the Natomas Unified School District would pursue restitution were taken out of context.

"In court the D.A. inferred to the judge that he was acting on behalf of the Board," Kaplan writes to THE BUZZ. "Actually, this was not the case. The District and Board cooperated with the D.A. during the entire investigation and at no time prior to the trial was the issue of restitution presented to the Board or District."

Kaplan says statements made by Burns and Farrar were "that they were not aware that it was in the district's purview (to seek restitution), that we had to make a decision, and the district was not aware that it was required as a condition of probation."

As a result of tonight's meeting, the Natomas Unified School District will continue working with the District Attorney's office as it seeks restitution in the Harding case.

Kaplan says this decision relates solely to the Harding's conviction and probation. Issues surrounding the purchase of the West Lakeside property are part of a different investigation.

Well This Is An Interesting Development

2008-08-01T19:20:00.000-07:00

The Natomas Unified School District board of trustee's is holding a special meeting tonight to discuss the issue of restitution in the Harding case.

In a Sac Bee report last month Superintendent Steve Farrar indicated the school district would not pursue restitution.

In an e-mail message to Creekside-area residents, trustee Lisa Kaplan wrote: "The District is cooperating with the District Attorney's Office as they take the lead in deciding how and if restitution is to take place. Be assured that we will continue to protect the financial and education interests of our children and taxpayers."

Stay tuned...

Guest Column: Sheriff's Curfew Sweep Lesson

2008-08-01T10:51:00.000-07:00

By Bob Weston

Speaking of curfew sweep, I got home around 3:30 a.m. (on July 26) from volunteering with the Sac County Sheriff's Department and working their curfew sweep for the Northwest region. All in all, it was a really fun evening.

We pulled in 49 kids - pretty evenly split between boys and girls. We had officers participating not only from the County, but from various area Park & Rec departments and the new Twin Rivers School District. The officers were responsible for detaining the kids and bringing them back to the curfew center where we processed them, took away their cell phones and called their parents.

For half the kids, we were able to get a hold of parents pretty quickly. It was nice to see them come down and rip the kids a new one, right there in the parking lot, in front of their friends. It caught me a little by surprise, but the girls they brought in had WAY more attitude than the boys.

When I was a kid, if I'd been picked up by the Police for being somewhere I wasn't supposed to be, I'd have been terrified about the thought of my parents having to come out and pick me up. I certainly wouldn't have been talking smack and giving the officers who'd picked me up a hard time. For a lot of these kids, it was all a big joke. Well, at least until their parents got there.

For the other half, lets just say it was obvious there was a real lack of parental involvement.

For example, when we called the father of the first young man brought in just after 10, he was already way too drunk to even think about driving a few miles to pick up his son. Sadly, this kid was 15 and already on probation. Seemed like a decent kid really, but there was an obvious lack of structure in his life. Mom was in Vegas with Grandma on a gambling binge and never even picked up her phone.

Three hours later, one of the Tactical Support units ended up having to take this boy and a couple others home to their parents because for one reason or another, they weren't able to drive out and pick them up.

Another 17 year old boy we picked up after midnight while I was out riding with a Deputy had been left home for the summer while his mom was in Baltimore. He wasn't out doing anything wrong, except riding his bike home along Watt Avenue after 10 p.m. Supposedly his Uncle was to be taking care of him, but he was nowhere to be found after dozens of calls and several voice mails.

I called the Mom a few dozen times too, but she never even picked up and her voice mail box was full, so I couldn't leave a message. Despite his circumstances though, he really seemed to be a good kid. Well mannered, respectful, a starting football player who aspires to go to college and knows he can't be in trouble if he wants to play. His uncle dropped him off earlier in the day at an Aunt's house in Del Paso Heights and the only way he could get home was to ride his bike back to North Highlands with his cousins.

I really felt for this kid. He was a 5'10", 160# strapping football player and scared like you wouldn't believe. I don't know what was worse for him, the fact he got picked up and it might get back to his coach or the realization that we almost couldn't find anyone in his life that could come out and take him home. Anybody we could get a hold of either didn't have a car or if they did, didn't have enough gas in their tank to get there and back. Finally, he decided to let us call his girlfriend's parents in Natomas. Fortunately, she and her Dad were able to come out and pick him up. He was the very last kid to go home - around 3 a.m.

What I noticed that was different about this kid from so many of the others was that he had something in his life he couldn't afford to lose - Football. For him, Football seemed to be his ticket out to a better future.

When Captain Hahn was telling us earlier this month about the kids arrested in connection with the Home Invasions and Street Robberies, he mentioned that they didn't have that something in their life they couldn't afford to lose. This kid gave me hope that if we can find a way to provide it, we'll have a much better chance at turning things around.

Bob Weston is a Regency Park resident and Neighborhood Watch leader. The curfew sweep he participated in was coordinated by the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, Northwest Service Center in North Highlands.

West Nile Virus In North Sac Worries Officials

2008-08-01T10:32:00.000-07:00

Growing Concern Over High Numbers of Infected Mosquitoes

ELK GROVE — The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District announced today that concern is growing in North Sacramento after a number of infected mosquitoes and dead birds positive for West Nile virus have been found.

“We’re taking a close look at different areas of North Sacramento and we’re evaluating our next steps,” said David Brown District Manager.

In recent weeks, virus activity has amplified increasing the risk of virus transmission to humans. The District will continue monitoring the area closely over the weekend by doing extensive mosquito trapping and ground fogging where interventions are needed.

“We’re doing everything we can to ensure public safety” said Brown. “In the meantime, we need the continued support of all residents to ensure they are not breeding mosquitoes in their own home, it needs to be a collaborative effort.”

The District urges residents to inspect their homes at least once a week for any items such as buckets, flower pots, fountains, old tires, pet watering dishes or kiddie pools that may be collecting water and producing mosquitoes. The public support is still needed in reporting neglected pools found in foreclosed homes.

Practice the District D’s of Mosquito Prevention:

DRAIN standing water that may produce mosquitoes.

DAWN and DUSK are times to avoid being outdoors.

DRESS appropriately be wearing long sleeves and pants when outside.

DEFEND yourself by using an effective insect repellent. Make sure to follow label directions!

DOOR and window screens should be in good working condition.

DISTRICT personnel are also available to address any mosquito problems. Call them at 1-800-429-1022 or visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net

Seen In The Neighborhood

2008-07-31T12:01:00.000-07:00

Monday around 5 p.m. on Kokomo, near the corner of Broadwater.
Someone drove by, dumped out a pile of clothes and shoes, lit them on fire and left.

Corti Bros Demise

2008-07-31T11:28:00.000-07:00

East Sac grocery Corti Bros has lost its lease and needs to find a new home brick-and-mortar home by October 2008...

Apparently, keeping Corti Bros in business is a high priority for Sactown's Mayor Heather Fargo who has been bustling about to help find the store a new location.

THE BUZZ has an idea: Help Corti Bros locate to Natomas!

We all know there is plenty of available retail space in the neighborhood and Corti Bros would definitely have a niche market here. Not to mention little threat of competition seeing as Trader Joe's doesn't plan to open a store here anytime soon.

If NATOMAS BUZZ readers agree, why not send a little note to Corti Bros and Fargo to let them know they would be welcomed with open arms!

Last Day To Have Your Say On City's General Plan

2008-07-31T10:25:00.000-07:00

By Rosemarie Ruggieri

Natomas residents need to protest the General Plan update regarding community centers. As proposed, the update now limits community centers to only 1 per 35,000 residents. That is, only two community centers for a built-out North Natomas.

Please object to this new measure for community centers, especially as it applies to North Natomas. Today is the last day to submit comments for consideration to General Plan working group.

The City expects the General Plan update to supersede all preexisting neighborhood community and/or financing plans. The current North Natomas Community Plan and North Natomas Finance Plan dictate that North Natomas and West Natomas need four community centers. The General Plan update is a backhanded way to limit the City’s obligation to Natomas residents.

Further, there is no rationale explaining why the City believes one community center fulfills needs for 35,000 residents. There is not even a bad rationale listed; there is no explanation. The new measurement is still part of the update to the General Plan even though Councilman Ray Tretheway assured a group of North Natomas residents at a June 28 finance plan meeting that all four community centers would be planned for North Natomas.

Please write your comments, e-mail them it to the General Plan website and send your comments to the mayor, Councilman Tretheway, and all the other members of the city council -- a minimum of FIVE VOTES are needed to make a change!

Rosemarie Ruggieri is a Natomas resident and member of the Natomas Park Parks & Schools Committee.

Seen In The Neighborhood

2008-07-31T07:59:00.000-07:00

An arrest made on Cagney Way @ Cashman Circle in the midnight hour:

A Cagney Way resident spotted an unusual vehicle at 10:30PM on his street. He called it in to Paladin dispatch which sent four units within 7 minutes to investigate.

A man in a white Chrysler 300 parked across the street from the park was caught behaving inappropriately with an underage female picked up at a nearby gas station, with the promise of giving her a ride home.

The suspect was booked in to Sacramento County Jail on Kidnapping, Rape and Lewd Activity with a Child Under 14 (all felonies).

"Once again, the system worked out in this case: Active Neighbors, Available Security & Responsive Police. But for the invovlement of this Cagney resident, we'd likely have not prevented the furtherance of these crimes."
-Matt Carroll, Paladin Security

In All Their Infinite Wisdom...

2008-07-31T07:52:00.000-07:00

In January, THE BUZZ reported the city's plans to close its North Natomas permit office located adjacent to Arco Arena and reopen in a space off Richards Boulevard.

The Sac Bee reports this morning:

The Public Eye: 'Cost-saving move' soaks city for $500,000
Published 12:00 am PDT Thursday, July 31, 2008
Story appeared in OUR REGION section, Page B1

It sounded like a good idea: Move Sacramento's Development Services Department out of a leased building and into a city-owned structure at 300 Richards Boulevard.
Until you know the cost.
The department, which issues permits and building information, moved to its new home in March. But the lease for its Arco Boulevard home in North Natomas doesn't expire until next March. As the city hasn't been able to break its contract or sublease the building, it's out a half-million dollars – the cost of a year's rent.
"We're still in discussions, but the market isn't so terrific," said Reina Schwartz, the agency's director.
In the private sector, the problem might have been a deal killer. But it didn't stop the department's move. Neither did the City Council, because department staff members didn't mention the glitch when they asked for approval.
Schwartz said the move gets the city out of leased space and to a better location.
But California Common Cause's Christina Lokke pointed to the city's huge budget deficits.
"The city's out a half-million dollars when the whole point was to save money," Lokke asked. "The timing on this couldn't be worse."
– Terri Hardy

Seriously, is it any wonder why our city suffers budget woes?

Where In Natomas?

2008-07-30T23:04:00.000-07:00

Click "comments" below and let us know your guess!

Got a photo for WHERE IN NATOMAS? Send it to THE BUZZ!