Natomas Cares: School Spruced Up

PHOTOS BY LARRY RODDA

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

More than a dozen Regency Park-area residents volunteered their time Saturday morning to spruce up the neighborhood school grounds. Organizer Joedy Zapara said 18 volunteers, not including youngsters, donated three hours of their time weeding, trimming bushes and picking up trash at Regency Park Elementary School.

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You Asked, We Got The Answer

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz 

"I just noticed a huge building off of Sorento and E. Levee: does anyone know what that is? It is in the middle of nowhere!"

-Colleen Lawson via Facebook

The building to which you are referring is one of several unfinished structures that make up the controversial East Natomas Education Complex. Construction of the $157 million complex - expected to house a middle and high school - was started by the Grant Joint Union High School District.

The project is located in an area of undeveloped property referred to as the "Panhandle" and is situated south of Elkorn Boulevard, north of Del Paso Road, west of East Levee Road and east of the Regency Park development.

The Twin Rivers Unified School District inherited the project after unification and work was halted when the economy stalled. The project has also been the subject of lawsuits.

 

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New Information On Sacramento County Salmonella Cases

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Sacramento County has reported two cases of Salmonella Heidelberg that are related to the multistate outbreak that has prompted a recall of turkey meat this week.

Both cases were reported in June 2011 and both cases are adults. One case has recovered and is male. The other case was unfortunately fatal and occurred in a woman who was older than 65.

This information is being released by Sacramento County health officials in response to numerous media inquiries for additional information.

More info on the Cargill products included in the recall can be found here. According to a list by the USDA Food Safety & and Inspection Service, the ground turkey products are sold in California at Kroger, Stater Brothers, Walmart and WinCo retailers.

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Hot August Nights In Natomas

 

PHOTOS BY ALYSSA BLIZZARD, INTERN

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Applebee's restaurant is hosting a Hot August Nights event tonight in Natomas. Classic cars and hot rods are being showcased and a prize was awarded to the best in show (first photo). The event continues 'til midnight in the Natomas Marketplace parking lot off Truxel Road. 

 

 

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Roll-Over Accident On Interstate 5

PHOTOS BY KEITH SHARWARD

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

A roll-over accident was reported at about 5:40 p.m. today on northbound Interstate 5 near the Del Paso Road exit in Natomas.

According to the California Highway Patrol, an orange SUV rolled over and second vehicle crashed into it starting a fire. The two right lanes were blocked as a result of the accident which reportedly involved five vehicles in all.

The CHP reports the accident scene cleared at about 6:31 p.m.

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Kudos: Witter Ranch Group Gives Back

PHOTOS BY ALYSSA BLIZZARD

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

The Witter Ranch Community Alliance presented two pieces of specialty equipment to representatives from the Sacramento police and fire departments Tuesday during a National Night Out celebration event. The neighborhood group was presented with a certificate of recognition from the State Assembly for its efforts to aggressively raised money, negotiate price, and buy the donated equipment.

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You Asked, We Got The Answer

PHOTOS BY LARRY RODDA
THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

"Is there a way to find out what other Natomas parks will be getting shade structures? As the parent of a toddler, I'm really excited about the prospect. I think shade structures over playground equipment are long over due."

-reader via e-mail

Sarah Novo, Director of Constituent Affairs for Councilwoman Angelique Ashby answers:

• Burberry Park (2) - Construction began June 15 and is currently 75% complete. Construction is expected to be complete by August 12. Delays due to missing bolts.
• Tanzanite Park (1) - Construction began June 15. Construction is currently 25% complete, and expected to be complete by August 12.
• Kokomo Park (2) - Construction began July 28. Construction completion expected by beginning of September.
• Redbud Park (1) - Construction expected to begin by the end of August. Construction expected to be complete by year-end 2011.
• North Natomas Park (2) - Construction to begin in October. Project expected to be complete by year end 2011.
• Westlake Park (2) - Construction to begin in October. Project expected to be complete by year end 2011.
• Quail Park (1) - Construction to begin in October. Project expected to be complete by year end 2011.
• Riverview Park (1) - Construction expected to begin by November. Project expected to be complete by year end 2011.
• Autumn Meadow Park (1) - Construction expected to begin by December. Project expected to be complete by year end 2011.

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National Night Out '11 In Natomas

 

 

 

 

 

PHOTOS BY ALYSSA BLIZZARD, BRANDY TUZON BOYD,

EMILY CHAN & BONNIE EARLY

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Natomas residents left their homes tonight to meet in the streets and neighborhood parks in celebration of National Night Out.

National Night Out is a nationwide event aimed at reducing crime and strengthening relationships between neighborhoods and police.

Local dignitaries including Mayor Kevin Johnson and Councilwoman Angelique Ashby along with north-area police Capt. Jim Maccoun and other Sacramento officers were seen visiting several neighborhood gatherings.

 

 

 

 

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Natomas Cares: Equipment Donated To Police & Fire Stations

THE NATOMAS BUZZ  | @natomasbuzz

A volunteer neighborhood association in North Natomas collected more than $6,600 using old-fashioned community fundraising to purchase equipment for their nearest fire and police stations.

The gifts will be presented to captains of the police and fire departments in a ceremony at the association's fourth annual National Night Out celebration tonight in Witter Ranch Park.

"This couldn't have come a better time for us," said police Capt. James Maccoun. "Our budget has been cut to the bone so these sorts of purchases are increasingly difficult for us."

Witter Ranch Community Alliance raised the funds in partnership with Sacramento's all-volunteer non-profit Drowning Accident Rescue Team. Proceeds from a community yard sale, hot dog barbecue, individual and merchant donations were used to buy a MultiRAE portable gas and explosive compound detector for a fire station slated to open soon on El Centro Road and a Cellebrite forensics system for the police department's Kinney Station on Marysville Boulevard. The group negotiated to receive a discount from equipment suppliers.

"This will really help us in our response to calls regarding possible gas leaks," said Jaymes Butler, one of the captains of Fire Station 18. "This MultiRAE detector might save a life someday."

Also scheduled to attend the ceremony are Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, city Councilwoman Angelique Ashby, Sacramento County Supervisor Phil Serna, and a representative from Assemblyman Dr. Richard Pan's office.

The Witter Ranch Community Association includes nearly 1,400 single-family homes and more than 400 apartments.

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For The Kids: 11th Healthy Kids Day

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Free whooping cough shots will be available at the 11th Annual Healthy Kids Day next week in Natomas.

The family-friendly event presented by Assemblyman Dr. Richard Pan is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 13 at Inderkum High School, 2500 New Market Drive.

State law now requires all students in 7th through 12th grades get Tdap vaccinations for whooping cough and all students who attend the event will receive shots for free. Activities and other services such as health and dental screenings and help enrolling in low-cost health insurance will be available.

To schedule an appointment to enroll in health insurance, please contact Cover the Kids at (916) 808-3838 or toll free at (866) 850-4321 or visit the website at www.coverthekids.com.

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You Asked, We Got The Answer

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

"The 25mph signs on Del Paso are all gone but it looks like there is still construction. Is it really back to top speed or did someone steal the signs?" -Tracy Chatters via Facebook

Linda Tucker, spokesperson for the city's Department of Transportation answers: 

"There is some minor paving and signal work left, but most of the work within the right of way has ceased."

PROJECT UPDATES:

-Activation of the new traffic signal is at least three weeks from today.

-Final paving on Del Paso Road is Friday night, but ramps still have some work to be done following that.

-Work expected to be wrapped up by the end of August.

"The signage and enforcement was up to protect the workers, and since that danger has largely passed we have had the construction signs removed and speed limit restored. Drivers can drive the posted speed."

"There will be short instances during paving in which speed reduction will occur again, but that paving will likely be done at night."

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Town Hall To Tackle Arena Move

BY BRANDY TUZON BOYD

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

The unveiling of the new "Think BIG" Natomas subcommittee last week begs the question: What should replace Power Balance Pavilion?

NATOMAS "THINK BIG"
SUBCOMMITTEE TOWN HALL
6 p.m. on August 11
Natomas Charter School
Small Theater
4600 Blackrock Drive

The 14-person subcommittee headed by Councilwoman Angelique Ashby and Assemblyman Dr. Richard Pan will hold a town hall August 11 to hear from those who live and work in Natomas on this topic. At a press conference last week, Ashby said the the group likely would focus on the top three reuses proposed by an ICON/Taylor group report - a hospital, college or technology campus.

"I am hoping folks will come out and share their thoughts, concerns and ideas for the future of our region as it relates to a new arena, no matter if, when or where it may be built," Ashby told THE NATOMAS BUZZ. "It's important that our community stay engaged in the conversation and do all we can to be sure our neighborhoods benefit from the decisions being made about development and/or potential reuse of Natomas land and the downtown railyards." 

The new subcommittee is charged with creating a plan for what would replace Power Balance Pavilion should a new arena be built downtown.

In gearing up for the town hall, THE NATOMAS BUZZ asked our readers to weigh in on these three options along with a few discussed over the years. At press time, 71 people had participated with the majority - 41 votes - in favor of a hospital campus. A new college campus came in second, followed by a year-round amusement park and, finally, a technology campus.

"Whatever produces the most and best paying jobs. Think of what Intel did for Folsom and Hewlett Packard did for Roseville, folks," posted Keith Sharward, who voted for a new hospital. "A technology campus would be my second favorite, but only if tech employers could be driven to the site by way of tax breaks or other incentives to compel them to set up shop here."

But our readers did not stop there, with several posting their own suggestions on Facebook - everything from a multi-purpose race track to a mega church. Here's what some wrote:

"I say turn it into a sports arena for youth, multiple basketball courts for AAU and NCAA showcases, indoor soccer field, volleyball courts, etc. Parents spend big money every year going to big tournaments, hotels, food, local shopping, lets bring that money to Natomas!" -Kendall House

"If I have no other option? How about a large church like Houston did with the Rockets old arena. Natomas has like 30 small churches all similar Christian churches but a mega church would be great. Don't laugh it brings the value of the area up!" -Rachel Haine

"I think we need an entertainment center much like Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco that has a bowling alley, skating rink, mini golf, live music and some new shops. One of the reasons people in Rocklin/Roseville never leave that area is because they don't have to-it would be nice if we didn't need to take our taxes elsewhere for some entertainment other than a movie theater." -Allison Spiva Hunt 

"Our own Shopping Pavillion. Bring more economic prosperity to our neighborhood." -Deirdre Bourke 

"The formerly called Arco Arena could remain standing as a roller skating, ice skating rink, swimming pool or other form of recreation to give teenagers a place for activities after school and during the summer. If the building is demolished, the site could be a new area park complete with amusement rides with facilities for local gatherings."-Debra Tru

More than one reader said they felt a new entertainment and sports complex should be built on the existing site. Click here to add your voice to the community conversation (and plan to attend the town hall).

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