Revolver On Natomas Bike Path

COURTESY PHOTO

**UPDATE 3/7/11: SacPD spokesperson Laura Peck confirmed police took possession of the gun and booked into property. The weapon will be checked to find out if it is stolen or if it was involved in a crime. Lab results could take several weeks.**

This long barreled .22 caliber revolver was found today by a Natomas Park resident while walking along the bike path off Tahoe View Court. Paladin Security was called and responded within three minutes. The security patrol secured the scene until Sac PD arrived.

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Natomas Teens Fast For Thirty Hours

30-HOUR FAMINE AT GATEWAY CHURCH IN NATOMAS.

TEENS TAKE BREAKS TO DRINK FRUIT JUICE DURING THEIR 30-HOUR FAST.

More than 100 teens spent last night sleeping outdoors in a makeshift box city in North Natomas.

The 7th through 12th graders, along with two dozen adult leaders, are participating in an 30-hour famine held each year by a group of Natomas churches. Event participants this year include teens from Adventure, Gateway Fellowship, The Gathering and Crosspointe youth groups.

"We're really hoping to have the kids be compassionate toward those in need," FLIPT youth group leader Peggy Chapman said. "They have enough to share."

Leading up to the 30-hour famine, the youth groups learn about how hunger and disease affects thousands of children just like them around the world. The overnight event  included worship sessions and several activities focused on the plight of those in Haiti. Not eating and sleeping outside in boxes and makeshift tents is meant to show the young people first hand what it's like to be homeless and hungry.

Later this morning, the teens will hold a scavenger hunt for food which will then be given to Natomas-area residents in need. This afternoon the young people will serve lunch to homeless and, finally, they will break their fast during a group dinner tonight.

TEENS LISTEN TO THE GROUND RULES FOR THE EVENING.

NATOMAS TEENS SLEPT OVERNIGHT IN A MAKESHIFT BOX CITY.

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Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

PHOTOS BY ALYSSA BLIZZARD, NATOMAS BUZZ INTERN

Friends of the South Natomas Library hosted a Dr. Seuss birthday party at the branch on Thursday. More than three dozen people of all ages participated in craft activities and games, snacked on birthday cake, and visited with the Cat in the Hat.

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New Charter School OKd For Natomas

Come fall, there will be a new charter school in Natomas.

The Westlake Charter Middle School petition was approved last week by Natomas Unified officials nearly three months after plans for the proposed school stalled.

“The expansion of Westlake Charter into the middle school grades is the culmination of hard work and determination by the school and its parents to fulfill a long-held desire to offer educational services through the 8th grade and prepare the Westlake children for high school,” said Bruce Roberts, president of the Natomas Unified school board.

The petition hit a snag in December when the superintendent recommended it be denied for not meeting several required criteria. The Natomas school board's approval last week is conditional and hinges on proof of start-up monies from the state, a $50,000 loan from Westlake Charter School to the middle school program, and an updated budget reflecting possible funding cuts – all by a June 1 deadline.

“I am very pleased that we were able to work through all outstanding issues leading up to approval by our partners at the Natomas Unified School District,” said Howard Chan, Westlake Charter School board treasurer. “At the end of the day, the expansion of Westlake Charter School into middle school will ultimately mean more choices for children in our community.”

Westlake Charter School principal Robert Capp said the plan is for the middle school to grow each year, starting with 5th grade. In 2011-12, there will be three classes of 28 students, including the 56 5th grade students currently enrolled at the elementary school. The middle school program will have a math and science focus, he said.

Westlake Charter School will be housed at two different sites starting fall 2011. The kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders will remain at the current site, the former Natomas Middle School campus on Del Paso Road, while 4th, 5th and 6th grades will be five miles away at the Natomas High School Campus on Fong Ranch Road.

“We're excited. This is going to be a great opportunity for our students and those new students that come to us,” said Capp. “Being on the Natomas High School campus is going to be incredible.”

But not everyone was excited about this news.

That students would be moved to the Natomas High School campus came as a surprise to some Westlake Charter School parents who told THE NATOMAS BUZZ they were not made aware of this possibility. Issues such as how Westlake Charter's afterschool childcare program will operate on two sites and how resources, including the school's library, will be split are topics likely to be brought up at tonight's Westlake Charter School board meeting.

“I am frustrated that the parents were not notified and this information was not discussed before the NUSD board meeting,” parent Tracy Chatters said. “There are other, safer options on the table that should be considered immediately.”

Applications for Westlake Charter Middle School are expected to be available in April for a May lottery pull.

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