Rancho Cordova Duo Arrested For Trying To Cash Bad Checks

Two Rancho Cordova men were arrested Monday morning after they attempted to cash a fictitious check.

According to Elk Grove Police reports, 19-year old Rober Domer attempted to cash a fictitious check at the Bank of America branch on Elk Grove Boulevard in Elk Grove. After failing in his attempt, Domer fled in a vehicle driven by 39-year old Charles Vance.

Officers initiated an enforcement stop and detained both suspect while they conducted their investigation. Vance gave officers a false name and a records check revealed he had active warrants out for his arrest.

Both suspects were arrested and transferred to the county jail.

Recent Developments On Our Favorite Eyesore - The Elk Promenade

A recent drive-by the half built Elk Grove Promenade showed a building that is beginning to show some serious signs of wear and tear.

Driving south on Highway 99 you cannot help but notice that the eastside roof looks rather shabby. It is hard to say for sure, but it looks like some of the brackets have loosened an are sliding down.

Of course there is no current information from the City of Elk Grove as to when construction will resume on the strip mall. The developer, General Growth Properties stopped construction over 14 months ago and was forced into Chapter 11 bankruptcy last April.



If memory serves us correctly, one of our city father’s said the strip center would be open for Christmas holiday shopping in 2010. That won’t happen barring some last moment Festivus miracle. More problems too for the city’s much hoped for tax revenues.


While GGP works its way through bankruptcy, its largest competitor Simon Property has been rumored to be interested in taking over some the bankrupt developer’s malls. No word if our very own Elk Grove Promenade is of interest.

Meanwhile, it seems Elk Grove is not the only place where a GGP development has gone to weeds, as it were. According to story from ABC4News in Utah, one of GGP’s construction sites has been taken over by weeds.

Being the good neighbors they are, GGP promised to level the ground, remove the weeds and put in a new fence around their construction project.

More to follow.

Sacramento Homicide On 8th Avenue

On September 27, 2009, at 2:33 a.m., Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of several people involved in an argument at a home in the 6900 block of 8th Avenue in Rio Linda. Callers later reported hearing multiple gunshots. A Twin Rivers Police Department (TRPD) officer arrived and found a 19-year-old male sitting in his vehicle in the middle of the street; he had suffered a gunshot wound to his head. Deputies arrived, and together with the TRPD officer, rendered medical aid to the victim. Paramedics arrived a short time later and pronounced the victim dead at the scene.

Witnesses told deputies there had been a large party and a fight broke out when several people, who were not invited to the party, were asked to leave. As party goers were leaving, the shots rang out and struck the victim who was driving away from the party. Also in the car with the victim was a 20-year-old male; he was not injured by the gunfire. None of the witnesses claimed to see who fired the shots.

The suspect and motive for the shooting is unknown at this time. Anyone with information about this shooting is urged to call Sheriff’s Homicide detectives at 916 874-5115 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP; or send a text message tip by texting to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00.

Legal Notice For Reynen & Bardis Homeowners In Sacramento Region - Time is Running Out

Legal published notice:

September 27 NO 402 PUBLIC NOTICE IN...
NO 402 PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA SACRAMENTO DIVISION Case No. 08-34878, In re Christo and Sara Bardis (the "Debtors") NOTICE TO ALL PARTIES WHO HAVE PURCHASED A HOME BUILT BY REYNEN & BARDIS OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATED COMPANIES BETWEEN APRIL 23, 1998 AND OCTOBER 15, 2008AND WHO DID NOT HAVE ACTUAL OR CONSTRUCTIVE NOTICE OF THE ABOVE CAPTIONED CASE PRIOR TO APRIL 13, 2009:PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by its Order entered September 11, 2009, the Court established November 16, 2009, as the deadline by which any entity must file home warranty or construction defect claims against the Debtors. Anyone that has or asserts any claim against the Debtors for home warranty or construction defects for homes purchased prior to the Petition Date must file a proof of claim with the Court so that the proof of claim is received. by the Court on or before the Special Bar Date of November 2009. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that you may be a creditor of the Debtors. You may want to consult an attorney to protect your rights. CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO FILE PROOF OF CLAIM Anyone that is required to file a proof of claim, who fails to do so by the Bar Date, shall be forever barred, estopped and enjoined from the following: (a) Asserting any claim against the Debtors for home warranty or construction defect claims against the Debtors; or (b) Receiving distribution under, any plan of reorganization propounded by the Debtors. PROCEDURES FOR, FILING, PROOFS OF CLAIM Claim forms can be obtained by calling the Debtors' counsel, David Meegan, at (916) 925-1800 or by email at dmeegan@mhksacto.com Attorneys for Christo and Sara Bardis, Debtors: Meegan Hanschu & Kassenbrock DAVID M. MEEGAN, CA Bar # 114549 11341 Gold Express Drive, Suite 110 Gold River, CA 95670 Telephone: (916) 925-1800 Facsimile: (916) 925-1265

NO 418 PUBLIC NOTICE IN...
NO 418 PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA SACRAMENTO DIVISION Case No. 08-25145, In re John & Judith Reynen (the "Debtors") NOTICE TO ALL PARTIES WHO HAVE PURCHASED A HOME BUILT BY REYNEN & BARDIS OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATED COMPANIES BETWEEN APRIL 23, 1998 AND April 23, 2008 AND WHO DID NOT HAVE ACTUAL OR CONSTRUCTIVE NOTICE OF THE ABOVE CAPTIONED CASE PRIOR TO September 2, 2008:PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by its Order entered September 24, 2009, the Court established November 16, 2009, as the deadline by which any entity must file home warranty or construction defect claims against the Debtors. Anyone that has or asserts any claim against the Debtors for home warranty or construction defects for homes purchased prior to the Petition Date must file a proof of claim with the Court so that the proof of claim is received. by the Court on or before the Special Bar Date of November 16, 2009. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that you may be a creditor of the Debtors. You may want to consult an attorney to protect your rights. CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO FILE PROOF OF CLAIM Anyone that is required to file a proof of claim, who fails to do so by the Bar Date, shall be forever barred, estopped and enjoined from the following: (a) Asserting any claim against the Debtors for home warranty or construction defect claims against the Debtors; or (b) Receiving distribution under, any plan of reorganization propounded by the Debtors. PROCEDURES FOR, FILING, PROOFS OF CLAIM Claim forms can be obtained by calling the Debtors' counsel, Edie Walters at (415) 362-7500 extension 225 or by email at ewalters@mlg-pc.com Attorneys for John and Judith Reynen, Debtors: MEYERS LAW GROUP, P.C. MERLE C. MEYERS, CA Bar # 66849 EDIE WALTERS, CA Bar # 262730 44 Montgomery Street, Suite 1010 San Francisco, CA 94104 Telephone: (415) 362-7500 Facsimile: (415) 362-7515

Voices of Elk Grove - Some Thoughts Regarding Elk Grove SOI II

By Bill Kutzer


One of the panelists at the most recent Sphere of Influence Summit, developer Michael Winn said that Elk Grove had a unique opportunity to do something "special" for the City of Elk Grove with their recent SOI request.

My response to Michael Winn is that in July of 2000, when Elk Grove became an incorporated city, the city and its new leaders did have a very unique opportunity to indeed do something very special. Instead, Elk Grove went down the road of "Any Place USA" and did the same-o, same-o that urban sprawlers do around the country.

Why? The almighty dollar.

Now, all of a sudden, Elk Grove has a magical moment and sees the light. Sorrrrrrrrry, what you saw then you will see again---more rooftops, destruction of open land, destruction of agricultural land and the end of a habitat unique to our area.

The best indicator of what someone will do in the future is what they did in the past......urban sprawl. LAFCO needs to pull the reins on Elk Grove.

Wilton IS a good place to be. Elk Grove thinks so, too


Wilton resdient Bill Kutzer is a member of the Wilton Action Group.

Double Dipping Ok, So Says Elk Grove City Attorney Susan Cochran

No comment on late submittal of expenses; Scherman seemingly late again in violation of city policy for July mileage expenses


Elk Grove city attorney Susan Cochran told Elk Grove City Council members last night that it is acceptable for council members to seek reimbursement from the city for expenditure paid for by other government entities.

The question arose in response to revelations that council member Sophia Scherman sought and was paid for mileage expenses by the city for her attendance at various boards she serves on in behalf of the city.

Specifically, Cochran addressed the $100 Per Diem Scherman receives for her attendance at board meetings of the Sacramento County Sanitation District. In addition to the $100 Per Diem, the city had reimbursed Scherman for at least six months worth of mileage to attend the meetings.

Citing the safety and health regulation as her guidepost for interpreting Scherman's actions, Cochran said "what the vice mayor did was consistent with the letter of the law." Cochran did not however cite the specific section within the health and safety code.

On a practical matter Cochran advised council members to reconsider the resolution, signed by Scherman in December, 2006, which established expense reporting requirements saying they could be broadly interpreted. "It may be in your best interest to reconsider the language," Cochran advised.

Cochran did not address the timeliness of Scherman expenditures, which according to city code must be submitted on a monthly basis. Scherman submitted documentation for the January through June, 2009 period in July and was not within the 30 day time frame required.

As of last night's meeting Scherman had not submitted her mileage expense request, if she should decide to seek them, for the July, 2009 period within the 30 day requirement as required by city law.

In an earlier e-mail, city finance manager Rebecca Craig, CPA, acknowledged that Scherman had violated the resolution and said that the city would do a better job of ensuring compliance.

"In light of reading the policy again, it does appear that the expense claim was filed late," Craig wrote. "We will be more observant of this parameter and remind Council members to file reimbursement claims more timely."

Elk Grove Man Arrested On Child Molestation Charges

Elk Grove Police arrested 38-year-old Bradley Dayley yesterday on suspision of sexually molesting a 12-year-old female relative over a three year period.

Bradley Dayley was arrested at his Elk Grove residence after detectives served a search warrant related to child pornography. During the course of the investigation, detectives recovered videotaped and photographic evidence of the molestation, which Dayley had distributed over the internet.

The suspect was arrested on charges of 288.5 Penal Code (Engaging in 3 or more acts of substantial sex with a minor under 14), 311.1(A) Penal Code (Distribution of child pornography) and 311.3 Penal Code (Sexual Exploitation of child by means of film, photo, etc.).

The Elk Grove Police Department is asking anyone with information regarding this crime, or any knowledge of additional victims, to call the Elk Grove Police Department Detective Bureau at (916) 478-8060.

Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, a booking photo of Dayley is not being released. Dayley is currently in custody at the Sacramento County Main Jail and is being held on a bail of $500,000.00.

Gibson Ranch County Park to Partially Close Beginning October 5

County Budget Requires Regional Parks Department to Make Changes


Due to County budget reductions, Gibson Ranch County Park will be closed to the public on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning October 5 until further notice. Gibson Ranch County Park will be open from Thursday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and operating hours may vary during the winter and spring season.

“Reductions to both our department budget and our staff at Gibson Ranch County Park have made these partial closures an unfortunate necessity,” said Regional Parks Director Janet Baker. “We will continue to stay open during the park’s busiest days and we will try to work with the community to make these reductions as painless as possible.”

The park will remain open during the weekends to maximize revenues and accommodate picnic reservations and visitors to the equestrian center. Mondays through Wednesdays were selected for closure because they are the slowest days of the week.
Gibson Ranch County Park is located near the Dry Creek Parkway in the communities of Elverta and Rio Linda. At over 345 acres, Gibson Ranch County Park offers a variety of activities for visitors, including an equestrian center, fishing, two playground areas and a number of picnic reservation sites.

“Gibson Ranch County Park is a one-of-a-kind park and of real value to the surrounding community and it is unfortunate that we have to take this step right now,” said Baker.”We will be working hard with local partners to find some alternate funding solutions for this and all our beautiful parks.”

For additional information, please contact Regional Parks at 875-5925 or visit www.sacparks.net.

Manteca Mother-Daughter Real Estate Team Arrested in Estimated $5 Million Mortgage Fraud Scam

SACRAMENTO, CA—United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that a criminal complaint was filed this morning charging IRENE SOTIRIADIS, 23, and HELEN SOTIRIADIS, 49, both of Manteca, with conducting a mortgage fraud scheme from March 2006 through November 2007 that caused losses to lenders estimated at approximately $5 million. Arrest warrants were issued Sunday afternoon by United States Magistrate Judge Gregory G. Hollows after a special agent of the FBI received information that the two suspects may have been intending to flee to Greece.

This case is the product of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the San Joaquin District Attorney’s Office.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Russell L. Carlberg, who is prosecuting the case, an affidavit filed by a special agent of the FBI alleges that HELEN and IRENE SOTIRIADIS recruited as many as 25 members of the Cambodian immigrant community to purchase homes they could not afford in and around Stockton and Modesto. HELEN and IRENE SOTIRIADIS promised the Cambodians that after one initial high monthly payment, the homes would be refinanced to a payment of only $1,500 per month. After the initial monthly mortgage payments of $4,000 came due, HELEN and IRENE SOTIRIADIS refused to return phone calls to the victims, according to the affidavit. Most of the homes quickly fell into foreclosure.

An arraignment and detention hearing will be held in Sacramento at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 21, 2009, before Magistrate Judge Hollows.

The maximum statutory penalty for a violation of the federal mail fraud and wire fraud statutes is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. However, the actual sentence will be dictated by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of factors, and will be imposed at the discretion of the court.

The charges are only allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Elk Grove City Council to Consider Incentive Program

Hoping to jump start the local economy, the Elk Grove city council will consider an economic development incentive program at the next regular meeting this Wednesday evening.

If approved, the program would create an application process for new businesses to seek incentives ranging development impact fee reductions or deferrals, grants, and expedited plan reviews.

Among other requirements to qualify, the project must create 20 permanent full-time jobs equal to or greater than the area median income (AMI) or 50 permanent full-time jobs with salaries at least 75% of the AMI. To qualify for a tax grant, the project must also generate a minimum of $15 million in additional (new) taxable sales or $250,000 annually is additional (new) transient occupancy revenues.

City staff reports there is no money currently budgeted for the program and any “incentives offered will require the use of either General Fund reserves or funds budgeted for other uses.” Any incentive over $50,000 would require approval by the city council

Blanas Backs Cooper, McGinness To Support Jones

The current and immediate past sheriffs of Sacramento County have made endorsements this morning for two current department captains seeking to fill the seat being vacated by Sheriff John McGinness.

Former sheriff Lou Blanas announced in an e-mail to the Sac Bee that he would support Capt. Jim Cooper in the 2010 election. At about the same time the e-mail was sent, McGinness held a news conference announcing his support for Scott Jones.

When he made his surprising announcement several weeks ago that he would not seek reelection in 2010, McGinness would not say who he would support other than it would not be Cooper.

Cooper currently serves on the Elk Grove city council.