The Good: Landscaping -- namely trees -- being planted in the North Natomas Regional Park! Lookin' good...
The Bad: Graffiti all ... over... the... place. Every possible surface around the regional park duck pond, utility monuments and mailboxes. Some people just suck.
Growing up, THE BUZZ moved around a lot. We lived in Arizona, Oregon, Hawaii and Washington before coming to California to go to college.
We have been in Sactown since 1997 and in Natomas since 2001. This is the longest we have ever lived in (a) the same city and (b) the same home.
The husband, on the other hand, grew up in the same house which is still owned by the family 40 years later. Our better half is familiar with living in the suburbs. Us? Not so much.
Today was a lesson in why we enjoy living here...
When popping into Raley's this afternoon to pick up an iced coffee, we ran into April a teacher at our daughter's school and we talked PTSA stuff. Megan got in the check out line right behind her and we caught up on an e-mail exchange that had gone awry. From the coffee counter we waved at Gretchen, a friend from MOMS Club, shopping with her kids.
While waiting for our drink, we chatted with Carolina who works in the store's bakery and got an update on the upcoming conversion from Java City to Peet's Coffee. The gal who sold us our drink asked after the kids, who usually get the "free" cookie when we are there together.
Later, with the kids this time in Target, Lisa and I ran into each other again and talked about neighborhood involvement. We introduced her to Melinda, one of our fellow PTSA board members, who chatted with us about the merits of shopping the Dollar Spot. Then we spoke with Christine, with whom we are in the same babysitting co-op, and a few minutes later we exchanged pleasantries with the Westlake Charter School principal whom we met during May Is Bike Month.
In our whole life, we have never lived anywhere like Natomas. A place which reminds us of that bar in Cheers, where everybody knows your name.
Everyone has a reason why they chose to stay here when others moved away, why they get involved in committees and neighborhood watches, and why they stick up for our neighborhood when someone bad mouths it.
THE BUZZ couldn't help but wonder what those reasons are... Won't you, Neighbor, click "comments" and share?
Coming out of the Natomas Landing meeting yesterday afternoon, some NATOMAS BUZZ readers asked us what we thought about the proposed project.
Last time THE BUZZ posted an item on the Natomas Landing proposal was back in February.
At the time we referred our readers to a blog about Sacramento real estate statistics and specifically to a photo log (scroll down to see all the pictures) of empty commercial and retail space located throughout the Natomas area.
Since February several businesses in the neighborhood have closed -- adding to the amount of available square footage in our area. And with the state of the economy now -- think Linens N Things, BORDERS and Starbucks -- it's anyone's guess what will still be open this time next year.
When Doug Ose was asked yesterday whether any "letters of intent" had been received from retailers interested in the Natomas Landing site, the answer was "no." While we understand the drive to get a project in the works before the flood-related building moratorium goes into effect, we don't think it's necessary.
THE BUZZ and family moved to Natomas in 2001. In less than a month, we'll have lived here almost seven years in the same single-story house. When we moved in, we did our grocery shopping at Bel Air on West El Camino. We preferred driving to Target on Riverside rather than down the street to Walmart. The Costco on Exposition was the closest warehouse store.
Look at the neighborhood now! Not only do we have three major grocery stores to choose from, there is a Sam's Club, a Target and numerous family-owned eateries! Sure, it would be great to have a Trader Joe's down the street, but to date the grocery chain has no plans to build in our area...
So what do we honestly think about the Natomas Landing project? And building retail on the neighboring Tsakopoulos property?
In the words of one NATOMAS BUZZ reader, "We can survive with what retail (and retail space) we have now. So let's take a deep breath and reevaluate after the moratorium."
Even though we know it would be cheaper to shop at Safeway, THE BUZZ continues to frequent Raley's.
What can we say? We're creatures of habit -- and convenience.
That being said, NATOMAS BUZZ readers may recall we have not been too pleased with the quality of customer service at our neighborhood grocery store.
In the last month, the store switched its play care hours to open an hour later and has discontinued its .10/gallon of gas discount at Aisle One (you can still get .25/gallon off if you buy more than $100 worth of groceries).
And shoppers were not notified of the above-mentioned changes until after the fact...
Imagine our delight, when we were told the store director had been transferred elsewhere and that Raley's on Natomas Boulevard is now under new management! We're also told some of the departmental management might also be changing.
We can't help but point out -- yet again -- how the local media has failed to cover the rash of home-invasion robberies plaguing Natomas.
One would think that if the crimes themselves, or the arrests of a few suspects, didn't generate interest, the fact Mayor Fargo and Councilman Tretheway plan to attend Monday's community forum with Sac PD officials would...
In a former life, when THE BUZZ worked as a full-time newspaper reporter we always hated being lumped into that category "the media" because it usually meant whomever was referring to said media was probably saying something negative.
Now it's our turn... THE BUZZ has been wondering -- pretty much since the whole Monica Lewinsky debacle -- how the media decides what to cover.
Natomas residents started a Yahoo! Group and e-mailing Sac PD officials in an effort to stay informed about area crimes not being covered by the media. This grassroots movement helped give birth to the NATOMAS BUZZ.
In the last week, two different Natomas women have been held up at gun point in their garages, in one case while children looked on (see Natomas Cops Log in right-hand column).
Have we seen anything about either of these incidents in the Sac Bee? On their Blog 9-1-1? On our local TV news? Were it not for this post right here, would you even be aware this is happening in our neighborhood?
THE BUZZ longs for the day when the Sac Bee had reporters assigned to cover individual neighborhoods (we had South Sac). Natomas residents live in what was then referred to as the "North Area," a section of the paper which was published every other week.
Now we get the weekly North Sacramento section inserted in our paper every Thursday. Has anyone else noticed that rarely an item is published actually relevant to our neighborhood?
THE BUZZ thinks it's great Natomas residents continue to rally, look out for one another, and keep each other informed about the goings on in our neighborhood...
NATOMAS BUZZ readers may recall a post earlier this month about a planned interview with Mayor Heather Fargo -- at the request of Fargo's reps.
Unfortunately, our interview with Fargo scheduled for May 19 was canceled the afternoon before and efforts to schedule a telephone interview did not come to fruition.
So THE BUZZ offered to send Fargo's camp a questionnaire and after last week's candidate forum, we decided to give candidates Kevin Johnson and Leonard Padilla a chance to answer the same questions.
All three candidates were provided the same questions and given a deadline of noon Tuesday, May 27. Padilla's responses were returned three hours early. Johnson's came in two hours later -- still 45 minute before the noon deadline.
More than four hours after the deadline, THE BUZZ received the following message from Fargo's campaign rep Dale Howard, "We have every intent of getting your answers done, but we'll need more time. Sorry for the delay."
24 hours later we have yet to receive anything from Fargo and so, to be fair to the candidates who met the deadline, we shall press forward.
As requested by THE BUZZ, many of our readers e-mailed questions they wanted posed to Mayor Fargo.
Creekside HOA prez Angelique Ashby wrote, "It seems to me that the over-arching issue in Natomas is a fundamental gap in service expectation between the community and the city -- meaning that the community members have expectations to receive and or have access to resources that the City either is not, does not or will not provide at the level the community wants..."
With that in mind, THE BUZZ asked candidates to address how they view the Natomas neighborhood, whether they felt there were any specific issues facing our community, what those issues are, and what their solutions -- as Mayor -- would be.
THE BUZZ is pleased to present the candidates' responses to these questions and look forward to hearing what our readers think.
THE BUZZ posted our previous post in the wee hours of morning...
Should have waited a few more hours for this morning's edition of the Sac Bee.
As pointed out in reader comments already, the Bee has decided to endorse no one candidate at this time.
In an editorial published today, the local daily pub suggests voters cast ballots for any candidate other than current Mayor Fargo or KJ.
The idea is that neither lead candidate would receive a simple majority of the votes to win the election and thus a second vote in November would be required.
We find the Sac Bee's reader comments both hilarious and on spot in response to this issue -- what do BUZZ readers think?
The newly paved intersection at Del Paso Road and Natomas Boulevard is looking good, but THE BUZZ is starting to wonder... When will this project be done, y'all?
Update from Councilman Ray Tretheway's office: The city plans to have Del Paso Road 99% complete by June 15. The remaining items are signing, striping, and landscaping.
THE BUZZ spotted this interesting chair and table formation this morning around 10:15 a.m. in the pavilion adjacent to the former Pick Up Stix restaurant.
Two hours later, the creation had been disassembled and chairs neatly re-stacked.
At some point earlier today, our North Natomas neighborhood news blog reached the 10,000 mark -- in web hits that is!
There have been a few changes since the site was launched late last year:
We have revamped the look. We know some of you preferred the old "honey comb" design and color scheme, but don't worry, we expect to switch things up from time to time.
We are getting more and more community input in the form of news tips, photographs, etc. each day! Keep sending us your news!
We have purchased the natomasbuzz.com domain, so no need to type in that pesky extra dot and "blogspot" anymore. Whew! That saves about a second every time you visit...
We have ceased using Google ads and switched to running ads for those businesses owned and operated by Natomas-area residents in an effort to support our neighborhood economy.
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
BUZZ READERS ARE SAYIN':
"Great Info Buzz!!!"
"Ur awesome."
“My family loves your blog, we tell everyone we know in Natomas about it!”
“YOU are the only buzzing BEE to me :) ”
“Good work on staying ahead and on top of the home invasion story.”
“Congratulations on the nice mention in the Bee editorial today!”
"LOVE natomasbuzz! Lotsa good information! I'm now hooked and check it every day."
"...thanks again for this great resource."
"I think what you are doing is fabulous. Your blog is an excellent resource for residents and I'm going to link it from my site -- if you don't mind."
"Love the blog..."
"Hey, I was just BUZZing and wanted to tell you how impressed I am with your blog. Although I knew about it, I never saw a link or I never clicked on the link to the blog but I feel like I have been missing out. I am down with it now. I think you are doing a great service to the community by taking the time to do this."
"I look at it several times a week. You're doing a great job - and I really appreciate your view and writing style! Thanks for keeping us informed."