Seen In Natomas: A New Happy Place

PHOTO BY PHREEPHOTOGRAPHER.COM

Happy Day Spa is coming soon to the shopping center located at Gateway Park and North Freeway boulevards, near Comcast, Cartridge World and Chilis, in the old Abbey Flooring location.

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Annual Pageant Lights Up Natomas

PHOTOS BY BRANDY TUZON BOYD

Eight young women are set to take the stage tonight for the Second Annual Miss Natomas Pageant.

The participants, who range from 6th to 12th graders, will be competing for the Miss Natomas, Jr. Miss Natomas, and two runner up titles as well as monetary scholarships. The winners' first duties will include an appearance at the Celebrate Sacramento festival set for later this month.

“It's a job, not just a title that you carry,” said Monica Jones, a retired peace officer and founder of the non-profit group Lights of Tomorrow which puts on the pageant.

The roots of the pageant date back to 2006 when Jones started a Sisterhood Group at Leroy F. Greene Middle School in Natomas. The group ended the first year with a celebration in the form of a fashion show. The following year, Jones escorted 30 girls to see a performance of “The Color Purple” stage play. The next year it was a visit to the courthouse and, the following year, a campus tour at Holy Names University in Oakland.

Jones started Lights of Tomorrow to empower young women ages 11 years to 24 years old and provide the know-how to transition from middle school, to high school and on to college. The non-profit group strives to reduce high school dropout rates, teen pregnancy, violence, incarceration, drug use and abuse through a series of workshops presented with community partner groups.

"Monica Jones has done a wonderful job with this event, it helps the girls build confidence and improve their self esteem,” said Bruce Roberts, Natomas Unified school board president.

The Miss Natomas Pageant was started in 2009 to showcase what participants learned during the workshops held at Discovery, Natomas and Inderkum high schools. To compete, girls must also have logged a minimum 50 hours community service the year leading up to the pageant and meet grade-point requirements. The competition is open to anyone in the greater Sacramento region; this year all but one contestant lives and attends school in Natomas.

“I think what Lights of Tomorrow is doing with these young women is absolutely outstanding,” said Ryan Herche, master-of-ceremonies for this year's pageant.

Tonight's competition will feature formal dancing, a group performance, an interview and individual talent performances. The keynote address will be made by Vallejo City Unified School District superintendent Dr. Ramona Bishop.

The Second Annual Miss Natomas Pageant will be held 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. tonight at the Natomas High School Theater. Tickets cost $10 per person, include the pageant and dinner. Call (916) 225-5735 for more information.

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Police Seek Natomas Assault Suspect

The Sacramento Police Department seek help identifying the suspect in an assault May 5 in Natomas.

On Thursday at about 8:15 p.m., the female victim was running in the area of Broadgate Way and Westlake Parkway. She saw the suspect playing basketball and he approached her. The suspect then reportedly knocked her to the ground and began choking her. The victim fought back, was able to get free, and the suspect fled the scene.

The suspect was described as male, Hispanic or Asian, with dark skin, measuring 5-feet 6-inches tall, wearing a black baseball cap, light colored shirt and dark colored baggy shorts. No bicycle or car were seen, so the suspect may have been staying close by.

Sacramento police remind area residents to always be aware of their surroundings, watch for any suspicious persons or activity in your neighborhoods, and call the police if you see anyone who matches this description. Police add there is safety in numbers and suggest walking with friends rather than alone, especially at night.

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 up to $1,000.

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Heard In Natomas: Here They Stay

Area leaders weigh in on news the Sacramento Kings will remain in Sactown next season:

"This is about more than a sports team, this about about our city and our neighborhoods. The importance of this franchise to the Natomas area is immeasurable and can't be overlooked." 

-Kevin Fippin, Here We Stay campaign

"The Maloof's decision to stay in Sacramento is a credit to the tremendous regional effort led by Mayor Johnson. It has been an exciting journey and one that has brought us together to protect jobs, entertainment and community pride. It's a great time to live in Sacramento."

-Councilwoman Angelique Ashby, District 1

“We are the best fans in the NBA and that enthusiasm brought our community together to keep the Kings here.”

-Assemblyman Richard Pan, D-Natomas

“Sacramento is a great city, and I am confident that over the next few months elected officials, the business community, and local residents will keep working together.”

-Congresswoman Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento

“We’re very excited the Kings will be staying. Natomas has been their home for over 22 years and this is where they need to be. The Chamber continues to remain hopeful the ultimate solution will be to build a new arena (in its current location), so the team is here to stay permanently.”

-Ed Koop, Natomas Chamber of Commerce president

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Full Freeway Closures In Natomas

**Updated 5/17/11: Eastbound I-80 closure rescheduled to Thursday, May 19 due to rain.**


Transportation officials have announced plans to close Interstate 80 overnight to through traffic in the coming weeks.

The planned freeway closure of westbound Interstate 80 at the Interstate 5 connector all the way to West El Camino Avenue is set for May 8-9. Lane closures will begin at 11 p.m. and the full freeway closure will take place at 12 a.m. and continue through 4 a.m.

Closure of eastbound Interstate 80 from West El Camino Avenue to Interstate 5 north is set for May 14-15. Lane closures will begin at 11 p.m. and the full freeway closure will take place at 12 p.m. and continue through 4 a.m.

Message board will be placed on all Sacramento-area highways alerting motorists of the upcoming closure times and dates. Additional boards will be put in place to guide motorists through detours while the freeway is closed. 

The freeway will reopen to public traffic after 4 a.m.

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Supe To Talk School District Finances

Natomas schools superintendent Bobbie Plough is set to give community members an update on the district's future tomorrow in Natomas Park.

Natomas Unified School District finances are being scrutinized after recent declaration of a fiscal emergency. If review of the district's coffers fall short, state officials will loan Natomas the money it needs and take over day-to-day operations until the loan is paid off.

Plough's one-hour talk is set to start 6:30 p.m. at The Club, 2101 Club Center Drive. The meeting is open to the public.

District news recap:

• April 21 – School district officials resume contract talks with classified employees with help of a state-appointed mediator. The district declared an impasse in negotiations on March 15.
• April 15 – The school district and Natomas Teachers' Association agree to table contract talks until May 20, after of Gov. Jerry Brown's revised budget is released.
• April 10 – The state Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team issues a fiscal emergency declaration for the Natomas Unified School District.

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