Elk Grove News.net

Elk Grove to Hold Planning Workshop on Southeast Policy Area

2012-02-15T18:06:00.000-08:00

The City of Elk Grove is seeking public input on a land master plan for the 1,200 acre Southeast Policy Area located at the southern end of Elk Grove. Residential and business community members are encouraged to attend an interactive public workshop at City Hall on February 23 to share ideas for the last large-scale development area within the urbanized portion of Elk Grove.

In response to a market study that outlined future land use needs for Elk Grove, the Elk Grove City Council provided direction in 2011 to begin the process of master planning the Southeast Policy Area. The Council intends to promote jobs-producing uses and development opportunities with the land.

The Southeast Policy Area is located directly south of the Laguna Ridge Specific Plan area and west of Lent Ranch/Elk Grove Promenade and the approved Sterling Meadows development. A map of the planning area is below.

The City of Elk Grove recognizes that the planning must include collaboration with residents, local agencies and key stakeholders in the business community. The community is highly encouraged to participate in the meeting.

Southeast Policy Area Public Workshop
Thursday, February 23, 6 p.m.
City of Elk Grove Council Chambers
8400 Laguna Palms Way
Elk Grove, CA 95758

By The Numbers - How Scherman's Fundraising is Stacking Up

2012-02-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

Elk Grove Council Member Sophia Scherman

With the district she will have represented for 12 years being drawn out of existence later this year, Elk Grove Council Member Sophia Scherman has decided to pursue higher political office. For Scherman this means a run for the newly drawn District Nine seat of the California State Assembly.

With less the four months to the June 5 primary, it is worth examining Scherman's fundraising efforts to date. What will make this year's primary interesting and different is that the top two vote getters will move on to the general election regardless of party affiliation.

Besides Scherman, Democratic Assembly Member Richard Pan and Republican Tony Amador will be vying to make it to the November general election.

Here is a breakdown of Scherman's fundraising to date according to information filed with the California Secretary of State.

Current status:

LAST REPORT DATE THIS SESSION 01/30/2012
REPORTING PERIOD 07/01/2011 - 12/31/2011
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THIS PERIOD - $12,535.00
TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS 1/1/2011 - 12/31/2011 - $22,044.00
EXPENDITURES FROM THIS PERIOD - $10,904.78
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 1/1/2011 - 12/31/2011 - $22,662.92
ENDING CASH - $5,885.83

An analysis of Scherman's donors found the following:

Number of Contributions 49
Number of Contributors 41
Number of Contributors making multiple contributions 8
Number of Contributors from Elk Grove 25
Multiple Contributors: Patricia Braziel, Howard Sihner, Sally Guttridge, Paul Maita, Mary Lewis, Joe Daehling, Stanley Carrouthers, Rita Velasquez

Largest Contribution: Charles Munger, Jr., $3,900.

Notable Contributors: Phil Carter, President, Pacific Municipal Consultant, $2,500

Notable Expenditures:
Sean Brainerd $150 - campaign literature and mailings
Leland Scherman - $748.33, six transactions for office expenses, travel and campaign literature.

Traffic Stop Results in Elk Grove Pot Bust

2012-02-13T21:00:00.000-08:00

An Elk Grove Man was busted for marijuana possession early Saturday night after he was impeding traffic.

According to Elk Grove Police reports, 21-year-old Antonio Tirapelli was contacted while seated in the front seat of a car that was parked and impeding traffic near Grove and Kent Streets. Upon contact officers detected the strong odor of marijuana emanating from the car's interior.

Officers observed a large Ziploc bag of marijuana inside the vehicle on the rear passenger floorboard. The suspect was detained and a search of vehicle led to the discovery of additional marijuana.

Tirapelli was arrested and transferred to the county jail.

Elk Grove Grasp Ignites Much Needed SOI, Annexation Debate

2012-02-13T12:50:00.000-08:00

Is Elk Grove throwing its “underwater homeowners an anchor, not a buoy” with SOI?

UPDATED 2;10 p.m.

With the emergence of the anti-Sphere of Influence (SOI) advocacy group Elk Grove Grasp, a new and worthy debate has started. That debate is this - does the city need to pursue its SOI application that if approved could lead to the annexation of more land into Elk Grove.

A few weeks ago the Elk Grove Grasp (EGG) anti-SOI group launched and announced its intention to educate and spur a discussion on the need for the city to pursue the SOI that could eventually lead to annexation. EGG’s has staked out the position that the SOI is unnecessary.

If nothing else, EGG has sparked an interesting debate on the matter.

Aside from coverage in Elk Grove media, the Sacramento Bee has picked up on the issue. In the February 2 edition of the Bee, a viewpoint by Michael Easton, former project director at the Cosumnes River Preserve criticized the LAFCO’s environmental impact report as a “half-hearted analysis that misses or avoids many key issues – not the kind of clear decision-making tool that this organization's board of directors deserves.”

In a point that probably hits close to most people in Elk Grove, Eaton says “for Elk Grove citizens hoping for a rebound in property values, the expansion goes in the wrong direction, fueling expectations of more land for more sprawl. Elk Grove is throwing its underwater homeowners an anchor, not a buoy.”

In response to the criticism, Elk Grove Mayor Jim Cooper and Councilman Gary Davis were given equal time by the Bee and opined yesterday on the merits of the already scaled back SOI application.

Cooper and Davis argue that given the current real estate depression, now is the perfect time to make “prudent” decisions about the city’s future needs. Furthermore, done properly, they believe the SOI and ensuing annexation can avoid piecemeal development and solve Elk Grove’s long standing job and housing imbalance.

They further state “And, frankly, it is much easier to craft a plan that puts residents' interests first when there aren't as many developers pushing their own agendas.”

So what are Elk Grove residents saying? Well the following comment was found on Davis’ Facebook posting regarding the piece he and Cooper penned. It comes from the well respected and civic minded Elk Grove resident Sarah Johnson.

Have read both articles and have heard the arguments on both sides. For me, the problem with expanding our SOI lies in trust in the implementation. Words on paper are just that, the interpretation and implementation of the words on the paper are where I most often have issues. The "semantics" of politics have surprised me in the past to the extent that I have very little trust that the words mean the same thing to all of us.

So what do you think about the SOI? For the people of Elk Grove, the SOI will determine the future path of our city and is a conversation that is long overdue.

Former Big Oil Engineer Promotes Alternative Energy

2012-02-11T16:08:00.000-08:00

Former big oil engineer Doug Grandt

And opposes the tar sands pipeline

By Michael Monasky

Doug Grandt, a Teddy-bear-round grandfather whose declared mission it is to help kids teach their adult caregivers how to fix the world, is not at first-glance your everyday oil company fiend. But Grandt was an engineer for Humble Oil, the domestic branch of Standard Oil of New Jersey, in the fields of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. Now he is concerned about the decreasing arctic sea ice, species extinction, and human starvation due to drought.

Grandt told the United Nations Association of Sacramento that recently met at SMUD headquarters that by 2035, 30 percent of the planet's species will have disappeared and two billion people will suffer from starvation due to drought caused by global warming. He showed satellite photos of recent, substantial retreats of arctic ice at the North Pole. There will be a two degree centigrade increase in the temperature of the earth's atmosphere, of which “0.8 has already occurred, and 0.7 is locked in, with only a 0.5 degree buffer” keeping us from these deleterious effects, he said.

He added that twenty-five percent of global warming is caused by deforestation and 75 percent caused by combustion of fossil fuels. The cap and trade offsets proposed by industrialized nations have failed, he declared. Conversely, Grandt presented documentation that showed in last five centuries fuel combustion has progressed geometrically.

“The polar ice caps are the canary in the coal mine”, said Grandt, and global warming will result in the rise of sea level by 78 meters (about 260 feet). For these reasons he protested the Keystone XL pipeline and was arrested outside the White House last month. The tar sands, located in the Athabasca region of Alberta, Canada, require vast stores of water and natural gas to be mined for transit to Texas refineries.

Grandt's answer to this problem is in joining others to decrease use of fossil fuels, and increase use of alternative energy sources. He has joined Goddard Institute for Space Studies Director James Hansen and activist Bill McKibben in their Million Letter March. They hope to rally others to write letters in support of additional fees to discourage use of fossil fuels, and then to pay dividends to produce energy from clean, alternative sources.

Doug Grandt wants to do more locally. He has been promoting alternative energy solutions by getting children to counsel their parents to do more for the environment. “What's love got to do with it?” he asked.

Apparently plenty.

Kids are the “creative and caring” people their parents drifted from being. Maybe the parents cannot save their legacy. It's a tall order to mitigate the loss of diminishing species, prevent drought-related famine, attenuate the acidification of our fresh water and the oceans, and spare the planet from overheating.

Grandt could be right - unlike their parents, the kids might be up to the task.

Eat Well, Live Free - Everyone’s Table and Cardamon Rice

2012-02-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

By Jillena and Marcos

Marcos and I had an awesome time at the Sacramento Veg Fest this weekend! We met so many folks who want to eat well including vegetarians, vegans and veg-curious. If you missed it, you are probably sad that my Mother-in-Law, Grandma and I brought 500 homemade oatmeal bites and anise cookies giving them away as fast as people could eat them.

I was overwhelmed by the number of parents who attended the festival to learn more about their loved one’s dietary choices. Seeing parents commit to making significant dietary accommodations for a child is impressive. I remember the mantra at our dinner table all too well, “I’m not about to cook separate meals for each of you.”

In my experience, having a veggie and carnie at the same table can be trickier than having a Democrat and Republican eat a meal together! To make this easier on the chef, here are my top 10 tips on how to feed your entire family without spending an entire day cooking.

Continued here.

Second Candidate Throws Hat in The Ring in Elk Grove Mayoral Race

2012-02-10T15:59:00.000-08:00

Elk Grove small business owner Greg Higley has filed papers and has officially entered the race to become Elk Grove's first popularly elected mayor.

(Higley speaking at the 2008 candidates night)

An owner of a local UPS shipping center, Higley is no stranger to the local political arena. In 2008 he ran against then incumbent Mike Leary and Steve Detrick for the city's third council district seat.

In that race Higley finished a distance third behind Detrick and Leary with eight percent of the vote.

Higley is the second person to enter the Elk Grove's most anticipated race in 2012. Elk Grove City Councilman Gary Davis announced his intentions last fall to seek the office

During his 2008 run, Higley's campaign emphasized safety and educational issues.

Elk Grove Man Arrested at Fast Food Joint Following Disturbance

2012-02-10T15:52:00.001-08:00

Maybe it was slow drive-thru service or a wrong order. Whatever the case, an Elk Grove man was arrested yesterday morning at an Elk Grove fast food restaurant following a disturbance.

According to Elk Grove Police, 41-year-old Andreas Williams was at the Carl's Jr. restaurant on Elk Grove-Florin and Calvin Road when he entered the restaurant and began creating a disturbance. When Williams was asked to leave the restaurant by an employee, he exited the restaurant and tore down several menu signs located by the drive-thru.

Responding officers located and detained the suspect1 a short distance away. An employee positively identified Williams as the person who had vandalized the signs.

Williams was arrested then transported to the county jail.

Elk Grove Man Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement

2012-02-10T06:49:00.000-08:00

District Attorney Jan Scully announced today that 57-year-old Rodney Andrews of Elk Grove pled no contest to two felony violations of embezzlement, two felony violations of theft by false pretenses, one felony violation of diversion of construction funds, and one felony violation of unlawful use of personal identifying information.

Used his position as Pastor to solicit business

At the time he committed these offenses, Andrews operated a company known as Andrews Investment Group, which offered loan modification services. He was also a pastor at the Comeback Christian Church, where he solicited parishioners and low income property owners to refinance their homes, lower their mortgages, or stall out their foreclosures.

He collected up front fees in violation of a statute passed by the California Legislature to prevent individuals such as Andrews from preying on vulnerable home owners facing foreclosure or unaffordable mortgage payments. He also failed to
provide proper notifications as required by law, did not provide the services he promised he would do, and did not use the funds he obtained for the represented purposes.

Additionally, Andrews obtained money from one home owner that was supposed to be used on a project to improve her home. Andrews represented to the victim that he had a business known as Low Cost Construction, which is in fact a real company owned by another contractor. He hired a subcontractor to remodel the property, but paid him with insufficient funds checks.

The subcontractor stopped working before the project was completed. Andrews never finished the remodel and the victim’s home was left in an uninhabitable condition. Andrews spent the money and did not use it on the project.

Andrews faces a sentence of 4 years in prison. Sentencing is set for March 1, 2012 at 1:35 p.m. in Department 61 before the Honorable John Winn.

Elk Grove Teen Cuts School, Arrested For Home Burglary

2012-02-09T12:03:00.000-08:00

Police recover stolen laptop computer

When kids skip school, nothing good usually comes of it. That was the case for an Elk Grove teenager early yesterday afternoon

According to Elk Grove Police reports, a 15-year-old male was contacted at 12:31 p.m. as he was walking on Elk Grove Florin Road near Heritage Hill Way. A records check revealed that the juvenile had an active warrant out for his arrest.

After the suspect was taken into custody, a search of his backpack led to the discovery of a laptop computer and additional property, including the backpack, which did not belong to him. Officers determined that backpack and the contents had been taken during a residential burglary in the 8700 block of Gladiola Way.

The juvenile suspect was taken into custody and taken to the county jail. The stolen property was recovered and returned to the rightful owner.

Weed Whacked - City Council Nips Medical Marijuana Growing in Bud

2012-02-08T19:45:00.000-08:00

The Elk Grove City Council voted to place strict limits on where medical marijuana can be grown within the city at tonight's regular meeting.

In a 3-2 vote vote, council members decided to limit any medical marijuana growing operation in Elk Grove to indoor cultivation that either can take place in a residence or a secured out-structure. Mayor Jim Cooper, and council members Gary Davis and Pat Hume voted in favor and Steve Detrick and Sophia Scherman voted against the motion.

Previous to this there was no specific ordinance addressing how medical marijuana could be cultivated.

The ordinance was developed following the complaints of several residents in one of Elk Grove's rural-agricultural areas on the city's east side. Among the complaints voiced last summer were the overwhelming odor of the plants as they matured and the potential criminal element that could be attracted to the growing operations.

With the passing of the ordinance, those medically qualified to grow marijuana plants will now be limited to 50 square feet of indoor residential cultivation or a 12 square foot secured out-structure. Any grower will also be required to apply for a two-year permit with the Elk Grove Police Chief, be subjected to inspections with a 24-hour notice and banned from cultivation within 1,000 feet of a schools,child care centers and public parks.

During deliberations Council Member Sophia Scherman said she would not support any cultivation within the city. While council members Gary Davis and Steve Detrick noted they too would like to ban cultivation, city attorney Jonathon Hobbs said it was not currently clear if an outright ban is legal.

"But this ordinance gives the city a tool," Hobbs noted.

Developer's Corner Cutting Yesterday Costing Taxpayers Today

2012-02-07T19:35:00.000-08:00

Elk Grove's Million Dollar Mile

We have all heard the saying that goes something like this - either pay now or pay later. The Elk Grove City Council will be faced with the ramifications of that statement Wednesday night when they consider a $1.5 million renovation expenditure for something that should have been avoided if it had been done right the first time around.

Of course the project being referenced is Elk Grove's Million Dollar Mile (or there abouts), also know as the East Stockton Blvd. soundwall renovation project. The original metal soundwall has devolved into rusty eyesore with intermittent patches of wood fencing and broken garage doors.

It is certainly not a pretty site as visitors approach our city from the south on Highway 99.

While there are all sorts of arguments for and against the renovation, there is a bigger lesson that we as a city and our city council can learn from the decrepit structure. That lesson is that if the original developers had been held to a high standard while the development was initiated, the taxpayers of Elk Grove would not have to be shelling out $1.5 million for their corner cutting today.

So as the Elk Grove City Council approves projects in the future, and as importantly when developers come back for post-approval "exceptions," lets maintain high standards and not grant exceptions that will benefit the developers.

If we don't, the taxpayers of Elk Grove could be stuck with all sorts of multi-million dollar renovations in the years to come, if we aren't already. Elk Grove doesn't need any more Million Dollar Mile renovations.

Elk Grove Police Make Narcotics Arrest After Traffic Stop

2012-02-07T18:07:00.000-08:00

A routine traffic stop by Elk Grove Police officers early Monday morning led to a narcotics arrest.
According to police reports, 28-year-old Allen Chao of Elk Grove was stopped for a vehicle code violation near Highway 99 and Elk Grove Blvd. A records check revealed that Chao was driving on a suspended license.

An inventory search of the vehicle prior to towing led to the discovery of narcotics. Chao was arrested and a subsequent search reportedly led to the discovery of additional narcotics.

Chao was transferred to the county jail and his vehicle was towed.

Second Annual Charity Casino Night to Benefit Elk Grove Food Bank

2012-02-07T09:23:00.000-08:00

Elk Grove Mayor and Council Members to Host

Elk Grove Mayor Jim Cooper and Council members Gary Davis and Steve Detrick will be hosting the Second Annual Elk Grove Mayor’s Charity Casino Night benefiting Elk Grove Food Bank Services on Friday, April 27, at Strikes in Elk Grove.

“With a 40% increase over the past two years in the number of individuals served at Elk Grove Food Bank Services, we are grateful the EGCC and everyone involved with the Mayor’s Charity Casino Night share our focus in ensuring that food, clothing and other services remain available to those who are in need in our community," said Marie Jachino, Elk Grove Food Bank Services Executive Director.

Casino entrance donation is $25 and includes $2,000 of play money. Registration begins at 6:45 p.m. “The Mayor’s Casino” will open at 7:00 p.m. The charity event is sponsored by the Elk Grove Community Connection (EGCC).

“I am pleased to lend my name as Elk Grove’s Mayor to such a worthwhile charity event for our community, along with my colleagues Council members Gary Davis and Steve Detrick,” said Cooper. “Our only request, when first approached by the EGCC, was that the volunteer committee pick the casino night’s benefactor. They made an excellent choice once more in naming Elk Grove Food Bank Services.”

“With the increase in need over the last year especially for seniors and the youth of our city, now more than ever, we must all do what we can to support the food bank," said Detrick. "And this fun charity event at a reasonable donation of $25 is just the ticket."

Casino entrance donation is $25 and includes $2,000 of play money and Elk Grove City Council member Gary Davis’ Award Winning Chili. Registration begins at 6:45 p.m. “The Mayor’s Casino” will open at 7:00 p.m.

Net proceeds will benefit Elk Grove Food Bank Services. The food bank’s services include the Food Closet, Clothes Closet, and Support Works. The charity event is sponsored by the Elk Grove Community Connection (EGCC). http://www.elkgrovefoodbank.org

One key component to the success of this charity tournament will be sponsorships. For complete details, further information regarding sponsorships, and/or player registration, please click on this link.

Elk Grove City Council to Consider $1.5 Million Soundwall

2012-02-06T13:13:00.000-08:00

The city council will consider renovating this unsightly soundwall.

When the Elk Grove City Council meets this Wednesday night, one of the items they will be considering is $1.5 million soundwall renovation project.

The project is being proposed to replace a hodge-podge of sound walls located on East Stockton Blvd between the Elk Grove Regional park and Valley Oak Way. The original wall was constructed with metal sheets but now is a collection of old garage doors and other unsightly materials.

The meeting starts at 6:00 p.m.

Eat Well, Live Free - Healthy Eating Food Blog to Contribute to Elk Grove News

2012-02-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

By Jillena and Marcos Hernandez, Eat Well, Live Free

Vegetarians and food-lovers have a new resource at elkgrovenews.net to make their mouths water. Eat Well, Live Free (eatwelllivefree.com) an adventurous, Sacramento region food blog that focuses on healthy vegetarian and vegan recipes influenced by the seasons, locally grown food and family traditions will begin contributing their recipes and restaurant recommendations.

Husband and wife team, Jillena and Marcos Hernandez, started the blog because they firmly believe that by eating more plant-based meals that are in season, the mind and body are healthier. They created a space where people can explore delicious options for nutritious meals.

"Many people would like to eat more vegetarian meals, but they do not know where to start. I am on a constant search to find tasty and healthy recipes that satisfy all the veggies and carnies in the family", said Jillena. "It is astounding how readily available unhealthy options are in our restaurants and markets. Our hope is that Eat Well, Live Free will inspire folks to eat and create more plant based meals."

The delicious recipes that will be contributed to the site range from easy to moderate steps to prepare. Many recipes are developed by Jillena and her family. Other recipes are adapted from their favorite traditions or cookbooks. They use food currently growing in their gardens and available at the local farmers market.

"We feel strongly that our food consumption decisions should be consciously made," said Jillena. "The impact on our community and our personal health and happiness should be considered. By maximizing our choice in local products, we support local business and eat the freshest and healthiest foods available."

According to a 2008 Zogby Poll conducted on behalf of the Vegetarian Resource Group, 40% of people polled in the US order a dish without meat, fish or fowl sometimes when they eat out. 6.7% of those polled always order a vegetarian dish. Even so, being a vegetarian and eating out can be hard, oftentimes relegated to side dishes. In addition to recipes, the bloggers profile local restaurants who share their appreciation for this lifestyle and offer their diners choices. The blog features interviews with restaurant owners, chefs and local foodies incorporating audio clips and photos. The team feels that it is vital to eat out and support these businesses owned by their neighbors.

"This is a community and family project. We collectively cook and garden to improve the health of our family. We support businesses that understand that we cannot live on fat and carbs alone," added Jillena.

Find Eat Well Live Free on the web:

Website: eatwelllivefree.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/eatwelllivefree

Twitter: www.twitter.com/eatwelllivefree

Medical Marijuana Growing Restrictions High on EGCC Agenda

2012-02-03T14:37:00.000-08:00

Among the several items to be considered at the Elk Grove City Council's regular meeting this coming Wednesday is the much-anticipated ban on outdoor cultivation of medical marijuana.

Since several Elk Grove residents expressed their displeasure with the then unregulated cultivation of medical marijuana last summer, the city council has been moving towards an ordinance that would all but abolish outdoor cultivation and severely restrict and regulate indoor cultivation.

Among some of the restrictions the council will consider would ban outdoor cultivation, limit indoor cultivation to no more than 50 square feet and ban growth from any structure that is 1,000 feet from a school. For those desiring to grow the plants, they would be required to get a permit from the Elk Grove Police Department and be willing to be inspected with a 24-hour notice.

Next Wednesday's meeting starts at 6:00 p.m.

Charges Lowered in Accused Microwave Murderer Case

2012-02-03T09:57:00.000-08:00


Ka Vang and Attorney Linda Parisi at a hearing last year.

During a brief hearing this morning at the Sacramento Superior Court, the Sacramento District Attorney's office said they will no longer seek the death penalty for accused murderer Ka Yang.

Today's preliminary hearing of Yang, who is accused of killing her six-week old daughter Mirabelle Thao Lao last March by microwaving her, the district attorney announced that they would instead seek life without parole for the suspect. When Yang was arrested last June, the DA's office had sought the death penalty for the Sacramento mother.

Outside the court Yang's attorney Linda Parisi said she was not surprised the charges were reduced as she had been in talks with the DA's office.

Because of the horrific nature of the allegations against Yang, who is ethnically Hmong, the case has drawn wide attention. During today's brief hearing several members of the Hmong community as well as Yang's parents were in attendance in support for the mother of five.

Through Parisi Yang's family and others declined comment. "These circumstance are so unique and difficult," Parisi said.

Aside from the announcement of the reduced charges, the preliminary hearing was continued until February 21 based on Yang's health status. At the time of her arrest last June, Yang was pregnant and subsequently gave birth in late November and she also suffers from epilepsy.

"Ms. Yang's health is not good," Parisi said. "We hope her health will be better."

Elk Grove Council Member Jim Cooper's Fundraising

2012-02-02T16:38:00.000-08:00

A day after his fellow council members fundraising efforts for the second half of 2011 were made available, the Elk Grove City Clerk's office has posted Mayor Jim Cooper's fundraising results.

Cooper, who is running for a fourth term this fall, raised $31,950 during the six month period and ended the period with $17,308.

Like his fellow council members Gary Davis and Steve Detrick, Cooper's largest contribution came from Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 477 for $5,000. Additionally Cooper's largest individual contributions were four $1,250 contributions from Sara Bardis, Katherine Bardis, Briana Butler and Christo Reynen.

Cooper, Davis and Detrick have no announced opponents to date.

Elk Grove City Council Members Ramp Up Fundraising for 2012

2012-02-01T16:28:00.000-08:00

In documents filed with the Elk Grove City Clerk's office, seated council members clearly had an eye on the November, 2012 general election during the last six months of 2011.

According to documents posted by the city clerks office, council members Gary Davis, Steve Detrick and Pat Hume raised $62,150, $33,351 and $26,902 respectively. Davis raised $11,500 for his previous election committee and $50,600 for his newly formed mayoral committee.

Council members Jim Cooper's documents have not been posted as of this afternoon and Sophia Scherman did not raise any funds for her city council committee. Scherman is currently running for the California Assembly.

Davis' largest contributions were two $5,000 donations from the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 477 and Gil Moore Oil Co. of Wilton, Calif. Davis' largest individual donation was $2,500 from William Niemi.

Like Davis, Detick's largest contribution came from the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 477 for $5,000. Detrick received four individual donations of $1,250 from Sara Bardis, Briana Butler, Christo Reynen and Katherine Bardis.

Hume raised $26,902 and his largest contributor was $4,500 from MV Transportation and three $1,000 individual donations from Janet Hume, Gil Moore and and Craig Nagler.

The ending cash balances as of December 31 for Davis (both committees), Detrick and Hume were $57,301, $68,049 and $23,956 respectively.

Money Matters, But Don't Discount Ideas in Local Politics

2012-01-31T15:20:00.000-08:00

If all goes according to plan, sometime later this evening Mitt Romney will win the Florida Republican primary and move on to the nomination. Even though Newt Gingrich has promised to fight on, the reality is that aside from his own "moonbeam" moment, Gingrich has been sunk by Romney's organization and more significantly, money.

Romney's ascension as the standard-bearer of the GOP has nothing to do with any bold ideology of someone like Ronald Reagan’s or even a catchy slogan like George W. Bush's so-called "compassionate conservatism.” Romney's victory only reinforces the notion that money is indeed the mother's milk of politics.

The sad fact of the matter is that money's importance has trickled down to local elections. A review of recent financial filings will show that for someone to mount a serious bid to win a seat on the Elk Grove City Council, they need a minimum of $150,000 banked to be a serious candidate.

As with national politics, the local money comes with strings attached. Although as a group they have been hobbled, real estate developers will continue to be the money players in Elk Grove politics.

And that is what could make this coming election an interesting exercise in the battle between money and ideas. The 2012 Elk Grove City Council and mayoral election might become a case study.

The battle could boil down to a three letter acronym – SOI.

On the money side will be the pro-expansion and annexation (via Elk Grove's Sphere of Influence [SOI] application) backed by the well-funded real estate developers. On the other side is Elk Grove GRASP, which is advocating no further expansion of the city.

Undoubtedly if Elk Grove Grasps’ (EGG) grass root ideas take root, real estate developers will not be to happy. Will they bombard our mailboxes with attack ads on EGG’s ideas?

How about the candidates? If they support EGG’s ideas, will developers attack them, or worse, gasp, withhold money? Will EGGs’ ideas be more powerful that the money of developers?

If the ideas being advanced by EGG resonate, it could be an interesting battle this fall for the soul of the Elk Grove City Council. Let’s hope that ideas trump money.

Elk Grove Police Catch Suspected Prowler

2012-01-30T12:45:00.000-08:00

Elk Grove Police arrested a man early Sunday morning on suspicion of prowling.

According to police reports, officers were dispatched the 9000 block of Wildwillow Court regarding a prowler who was seen looking in windows. When officers arrived, they observed 36-year-old Eduardo Olivares of Elk Grove in the backyard of the residence.

The suspect reportedly ran away when he saw the officers and began climbing over fences. Officers were able catch up to Olivares who was then arrested and transferred to the county jail.

Elk Grove Citizen’s Group Announces Petition Drive to Slow City Expansion

2012-01-28T20:50:00.000-08:00

Aim is to stop city's expansion via the SOI

A group of citizens headed by resident Lynn Wheat have announced the formation of a grassroots citizen’s group aimed at uniting Elk Grove residents to oppose the city’s pending application before the Sacramento Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) to ultimately expand the city boundaries by 8,000+/- acres.

Under the banner of “GRASP—A better Elk Grove is within our Grasp - by uniting neighborhoods together.” The group notes that the City’s history of rezones, unrestrained urban sprawl and record breaking residential foreclosures shows the lack of commitment to the approved General Plan.

Elk Grove GRASP is currently undertaking a petition drive to present to LAFCo showing that local residents are deeply concerned about: their continuing decline in home property values; lack of infill development; updated market data suggesting less demand for future growth; and the future costs to existing residents to provide water, sewer, fire, police, and other services to the new area. GRASP is opposed to the unnecessary city expansion to specifically accommodate more of the same type of development which has dominated the city during the past ten years—more rooftops and strip mall centers.

Elk Grove GRASP welcomes interested residents to view their web site, Facebook page, or e-mail them for further information on how they can participate in becoming more involved in planning the future of Elk Grove.

86'd - Elk Grove Blvd. Bel Air Store Gone

2012-01-27T11:34:00.000-08:00

A vestige of Elk Grove's pre-incorporation days days - Bel Air's original store on Elk Grove Blvd. is gone. That was word coming out of Wednesday night's city council meeting.

Although the fate of the store was not on the Elk Grove City Council's agenda Wednesday night, the matter was brought up by Elk Grove resident Tom Waltman during the public comment on non-agenda items. In his comments Waltman wanted to know if the city had been able to do anything to keep the store from closing and expressed concern about the effect the closure will have on the neighborhood.

"That store is the rock that neighborhood is centered on," Waltman said. "This is going to cause a hardship on the individuals who live in that area."

Responding to those comment, Council Member Pat Hume said that he and city staff have been in contact with Raley's (the owner of Bel Air) and they are determined to close the store. "They [the landlord] are trying to backfill that space," Hume added.

Hume also noted that when the nearby Bel Air store on Elk Grove Blvd. and Waterman Road was approved several years ago, one of the conditions was that the older store would stay open for at least five more years. "I think that was about eight years ago," Hume noted.

Old Transit Wounds Surface at Elk Grove City Council Meeting

2012-01-26T13:14:00.000-08:00

Cheaper, lower rated tires to be used on etran buses

Perhaps it was the memories of constituents complaining about standing-room-only commuter routes, frequent mechanical breakdowns of hybrid buses along Highway 99 or the malfunctioning air conditioning units in the heat of summer. Whatever was the case, Elk Grove Mayor Jim Cooper voiced many concerns about the city's privately-owned transit provider, MV Transportation at last night's city council meeting.

Cooper expressed his concerns about the provider of Elk Grove's e-tran bus service while hearing a request by MV to modify their contract with the city. The request was based on a rate reduction of dead-heading buses returning to Elk Grove after dropping commuters downtown.

With the relocation of the California Prison Healthcare administrative offices, it is anticipated empty buses returning from downtown Sacramento could be used to to shuttle employees back to Elk Grove. As a result the city had sought to reduce the rate it pays for the so-called dead-head trips (no passengers).

While MV agreed to charge a lower rate in anticipation of fares on the dead-head trips, it also sought other concessions from the city. It was during the discussion of these concessions that Cooper expressed his concerns.

One concession involved tires. Under the current agreement the city pays for top-of-the-line tires and MV said they would now pay for tire, but a lower grade. Cooper noted that when the city bought tires they were top of the line, but now that MV would be responsible, a lower grade would be used.

Cooper noted the importance tires play in passenger safety. "We want them to be safe," he said of passengers riding etran buses.

MV representative Jay Jeter countered that the lower grade tires were just as safe as the current ones and said the difference is the high quality tires were not as readily available, thus they are more expensive.

"We are putting tires on the vehicles that are not necessary for the service," Jeter said.

"Your recommendation was to have the tire when the city paid for it," Cooper countered.

Cooper also expressed concern of the turnover in management at at MV saying there have been up to 30 different managers and supervisors that have cycled through their ranks.

"That is a red flag, something is going on," Cooper said.

Coming to Jeter's aid was MV's public relations and political consultant Michelle Smira who countered Cooper's assessment of turnover. "We are not in agreement on that," Smira said.

Cooper persisted and asked Smira if she could provide an actual number, but she declined to give one.

The other point of contention for Cooper was the request to modify when arbitration of disputes between the two parties. MV had sought to loosen the arbitration process over how assessments (fines) are levied but Cooper strenuously objected.

In the end council members Steve Detrick and and Pat Hume (Gary Davis and Sophia Scherman were absent) agreed with Cooper that the city could accept the contract modifications with the exception of the arbitration change.

"Assessments are the city's tool," Copper noted.

MV Transportation’s contract will expire on June 30, 2014.