With Hume, it had to happen sooner or later

Hume resorts to playing the religion card; mailers to minors? Just plain creepy

By D.A. Gougherty

Political watchers in Elk Grove knew it had to happen sooner or later - Pat Hume resorting to trickery as he attempts to retain the District 2 seat on the Elk Grove City Council.

That trickery reared its ugly face in today's mailbox in a most disturbing way to any parent.

Continued...

Leary motion to quash debated; judge calls it 'critical' to the case

Leary motion to quash debated;
judge calls it 'critical' to the case

by Thom Nadeau
of Notable trials

Pre-trial hearings are usually ho-hum, but what the courtroom jousting revealed Thursday in People v. Leary ranged from the dull to the disturbing.

Former sheriff’s Lieutenant Michael Leary faces six criminal counts arising from his stormy relationship with notary public Alyc Maselli and fraud and other allegations she brought in connection with a change of title for a $610,000 residence at 3301 Marina Cove Circle, Elk Grove.

Maselli claims she shared the property title and was paying her portion of the mortgage.

Moreover, in the course of their relationship, Maselli made domestic violence claims that included allegations of kidnapping and false imprisonment. No charges were filed after sheriff’s investigators concluded her claims were unfounded.

Leary, 50, counters Maselli’s claims of ownership by saying he only added her name as a secondary on the title because he mistakenly believed she could not live there unless he did so.

She was a tenant, he insisted, not an owner. Besides, she ceased paying her rent months before the mess erupted and the checks she claimed were for rent were in fact checks to herself for cash she kept.

And you ain’t heard the half of it yet …

DMV unveils new self-serve terminal in South Sac

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced today the availability of a vehicle registration Self Service Terminal in the South Sacramento field office at 7775 La Mancha Way. Customers can renew their vehicle registration and walk away with a new sticker and registration card in less than a minute.

“Our Internet registration renewal option is very popular and used by more than 15,000 people daily. This machine brings that same connectivity to customers who don’t have access to the Internet, need registration immediately, or need to use cash,” DMV Director George Valverde said. “Our customers will leave holding their new registration and sticker within a minute without an appointment and without waiting in line.”

The easy to use terminal with big touch screen monitor accepts payments by cash, electronic check, credit, or debit card. The terminal is much like an ATM at a bank and directions are given in English and soon in Spanish.

Approximately 30 million customers visit 168 DMV field offices annually. Beginning in the new year, more self service terminals will be deployed across Southern California, with locations identified on the DMV website.

Elk Grove's Pat Hume: Bought and Sold by BIA

Hume favors more 'rooftops' over jobs

If there was ever any doubt about where Elk Grove City Council Member Pat Hume stands on the city's sphere of influence (SOI) application, the late financial contributions he received in the last few days out to clarify things.

This week Hume, the lead proponent for building putting more rooftops in an city already suffering from an excess of housing and serious deficit in well-paying jobs, has taken $6,000 from - you guessed right - residential building lobbyist.

The contributions were:

• Sacramento Builders Exchange - $1,000
• Committee for Home [Hume] Ownership of North State BIA - $3,500
• California Real Estate PAC - $1,500

And if you're interested, consider these late contributions Hume sagged earlier this week. Most tell is this one:

• Dale Mahan, 9951Grant Line Road, Elk Grove - $500

Here is a Google map of 9951 Grant Line Road:

View Larger Map

Once again, you guessed right. That address just so happens to be in the SOI and the 100 year Cosumnes River floodplain.

So next time Hume says he is just interested in looking at future growth areas to be "proactive," remind him of these contributions from residential builders and property owners in the SOI area.

Motions to be made today in Leary

by Thom Nadeau
of Notable Trials

The prosecution and defense huddled in chambers with Sacramento Superior Court Judge Ben Davidian yesterday afternoon dickering over which of several motions would be considered in the matter of People v. Michael Leary..

Davidian emerged late in the day to announce that no public action would be taken on any of the proposed motions would be heard until today, Thursday.

Proceedings continue in Department 37 on the fifth floor of the courthouse at Eighth and H streets.

Davidian also advised representatives from a McGeorge School of Law-based victims’ rights group that has taken an interest in the Leary matter to get their arguments assembled and return today.

Judge will hear motions ...

Trial judge assigned for Leary; Ben Davidian to preside

by Thom Nadeau
of Notable Trials

The trial in People v. Michael Leary was assigned today to Judge Ben Davidian in Department 37 of the fifth floor of the Sacramento Superior Court at 8th and H streets.

The lawyer convene with the judge at 1:30 p.m. to layout out the procedures. Juror-candidates will next be given questionnaires to fill out.

After that the lawyers will review them overnight with the jurors returning, probably tomorrow, for voir die -- the “see and tell” process on which he lawyers decide which jurors to select.

Some judges sit on Friday, but it is not yet clear if the trial will then continue Friday or start on Monday.

The Leary fraud trial is expected to last about four or five days with the length of the following jury deliberations always a mystery.

At this point a verdict is not likely until sometime early in the following week.

Sac PD investigating Monday night shooting

On Monday night at 8:33 p.m. officers responded to a shooting on the 5300 block of 47th Avenue. Responding officers found a 35-year-old male that had been shot.

The victim was transported to an area hospital in critical condition.

Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives believe that the victim was outside of an apartment complex when he was shot. Three subjects that were seen fleeing the area around the time of the shooting were described as male Blacks in their 20’s.

The motive for the shooting is under investigation.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES).

Public Interest Group Seeks Investigation of Elk Grove Councilman Pat Hume

MORE ETHICS TROUBLES FOR PAT HUME

This story was originally reported on 
Elk Grove News on the following dates:

August 12, 2010

    August 15, 2010

Press release 

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) October 25, 2010 

Public Interest Watch (PIW), http://www.publicinterestwatch.org/, plans to file complaints with the Fair Political Practices Commission and the California Attorney General's Office of Charitable Trusts Division related to both a potential conflict of interest and violation of California's non-profit statutes, involving The Elk Grove Economic Development Corporation (EGEDC), a California based 501(c)(6) non-profit organization.

According to the organization's website: "EGEDC is a 501 c (6) non-profit corporation whose purpose is to improve and develop business and economic conditions within the Elk Grove, California, region, to promote and foster the creation of new businesses and jobs within the Elk Grove region, to attract new businesses and business investment in the Elk Grove region, to facilitate the expansion and retention of existing businesses in the Elk Grove region, and to carry on other charitable and educational activities associated with this goal."

In this case the EGEDC is subsidized by the City of Elk Grove directly through annual monetary contributions and subsidies (i.e. hyperlinks on the official City of Elk Grove website), while EGEDC board members' endorsements of City Council member Pat Hume's re-election (Tim Moran and Gregg Mason) present a possible conflict as they both have items before the City Council on which Pat Hume is a member.

"EGEDC, is just one example of the many organizations that PIW has identified over the years that may have failed to meet disclosure and conflict of interest guidelines as required by law," stated Lewis Fein, PIW Executive Director. "I have great respect for people who dedicate their lives to assisting those in need, but that's all the more reason to hold organizations like EGEDC accountable, if there is any wrongdoing or conflicts involving EGEDC. Non-profits must meet a higher standard of public trust, and to do that they must scrupulously follow the letter of the law," Fein continued.

About Public Interest Watch

Public Interest Watch (PIW) was established in 2002 in response to the growing misuse of charitable funds by nonprofit organizations and the lack of effort by government agencies to deal with the problem. PIW works to fight charitable trust abuse by exposing individual cases of abuse and advocating for stronger governmental oversight, including requirements for greater financial disclosure by charitable organizations.

PIW is a Washington, DC-based nonprofit corporation, with additional offices in California. PIW is a 501(c)4 tax-exempt organization, which means contributions to PIW are not tax-deductible. Initial funding for PIW has been provided by business organizations.

Leary trial goes today-- maybe, possibly

by Thom Nadeau

of Notable Trials

Trial is expected to start today in the multiple felonies matter of People v. Michael Leary, the ex-Sacramento County sheriff’s lieutenant and Elk Grove City Council member.

But we’ve reported that before in People v. Leary, #09F07685, haven’t we?

Leary is looking a six felony counts, the major ones being allegations of fraud relating to the transfer of ownership of a house in Elk Grove. He has pleaded innocent to all charges.

It gets long, complicated ...

Star closing arguments in Siavii; jury begins deliberating Monday

by Tom Nadeau
of Notable Trials

The jury heard two persuasive closing arguments Thursday in People v. Poe Blue Siavii, #08F07611 and was expected to begin deliberating Monday whether the Samoan defendant was guilty of first degree murder under special circumstances.

If convicted, Siavii could be sentenced to life in prison for May 5, 2008 killing of Joshua Kalb, 27, at the Elkhorn Boulevard Park ‘n’ Ride lot off Highway 99.

The jury must decide which one is telling the truth: Siavii, an admitted mover and shaker in the Sacramento bulk drug trade, or Steven Riddick, Siavii’s trusted money “mule” in the exchange of pounds of methamphetamine for hundreds of thousands of dollars from dope distributors in Oahu, Hawaii.

Sacramento Deputy District Attorney Chris Ore presented ample evidence that Kalb had been killed, that money was the root of the that evil-doing and how, when and where the murder took place.

Defense attorney Kyle Knapp disputed little or nothing of those allegations. What he did dispute, however, was that his client Siavii was the shooter.

The case hinges on how one spins the mass of evidence presented and various witnesses’ statements, some of them made in the Samoan language, which, it turns out, is open to differing interpretations.

It's all in how you look at it ...

Military veterans’ benefits discussed at free Sacramento Central Library program

The Sacramento Public Library and the California Department of Consumer Affairs DCA) will present free monthly programs on a range of financial, health-related, and legal topics. Take Charge California! @ Your Library presentations will be at 12 noon, on the first Wednesday of each month, in the West Meeting Room, at the Central Library, 828 I Street, Sacramento.

The November 3 program is Veterans: Get the Benefits You Deserve. Military veterans may learn how to take advantage of the benefits available. There are many resources and tools designed especially to help veterans. A Sacramento Public Library librarian will also be at the program to provide research tips.

Reservations are not required, and light refreshments will be served.

The next Take Charge California! @ Your Library program scheduled at the Central Library is Have a Safe and Scam-free Holiday, at 12 noon, Wednesday, December 1.

For more information, please telephone the Sacramento Public Library at (916) 264-2920 or visit saclibrary.org.

Defendant testifies in 2008 Elkhorn Blvd Park 'n' Ride slaying

by Tom Nadeau
of Notable Trials

The defendant’s argument in the Sacramento County Superior Court matter of People v. Poe Blue Siavii, #08F07611, boils down to a classic “two-dude defense,”i.e., “It wasn’t me, it was the other dude who did it.”

Whether that floats with the jury of eight women and four men should soon be known, since closing arguments are expected to begin today in this seemingly simple, yet actually quite exotic murder trial involving handsome Samoan woman witnesses and disputed translations of monitored phone calls conducted in the Samoan language

Arrested Sept. 12, 2008, Siavii is accused of murder with the special circumstance of lying in wait. Siavii has pleaded innocent, but, if convicted, he faces a possible term of life in prison without parole.

Deputy District Attorney Chris Ore summed up the prosecution’s basic contention in his 23-page trial brief:

On May 5, 2008, Joshua Kalb was shot at point blank in the back of the head and killed while sitting in his car at a Park and Ride in north Sacramento, near the airport, Joshua Kalb was 27 years old and was a freely admitted high level drug deal. The murder was related to the drug dealing activity of Mr. Kalb. Defendant Siavii was ultimately identified as the slayer … through cell phone activity, eyewitness accounts, and DNA evidence.

Exotic traffic ...

Sacramento man arrested with stolen checks

A Sacramento man was arrested Friday afternoon after he attempted to cash a stolen check.

According to Elk Grove Police, 26-year old Michael Robinson was detained at a retailer on the 8900 block of Elk Grove Boulevard after he attempted to cash a check that had been altered. Officers determined that the check had been stolen from a mailbox earlier that morning.

Robinson was arrested on two charges and transferred to the county jail.

Walgreens Robbed at midnight for 'Hillbilly Heroin'

An armed robber held up the Walgreens on the 7200 bock of Laguna Boulevard in Elk Grove just past midnight on Friday morning.

According to Elk Grove Police reports, a Caucasian male adult in his 20's entered the store and handed an employee a note demanding the prescription drug Oxycontin, also know as 'Hillbilly Heroin.' The suspect then displayed a black handgun and demanded two bottles of the drug.

The employee complied with the demands and the suspect then fled on foot. The employee was not injured.

The suspect was described as 5' 9" 170 lbs. wearing a white baseball cap, white long sleeved button-up dress shirt with thin strips and blues jean.

Fair Oaks Boulevard Homicide Suspect Arrested

Suspect kills believed to be having affair with his wife

On October 14, 2010, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department detectives arrested 28-year-old Sacramento-resident Darrell Eugene Carter on suspicion for the recent shooting death of 35-year-old Richard Lovett. Carter was located at a relative’s apartment in the 3600 block of Data Drive.

Darrell Eugene Carter

According the sheriff's department reports, on October 9, 2010, at 7:17 p.m., deputies responded to an apartment complex located in the 8700 block of Fair Oaks Boulevard regarding the report of a shooting. Responding deputies located Lovett lying in the parking lot of the complex and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced him dead at the scene a short time later.

Witnesses said they heard an argument followed by the sound of multiple gunshots. Witnesses then saw the victim collapse in the parking lot and someone described only as a Black male dressed in dark clothing get into a vehicle and drive away.

Detectives now believe Carter confronted Lovett because Lovett was involved in a romantic relationship with Carter’s wife. The confrontation led to the argument and the shooting.

Carter was booked into the county jail on the charge of murder and for violating his parole; he is ineligible for bail. The suspect is scheduled to be arraigned on October 18, 2010, at 1:30 p.m., in Department 63.

Hume declines comment on naegative campaign flyers

by Thom Nadeau
of Notable Trials

As the Nov. 2 election nears inflammatory flyers are starting to appear. Two materialized out of the blue at  last night's Elk Grove candidate forum. Both targeted incumbent candidate Patrick Andrew Hume.

Hume declined to comment on both flyers.

One flyer – known in the trade as “a hit piece" – was headlined: “Take a Look at the Public Record.” It blared five allegations in bold type.

'Scofflaw' claimed --

Drunk driver gets 15-to-life for Elk Grove DUI death

Rebecca Vela was sentenced today to 15-years-to-life for the drunk driving accident that killed Stanley Spaeth on April 18, 2009.  Vela had been convicted of second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and driving under the influence with prior conviction and hit-and-run.

The victim was driving his motorcycle northbound on East Stockton Boulevard  in Elk Grove when Vela, who was also driving her vehicle in the same direction at 75 mph, began straddling the center line. Her car's right front bumper struck the rear of the victim's motorcycle and he landed on Vela's hood and was thrown. The victim died at the scene.

Vela' s car continued forward with the victim's motorcycle wedged under the right front corner and eventually collided into a sheet metal sound barrier. Vela attempted to flee the scene but was stopped by an off-duty police officer.

Vela had four previous DUI convictions.

Kennedy to seek library, more services for Sac City District 5

Sacramento City Council District 5 candidate Patrick Kennedy

Lifelong Sacramento city resident Patrick Kennedy said that if elected as the council member representing the city's 5th Council District, he would seek to bring a library to Oak Park and ensure the city does not neglect services for its constituents.

Kennedy is running against Jay Schenirer for the seat being vacated by Councilwoman Lauren Hammond, who lost in her bid for state Assembly in June. Kennedy currently serves on the Sacramento City Unified School District Board.

The 20-year Oak Park resident said during a recent interview that he has three district priorities that include establishment of a library in Oak Park, revitalization of business corridors and to balance out inequities in city services.

"Why is it some neighborhoods receive services in a better way than other neighborhoods," Kennedy said. "If you dump illegally in Oak Park, City Farms or Carlton Tract or Woodbine it will sit there for weeks. If you illegally dump in Land Park, Pocket, that's not the case. Our city services should be delivered in an equitable way."

Kennedy said city services shouldn't be based on those who have the time and ability to complain. "I've been fighting that for 20 years as a neighborhood association president," he added.

On a citywide basis, Kennedy said the because of the city past dependence on builders fees the economic base needs to be diversified. He said among other things the future of downtown mall needs to be rethought . 

"We need to do something significant to that area that we call 'Westfield'  and turn it into something that well bring people in regionally," he said.

Kennedy said he would not be in favor of a public subsidy to Maloof Entertainment to keep the Kings in Sacramento. He did say he would be willing to look at some sort of public-private partnership for an  arena /entertainment complex as long as the city "gets true benefit."

Should the Kings get a new area, Kennedy said he favors having the arena downtown that was part of larger entertainment complex. "I am not interested in just benefiting the Maloof's," he said.

Kennedy acknowledged the economy will be the biggest challenge facing the city over the next four years and the city should protect core services such as public safety and garbage pick-up. 

"Its a balancing act, some service are going to suffer - that's just the way it is in this tough economy," Kennedy said. He added that the city does need to think ahead and be prepared because the tough times will pass and it should be ready to seize on opportunities.

Kennedy also noted that relations between Mayor Kevin Johnson and the current council has been fairly "disfunctional" and said all parties share the blame. "We need to do a better job of realizing we are there to do the peoples business," he noted.

Kennedy was introduced to public service by his former college teacher and mentor, legendary Sacramento Mayor Joe Serna. Kennedy said Serna stressed to him the importance of local community involvement.

"He loved Sacramento like I do," Kennedy said. "There is so much you can do on a local level."  

Accessory Arrested in 47th Avenue Homicide

On October 12, 2010, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Homicide detectives arrested 20-year-old Olivia Maria Castellano or her involvement in the September 26, 2010, murder of Oquitzin Bravo.

Olivia Maria Castellano

Castellano was arrested at on the 3600 block of 19th Avenue in Sacramento. Investigators believe Castellano and another unidentified person moved Bravo’s body from the backyard of the home to the street in front of the home after he was shot.

On September 26, 2010, at 2:34 a.m., Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a home located in the 5600 block of 47th Avenue regarding the report of a shooting. When deputies arrived they located two men lying in the street and suffering from gunshot wounds.

The first victim, Bravo, had suffered a gunshot wound to his upper body. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later. The second victim, a 30-year-old Hispanic male, suffered at least one gunshot wound to his upper body.

Paramedics also transported him to a local hospital where he was treated and later released. Detectives later learned a third male victim was assaulted and held at knife-point during the shooting; he did not suffer serious injury and was able to escape into the neighborhood and wait for deputies to arrive.

Two arrests had been made prior to Castellano’s arrest: on September 29, 2010, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department Homicide detectives arrested 26-year-old Ignacio Leyba at a home in Sacramento. On October 7, 2010, Springfield Police Department officers arrested 27-year-old David Goodier in Springfield, Oregon.

Detectives now know the three victims were invited to a party at the 47th Avenue home by a friend of the hosts. The shooting occurred after Leyba, Goodier, and perhaps others, started a fight with the victims in the backyard of the home. It is unknown why the fight started and some of the people who were at the party have been uncooperative in identifying all of the guests who were there at the time of the shooting.

Detectives believe Leyba is responsible for shooting the second victim and Goodier is responsible for assaulting the third victim. Investigators are continuing their efforts to identify who was responsible for shooting and killing Oquitzin Bravo.

Castellano was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on the charges of murder and accessory after the fact. She is ineligible for bail and is scheduled to be arraigned on today at 1:30 p.m., in Department 61.

Unavailable witness delays Leary trial until Oct. 25

by Thom Nadeau of 
Notable Trials

The trial of former Elk Grove City Council member Michael Leary on fraud charges was postponed Wednesday until Oct. 25.

Sacramento County Superior court Judge Gary Ransom delayed the trial start at the request of Deputy District Attorney Michael Blazina.

Blazina said a key prosecution witness was unavailable until then.

More counts added to indictment

Naked lady attacks police officer

A naked lady attacked a Sacramento City Police offier early this morning according to police reports.

Officers were repsonding to a call regarding a naked woman who was running in the street yelling and knocking-over trash cans on the 1600 block of Nogales Street at 2:53 a.m. Officer arrived and contacted the woman laying face down on a lawn.

The officer approached the woman in an attempt to check her welfare when the women jumped up screaming and attempted punch the officer. Officer was able to control the suspect and detained her.

She was taken to a hospital for a mental evaluation.

Man beaten in Monday night Freeport Boulevard robbery

Sacramento City Police report a man was been and robbed by two men on the 4600 block of Freeport Boulevard late Monday night.

The victim was beaten and robbed at gun point and the two suspects stole the victims. It is not know if the victim was treated for injuries.

The two suspects were described as two male Hispanic adults, early 20's, 5'7" with a thin build and wearing dark clothing.

35-year old man shot to death on Fair Oaks; no known suspects

On October 9, 2010, at 7:17 p.m., Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputies responded to an apartment complex located in the 8700 block of Fair Oaks Boulevard regarding the report of a shooting. When deputies arrived they located a 35-year-old male lying in the parking lot of the complex and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department paramedics arrived and pronounced him dead at the scene a short time later.

Witnesses told investigators they heard the sound of an argument followed by the sound of multiple gunshots. Witnesses then saw the victim collapse in the parking lot and someone described only as a Black male dressed in dark clothing get into a vehicle (unknown make, model, or color) and flee the scene.

Sheriff’s Homicide detectives have not determined a motive for this shooting, nor have they identified any suspect. Anyone with information regarding this murder is urged to call Sheriff’s Homicide detectives at (916) 874-5115, or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP. Tipsters may also 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.

Those snookered should roll with the punch and hit back

by Thom Nadeau

Those so thoroughly snookered in the many bank borrowing scams that jacked up, looted and then laid waste to home “values” continue to refuse to come to grips with the home value decline.

Oh, more and more of them have tumbled to the fact that they are upside-down on their home value v. house payments ratio, but they are dealing with them in the wrong way.

Sacramento real estate woes to continue for decades, experts say

Time for region to embrace change; Why Texas?

Negative real estate news continued to pile up this week for the Sacramento region.

First there was a story from the Wall Street Journal listing the Sacramento as the eight most stressed real estate market in the country. The data comes from Real Time Economics and includes three economic indicators: percentage of homeowners in an area that spend more than 30% of their income on mortgage payments; the percentage of people in the region without health insurance; and the percentage of people without jobs.

As the story states:

Financial advisers warn against spending more than 30% of a household's income on housing costs, as it can crimp other expenditures and savings. It also leaves little room for unexpected shocks to income, such as illness or unemployment. Miami was at the top because it had the highest percentage of mortgage holders spending more than 30% on housing among large metro areas — 57.7% compared to the national average of 37.5%. At the same time, a quarter of the city's residents are without health insurance — compared to the national average of 15% — making it difficult to deal with a the expense created by an illness and still pay a mortgage.

The problems also can feed on one another. A housing bust can lead to unemployment as construction and other real-estate related jobs dry up, which then pushes more people into foreclosure. For example, Redding, Calif., has more than half of its mortgage holders paying more than 30% for housing, a 2.7 percentage point increase from 2007, as the ratio of unemployed-to-population in the city jumped six percentage points over that time to 41.6%, compared to a national average of 33.1%.

The story continues with a list of the most stressed markets in the country. The Sacramento region was listed as the eighth most stressed real estate market with 48.4% of mortgages account for more than 30% of income, 12.8% without health insurance and 35.4% of the population not working.

Decades long recovery...

Interview with Sacramento City Council District 5 Candidate Patrick Kennedy

Listen to the interview.

Click here. .

Check back later for the complete story.

Domestic Violence Suspect Calls Victim From Jail

An Elk Grove man, who was already jailed on suspicion of domestic violence, had further charges brought against him while being incarcerated.

The troubles for 18-year old Javon Miller started when police arrested him for a domestic violence on Wednesday. In that incident Miller was said to have grabbed the victim by hair and throw the victim to the floor.

Miller also punched his victim in the face causing visible injury. Miller was arrested and transferred to the county jail and the victim was issued an emergency protective order.

Subsequent to his incarceration, Miller allegedly contact his victim by phone in the county jail and thereby violated the protective order. Additional charges were filed against Miller for violating the order.

Special Senate Election Expected to Cause Delays in Contest Results

The special election called by Governor Schwarzenegger for Senate District 1 (SD-1) to replace the late Senator Dave Cox will be combined with the November 2 general election.

The results of the special election will determine if a run-off election in January is necessary.

This means finalizing the vote for the SD-1 election will be the priority of the Elections Office that will cause a delay in determining the outcome of other contests.

Under the California Election Code, the Elections Office has until November 30 to finalize election results. However, in the case of this special election, state law requires the election results be certified by November 12.

On election night, voters will see the results of all the ballots cast at the polling places and the Vote by Mail ballots that have been processed as of that time. Beginning the following day, Wednesday November 3, the Elections Office will concentrate on processing ballots from the SD-1 area until that contest is completely counted.

Contests that share the ballot with the SD-1 will show partial updates as the SD-1 ballots are tabulated. Contests outside of SD-1 will not show updates until the canvass of the SD-1 contest is complete.

Once the SD-1 election results are certified, the Elections Office will shift their focus to processing the remaining partially counted contests until the canvass is completed.

SD-1 weaves through the eastern and southern part of the county, including the proposed city of Arden Arcade and the cities of Elk Grove and Rancho Cordova. To view a chart of which districts are in or out of SD-1, go to www.elections.saccounty.net.

For more information contact Brad Buyse at (916) 875-6276.

Former Wilton Fire District Director Sued by Attorney General

A former director of the Wilton (Calif.) Fire District is being sued as part of an investigation by Attorney General Jerry Brown into an alleged illegal marketing scheme by a Rancho Cordova firm.

Attorney James D. Sandison, along with two other owners of the the Rancho Corodva-based US Loan Auditors and My US Legal Services are accused of duping hundreds of customers who were attempted to get loan modifications. The company allegedly advised customers to stop mortgage payments and file a "predatory lending" lawsuits against mortgage companies.

"In fact, it was no remedy at all, and hundreds of desperate California homeowners took the bait and lost their money - and sometimes their homes," Brown said.

Sandison was elected to the Wilton Fire District in 1998 and served as a director for one term. He did not seek reelection in 2002.

Along with Sandison, two other owners of the firm,Jeffrey Pulvino and Shane Barker were named in the suit. Also sued were two attorneys, Jonathan G. Stein and Sharon L. Lapin.

Sandison, who was admitted to the California bar in 1990, is also the subject of disiplinary charges filed Tuesday by the State Bar.

Capitol Area Progressives Hosting Candidate Meet and Greet Tomorrow

The Capitol Area Progressives (CAP) is hosting a candidate meet and greet tomorrow night at the Elk Grove Public Library.

Among those confirmed to attend are Elk Grove City Council candidates Gary Davis and Davies Ononiwu; Cosumnes Community Services District candidates Rod Brewer and Doug McElry; 15th Assembly District candidate Joan Buchanan; and Sacramento County Sheriff candidate Jim Cooper.

Other candidates expected to attend are 10th Assembly District candidate Alyson Huber; State Senate District 1 candidate Steve Cooley; SMUD Ward 4 candidate Genevieve Shiroma; and 3rd Congressional District Candidate Dr. Ami Bera.

The function will be held from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Thursday, October 7. There is no cost to attend the function but donations will be accepted.

The Elk Grove Public Library is located at 8900 Elk Grove Boulevard.

Wilton Man Arraigned On Real Estate Fraud, Embezzlement Charges

District Attorney Jan Scully announced today that 46 year-old Lonnie Crawford Nielson of Wilton, Calif  was arraigned on 12 felony counts of grand theft. Nielson, a part owner of the Sacramento Capitals tennis team, is alleged to have embezzled over $760,000.00 from 11 clients between May and December of 2009.

Nielson was the owner and sole operator of a business commonly known as the “1031 Exchange” that temporarily accepted funds from the sale of his clients’ real estate properties. Nielson was supposed to deposit these funds into separate and secure bank trust accounts for each client.

These funds were to be applied to his clients’ future purchases of other real estate properties. Instead of holding his clients’ funds in separate bank trust accounts, Nielson allegedly used their funds to pay off debts he owed to other clients from misappropriations for personal investments, including an investment Nielson made in the Le Rivage Hotel in Sacramento.

As a result, Nielson was unable to return the funds as promised to his clients. Nielson is facing up to 16 years and 8 months in prison.

Elk Grove Police Investigate Fatal Accident

On October 6, 2010, at 2:26 a.m., the Elk Grove Police Department responded to a 911 call regarding a single vehicle collision at Elk Grove Blvd. and Highway 99 (northbound).

Upon arrival, officers discovered a Chevy Camaro with major damage on Highway 99 near the center median just north of the Elk Grove Blvd. overpass. Medical personnel were already on scene and determined that the only occupant of the vehicle, an unidentified female, was deceased. Identification of the driver will be made by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office.

Investigators have determined that the driver of the Chevy Camaro was apparently travelling westbound on Elk Grove Blvd. approaching the onramp to Highway 99 when she lost control of her vehicle. The vehicle proceeded to drive down an embankment and collided with several trees. The vehicle then crossed three lanes of traffic on Highway 99 before coming to rest near the center median.

At this time, the collision is under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this fatal traffic collision is asked to call the Elk Grove Police Department Traffic Bureau at (916) 478-8148.

Squeeze Inn Daily Deal Returns

One of SMN's new features is our affiliation with Deal Ticket.

When we launched our service over a month ago, the first deal we offered was a $4 for $10 at the Squeeze Inn on Power Inn Road. That deal was immensely popular. 

Well the Squeeze Inn Deal is back - this time it is available at their newest store in Roseville.The purchase of a $4 voucher gets you $10 worth of food. 

Trust me, that is more than enough for a meal that most of us can't finish at one sitting!

This deal is available until 10:00 pm Wednesday night. To get in on this deal, click here. This deal might  not be back around for some time, so don't hesitate. 

Volunteers Kick Bera’s Congressional Campaign into High Gear

Much has been said and written about a perceived enthusiasm deficit amongst among Democratic candidates and the party as the 2010 mid-term elections quickly approach.

Bera volunteer and U.C. Davis student Irtqa Ilyas

If such a gap does in fact exist, a visit to the Elk Grove, Calif. campaign headquarters of Dr. Ami Bera would quickly dissipate that notion.

Democratic Bera, a medical doctor and political newcomer is challenging veteran politician Republican Dan Lungren for the right to serve as the Congressional Representative for California’s Third District.

Bera, who has consistently out-performed Lungren in fund raising since entering the race, hopes this combined with a strong core of volunteers will be the difference in a race that has drawn national attention and has strong political implications.

A visit to Bera’s Elk Grove campaign offices on Tuesday afternoon found dozens of volunteers hunched over computers and making phone calls on cell phones and land lines seeking voter support for Bera. The volunteers ranged from senior citizens to college students who all seemed to be focused and committed.

Volunteer Orlando Fuentes of Elk Grove said he was motivated to makes calls because Bera represents a real opportunity to elect someone who is more reflective of the district. “He [Lungren] is way too conservative,” Fuentes said.

Volunteer Orlando Fuentes says Lungren is too conservative

When asked how many calls he made this day, Fuentes said over 100. Another volunteer Jim Byard said he made 160 calls, but good-naturedly added that Fuentes did his in less time. “He’s a lot quicker,” Byard quipped.

While Fuentes and Byard and represented the older segment of volunteers, one of the several young volunteers was 18-year old Irtqa Ilyas of Elk Grove. A 2010 graduate of Elk Grove’s Laguna Creek High School, the human development and pre-med student at U.C. Davis said she became interested in volunteering last spring after she helped organize a presentation by Bera at Laguna Creek as part of her advance-placement government class.

“Dr Bera is really genuine,” Ilyas said. When asked about her opportunity to vote in November, Ilyas said she “was very excited.”

Along with his Elk Grove campaign headquarters, Bera also has a Carmichael, Calif. office that is staffed with dozens of volunteers. Bera said the campaign has over 2,800 volunteers working seven day a week and have made close to 300,000 contacts via phone or precinct walks.

“That’s the best part of this campaign and the most humbling part,” Bera said of the campaign’s volunteers. “The level of enthusiasm continues to grow everyday.”

Sacramento Trio Indicted for Sex Trafficking of a Minor and Related Charges

SACRAMENTO, CA—United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that on September 30, 2010, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging Jamal Kareem Warren, 24, of Sacramento, with sex trafficking of a minor, production of images depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, distribution of images depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, and possession of images depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.

The indictment alleges that between November 2009 and December 15, 2009, Warren, along with Mario Londell Boyd, 42, of Sacramento, and Ashley Nicole Evon, 23, of Sacramento, knowingly recruited, enticed, harbored, transported, and maintained a 16-year-old girl for the purpose of having her engage in a commercial sex act. The indictment also charges Warren with producing, distributing, and possessing images depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, and seeks criminal forfeiture of several items used to facilitate the crime.

Warren made his initial appearance in court at 2:00 p.m. today before United States Magistrate Judge Edmund F. Brennan. Evon will make her initial appearance in court tomorrow. Boyd has not yet been apprehended.

This case is the product of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sacramento Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn K. Delaney is prosecuting the case.

The statutory penalty for sex trafficking of children is 15 years to life in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

Cecil ponders Hume-Conley stay-away case

By Thom Nadeau
of Notable Trials

Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Thomas Cecil listened for three hours Friday afternoon to Elk Grove City Councilman Patrick Hume and his former flame Constance Conley bitterly complain in excruciating detail their on-again, off-again love-hate affair.

When they were finally done accusing, denying and being unable to recall, Cecil said he would rule by Oct. 8 on if the politically active Conley and Hume must remain apart.

Their rocky relationship had lasted about five years – years marked alternately by break-ups and make-ups and break-ups again.

During one especially acrimonious estrangement Hume obtained a stay-away order that barred Conley from contacting him. In that same interim Hume, 38, took up with a new girlfriend, one Lisa Lent.

At the same time, however, Hume and Conley blatantly ignored the stay-away court order and attended political events and fund-raisers together, Conley’s attorney Paige Hibbert elicited through questioning.

“Hundreds and hundreds” of phone calls, emails, text messages ensued, Hume and Conley admitted, under questioning by Hume’s attorney, Ron Peters.

Not only did Hume and Conley exchange many calls and messages, some individual conversations were extraordinarily long.

Telephone records showed (and Hume confirmed) that one particular call between himself and Conley lasted eight hours and 10 minutes.

The calls, messages and emails sometimes became nasty, with Conley make unflattering accusations against Hume and Lent.

When Conley took the stand, she produced a three-ring binder packed four inches thick with printouts of emails and other exchanges between herself and Hume.

Hume’s demeanor on the stand was testy and his answers were curt. At one point, apparently impatient with how things were proceeding, he began testifying directly to the judge.

Peters, a seasoned and respected attorney, immediately cut Hume short, telling him in very few words that it was the attorney not the witness who led the questioning.

That odd exchange was but one of several uncommon events highlighting the courtroom action in Hume v. Conley, case #06CP01317.

Judge Cecil lays out issues for resolution

Lungren went to Hawaii and all I got was this lousy shirt!

One of the best things about political campaigns are the ads. Admit it, for as much as everyone complains about the mudslinging that happens, they are used because they usually work.

Such is the case with a TV ad being aired by Dr. Ami Bera in his race against incumbent Dan Lungren. Bera's ad uses an ABC News interview with Lungren a few years back that was on a story on how Lungren exploited a loophole to fund an all-expenses paid junket to Hawaii.

The difference between the typical negative ad and this one for the Elk Grove Democrat is that it points out a Lungren negative in an ironic and funny manner.



In a tight race that has gathered national exposure, this type of ad could make a difference.

Cooper, Jones Pitch Their Cases to Be Next Sac Sheriff

Jones (l) moderator Trisha Uhrhammer and Cooper

Jim Cooper and Scott Jones both made their cases on why they should be the next Sheriff of Sacramento County in a debate yesterday afternoon.

The debate, sponsored by the League of Women Voters was held in Sacramento County Board of Supervisors chambers and was one of several featuring Sacramento County candidates.

Cooper and Jones, both 20-plus year veterans with the department sought to explain why their particular experience would be best suited to succeed John McGinness, who decided not to seek reelection after one term.

Jones, who is chief of staff for McGinness and the department’s legal counsel, cited this experience to demonstrate he would be best suited to shepherd the department. Cooper noted his extensive street experience and countered that Jones’ status as a department insider would merely mean a continuation of the financial woes the department has experienced.

“He is the ultimate insider,” Cooper said of Jones.

Both candidates were asked how they would improve the department given the on-going financial problems and ensure public safety.

Jones said he would look to develop more regional relationships with other law enforcement agencies and reinstate program such as POP (Problem Oriented Police) officers. Cooper noted he would like to bring back revenue generating units that were eliminated during the recent round of budget cut and the gang unit.

As for endorsements, Jones said he had the backing of McGinness and all local police chiefs who issued endorsements as well as two of Cooper’s colleagues on the Elk Grove City Council. Cooper countered that he had the endorsements of the department’s rank and file members and had deep relationships with the state legislators and the local Congressional delegation though his work as an Elk Grove Council member.

“Experience, experience, experience,” Cooper said of the difference between him and Jones.

Dems Smack Sieglock as 'Porker'

One of the more interesting local assembly races is this years rematch between Democratic Incumbent Alyson Huber and Republican challenger Jack Sieglock.

When the two faced-off in 2008, Huber defeated Sieglock by a hair in the tradionally Republican 10th Assembly District.

Leaving nothing to chance, the state party has launched their own campaign against Sieglock with "pork" being a major theme. 

This race should again prove to be expensive, close and interesting.

Huber, Niello Legislation to Streamline Government Signed By Governor

Bipartisan Sunset Review Bills Establish Long Term Reform that will Save State Billions

SACRAMENTO – Two far reaching, bipartisan governmental reform measures authored by Assemblymembers Alyson Huber and Roger Neillo have been signed by Governor Schwarzenegger. AB 1659 and AB 2130 will push the state government to identify waste, duplication and inefficiencies in state departments and agencies. The bills passed the legislature on an overwhelming bipartisan vote.

AB 1659 and AB 2130 create a process to conduct comprehensive and regular reviews of the state’s many boards, commissions, agencies and departments. If the entities cannot demonstrate they are being effective and efficient, they will be automatically eliminated.

“The Legislature creates new boards and commissions to solve a problem. Far too often, there is no on-going oversight of the newly created bureaucracy to ensure it actually solved the problem it was created to solve. The lack of accountability has been studied and known for years yet no action had been taken, until now,” said Assemblymember Alyson Huber. “Instituting a sunset review process in California finally gives us the tools we need to really cut down on waste. This is the kind of bipartisan, long term reform the state needs and could save the state billions of dollars”

As far back as 1989, the Little Hoover Commission issued a report, entitled Boards and Commissions: California's Hidden Government, which found that, “California's multi-level, complex governmental structure today includes more than 400 boards, commissions, authorities, associations, councils and committees. These plural bodies operate to a large degree autonomously and outside of the normal checks and balances of representative government.”

The Commission concluded that “the state's boards, commissions and similar bodies are proliferating without adequate evaluation of need, effectiveness and efficiency.”

Numerous other states have a sunset review function and have realized long term savings. In Texas, for example, its Sunset Advisory Commission created in 1978 saves $27 for each dollar spent on the Commission. Furthermore, total savings achieved by the Commission equals roughly 5% of the state's budget – in California 5% is $4 billion.

AB 1659 and AB 2130 were co-authored by Senator Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord) and Assemblymember Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks). The legislation was also supported by National Federation of Independent Businesses, California Taxpayers Association, California Manufacturers & Technology Association, California Grocers Association, Physical Therapy Board of California, California Forestry Association and California Framing Contractors Association.

“Since taking office I have been fighting to reform our state government and bring more accountability to how the government spends taxpayer money. These bills show that when Democrats and Republicans works together we can take steps in the right direction to achieving the change our state desperately needs,” concluded Huber.

For more information visit, www.asm.ca.gov/huber.

Elk Grove Police Arrest Sacramento Booze Thief

A routine traffic stop on Tuesday night led to the arrest of Sacramento man who had allegedly stolen alcohol.

According to Elk Grove Police reports, officers stopped 20-year old Gary Jones of Sacramento on the 7200 block of Laguna Boulevard for a vehicle code violation and observed a bottle of alcohol inside the vehicle. A records check revealed Jones had a suspended license.

A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of several bottles of alcohol with security caps still inplace. Officers were able to determine the alcohol has been stolen from nearby Safeway and CVS stores.

The suspect was arrested and transferred to the county jail