natomas buzz: literacy

Showing posts with label literacy. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

New Library Construction Stalls

Remember when the North Natomas Library project broke ground?

Wondering why the ground isn't a "little more broken" at this point?

According to the Friends of the North Natomas Library website, the construction bid has been contested and is now in arbitration.

Stay tuned...

Update from Councilman Ray Tretheway's office:

"We have finished the mediation and are prepared to award the contract. The contract will come before council next Tuesday, June 17, with plans to begin construction meetings by the end of the month and construction as soon as possible.

Unfortunately the bid protest did delay the beginning of construction, but we are still on target for the grand opening by December, 2009."

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Cool Beans

The North Natomas Library has a commercial posted on YouTube -- check it out!

Get it? Check it out -- like a library book?

Sorry, it's late...

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Everybody Loves A Sale

The North Natomas Friends of the Library is scheduled to hold its 4th annual book sale on May 17 -- the group's biggest fund-raiser of the year!

Those who have books they would like to donate may do so at the following locations:

Starbucks near Oshima Sushi off of Truxel
Starbucks in the Natomas Marketplace near WalMart
Starbucks off of Arena near BelAir
It's A Grind off of Del Paso
North Natomas Library branch

To volunteer for this worthy event, contact Shirley Cooper.

Click on flier for more information.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Storytelling Event Coming Up!

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.

Friday, April 4, 2008

New Library Has Broken Ground!

Sacramento City Council representative
Ray Trethway addresses the crowd.

Library board with Mayor Heather Fargo
breaks ground at library site in North Natomas.

North Natomas branch librarian Suzie
reads a story to youngsters who attended yesterday's festivities.

Here are some photographs from the North Natomas Library groundbreaking ceremony held yesterday, courtesy Beth Mahony of Natomas Printing! Thanks, Beth!

Sunday, March 30, 2008

The Library Is Coming! The Library Is Coming!

Mayor Heather Fargo, Councilmember Ray Tretheway and the Sacramento Public Library will celebrate the groundbreaking for the future North Natomas Library this Thursday, April 3 at 10 a.m.

Located next to Inderkum High School, this new 22,645-square-foot facility will eventually feature 140,585 books and audio-visual materials, 49 open access computer stations, four express checkout stations, a computer lab with 36 computer stations, and a mobile lab with 20 wireless notebooks.

In addition, a distinct teen space and a separate children's room will allow Natomas-area youth a place to gather, learn and do homework.

Community members will be able to use a multi-purpose room that can seat up to 75 people.

Click here for the official flier.

Monday, March 24, 2008

North Natomas Library Art Selected

The official groundbreaking ceremony for the new North Natomas library branch is scheduled for April 3.

The Art in Public places committee has chosen the artist and the sculpture that will represent the facility.

Local Sacramento artist, Joe Scarpa's “Author’s Of Our Own Destiny” has been selected.

Scarpa is the creator of "Port of Call: Earth" a metal sculpture found at Southside Park.

Click here to read a description of Scarpa's library piece.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Mark Calendars for FOL Event!

Mark your calendars now for the next Friends of the North Natomas Library-sponsored event set for 6:30 to 8 p.m. on April 22 at the Natomas High School Theater.

Celebrated storyteller Jim Weiss will be on hand to captivate your imagination.

This FREE event is open to the public! CD recordings of Weiss' stories will available for purchase at the event with a portion of the receipts to be donated to the Friends of the Library.

Interested in ordering your CDs in advance? Drop by the North Natomas Library branch for an order form.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Read Across...

Barnes & Noble will celebrate Read Across America 2008 and Dr. Seuss' birthday during its weekly story time this Saturday, March 1 at 11 a.m. Children's Section supervisor Miss Kiki will read Dr. Seuss stories and promises a special snack.

Read Across Natomas is back for the 4th year. Both North and South Natomas library branches will host Read Across Natomas/Dr. Seuss birthdays. The North Natomas party will also be on Saturday, March 1 from 2 to 4 p.m. The South Natomas party is scheduled for March 3 at 6:30 p.m.

Heron School will host a Family Reading Night on Monday, March 3 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the multi purpose room. The evening will feature story telling, a poetry cafe, crafts and refreshments.

Monday, February 18, 2008

North Natomas Library Scheduled To Break Ground This Spring

The uncertainty over the Governor's budget and the Army Corps of Engineers' findings regarding area levees have left North Natomas library officials all on tenterhooks.

That said, construction of the library is scheduled to proceed and the City of Sacramento has gone out to bid on the project (the bids are due back on February 27th). A groundbreaking ceremony is set to take place on April 3.

You can read more about North Natomas library construction click here! THE BUZZ has posted a graphic rendering of the project here.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Read Across Natomas Coming!

Natomas Reads!, made up of representatives from organizations and businesses in the Natomas community, is organizing the third annual READ ACROSS NATOMAS in conjunction with the National Education Association’s (NEA) Read Across America celebration.

Originally created as a one-day event to celebrate reading on Dr. Seuss’s birthday, March 2, NEA’s Read Across America has grown into a nationwide initiative that promotes reading every day.

The focus of the event is to promote literacy in the Natomas area which, in turn, promotes a sense of community.

The North Natomas library branch will host a Dr. Seuss birthday party March 1 at 2 p.m. with birthday cake and books to kick-off Read Across Natomas.

Monday, February 11, 2008

North Natomas Library Book Club

The North Natomas Library sponsors a monthly book club.

For the group's Feb. 28 meeting, the book selection is Stones from the River by Ursula Hegi.

Set in set in a fictional town in Germany, Hegi traces the life of a virtual outcast between and during the two World Wars.

For more information on this book you can view a synopsis of the book on the library's Book Club site by clicking here.

The Book Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. at It's A Grind, 2731 Del Paso Road.

Need a copy of the book list for this year? Click here!

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.

NATOMAS COPS LOG:

7/16/08

9:38 p.m., Armed Robbery

Golden 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., Robbery 4200 Block of Norwood Ave (Robla) The victim was robbed of her purse - this was most likely the same suspects - with a long gun.

7/14/08

9:12 p.m., Arrests

2700 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).

7/12/08

2:12 a.m., Fight & Shots Fired

4630 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. 7/11/08

10:15 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 arrest

2751 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!!!

7-10-08

6:15 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 Attempt

4640 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.

7/9/08

Afternoon,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 Robbery

Savemart, 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.

7/6/08
Interesting 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.

7/3/08

Dayshift, Traffic Enforcement

W. El Camino/Truxel (South Natomas)

Traffic team worked this area and had the following results: 46 citations and three 30-day tows.

7/1/08

1:45 am, Armed Robbery

Natomas 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 Enforcement

Two 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 Robbery

3200 Block of Truxel

Victim 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 Arrest

3721 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.

6/24/08

9:55 a.m., Home Invasion Robbery

4500 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 Robbery

4000 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!!

6/23/08

9:15 a.m., Home Invasion Robbery

4900 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 Officers

Day 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.

6-20-08

2:30 a.m., Vehicle Burglary Suspects Arrested

1700 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 Robbery

2200 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 Gunpoint

Del 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 Gunpoint

Stonecreek/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 Robbery

800 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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