Elk Grove Taco Bell Held Up Armed Robbers

The Taco Bell on the 6700 block of Laguna Boulevard was robbed by armed gunmen on Friday night.

According to Elk Grove Police Reports, two unknown suspects entered the restaurant and demanded money from the employees. One of the suspects displayed a handgun and the other jumped over the counter.

The suspects were given an undisclosed amount of currency before leaving the location on foot. No employees were hurt during the robbery.

The first suspect is described as a black male, 5’ 11”, skinny build, wearing a white mask with a black shirt and the second suspect is described as black male, 6’, skinny build, wearing a baseball cap, white shirt, and white mask.

'Goat-Man Bandit' Sentenced to Eight Years and Four Months in Prison

United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that yesterday, United States District Court Judge Kimberly J. Mueller sentenced John Raymond Porter, 42, of Sacramento, to eight years and four months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for serial bank robbery.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Sacramento Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rodriguez prosecuted the case.

According to court documents, during the early stages of the investigation, the task force dubbed the perpetrator the "Goat-Man Bandit" because the tellers in some robberies indicated the robber had facial hair in the form of a goatee. Porter was convicted of four counts of bank robbery but admitted to committing nine bank robberies:

1. Wells Fargo Bank, 781 Pleasant Grove Boulevard, Roseville, on October 3, 2008;

2. US Bank, 30 High Street, Auburn, on October 23, 2008;

3. Washington Mutual Bank, 5801 Sunrise Blvd., Citrus Heights, on October 23, 2008;

4. Wachovia Bank, 8477 Auburn Boulevard, Citrus Heights, on December 11, 2008;

5. US Bank, 2360 Grass Valley Highway, Auburn, on December 13, 2008;

6. Bank of America, 900 High Street, Auburn, on December 23, 2008;

7. Bank of America, 2221 Douglas Boulevard, Roseville, on January 6, 2009;

8. Bank of America, 3901 Park Drive, El Dorado Hills, on February 17, 2009; and

9. Wells Fargo Bank, 3291 Coach Lane, Cameron Park, on March 2, 2009.

Porter has agreed to pay restitution for the total loss suffered by all nine banks, which amount will be determined at the restitution hearing scheduled for July 21, 2011.

Elk Grove Memorial Day DUI Fatality - Yet Another Cautionary Tale

In mere seconds one life is lost and scores are forever changed.

Scene of Elk Grove DUI fatality

This is the result of the latest Elk Grove DUI death that happened early Sunday morning on Power Inn Road on the city's north side. To many drinks and one bad decision - to drive drunk - and a 20-year old man is killed.

Dead is 20-year-old Oscar Ivan Camero of Elk Grove. Arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter charges and fleeing an accident scene is 20-year old Heile Gantan of Elk Grove while 20-year old LaDonna Torres, also of Elk Grove, faces a conspiracy to commit a felony charge.

Gantan and Torres are alleged to have fled the scene of the accident leaving Camero is the back seat.

A visit to the site of accident early Monday morning showed evidence of the crash - broken glass, knocked down tree and shards of plastic from the vehicle.

According to TV reports, Camero was car buff and well-liked young man. An Internet search of Gantan revealed a seemingly aspiring young lady with much potential.

Too many drinks and bad decisions - one life lost and dozens irreversibly changed. No good can come from this situation other than to offer yet another cautionary tale of the hazards of drunk driving.

Elk Grove Women Arrested on Manslaughter, DUI Charges

Manslaughter suspect Heile Gantan

At 4:37 a.m. today the Elk Grove Police Department responded to a call of a single vehicle collision on Power Inn Road South of Blue Maiden.

Upon arrival, officers discovered that a red BMW travelling Southbound on Power Inn lost control and crossed the median. The vehicle collided with a tree and light pole, coming to rest on its roof. An unidentified male was found deceased in the back seat of the vehicle.  

The female driver and a female passenger were able to exit the vehicle and left the scene before officers arrived. They were both located leaving the scene and detained by officers.

The subsequent investigation revealed that the driver, 20-year-old Heile Gantan of Elk Grove, had objective symptoms of impairment and was determined to be operating the vehicle while under the influence.

Gantan was arrested and booked into the Sacramento County Jail on charges of Vehicular Manslaughter, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs, and Leaving the Scene of a Collision (at this time, a booking photo is not available).

Identification of the deceased will be made by the Sacramento County Coroner’s office.

Police, Fire Officials Urge Pool Safety

In Sacramento County, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages one through five. According to the Sacramento County Child Death review team, 57 children under the age of 18 died due to drowning between 2000 and 2008. Of the 57 deaths, 38 (67%) were children under six years of age.

Of the 38 children less than six years of age who died due to drowning, 69% died in a pool, hot tub or spa. Since April, the Elk Grove Police Department and the Cosumnes Fire Department have responded to two fatal drowning calls where the children were under the age of six.

Many people assume that, at a residence with a pool, spa or hot tub, the danger of drowning occurs only when the family is outside. But, a common scenario takes place when young children leave the house without a parent or caregiver realizing it. Children are drawn to water, not knowing the terrible danger pools, spas or hot tubs can pose.

"A drowning can occur in a matter of minutes,” Elk Grove Police Chief Robert Lehner said. “Children drown without a sound. They often do not have an opportunity to yell for help and are quickly overwhelmed.”

The key to preventing these tragedies is to know the ABC’s of Drowning Prevention.

A for Adult Supervision

• Adult supervision is the key to drowning prevention. Always assign a “water watcher” who knows how to swim.

B for Barriers

• Put in, check and always use a child-proof barrier (5 feet tall, non-climbable and self-latching) around your pool/spa area.

C for CPR & Classes

• Learn CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and rescue breathing.

“Having responded to drowning emergencies personally, I can tell you firsthand the incredible emotional toll these tragic deaths have on not only the family and friends of the victim, but the first responders and the community as a whole,” Cosumnes Fire Department Fire Chief Tracey Hansen said. “These deaths are preventable if these steps are followed closely.”

For additional water safety tips, visit the CCSD website.

Man and Woman Killed in North Highlands

Shortly before 6:00 p.m. Saturday night Sacramento Sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence in the 5800 block of San Ardo Way in North Highlands, regarding calls of a shooting that had occurred. Upon their arrival, deputies found two adult victims, a male and a female, who had both suffered fatal gunshot wounds.

Preliminary investigation showed that the victims, who were brother and sister, had gotten into an argument during a family get-together at the residence. The subjects had apparently gone into the garage of the home during the argument, where the male subject shot his sister. He then returned to the living area of the home, where family members saw him holding a handgun. Family members hastily exited the residence, at which time the male subject returned to the garage and shot himself.

Homicide detectives are proceeding with the investigation of this apparent murder-suicide. At this time, it is unknown exactly what the subjects were arguing about prior to the shooting taking place.

Official identification of the victims in this case will be made by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office, when next of kin have been notified.

Sac Sheriff, EGPD Catch Drunk Hit and Run Driver

Suspect had three year-old in car; victim follows suspect

A hit and run incident that started on Bond Road and Bradshaw Road ended several miles north early Monday evening with an arrest.

According to Elk Grove Police reports, 30-year old Celia Espinoza of Rancho Cordova was involved in a hit and run vehicle accident and left the scene. The victim of the accident followed the suspect north along Bradshaw Road where Sacramento County Sheriff deputies conducted a stop of the vehicle.

Responding officers from Elk Grove Police and contacted the suspect who reportedly displayed objective signs of impairment. Along with the Espinoza, her three year-old son was in the vehicle at the time of the collision.

The suspect was arrested and transferred to the county jail and the child was released to a relative.

Limo Driver Thwarts Robbery With Taser

A limo driver was able to thwart a robbery early Saturday morning with the threat of  a taser.

According to Elk Grove Police Department reports, the limo driver was cleaning his vehicle at Kelly's Car Wash on Klagge Court and had all four doors open while vacuuming when an unknown suspect entered the rear of the vehicle and pointed a shaved tipped screwdriver and demanded money. With a taser at reach, the victim grabbed it and turned it on the suspect.

Seeing the taser, the suspect left the vehicle and fled the area on foot. The suspect is described as an Asian male adult, 20 to 25 years of age, 5’9” tall, 150 lbs, wearing a black shirt, blue jeans, and Nike tennis shoes.

Elk Grove Man Arrested For Stabbing

An Elk Grove man was arrested for a stabbing early Sunday morning.

According to Elk Grove Police reports, 26-year old George Carrasco was involved in a physical altercation with his male victim. During the course of the altercation, the suspect reportedly stabbed the victim in the stomach.

The victim was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment of non-life threatening injuries. Carrasco was arrested and booked into the county jail.

Rancho Cordova Memorial Day Event Honors Local Heroes

“Honoring Our Local Heroes” will be the focus at the 5th annual Memorial Day Celebration at the Veterans Memorial Plaza on Monday, May 30th at 10 a.m. Sponsored by the City of Rancho Cordova; the Department of Veterans Affairs, Northern California Health Care System; and Heritage Community Credit Union, the program will take place at the Sacramento VA Medical Center Memorial Plaza that is located at 10535 Hospital Way in Mather.

Fernando Ponce, an Iraqi war veteran, will introduce and pay special tribute to three local veteran heroes: Paul Zimmer, Upton Gassaway, and Wayne Omori.

While folding the American flag, members of the Emblem Club 479, the auxiliary for the Rancho Cordova Elks Lodge, will do a unique presentation of the flag’s history.

Guest speakers will include Morrie Turner, a World War II veteran and a nationally syndicated cartoonist; Barbara Ward, Deputy Secretary of Women and Minorities of the California Department of Veteran Affairs; California Assemblywoman Alyson Huber; and Brigadier General David Baldwin, Adjutant General of the California National Guard.

Patriotic music will be presented by the AmVets Band and the St. John Vianney Choir. “Amazing Grace” will be performed by Lyle Seeband on the bagpipes and Sarah McGarvey will sing the National Anthem.

Rancho Cordova Mayor Robert J. McGarvey, an Air Force veteran, and Dr. William Cahill, VA Northern California Healthcare System Chief of Staff, will welcome attendees. The Navy Sea Cadets will present the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Bob Burns, Sr., a veteran of three wars. The Honor Guard, made up of members of the U.S. Marine Corps Motor Transport Maintenance Company 4th Maintenance Battalion, will do a 21- gun salute. The invocation and benediction will be by the Reverend Larry Stafford from the Cordova Church of Christ.

Also on the program will be Dawn Lindblom, CEO of the Capital Region Chapter of the American Red Cross, and representatives from Congressman Dan Lungren’s and Congresswoman Doris Matsui’s offices.

The newest commemorative bricks dedicated to local men and women of the armed services will be on display.

During the program, the California Air National Guard’s 144th Fighter Wing will do a flyover.

For additional information, please contact Robin Jackson at (916) 240-3370.

Sacramento County Dedistricting Workshops Coming Up

Sacramento County Registrar of Voters Jill LaVine reminds residents that community workshops to review and comment on the proposed redistricting plans will continue through June 15. LaVine said she is pleased with the public participation at the workshops held so far. “Attendees have been very interested and engaged in the redistricting process,” adds LaVine.

Comments and recommendations collected at these workshops, and those made online, will be included in a report and presented to the Board of Supervisors during a public hearing on Tuesday, July 26 at 2:15 p.m., 700 H Street, Suite 1450, Sacramento.

The public is invited to attend any of the remaining community workshops:
Every ten years the County must redraw the supervisorial district lines using new census data. Births, deaths and moving all contribute to population shifts from one census to the next. Based on the 2010 census, Sacramento County’s supervisorial district lines must be redrawn to keep the average population in each district at about 282,000. Three districts will grow, while two will shrink.

To see the draft redistricting plans, maps of existing districts, or provide input online, go to www.elections.saccounty.net/redistricting.

For more information about Sacramento County redistricting, call (916) 875-5827 or email Voters-Redistrict2011@saccounty.net.

Sign up for redistricting email and text alerts at www.elections.saccounty.net/redistricting.

See schedule below

Inmate Death at Sacramento County Jail

Earlier this morning, a fifty-year old male died while awaiting release from the Sacramento County Main Jail. The man had been in custody since Sunday morning, May 15th, when he was booked into the jail at approximately 11:00a.m. on a charge of public intoxication.

Yesterday evening, the inmate had been processed and was in a holding cell with other inmates awaiting release. Shortly before midnight, the inmate became unresponsive. Deputies and jail medical staff performed CPR on the inmate, and paramedics were requested. Upon their arrival, paramedics attempted life-saving measures on the inmate and transported him to a local hospital. The inmate was pronounced dead at approximately 12:40a.m.

The Sheriff’s Department will complete a thorough inmate death investigation in accordance with department procedures and state laws. The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office will determine the cause of death and forward its findings as prescribed by law. The Coroner’s Office will release the name of the deceased after notifying his next of kin.

Public Invited to Meet the Sheriff

On Wednesday, May 18, 2011, the public is invited to attend a “Sheriff’s Chat”, hosted by Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones. This event is designed to give members of the community the chance to meet Sheriff Jones, and ask questions or address concerns regarding the Sheriff’s Department and the communities which it serves.

This event will take place at the Foothill Community Center, located at 5510 Diablo Drive in Sacramento, and is from from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Attendees will be allowed the opportunity to speak with Sheriff Jones one-on-one, on a first-come, first-served basis, as time permits.

Sac Sheriff's Bust Gang Members for Graffiti Spree

Dana Aviles

On May 11, 2011, the Sheriff’s Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) and North Division’s High Impact Team arrested three known gang members for a rash of graffiti incidents in the Arden Arcade area of Sacramento County. 

Jesus Nava, 19, Dana Aviles, 18, and a 14-year old male were charged with felony vandalism and participation in criminal street gang activity. Nava and Aviles were booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail and the 14-year old was booked at Sacramento County Juvenile Hall.

Jesus Nava

In response to a recent spike in gang-related graffiti in the Arden-Arcade area, GSU detectives and the High Impact Team conducted a directed operation in the area. They contacted the suspects, who were identified by witnesses as being responsible for spray-painting gang-related graffiti at several locations throughout the neighborhood. In addition, evidence linking the suspects to the graffiti was discovered by officers at the time of the arrests.

Quick, Tatsy Dishes at Roveville's Noodles

The American classic Mac and Cheese with white truffle oil

Recently we found ourselves in Roseville taking care of business and as luck would have it, we decided to visit the Noodles restaurant located in The Fountains shopping center.

 

A Boulder, Colorado-based chain, at its name implies this establishment specializes in noodle-based meals along with an assortment of soups, salads and sandwiches. Using the logic that one rarely goes to Chinese restaurant for a hamburger, we decided to go with their mainstays.

The noodle dishes come in regular and small sizes and span the globe as they are in three classifications - Asian, Mediterranean and American. To get a good sampling we decided to share one small dishes from each classification.

We selected the Japanese caramilized nudon noodles, pesto cavatappi with a parmesan-crusted chicken breast and one of the limited time specials, a mac and cheese laced with white truffle oil and baby portabello mushrooms. 

Caramelized Japanese nudon noodles - spicy and sweet

First things first, each of the dishes was prepared to order and arrived hot at the same time. If there there is one bothersome practice is being served communal dishes in stages - I want them all presented at the same time - just my little quirk.

Once served, we dug in and found each to be fresh, hot and flavorful. 

The nudon noodles had the right amount of spicy heat and the vegetables were not over cooked. Likewise, the dish could have used a little less sugar as the noodles tended to be a bit sweet for our tastes.

The pesto cavatappi, which was served with a tasty lightly parmesan crusted chicken breast was satisfying. The pesto sauce was tasty but could have used a bit more garlic and fresh basil.

The hit of the meal was the limited time special mac and cheese. Once a dish relegated as a waiting-to-get-paid family budget stretcher, mac and cheese in recent years has been promoted first to 

a classic comfort food and now to a sort of American haute cuisine.

Noodles version was the hit of the meal.

First they start with  your standard cheddar sauce, add a variety of shredded jack cheeses and for good measure add fresh parsley, portabella mushrooms and top it off with fresh made-in-the-store bread crumbs. This was not your regular mac and cheese - the extra zing and flavor in this American classic must be attributed to the white truffle oil.

Whatever the reason, the special mac and cheese was an a unqualified hit. And the three small portions were more than enough for two with plenty left over to take home.  

Noodles in Roseville store is located at 1186 Roseville Parkway. Their Elk Grove store is located at 7405 Laguna Boulevard #170 (next to Borders).  

Budget Woes Continue in 2012 Sacramento County Budget

$90 million shortfall projected

While the national economy is reportedly on the mend, the financial situation facing Sacramento County for 2012 continues to feel the affect of the Great Recession.

According to preliminary fiscal year 2012 budget estimates released this morning, Sacramento County is facing a $90.4 milllion shortfall. To close the defict gap, county official have said they will seek to reduce services and staffing.

Steve Szalay, Interim County Executive said the county will face difficulty in the coming year because of the shortfall. “These service reductions are significant, but it’s imperative that we size service levels with our current long-term revenue and there is no other choice but to continue to downsize,” he said.

The shortfall is comprised of:

$30 M in one-time funding 33.19%

$20 M in increased labor costs 22.12 %

$19.4M department shortfalls 21.46 % $69.4 M Total Shortfall

$21M in known state reductions

Along with the reductions in services, there will be reductions in staffing levels. Of the current 11,500 full time employees, about 222 General Fund positions and 92 Non-General Fund positions will be reduced. This does not include the Sheriff and District Attorney’s staffing plans. Because of Civil Service rules that dictate seniority “bumping” and transfers combined with retirements, it is impossible to predict the number of people that will be laid off. 

Budget documents can be found on the County Budget Website. Budget Hearings will be held the week of June 6, in the Board Chambers at 700 H Street, Sacramento.

Wilton Man Pleads Guilty on Embezzlement Charges

District Attorney Jan Scully announced today that 47 year-old Lonnie Nielson of Wilton, was sentenced to 7 years in prison after pleading guilty to six felony charges of grand theft. Formerly a part-owner of the Sacramento Capitals tennis team, Nielson admitted that he embezzled over $800,000 from 11 clients between May 2009 and July 2010.

Nielson was the owner and sole operator of 1031 Exchange Real Estate Service, Inc., a business that temporarily accepted funds from the sale of his clients’ real estate properties.  Nielson was supposed to put 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 used their funds to  pay off debts he owed to other clients, 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.

Payroll Company CEO Who Defrauded Sacramento County and Others Sentenced

Payroll Company CEO Who Defrauded Sacramento County and Others of More than $20 Million Sentenced to Prison

SACRAMENTO, CA—United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that Albert Cipoletti, 62, of Northport, N.Y., was sentenced today by United States District Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr. to six-and-a-half years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, in connection with a scheme to divert more than $20 million from Sacramento County as well as two other businesses: SanDisk Corporation (SanDisk) and The Stanley Works and Stanley Solutions Inc. (Stanley). As part of the sentence, Cipoletti was ordered to pay $19,141,618 in restitution. On October 29, 2010, he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

This case is the product of an extensive investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. The County of Sacramento reported the offense to federal law enforcement and has assisted with the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney S. Robert Tice-Raskin is prosecuting the case.

U.S. Attorney Wagner said: "These defendants cheated the IRS, Sacramento County, and some of their other clients over a long period of time, causing millions of dollars in losses. Those who are entrusted to handle public funds have a responsibility to preserve and protect those funds. As this prison sentence makes clear, persons who cheat the public will pay a steep price."

"Payroll companies who are hired to handle various financial affairs for employers, but who intentionally fail to remit withheld employment taxes are not only enriching themselves, they are creating financial problems for the employees," stated IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Scott O'Briant. "The defendant in this case wrongfully diverted over $20 million in tax withholding, which should have been remitted to the IRS on behalf of the clients' employees. Today's sentence should be a warning that IRS Criminal Investigation will always be there to pursue those individuals who play fast and loose with other people's money for their own personal gain."

Special Agent in Charge of the Sacramento FBI office Herbert Brown said "Today's fraud schemes are more sophisticated than ever, and this case is yet another example of the complex white collar crime cases we continue to see across the nation. The FBI is committed to using our skills and resources, as well as working with our law enforcement partners, to track down the culprits and bring them to justice."

According to court documents, Cipoletti was the chief executive officer of Ingentra HR Services Inc. (Ingentra), a payroll services corporation in Hauppauge, N.Y. Ingentra, then known as Humanic Solutions Inc, was hired by Sacramento County in late 2004 to process the payrolls for Sacramento County's Special Districts (including the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, the cemetery district, the parks and recreation district, independent contractors, and various elected officials). As part of the payroll services, Ingentra calculated the tax payments for the clients and the clients' employees and then transmitted the payments to the state and federal tax authorities. Ingentra was responsible for paying the IRS the income tax withholdings to the IRS and to file the Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Form (Form 941) with the IRS on behalf of the clients. (Form 941 includes totals for number of employees, total pay for the period being reported, and amounts withheld from the pay of the employees.)

According to Cipoletti's plea agreement, from 2005 until April 2010, he and co-defendant Kerry Seaman, comptroller for Ingentra, devised a scheme to defraud the County of Sacramento - Special Districts, SanDisk, and Stanley of the tax withholdings intended to be paid to the IRS by collecting the correct amount from the clients but under reporting to the IRS the amount owed and diverting the difference to Ingentra's operating account for Ingentra's use.

According to the plea agreement, Cipoletti and Seaman sent funding letters to the clients that correctly calculated payroll and federal tax withholdings for the clients' employees, and these clients wire transferred funds to Ingentra for the purposes of paying both the payroll and taxes. Cipoletti and Seaman then filed false 941s to the IRS, understating the true employee tax withholdings for these clients. Cipoletti and Seaman wrongfully diverted in excess of $20 million in tax withholdings from clients Stanley, SanDisk, and Sacramento County that should have been remitted to the IRS on behalf of these clients and these clients' employees.

Seaman pleaded guilty to the same charge on November 19, 2010, and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Burrell on July 22, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.

RT Green Line Construction to Temporarily Impact Three Light Rail Stations

Friday, May 13 until Monday, May 16

During the weekend of May 13, 2011, the Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) will temporarily close three Gold Line light rail stations to perform construction work for the Green Line to the River District light rail extension.

In order to minimize disruptions for passengers and surrounding businesses in downtown Sacramento, construction will start at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 13 and continue until 4 a.m. on Monday, May 16.  This work will require the closure of the 8th & K, Sacramento Valley Station and 7th & I/County Center light rail stations at 7 p.m.

As an alternative, shuttle buses will transport Gold Line passengers to and from the Sacramento Valley Station, and will serve bus stops at 7th and K streets, and 8th and K streets.

During construction, Gold Line light rail trains will continue to serve the 8th & Capitol Station.  Trains will continue north to temporarily serve the St. Rose of Lima Park (9th & K) Station, return to the St. Rose of Lima Park (7th & K) Station, and then resume regular service.

In addition, street closures will take place at the intersections of 7th and H streets, and 8th and H streets:

            6 p.m. on Friday, May 13 through 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 14:

§      Eastbound H Street between 6th Street and 9th Street

§      Southbound 7th Street between F Street and I Street

§      Northbound 8th Street between I Street and G Street

           

            8 a.m. on Saturday, May 14 through 6 a.m. on Monday, May 16:

§      Eastbound H Street between 7th Street and 9th Street

§      Northbound 8th Street between I Street and G Street

This will be the second of three scheduled weekend closures affecting the 8th & K, Sacramento Valley Station and 7th & I/County Center light rail stations in the coming months.

The Green Line to the River District is the first phase of the Green Line to the Airport light rail extension project.  The Green Line to the River District will extend light rail 1.1 miles north to 7th Street and Richards Boulevard at the Township 9 development.

For more information about the Green Line to the River District, call 916-930-1192.  To sign up for Green Line to the River District construction alerts, email Jo Noble at jnoble@sacrt.com.

Gunman Surrenders After Chase and Standoff

A standoff with an armed gunman ended peacefully yesterday when authorities arrested a validated gang member in the Arden Arcade area. Marvin BARKSDALE, 22, was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail earlier this morning, where he is being held on numerous felony charges stemming from the incident.

On May 6, 2011, at approximately 5:24p.m., Sheriff’s deputies responded to the area of Fulton Avenue and Hurley Way to assist the California Highway Patrol with a vehicle pursuit. A CHP officer was attempting to stop a vehicle, driven by BARKSDALE, for traffic violations. BARKSDALE failed to yield to the officer, and led him on a short chase northbound on Fulton Avenue from that location.

BARKSDALE continued northbound on Fulton Avenue to Arden Way, where he encountered traffic stopped at a red light at that intersection. At that point, BARKSDALE, the sole occupant of the vehicle, exited the car and fled on foot in a northwest direction. BARKSDALE left the vehicle in gear, and it continued rolling forward, eventually striking another vehicle and causing property damage to it. As BARKSDALE ran from the car, the CHP officer could clearly see BARKSDALE holding a handgun as he was running away.

BARKSDALE ignored commands to stop, and ran through a car dealership at Arden Way and Fulton Avenue, then continued toward a nearby business in the 2500 block of Arden Way. With the CHP officer in foot pursuit, BARKSDALE continued into the Arden Audio installation shop located at 2505 Arden Way. Employees who were working in the business at the time saw BARKSDALE enter, and they quickly retreated out from the location.

Sheriff’s deputies and California Highway Patrol officers quickly descended upon the area, and established perimeter containment around the business where BARKSDALE entered. The determination was made that the Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Detail (SED) and Critical Incident Negotiations Team (CINT) be deployed to the location.

Over the next two hours, officers attempted to get BARKSDALE to exit the business and surrender. A portion of Arden Way was closed to through traffic, and numerous PA announcements made into the business to get BARKSDALE to surrender were unsuccessful.

At approximately 8:15p.m., the Sheriff’s SED team was put into place outside the Arden Audio business. The team made a tactical entry into the location, and soon discovered BARKSDALE attempting to hide on top of an interior office located within the business. BARKSDALE surrendered at that time without further incident. A search of the location yielded a loaded semi-automatic handgun that was wrapped in a T-shirt inside the office upon which BARKSDALE had been hiding. BARKSDALE was arrested, and given to the custody of the California Highway Patrol. No other individuals were inside the business at the time, and no law enforcement officers or citizens were injured during this entire incident.

BARKSDALE was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail, and faces charges that include felony evasion of a peace officer, resisting or obstructing a peace officer, felony hit and run with property damage, brandishing a firearm, and driving under the influence.

Sac Sheriff's Detectives Seek Help in Identifying Shooting Suspects

Sheriff’s Homicide detectives are seeking information regarding a vehicle and suspects involved in a shooting yesterday evening in south Sacramento. On May 5, 2011, shortly after 6:15p.m., deputies responded to the area of 47th Avenue and Franklin Boulevard in response to calls of shots being fired in the area. Information revealed that occupants from one vehicle had fired gunshots at people in another vehicle.

Approximately thirty minutes later, Sheriff’s deputies responded to a local hospital after a male victim arrived with a gunshot wound to his head. The victim, a twenty-year old, was not expected to survive his injuries. Witnesses stated that they had been traveling in the area of 47th Avenue and Franklin Boulevard, and were confronted by a group of subjects in another vehicle. After some confrontational looks were exchanged, someone from that vehicle fired gunshots at them. The victim, who was riding in the backseat of the car, was struck once in the head, and driven to the hospital immediately afterwards.

The suspect vehicle was described as a newer-model, silver Dodge Avenger, and occupied by four to five black males. The vehicle was last seen traveling southbound on Franklin Boulevard from the location directly after the shooting. Detectives have not established a motive for this incident, and the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this case, or who knows the identity of any of the suspects involved is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (916) 874-5115, Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP, or send a text message tip 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.

Elk Grove Youths Arrested for Robbery on Bus

Two Elk Grove juveniles were arrested late Saturday afternoon after they robbed and threatened to attack another juvenile on an e-tran bus.

According to police reports, two male juvenile suspects aged 15 and 14 confronted a 16-year old male while on a bus and demanded his backpack be emptied. When the victim refused to, one of the suspects took an I-Pod from the victims lap and gave it to the other suspect.

When the second suspect discovered the devise was password protected, he demanded the victim give him the password. When the victim refused, the first suspect acted as though he was going to attack the victim.

A witness recovered the the victim's devise and both suspects were taken into custody and transferred to juvenile hall.

City of Sacramento to host 150 Wounded Warriors in “Thank You for Your Service” event

"Thank You for Your Service" is a one day sports event for 150 wounded, ill or injured Guard and Reserve U.S. Army soldiers who are in the Community Based Warrior Transition Unit. They will participate in wheelchair softball, wheelchair basketball, swimming, scuba, handcycling, tandem cycling, shot put, discus, javelin, and rock climbing on a climbing wall. These soldiers are all working toward recovering and transitioning either back to regular duty or to separate as civilian veterans.

“Thank You for Your Service” is a city sponsored event through the Paralympic Sport Sacramento Club, which includes the City of Sacramento, Department of Parks and Recreation- Paralympic Sport Sacramento Club and four additional Northern California Paralympic Sport Clubs from Lake Tahoe, Bay Area, San Jose, and Mammoth Lakes.

Media are welcome and invited to attend; Warriors will be available to speak with media in between sports sessions.

WHO:
150 Warriors In Transition

Chief Service Officer, Keith Hart will be in attendance to make a brief statement at the opening ceremonies.

AT:
“Thank You For Your Service” sports event

WHEN:
Friday, May 6, 2011
8:30 a.m. – Opening Ceremonies
8:45 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sports program
*Please note that there will be a lunch break from 12 – 1 p.m.

WHERE:
Samuel C. Pannell Community Center
2450 Meadowview Road
Sacramento

Opinion: Bin Laden brought to Justice, now Justice for our Soldiers?

By Steven E. Masone

Now it is time to bring Justice to the tens of thousands of veterans whose valid claims have been stonewalled

"Bin Laden went out as a coward, U.S. says" read one front page headline. 

Opinion editorials with rhetoric from the patriotic, to fear mongering that... "Islamists will seek revenge"... and letters to editors with comments like, "the silence of Muslim Nations on Bin Laden's death is deafening"...and others saying do not blame Bin Laden for our bad schools? The different angles and segue-ways into other related topics were an explosion of "talking heads shouting loudly with much ado about nothing."

While this successful operation is justice for the 9-11 tragedy that took so many lives and damaged so many more, we often lose sight of the sacrifice our military gives, amidst all the hyperbole and commentaries that vie for attention for their viewpoint, we hear from intelligent commentary to the bizarre and ignorant.

But I want to give credit where credit is due, to the men who were risking their lives for our freedom. That is what this discussion should be all about - them. Without men and women like these Seal team members, we would have been under tyranny and dictatorships long ago.

The battle is not over for freedom and democracy in the world and more of ours must die and those who don't will live wounded lives, for the freedom we take for granted much of the time.

Yesterday, I went to the Veterans Hospital in my area and began to think about some of the past attitudes and insults towards my ex-military profession both in regards to the Vietnam War and the military of those times. Things have changed now where our military, police, fire and rescue, are respected and not reviled by the general public. But what is done behind the doors of the (VA) Veterans Administration, does not reflect what is deserved for our troops.

13 Arrested by Sacramento DA for IHSS Fraud

District Attorney Jan Scully announced today that 13 people were arrested last week on warrants issued by the multi-agency IHSS Fraud Task Force for committing In- Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Fraud and other types of public assistance fraud.

IHSS in California is a $5 billion federal, state and county funded program designed to allow the aged, blind and disabled to remain safely in their homes, by providing in-home rather than institutional care.

The District Attorney’s IHSS Fraud Task Force, with investigators from the District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Human Assistance and the California Department of Health Care Services, along with an agent from the Federal Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General conducted a warrant sweep to ensure that those who are charged with stealing from this important public assistance

program are brought to justice.

Those arrested and charged include Elizabeth Garcia who is charged with fraudulently obtaining over $28,000 in IHSS funds, as well as over $31,000 in food stamp fraud and $59,000 from Child Action, the public assistance program designed to pay for child care for low income parents in school or work; and Joe Vue who is charged with fraudulently obtaining $40, 941 in IHSS funds as part of a scheme masterminded by his ex-wife Julie Vue, a former Department of Health and Human Services Social Worker who is currently serving a term in state prison for her role in the theft of over $324,000 from the IHSS program. Of those arrested on warrants last week, the total charged IHSS fraud amount is $107,374.32 and $91,000 in fraud from other public assistance programs.

Deputy District Attorney Laura West, who heads the District Attorney’s IHSS Fraud Task Force, thanked all the agencies who participated in the sweep and noted that the warrant sweep is just one part of the fraud prevention plan implemented in Sacramento County designed to ensure that those who steal from IHSS will be caught, prosecuted and ordered to pay restitution for their crimes.

Rancho Cordova Police to Conduct DUI Checkpoint

The Rancho Cordova Police Department will be holding a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Sobriety and Driver’s License Checkpoint on Thursday, May 5, 2011 in the City of Rancho Cordova. The checkpoint will be operational that day from 2000 Hours to 0200 Hours.

Officers will be checking drivers for signs of impairment, providing educational materials outlining the dangers of driving while impaired, and checking for driver’s licenses. This checkpoint operation will be conducted utilizing funds from a grant provided to the Rancho Cordova Police Department by the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).

New Surveillance Cameras to Be Used In Sacramento

The Sacramento Police Department will be using new surveillance cameras to help monitor large scale events and other areas within the city.

The Police Department was awarded $600,000 by the California Emergency Management Agency to purchase surveillance equipment.  The award was the result of efforts by Mayor Kevin Johnson to get additional funding to assist in making our community safer.

With the funding, the department was able to purchase the following:

• 1) Three mobile closed captioned television surveillance trailers- equipped with surveillance and license plate recognition cameras. These trailers will be deployed at major events and in parts of the city where the cameras would benefit in the investigation of an ongoing crime trend or series.

• 2) Thirteen fixed surveillance cameras- located at Del Paso Boulevard and Forrest Street, Mack Road and Center Parkway, 7^th and K Street, 8^th and K Street, Alkali Flat light rail station, Del Paso Boulevard and Arden Way light rail station.

• 3) Video storage and retention system- funding was used to purchase equipment to store video surveillance video data for a 30 day period.

• 4) Shared access to over sixty Regional Transit surveillance cameras- funding was utilized to connect Regional Transit and Sacramento Police networks in order to access their video surveillance cameras.