What Are You Doing For National Night Out?

National Night Out is coming up on August 5 and THE BUZZ was wondering what our Natomas neighbors are going to be doing...

Click on "comments" below and share your neighborhood's plans for America's Night Out Against Crime!

City To Support Natomas Police Resource Center

Mayor Heather Fargo last night announced city officials have agreed to sign a lease that will allow a Police Resource Center to open in North Natomas.

The resource center -- a project of the North Natomas Crime & Safety Leadership Team -- will be in the Town Center shopping center (think Safeway) owned by Lewis Planned Communities. Plans are to locate the center in the storefront formerly occupied by Hot Dog Music, next door to Hollywood Video.

Lewis Planned Communities donated the store space for free, but the space needed to be insured by whomever signed the lease.

"The insurance component has been a big hurdle for the leadership team to overcome," says Angelique Ashby, Creekside Neighborhood Association prez and member of the safety team.

According to Ashby, the team reached out to Fargo and asked for her help with the insurance issue. At last night's Creekside meeting, Fargo announced talks with City Manager Ray Kerridge resulted in an agreement the city would sign the resource center lease.

The center will include resources for the community such as computers where area residents can file an online police reports or pick up neighborhood watch information. Sacramento police officer Kurt McCray, who helps coordinate area neighborhood watch efforts, is expected to be at the center one day a week.

The city's Neighborhood Services division is also slated to have a presence at the center. Efforts are underway to get code enforcement and a youth services component at the center.

Team reps say the police resource center is not meant to replace plans for a police substation in the North Natomas neighborhood. The city currently has long-term plans to build a combination fire and police station on the west side.

Volunteers will be needed to help staff the new police resource center which is expected to open some time in August. Look for it!

Heard In The Neighborhood

Air conditioning units are being reported vandalized (for parts and materials) and stolen from vacant, foreclosed properties...

See something that looks suspicious at a foreclosed home in your neighborhood?

Try calling the selling agent first to see if they are aware of the activities -- if it's adamantly denied, call 911 from a land line or 916/732-0100 from a cell phone to report a crime in progress!

As Promised: Robberies At A Glance

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Last Night Was Awesome

Photo by Jonathan Burke.
As a Natomas resident for nearly seven years, THE BUZZ thinks the community meeting last night kicked it!

The standing-room only 450+ crowd more than demonstrated how north, south, east and west neighborhoods will come together in the face of adversity. From the Guardian Angels to KJ, seems like everyone was there...

We don't pretend to have the answers to why teens are (a) getting their hands on firearms and (b) sticking up people for cell phones, but we do agree with Capt. Hahn that community can be a force for change.

As promised at last night's meeting, we will be posting copies of the handouts some time today.

p.s. Anyone else notice Natomas on the front page of the Sac Bee this morning? F-i-n-a-l-l-y.

What's Been Going On?

Now that the local media has picked up the story about the recent series of armed robberies here in Natomas, THE BUZZ wanted to give our readers a recap of what's been going on to date, and what they should expect to hear at tonight's community meeting on the topic.

So we chatted at length this morning with police Capt. Daniel Hahn who initiated the meeting with Creekside HOA president Angelique Ashby after noticing an unusual spike in violent crimes throughout Natomas neighborhoods.

"A significant number of these home invasions and robberies were in broad daylight," says Hahn. "There were no commonalities on the victims. They were male, female, black, white, young and old."

Between June 1 and June 24, Sac PD recorded more than two dozen separate robberies including :

• 15 home invasion robberies. Of those nine were at apartments and six at houses.
• Five of these were through open garage doors and the victims were women ages 29 to 68. Four of these occurred between 1:40 p.m. and 5 p.m. and one was at 9:18 a.m.
• In 6 cases, the suspect knocked on the door, the victim opened the door and the suspect rushed in brandishing a firearm. Most of these occurred at night.
• Two of the 15 home invasion robbery victims were actually hit during the crime.
• Items taken included money, purses, cellular phones and laptops.
• Suspects had guns in all 15 cases.

Also of note during the same time period:

• 14 robberies, 11 of which were with guns and one with a knife. No weapons were seen by the victims in two of the incidents.
• Two of the 14 victims were assaulted.
• More than half these robberies occurred during daylight hours, between 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. One robbery was late at night and the other five in the morning between 3 and 11 a.m.
• Four of the robberies were in the Northgate/West El Camino area.
• Nine of the 14 robberies were successful, the other five were not and have been classified as attempted robberies.

In some of the above-mentioned incidents, the difference between the crimes was simply geography. If a victim was standing in their garage, for example, that crime was considered a home-invasion robbery. If they were on the sidewalk in front of their home, it was not.

After a run of about two incidents a day there have been no home-invasion robberies since a week ago Tuesday and there has been only one street robbery on June 27, where the suspect snatched a cellular phone, but tonight's community meeting is going forward as planned.

"That's the way we are going to catch these guys in partnership with the community."

Capt. Hahn warns area residents should not get too hung up on the suspect descriptions now circulating. The important thing to pay attention to is peoples' actions.

"The biggest thing people can do to help themselves and help us is to trust your instincts," says Hahn. "The car acting weird, the guy who's on the street and seems to be watching houses and looking in windows, at least write down license plate numbers."

To date, Hahn reports police investigations have led to the arrest of seven people in connection with the series of robberies in Natomas. And although police believe these suspects -- all ages 15 to 19 years old -- are linked to many of the crimes, they have not arrested everyone responsible.

Hahn believes these arrests have put a damper on the robbery spree and that is why police are seeing fewer incidents in recent days. He hopes raised community awareness will send a message to criminals that Natomas is not easy pickings.

"Crime is not up in Natomas," says Hahn. "This is a dramatic spike in robberies and it's very unusual."

OMG* -- I Might Faint!

First THE BUZZ gets an e-mail from someone at Fox 40 asking for information about the series of home-invasion robberies here in Natomas and then we get a breaking news alert from the Sac Bee about Sac PD hosting a community meeting tonight on the topic!

But we already knew that, right? Stay tuned...

*OMG = Oh, My God

Back With A Vengeance!

Shots Fired At Illegal Dance Club

NATOMAS BUZZ readers may recall our story about the illegal teen dance club at Del Paso Road and Northgate a few months back.

Well, a large party held at -- or very near -- the same venue over the weekend got out of hand and ended with multiple shots being fired.

The warehouse in question is located within the bounds of Sacramento County and the Sheriff's Department first responded to the call of a large, unruly party around 11:50 p.m. Saturday.

"There were numerous shots fired in the area and they called for backup from us," reports Sacramento police Capt. Daniel Hahn. "We sent several patrol officers to assist."

Cars leaving the area drove to the Fry's Electronics and In-and-Out Burger parking lots and Sheriff's deputies located a vehicle at the In-and-Out burger parking lot with fresh bullet holes in the side.

Law enforcement officers determined someone in a car had brandished a handgun at the AM/PM gas station located at Northgate Boulevard and Del Paso Road, across the street from the infamous warehouse.

The car was stopped at Del Paso Rd and Main Avenue and officers found approximately five people inside along with a stolen handgun. A juvenile was arrested for possessing the weapon.

"Last time this county location cropped up with illegal parties in the warehouse, our watch commander contacted the Sheriff's watch commander and the Sheriff's watch commander acted quickly and the parties were shut down," says Hahn. "There were also several (community members who) contacted county officials regarding this issue that also helped bring an end to these parties."

"We will make contact with the Sheriff's Department on the latest issue and expect to get this under control quickly like last time."

All The Deats

The official flier for Monday's community meeting about Natomas crime...

Looks like Mayor Fargo and Councilman Tretheway will be on hand.

Be There Or Be Scared: Home Invasion Spree Subject Of Natomas Community Meeting

Updated Thursday, June 26 at 5:05 p.m.

When one or more home invasion robberies are committed in Natomas on a daily basis, that warrants someone's attention.

Even if "the media" have failed to report on this recent phenomena, Natomas-area bloggers and Sac PD have not let it go unnoticed.

THE BUZZ got word this morning that a community meeting is in the works for Monday evening, so go ahead and mark your calendars NOW!

Neighbors, let's take back Natomas together!

Sent this morning by police Capt. Hahn:

The Natomas (both North and South) community/neighborhood associations and the Police Department will be hosting a community meeting on 6:30 p.m. Monday at Inderkum H.S. regarding the recent rash of Home Invasion robberies and street robberies.

We do not have a location confirmed as of yet, but wanted to let you know the date/time so you could put it on your calendars.

This is a very important meeting where we will provide details on these crimes, update you on the progress of our investigations, and provide safety tips to residents.

I look forward to seeing you there and please invite your communities - Together we will put an end to these very serious crimes.

Captain Daniel Hahn
Sacramento Police Department
Patrol Division - North Command
3550 Marysville Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95838
(916) 566-6401
dhahn@pd.cityofsacramento.org

Stats Show North Natomas Crime Is Going Down

Source: Sacramento Police Department

Except for "unspecified robberies," Sac PD reports crime is down, and total crime is down 17.6% in the first five months of this year compared to last year.
The community's vigilance in working with the additional officers in Natomas is paying off," says Daniel Roth, District Director for Councilmember Ray Tretheway.

Are You Kidding Me?

This is killing us!

We received a Sac Bee breaking news e-mail alert police seek the suspect pictured here in this sketch. The item was actually posted on Sacto 9-1-1, the Bee's own crime blog at 4:49 p.m. on June 19.

This same information was posted on NATOMAS BUZZ more than a week ago on June 11. What is up with that?!

Wikipedia defines "news" -- as in newspaper -- as follows:

News is any new information or information on current events which is presented by print, broadcast, Internet, or word of mouth to a third party or mass audience. News, the reporting of current information on television and radio, and in newspapers and magazines.

Be On The Lookout: Suspect Sketch Released

Sac PD today released a sketch of the suspect wanted for the two robberies earlier this month, on Brynmar Court and Turnstone Drive, where the suspect tried to force the female victims into their vehicles.

In other crime-related news, the following incidents were reported today:

6/16/08
10:30 p.m., Stolen Vehicle arrest
Pelican/Penasco (Northgate area)
Officers located a stolen vehicle being driven in the area. Once they got the car stopped, the passenger fled on foot. He was caught by the officers. The suspect (male adult - 26 years old) was arrested for driving a stolen vehicle. Stolen vehicle was a white 1995 Toyota Camry.

6/16/08
3 p.m. Robbery/Car Jacking
2954 Flora Springs Way (Gateway West)
Suspects ordered a pizza and the pizza delivery driver arrived at the above house. This house is vacant. Upon arrival they robbed, at gun point, the driver of personal belongings and his car and fled the area in his car. The suspects are 1. Male black 6'0", 200lbs. 2. Male Black 5'7". 3. Male black (all in their 20's). The stolen vehicle is a Dark Blue 2001 Toyota Corolla, 4 door, license plate # 4NKM489. This car is still stolen and not recovered.

6/16/08
2 p.m., Armed Robbery,
4700 Truxel, behind Kohl's (Natomas Park)
Female victim was walking on the sidewalk when a dark blue 4-door car (all tinted windows) pulled up. Two suspects got out and robbed her of her purse at gun point. Suspects fled in the car. Suspects 1. male black, 20's, 6'2", 180 lbs, muscular build, black t-shirt, #2 male black 20's, black shirt and black shorts. There were other suspects in the car also. This is probably related to the above robbery.

6/17/08
5:25 p.m., Home Invasion Robbery,
2750 Stonecreek Drive apartment complex (South Natomas)
2 male black and 1 male hispanic (with mask) entered the unlocked door of victims apartment. They robbed him of personal belongings at gun point. Fled on foot.

"Keep your eyes open and by all means call in suspicious activity!"

-Captain Daniel Hahn

We're Not Going To Take It -- Anymore!

Send Criminals A Message

On August 5 neighborhoods throughout Sacramento are invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “25th Annual National Night Out” crime and drug prevention event.

From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., residents throughout the nation are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police.

National Night Out is designed to:

• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
• Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs;
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
• Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Many neighborhoods throughout Sacramento will be hosting a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, ice cream socials, bike rodeos, parades, visits from the police and dignitaries, flashlight walks, contests, youth activities and anti-crime rallies.

Click here for the National Night Out application form! The deadline for applications and street closure forms is July 25!

Too Bad They Don't Read NATOMASBUZZ.COM

Looks like our friends in the media finally got wind the "straw hat bandit" suspect -- believed to have robbed the bank inside Raley's, among others -- was arrested on Monday.

Today, both KCRA.com and cbs13.com are reporting the story we posted Tuesday about the Sac PD and Sac County Sheriff's teaming up to catch, and arrest, the suspect.

Michael Osgood, 47, has been arrested on suspicion of seven Sacramento-area bank robberies and one Stockton-area bank robbery dating back to late April.

Kudos for getting another one off the streets, and making Sactown that much safer...

Have You Seen This Man?

Police Seek Public’s Help to ID Home Invasion Robber


On June 1 at 3:39 p.m. the Sacramento Police Department responded to the area of Duckhorn Drive and Far Niente Way, in North Sacramento, to investigate a home invasion robbery.

The victim was on her phone, inside the residence, when she heard the beeping from her alarm system, letting her know that a door was open. Approximately 2-3 minutes later, the suspect approached her with a black semi-automatic firearm and held her at gunpoint. During the robbery, handguns and small electronics were stolen. The suspect left through the front door.

The suspect was seen leaving the area in a white newer model 4-door luxury car.

The suspect was described as a Male Black Adult, 18 – 25 years old, with a dark complexion. He is between 5’-10” and 6’0” in height and weighs between 190 and 200 pounds. He was wearing a purple and black shirt and a headband over his eyes and ears.

Anyone with information about this crime or the identity of this robber is urged to contact CRIME ALERT at (916) 443-HELP. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.

Woot! Armed Bank Robber ARRESTED

On April 30, at 3:15 p.m. the Tri-Counties Bank branch located inside Raley's, 4650 Natomas Blvd. was robbed by a guy wearing a straw hat. Less than a month later, on May 21 Citibank, 436 Howe, was robbed by the same guy. Several other bank robberies in the County were also linked to the same suspect.

Yesterday, the suspect attempted to rob the bank at Watt/El Camino and then successfully robbed the U.S. Bank at Watt/Arden.

Sac PD's K-9 Officer called his Sheriff's K-9 Officer counterpart and told him the description of the suspects car from the earlier robbery.

The Sheriff's K-9 Officer spotted that car in the area of the Citibank robbery, stopped it and the suspect inside was arrested.

"Great work between SPD and SSD and good prevention work on behalf of the bank at Watt/Arden - this robbery was unsuccessful because of quick thinking employees," says police Capt. Daniel Hahn.

And Speaking Of Fire...

According to Councilman Ray Thretheway's office, whether or not the Fort Natomas playground at Jefferson Park will be rebuilt a second time remains up in the air at this point.

The Sacramento Parks & Rec Department is still conducting its assessment of the second arson and how to proceed. THE BUZZ is told both Sac PD and Sac Fire will be a part of this process to decide the future of Fort Natomas, along area residents and the Councilman's office.

Keep in mind, there is still a $7,500 reward being offered for the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the arson.

A rep from Trethway's office says, "If somebody knows anything, whether they think it is significant or not, give fire investigators a call and let them know. Some people say things seem meaningless, and sometimes money is that great push."

Anyone with information about the playground fire is asked to call the Sacramento Fire Department's arson tip line at (916) 808-8732.

Inderkum H.S. Truancy Center On The Chopping Block

The Sac Bee is reporting this morning that funding for the attendance center at Inderkum High School in North Natomas -- along with other social services -- is on the chopping block.

The attendance center is one of three located at local schools including Luther Burbank High School and C.K. McClatchy High School.

The Attendance Center program is a partnership between the Sacramento Police Department, the Sacramento City Unified School District, the Natomas Unified School District, the Office of Youth Development, Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance (DHA), and several community-based organizations to address the root cause of truancy among students.

The Sacramento City Council provided $245,800 in funding to the Attendance Center program, through the new Office of Youth Development, to provide truancy prevention and intervention services to at risk students.

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors is providing $135,000 from the general fund money to site a DHA social worker at Inderkum High School, while DHA is providing the same amount of money from their CalWORKs funding to site a social worker at Luther Burbank High School.

School truancy is one of several patterns of behavior known to increase the likelihood of delinquency. A goal of the Attendance Center program is to ensure students complete their education and avoid delinquent behavior.

A Look At North Natomas Burglaries

According to Sac PD Capt. Daniel Hahn, burglaries are down for this year as a whole for North Natomas but there has been a distinct spike in burglaries in the area in recent weeks.

As of May 21, there had been over 10 burglaries over a two-week period.

• Most occurred north of Club Center Drive.
• Almost all are during daylight hours.
• 1/3 are via unlocked doors, windows etc.
• Methods of entry consist of windows and a couple of pried sliding doors.
• Things taken are usually TVs, DVDs, cameras, jewelry etc.

Capt. Hahn reports alarms, wooden dowels in sliding doors/windows, security cameras, and great neighbors all help to prevent and solve burglaries.

"As I have said before, neighbors who trust their instincts and call police or write down license plate numbers that just don't seem right is what helps us catch the crooks," he adds.

"You know what is out of place...This will probably be how we put an end to this latest spike in burglaries." -Capt. Hahn