There will be a SWAT training exercise in Creekside at 2 p.m. tomorrow.
Anyone that wants to swing by the 4900 block of Winamac is welcome.
Kids who come will be given pencils, stickers, coloring books and will have the opportunity to take photos with the SWAT team and K-9 Dogs (and officers).
Folks are invited to stick around to watch the training after which tours of the Command Post Motor Home will be offered.
Check out this video of Natomas Middle School students and their car wash fundraiser held Sunday.
Students will be raising money for the next 8 months to offset costs of a trip to Washington D.C. in Spring 2009.
The cost for each traveler is about $2,000. The goal is to get that dollar amount down low enough that any child who wants to go will have that opportunity. Sources tell THE BUZZ, the car wash was a lot of fun and a good way to keep cool on a hot day. Thanks go out to everyone who came out and supported the kids (and there were a lot of you).
PTA parents will hold a bake sale on the north steps of the capitol 9:30 a.m. to noon on Thursday, June 19, 2008.
Cupcakes will be priced at $1 billion each.
The bake sale will be held to let legislators know that PTAs cannot shoulder the proposed cuts to education and other children’s programs on their own. Other sources of revenue must be found in order to properly support our children.
The bake sale will be held by third district PTA which represents Colusa, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba Counties.
THE BUZZ has been a longtime fan of the Regal theater for the Free Family Film Festival. It's a fun-filled nine weeks of movies for kids and parents -- best of all it's FREE and in Natomas!
Selected G & PG movies start at 10a.m. each Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival.
First-come, first-served seating is limited to theater capacity.
Movies* start next week:
06/17-06/18 Rugrats The Movie (G) Nancy Drew (PG)
06/24-06/25 Rugrats In Paris: The Movie (G) Shrek The Third (PG)
07/01-07/02 Charlotte's Web (G) Flushed Away (PG)
07/08-07/09 Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (G) The Second Junglebook (PG)
07/15-07/16 Wallace And Gromit (G) Hook (PG)
07/22-07/23 Muppets Take Manhattan (G) Stuart Little (PG)
07/29-07/30 Everyone's Hero (G) Bratz (PG)
08/05-08/06 Adventures Of Pipi Longstocking (G) Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG)
Tonight, if you buy your dinner at Straw Hat Pizza and mention Natomas Middle School, a portion of the proceeds will go to raising funds for students who want to go to Washington, D.C. during the 2008-09 school year.
These kids and their families are working very hard to raise enough money to off-set the costs of the trip enough to allow any child who wants to participate the opportunity to do so and you can help...
All you have to do is get your dinner tonight from Straw Hat and when you order mention that you are supporting Natomas Middle School.
Sacramento Fire Department Arson Investigators have determined that the May 26 fire at the playground known as Fort Natomas, to be arson. Because the case is still being investigated, no other information regarding this fire will be released at this time.
Officials are asking that if anyone in the community has any information even if you feel the information may be insignificant; to please call the Sacramento Fire Department Arson Tip Line at 808-8732. Callers can remain anonymous.
There is a reward being offered by Mayor Heather Fargo and City Councilman Ray Tretheway for $5,000 to anyone with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible. Sacramento County Board of Supervisor Roger Dickinson has announced that he will contribute an additional $2,500 to the reward fund.
A website that has been set up for persons who are willing to assist in the rebuild effort of Fort Natomas at www.fortnatomas.org .
Those interested in making a financial contribution should contact:
Gifts to Share / Rebuild Fort Natomas (Tax ID No.: 94-985546) C/O Councilmember Ray Tretheway 915 I Street, Fifth Floor Sacramento, CA 95814
A community meeting has been scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Jefferson Park to discuss the Fort Natomas fire and how area residents want to proceed.
Councilman Ray Tretheway and Mayor Heather Fargo are offering a $5,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the people responsible for the fire.
If you haven't already made plans for this weekend, the neighborhood is chock full of family-friendly activities you can check out -- and they are all happening on Saturday!
The Twilight Walk for Wishes in Natomas is scheduled for next week on Sunday, May 18 at Swainson's Hawk Park.
The 'Walk for Wishes' fundraiser is held at the best time of day -- twilight!
There is no minimum fundraising amount or registration fee to participate. Just collect your donations from friends, families, co-workers and join others in an effort to raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation of Sacramento.
Want to walk with others from the neighborhood? The Natomas Park Peeps, MOMS Club of Natomas Park, and Natomas Mother's Group all have teams participating.
Registration the day of the walk is at 5:45 p.m. The walk is set to start at 6:45 p.m. For more information click here or call Amelia Marquis at 437-0206 ext. 220.
Enrollment is now under way for H. Allen Hight Elementary School -- the Natomas Unified School District's newest school which is set to open Aug. 11, 2008, and serve students in grades K-5.
A parent information meeting is scheduled for May 21 from 6:30 - 8:00 PM at Natomas Park Elementary on 4700 Crest Drive.
The new elementary school is the foundation of a $75 million learning center at 3200 North Park Drive in North Natomas that is being built with Measure D bond funds.
H. Allen Hight Elementary will feature a state-of-the-art library media center, spacious classrooms and a campus that is the first to be built in California with specialized funds for eco-friendly schools.
More information on the new school is available by calling an information line at 916.567.5700. School registration forms may be downloaded from the Student Registration page.
A second Creek Week event is set for 9 a.m. this Saturday, April 26.
Volunteers will meet at Club Center Drive, just beyond the roundabout at Maybrook Drive.
Event leader Natalie Smith will be handing out trash bags, gloves and other supplies. Safety is the first concern for those bringing children, so keep an eye on little ones and bring kitchen tongs to use instead of their hands when picking up trash.
Those who participate will get a voucher for a free T-shirt, free entrance to the Discovery Museum that day, and free entrance to the BBQ at the museum starting at noon that day.
Here at THE BUZZ we are hard pressed to think of any other post that has generated as much reader response in such a short period of time as the one about Kokomo Park.
Needless to say, this community park is at the heart of Creekside's success as a neighborhood.
Over coffee this morning, some mom-types were talking about Capt. Hahn's suggestion.
Wouldn't it be great if we could just take back the park from vandals and unruly youth, much in the same way we take back the night from sexual predators and other criminals?
Ideally, a group would be present at the park at the same time every day.
Interested in participating in such a movement? Send a message to THE BUZZ now!
Update: THE BUZZ has already received an offer from someone to be a "park mom" -- anyone else care to join in?
The Friends of the North Natomas Library will hold a FREE family event with nationally-acclaimed story Jim Weiss 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22 at the Natomas High School Theater, 3301 Fong Ranch Road.
Weiss is an award-winning storyteller whose performances have captivated audiences of all ages.
CDs for autographs will be available after the event. Click here for a pre-order form.
Applebee's and The Natomas Mothers' Group will host a Flapjack Fundraiser 8 to 10 a.m. on August 9 at Applebee's, 3601 Truxel Road. Tickets are $6/person. Breakfast includes all the pancakes you can eat, plus a side of bacon and a drink. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance at the community meeting on July 19 or by e-mail. Volunteers are still needed to work the breakfast, please e-mail if interested.
ASK CAPT. HAHN:
"HOW HAS LIFE CHANGED SINCE YOUR MOVE TO CAPTAIN?" In March I took over the North Command after running the Special Investigations Division for over two years. I was thrilled to come back to the Patrol Division as a Captain because I think it is one of the best assignments in the whole department. A patrol captain impacts the core function of the police department - Officers on the street handling calls and neighborhood issues. Also, as captain, I get to do what I enjoy the best - work with the community on a daily basis. The added bonus for me was to come back to the North station where I worked for so many years and reconnect with so many great neighborhood leaders that I previously worked with in North Sacramento and Del Paso Heights. This time around I have also met some tremendous people in Natomas that remind me everyday what it means to make a difference in our neighborhoods. It is great to be able to work in a job where you can actually impact lives and make a difference. It is my priveledge to work with the community of Natomas and be part of a team that will continue making Natomas a great place to live. We will always have challenges, but we have also seen many successes.
CRIME FORUM INFO:
Click here to view handouts from the community crime forum held at Inderkum High School.
NATOMAS COPS LOG:
7/16/089:38 p.m., Armed RobberyGolden Dragon, 4251 Truxel (N. Natomas)3 Suspects (male black 18-20 years old, black clothing) attempted to rob the victim in the parking lot of her cell phone and money. Victim fled from the suspects before they could get anything. They were armed with a long gun (possible a shotgun or rifle). They fled the area once the victim ran away. No injuries and attempt only.10:42 p.m., Robbery4200 Block of Norwood Ave (Robla)The victim was robbed of her purse - this was most likely the same suspects - with a long gun. 7/14/089:12 p.m., Arrests2700 Stonecreek Drive (South Natomas)The SWAT team was working the area of Truxel/W. El Camino regarding the recent robberies. They arrested two subjects (both 29 years old) that were loitering in the area of Stonecreek Drive One was for a warrant and parole violation and the other was also for warrants (warrants were for drugs, stolen vehicle, and spousal abuse).7/12/082:12 a.m., Fight & Shots Fired4630 Natomas Blvd (North Natomas)We received a call of 30-40 subjects fighting and about five gunshots heard at the Tuk Tuk Restaurant. Officers responded with their lights/sirens and got there in three minutes. Most of the people were gone when officers arrived and there were no victims left on scene. Another call came in that several Male Black Adults and Male Asian Adults were in a car at the Shell Station and had a gun and tire iron in the trunk. No one was arrested and no victims were found. Tuk Tuk has a new Entertainment Permit and we will be talking with the owners to ensure this does not become the norm at this location.7/11/0810:15 p.m., Narcotic/Warrant Arrest Northview/Northfield, (Northgate/S. Natomas)Officers were addressing issues in a nearby park regarding drinking and smoking drugs. This is also the area of some of the recent robberies. Officers conducted a probation search of a nearby apartment and arrested 3 people (2 males/1 female ages: 20, 29, 34) - 2 for narcotic charges and 1 for warrants. The officers that worked this were from swing shift patrol (Allen Perez & Stone), and graveyard patrol (Troy Hawley & Ben Spencer) and from POP (Raul Bacerra, Mohammed Rafiq, John Montoya and Chris Shippen). This area is an ongoing project for POP Officers Montoya and Oliver for narcotic sales and the recent robberies.5:40 p.m., Burglary/Resisting arrest2751 Del Paso Rd (Creekside)Suspect (Male black adult, 52 years old, lives in S. Natomas) entered Rite Aid and began to put small items in his pockets (ie perfume, batteries etc.). Security called police at 5:40 pm and officers arrived within 7 minutes. The suspect was still in the store when officers arrived. The suspect soon exited the store and fled from officers on a red bicycle. Officer Allen Perez chased the suspect on foot, but was slowly losing the race. Officer Sean Cunningham cut off the suspect behind Hollywood Video and he was taken into custody.
Home Invasion Update
Detective Chris Starr (Former North POP Officer) conducted more follow up on one of the recent Home Invasion Robberies in North Natomas from 6/24/08 (Tynebourne St). He identified another suspect (18 year old) and the suspect was arrested for home Invasion. Another suspect in Custody!!!
7-10-086:15 a.m., Robbery,San Juan/Smoke Tree Drive (South Natomas)Male victim was waiting at the bus stop when suspect approached him (Male Black adult, late 20's, 6'00", 200 lbs). Suspect demanded money and then punched victim a couple of times. Suspect also acted like there was a weapon in his pocket but none was seen. Suspect took the victim's bag and fled to a silver SUV. We later recovered the bag and the SUV in another location in South Natomas. The investigation is ongoing. 9:18 a.m., Strong Arm Robbery Attempt4640 Natomas Blvd (North Natomas)Victim (Juvenile) was inside Jamba Juice with a friend (Juvenile). 3 suspects (All 15 years old) approached the victim and strong arm (no weapon) robbed the victim of his cell phone and hand held video game. They attempted to rob the victim's friend of his cell phone before they were scared off by an employee of Jamba Juice. SRO Officer Mike Frazier (School Resource Officer from McClatchy) and SRO Officer George Gomez (School Resource Officer from Natomas H.S.) were in the area on directed patrol regarding the robberies that have recently occurred. They ultimately found the 3 suspects in a nearby apartment complex. All three were arrested for robbery - two were on probation - one of which had an ankle monitor. **Note** The SRO's have been working the Natomas area during the summer time in response to the recent Home Invasions and robberies in the area.11:42 am, Attempt Burglary
00-99 block of Devri Ct (South Natomas near Azevedo/San Juan)Two suspects (male black juveniles 5'11" to 6'0") knocked on victims door. Victim didn't respond so the suspects jumped the fence. They also were seen doing the same thing to other houses in the area. Officers arrived quickly and the suspects ran away from the officers on foot. They jumped numerous fences ultimately getting away from officers. Reminder - keep an eye out for this type of activity in your neighborhood and call the police, don't open the door, and make sure they know you are home. Good job by the victim in calling the police!
Some great examples of how a good relationship and communication between the Natomas Community and the Police Department can prevent crime and major issues:
* Last week I received information from the Natomas BUZZ regarding a possible party. This was the group that threw the parties at Northgate/Del Paso RD. The new locations was supposed to be at Forrest St/Del Paso BLVD. Officers responded around 8:30 pm on Saturday (7/5/08) and stopped the illegal party before it could get going - therefore likely avoiding some of the problems that have occurred at Northgate/Del Paso Rd. - Great assist by the Buzz.
* A couple of neighbors had 2-3 subjects (Male Black Juveniles 15-17) knock on their doors in the Alvoca Wy. area of Regency Park. These kids would ask the resident if they wanted their lawn mowed - they didn't have a lawn mower and some of the lawns had been freshly mowed. Not only did these residents call the police, but they also got it posted on Robs list. They also didn't open the doors (talked to the kids through the door). Officer Micaela Conover and Gabriel Lamar responded and were on scene in less then 20 minutes. Unfortunately the kids were gone and hopefully they really were looking for lawn work. The important thing is the neighbors did exactly the right thing - Great work.
7/9/08Afternoon,Traffic Enforcement POP Officer John Banks wrote 6 traffic citations in the area of Del Paso Rd/Natomas Blvd. in response to traffic complaints.7/7/08 1:45 am, Armed RobberySavemart, 3291 Truxel Rd (South Natomas)Victim was walking in the parking lot of Savemart when two male black adults approached with handguns. They took personal items including a cell phone and left in a white Oldsmobile or Buick.
7/6/08Interesting circumstances
Remember on a recent daily it was mentioned that graveyard patrol officers responded to the illegal warehouse party (6/28/08) at Northgate/Del Paso Rd. This was the party that Sheriffs requested our assistance with an unruly party where shots were fired and someone was brandishing a gun. Our graveyard officers located the car that was supposedly brandishing the gun and stopped in the same area. They located a stolen gun in the car and arrested one of the occupants (16 year old) for possessing the stolen gun.
Guess what?
Officers Brian Surjan and David Eagleton (Graveyard officers in Del Paso Heights) stopped a different car on Sunday (7/6/08) morning @ 2:42 am at Ford Rd/Rio Linda Blvd (Del Paso Heights). Some of the same subjects from the stop on 6/28/08 at Northgate/Del Paso Rd were in this car also. They found another subject who had a gun in this car (18 year old) and an additional subject (15 year old) who had a couple of bullets in his possession. The 18 year old was arrested for possessing the gun and the 15 year old was arrested for the bullets.
7/3/08Dayshift, Traffic EnforcementW. El Camino/Truxel (South Natomas)Traffic team worked this area and had the following results:46 citations and three 30-day tows.7/1/081:45 am, Armed RobberyNatomas Village Apts (South Natomas)Two male black juveniles (both with black hoodies and one with gold teeth) approached the male and female victims. They both had guns and they took the victims wallet and cell phone.Dayshift, Traffic EnforcementTwo traffic teams worked the following areas in response to the home invasion/robbery crimes: W. El Camino, Azevedo, San Juan/Northgate, W. El Camino/Truxel. They had the following results: 76 Traffic Citations, 5 30-day tows.1:53 a.m., Armed Robbery3200 Block of TruxelVictim was in front of the apartment complex when 2 suspects (Male Black Juveniles with hooded sweatshirts on), pointed a gun and robbed the victim of his cell phone and other personal property.
Home Invasion/Robbery Update:
Officers Ethan Hanson and Eric Ave-Lallemant arrested a suspect on Tuesday that is possibly associated with some of the recent robberies. Another suspect was arrested on Wednesday by patrol and PIT (Parole Intervention Team) who is possibly related to the robbery series. This brings the total to 6 suspects arrested. Unfortunately there are still more suspects that have not been arrested. More to follow at the community meeting on Monday.
6/30/08 7:55 p.m., Crime Series Arrest3721 Truxel (Shell Gas Station)Officers Justin Hanks and Eric Ave-Llalemant were working directed patrol re: the recent robberies and home invasion. They stopped several subjects in a car and arrested another suspect in one of the home invasions. That brings the total to 8 suspects arrested.
6/24/089:55 a.m., Home Invasion Robbery4500 block of Tynebourne (Westlake)Two male black adults entered residence and stole personal property at gunpoint. They fled the residence on foot. They entered through the front door.1:40 p.m., Home Invasion Robbery4000 block of Innovator Drive (Natomas Crossing)Victim came home and parked in her garage and entered her house. She thought she closed the garage door when the suspect (male black adult) confronted her inside her residence. He hit her (minor injuries) and fled with the victims purse.
Update on home invasions on Brynmar Court (6/4/08) and Turnstone Drive (6/7/08) These are the two robberies where the suspect attempted to force the victims back into their cars. The possible vehicle descriptions on these robberies are as follows:1. Chevy Suburban, Silver with dark (possibly black) on the lower portion on the sides (ie two toned - silver over black).2. 2000'ish Chevy Trailblazer - Gold colored. Keep an eye out for suspicious acting people and vehicles. We are following up several possible leads on a lot of these robberies and can always use tips on suspicious acting people and cars. If you see cars wondering the neighborhood acting suspicious or subjects in the neighborhood that are up to no good - call us at either 911 or 264-5471. Also, get license plates on cars and pass them to us. Any thing (even if it looks little) might help us catch these guys and stop this rash of armed robberies. Obviously there are other suspects out there outside of the 4 we caught this past weekend - we will catch them - hopefully very soon!!
6/23/089:15 a.m., Home Invasion Robbery4900 block of Winamac (Creekside)Suspects (at least 2 male black juveniles) entered victims garage. Victim was in her garage with the door open when suspects entered. They robbed her of personal belongings and fled on foot and possibly got into a blue or greenish vehicle.6/21/08
Great Arrest by Patrol and POP OfficersDay Shift Patrol officer Matt Garcia did some great investigative work and identified one suspect in one of the recent robberies/home invasions. After Patrol/POP began looking for this suspect, POP Officer Scott Blynn found him. That also led to the arrest of several other suspects (4 all together) that are probably responsible for several of the recent robberies in North and South Natomas. Several POP, swing shift and graveyard patrol officers worked on these arrests late on Saturday night and early Sunday morning.6-20-082:30 a.m., Vehicle Burglary Suspects Arrested1700 Bannon Creek (South Natomas)We received a call regarding two subjects attempting to break into cars but the alarms were going off. Eventually the suspects actually broke into a vehicle and fled the area just prior to officers arrival. Officers spotted the suspects car a little later and attempted to stop it. Only 1 suspect was in the car and eventually stopped in the area of Arden Fair. The suspect was arrested by Sgt. Laura Chases Graveyard officers Jyotis Hasegawa and Ben Spencer. The suspects stole a DVD player from the car.5:30 p.m., Home Invasion Robbery2200 block of Sandcastle (South Natomas)3 male black and 1 male Hispanic juvenile (15-16 years old) entered female victims house when she opened the garage door. One was armed with a handgun. Suspects took personal items from her house and fled.7:13 p.m., Robbery at GunpointDel Paso Road/Carey Road
Two victims were walking away from AM/PM @ Northgate/Del Paso Rd. when the 4 suspects (1. male black w/ braids, 2. male black juvenile with a ski mask, 3. male Hispanic adult, 4. male black juvenile) pulled up in a red car. They robbed one victim of his cell phone while pointing a gun at him.7:46 p.m., Robbery at GunpointStonecreek/W. El Camino (South Natomas)Three victims walking in the area were robbed by two suspects (male black juveniles) as they pointed a gun at the victims. The suspects possible fled from a nearby apartment complex in a burgundy car. The suspects took personal belongings from the victims.8:50 p.m., Home Invasion Robbery800 block of San Juan apartments (South Natomas)2 male black adults (1. dread locks and muscular build, 2. bald head) entered victims apartment and forced them to leave. They took personal items from inside apartment. At least one suspect was armed with a gun.
COURTESY SACRAMENTO POLICE Capt. DANIEL HAHN
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