Feds Go After Pot Dispensaries

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THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Natomas medicinal marijuana dispensaries have not yet been the target of legal action by U.S. Attorney's Office.

At a press conference today in Sacramento, details were released about efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, together with its federal, state and local law enforcement partners, to enforce federal law which prohibits growing and selling marijuana. These actions include:

• bringing criminal charges against those responsible for growing marijuana and distributing in our district,
• searching grow and distribution locations,
• bringing forfeiture complaints against the properties involved,
• seizing proceeds of marijuana businesses, and
• sending notice letters to owners of properties where marijuana is being grown or sold.

Today, representatives at Natomas dispensaries Grass, MediZen and the River City Wellness Cooperative said they had not been contacted by the U.S. Attorney's office.

Last month in Sacramento, the United States seized three bank accounts maintained by two Sacramento-area marijuana stores, River City Cooperative (operating as “One Love Wellness Center”) and Mary Jane’s Wellness. According to the seizure warrants, the bank account seizures were based on cash deposits exceeding $100,000 for each store operator over several weeks.

In the case of River City Cooperative, the cash was structured into two separate accounts and, on at least one occasion, involved four broken-down cash deposits exceeding $20,000 in approximately 10 minutes. In each case, the cash was deposited into store accounts in mostly same-day and consecutive-day deposits, all in amounts below the Currency Transaction Reporting threshold of $10,001.

Neither store operator deposited cash in excess of the reporting requirement during the relevant time period.

In August, the United States filed a civil forfeiture complaint against property at 1251 Pleasant Grove Road in Rio Oso, Calif. In June, when federal and state law enforcement officers searched the property, they found a sophisticated indoor marijuana growing operation with approximately 3,244 marijuana plants under cultivation.

The forfeiture case stems from a joint federal and state investigation into a number of large-scale commercial marijuana grows in the Eastern, Northern, and Central Districts of California, operating under the pretense of cultivation for medical use. The case is related to two criminal actions alleging violations of federal drug laws and a civil forfeiture action regarding real property on Fruitridge Road in Sacramento.

According to the U.S. Attoney's office, the charges brought are only allegations, and the individuals involved are presumed innocent.

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Freeway Work Starts In Natomas

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomabuzz

Caltrans broke ground yesterday on the Interstate 80 “Across the Top” project meant to ease traffic congestion, reduce air pollution and lessen the travel time during peak commute hours on Interstate 80. 

The $133.3 million project received $53.5 million of its funding from Proposition 1B, the 2006 voter-approved transportation bond, and will create or sustain hundreds of jobs. Caltrans estimates this project will improve mobility in the Sacramento region by eliminating more than four million hours of delays that 140,000 average daily drivers accumulate annually.

“Projects like these not only reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, they help put construction contractors back to work during these tough economic times,” acting Caltrans director Malcolm Dougherty said.

When complete, this project will construct about 10 miles of bus and carpool lanes in both directions, repave the highway from West El Camino Avenue to Watt Avenue, and add approximately one mile of new auxiliary lanes from West El Camino Avenue to the Interstate 80/Interstate 5 interchange.

Bay Cities Inc. of Concord and C.C. Myers Inc. of Rancho Cordova are the primary contractors for this project. The anticipated completion date is fall 2014.

Most construction will take place at night to minimize delays for the traveling public. Caltrans urges motorists to use caution in this area and to "Slow for the Cone Zone."

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Where In Natomas?

PHOTO COURTESY CHEREE KIMBALL

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For The Family: Harvest Carnival

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

The GreenHouse's annual Harvest Carnival festival will be held later this month at Ninos Park.

Each year, more than 200 neighbors attend the family-friendly event in the Gardenland-Northgate neighborhood in Natomas.The free event includes a pumpkin patch, carnival games, special performances, bounce house, face painting, and food. 

This year's Carnival will be held 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 22 at Ninos Park, located at 705 Northfield Drive, off West El Camino Avenue.

For more information about volunteering for the carnival contact Deborah at The GreenHouse. To donate in-kind supplies, or for sponsorship information, contact Kacie. (916) 402-7978

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Matsui Fields Flood Questions

 

BY ALYSSA BLIZZARD

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Congresswoman Doris Matsui fielded several questions about area levees and flood insurance during a casual meet-and-greet held Saturday morning at the North Natomas library branch.

 

"If Natomas gets fixed, it will probably be the strongest levee system in the area," she told constituents who attended the Coffee-with-the-Congresswoman event.

 

Several residents reported being overcharged for flood insurance by lenders such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo. Matsui said her office is aware of the wrongful billing issue and is working on a fix.

Attendees also asked for updates on levee project work along Garden Highway and voiced concerns about the risk of copper theft at the project site. Matsui said the next phase of construction was pending authorization.

 

 

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New Airport Terminal Takes Off Oct. 6

 

 

 

PHOTOS BY JOE JULIO

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Sacramento-area residents got a sneak peek of the Sacramento International Airport's new Terminal B during a special community preview day held Sunday.

Participants were treated to a grand-opening tour of the terminal which officials opens Thursday. They had a chance to try out restaurants - such as Esquire Grille which had a 15-minute wait - and admire the new, eye-catching public art collection featured throughout the new terminal.

The terminal is described as huge, pristine with amazing natural lighting.

 

 

 

 

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Where In Natomas?

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For A Good Cause: School Car Wash!

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Sixth graders at Bannon Creek Elementary School in Natomas will hold a car wash to raise money for a science field trip.

The car wash is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 15 at the school which is located at 2775 Milcreek Drive. Donations will be accepted for car washes; students will also sell hot dogs, chips, soft drinks and water.

The money raised will help pay for students' field trip to the Marine Headlands.

Since 1977, Headlands Institute has partnered with the National Park Service to help connect students with the natural world through field-based science programs. Tidepools, wildflowers, unique rock formations, and trails with views of the Bay Area make the Marin Headlands the ultimate science classroom.

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Buzz Prep Report

Inderkum triumphs; Nighthawks fall

BY CHRIS SHANNON

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

The Inderkum Tigers pulled off an upset on the road Friday night by defeating the Monterey Trail Mustangs 17-6. The Tigers held the Mustangs scoreless in the second half.

Inderkum returns home next week to play the Pioneer Patriots.

Meanwhile, the Natomas Nighthawks fell on the road at the Rio Linda Knights 25-6. The Nighthawks continue play on the road next week as they visit the Yuba City Honkers.

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Meet The District Four Rep & Staff

BY BRANDY TUZON BOYD

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

When the boundaries for city Councilman Rob King Fong's district shift later this week, he will represent Natomas' River Oaks neighborhood at City Hall.

Fong told THE NATOMAS BUZZ he looked forward to the transition, adding he was excited "to embark on new projects and events that will help our office better serve our residents."

Fong is a third generation Sacramentan who graduated from McClatchy High School. The councilman practiced civil litigation and business law for several years and now works as a lobbyist and consultant with RKF Consulting.

Fong's political career started when he was elected to the Sacramento City Unified school board in 1998. He was later elected to the Sacramento City Council in March 2004 and re-elected to serve a second term in June 2008.

Effective Oct. 6, Fong's city council district boundaries will include a portion of Natomas situated off Garden Highway.

Said Fong, "I encourage my constituents to contact our office with any items they feel require our offices’ attention."

Lisa Nava is the District Director for District Four and the councilman's right-hand person. Nava sits in on all District Four meetings and will take meetings on the councilman's behalf when needed. Nava is also the primary contact for sponsorship requests, new and ongoing development projects, and oversees the day-to-day operations of the District Four office. (916) 808-7340 or LNava@cityofsacramento.org

Jessica Equihua is the Executive Assistant for District Four and also serves as the office's event coordinator. Equihua assists the District Director and encourages constituents to copy both Nava and herself on all e-mails to ensure a timely response. Equihua handles all District Four meetings, speaking engagements, invitations, special events, community workshops, and more. She plans all community events hosted by the District Four office and coordinates volunteers, internships and shadow days. Sacramento youth interested in becoming more involved in the community are encouraged to contact Equihua. (916) 808-5241 or JEquihua@cityofsacramento.org

Berenice Gallardo also works in the District Four office and helps with website updates and maintains the district's e-mail distribution list. Gallardo works with all District Four staff as liaisons to city departments to help address issues of concern. (916) 808-1917 BGallardo@cityofsacramento.org 

To be added to the District Four e-mail list, send a message to district4staff@cityosacramento.org and write “add to distribution list” in the subject line.

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Seen In Natomas: Purple Pride, Royal Ride

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

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Buzz Prep Sports Report

Click here for THE NATOMAS BUZZ high school sports coverage. 

Natomas High School School Info 

Inderkum High School School Info

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