North Sac Beat

Jason Sample announces candidacy, support

2012-02-27T10:43:00.001-08:00

Hidden in the weekend's arena chatter was the announcement of a new candidate for the District 2 council seat.

As reported by the Sacramento Bee, Jason Sample announced his candidacy and support from Councilmember Sandy Sheedy on Saturday.

A pastor of True Life Ministries Worship Center, Sample also announced he has the support of the Stationary Engineers Local 39 labor union.

Sample's entry, along with Rob Kerth, Kim Mack, Allen Warren, and Sondra Betancourt, brings the total number of candidates running to five.

SHRA to discuss redevelopment tonight

2012-02-22T08:23:00.001-08:00

The Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency is holding a public meetIng tonight at the SETA Building, 925 Del Paso Blvd.

The purpose of the meeting is to provide information on the process of redevelopment now that state law has abolished redevelopment agencies, the status of redevelopment projects already funded or in progress, and the future of redevelopment advisory committees, including those in North Sacramento and Del Paso Heights.

A second meeting will be held tomorrow night at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, 3333 3^rd Avenue.

Both meetings begin at 6pm.

Homicide suspect returns to scene of crime, arrested

2012-02-10T08:28:00.001-08:00

The Sacramento Police Department has arrested 36-year-old Antoine Blessett for yesterday morning's murder of 20-year-old Christopher Sisoukchaleun. The arrest took place near the scene of the crime hours after the incident.

The incident took place yesterday morning at 2:00am as police responded to a call of a man who had been shot in the 1900 block of Del Paso Blvd, later discovered to be outside Sunland Liquor.

Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim, Sisoukchaleun, had been shot multiple times in the upper body. Medical personal transported Sisoukchaleun to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

Witnesses provided a suspect vehicle description along with a license plate. The suspect, Blessett, was found to be the registered owner and was located later that day near the crime scene driving a different vehicle. He was taken into custody without incident.

Homicide Detectives believe the altercation ensued over the purchase of alcohol and was possibly gang related.

Blessett’s mug shot is not being released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.

Fatal shooting at Sunland Liquor

2012-02-09T08:27:00.001-08:00

A shooting occurred early this morning at Sunland Liquor along Del Paso Blvd in North Sacramento leaving the victim deceased.

The incident occurred at 2:00am as the suspect and the victim got into an argument in front of the store. The suspect shot the victim multiple times in the upper body.

The victim, a male Asian in his early 20's, was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

The suspect fled in a White, 02' Ford F-150, License 8K45096. They are described as a male Black in his early 30's.

Neighborhood Watch Training at Kinney Police Facility

2012-02-08T21:03:00.000-08:00

A Neighborhood Watch training will take place at the Kinney Police Facility on Wednesday, February 15 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm.

Jeannette Bonner, Neighborhood Watch Coordinator, will provide information outlining how to start and organize a neighborhood watch group, insight into how to be effective as a group, and the roles/responsibilities of captains and co-captains.

As part of the training, your watch group will become part of the Sacramento Police Department (SPD), W.J. Kinney Police Facility Neighborhood Watch Group and the National Neighborhood Watch Institute.

Contact Jeannette at 916-566-6401 or jbonner@pd.cityofsacramento.org if you are interested.

VegFest returns this Saturday

2012-02-03T20:16:00.000-08:00

VegFest, the celebration of raw, vegan and vegetarian cuisines, returns this Saturday to Del Paso Boulevard.

The event will feature information about fresh, organic, delicious vegetables, fruits, nuts and more. Cooking demonstrations, speakers, and a tasting competition will also be on hand.

General admission is $3 for individuals ages 12 and older.

The event kicks off on Saturday at 11am and runs until 4pm at the Artisan on Del Paso Blvd.

Allen Warren endorsed by 2011 Teacher of the Year

2012-01-26T21:01:00.000-08:00

Allen Warren has been endorsed by Dr. Kadhir Rajagopal, a teacher at Grant High School and 2011 California Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Rajagopal's endorsement was posted on Warren's Facebook page:

"Allen Warren is all about making Grant High School a model school for the country and transforming the Heights. As an education activist, I endorse Allen Warren as City Councilman, but more importantly, as a real agent of change."

"Iv Liberty" pointed out the endorsement while commenting on another article.

Iceland taking old skates

2012-01-25T20:44:00.000-08:00

Iceland Ice Arena is willing to take pairs of used skates.

The rink is in need of more rental skates and is willing to take used pairs that children have outgrown or have been replaced. The rink will use the donated skates as rentals or to raise money for new rental skates.

Donations are tax deductible and the rink will give a receipt.

Sandy Sheedy will not run for reelection

2012-01-23T20:35:00.000-08:00

Councilmember Sandy Sheedy announced today that she will not run for reelection in 2012.

In an email to the community and interview with the Bee's Ryan Lillis, Sheedy indicates she wishes to spend more time with family and has enjoyed serving the community.

This makes it a four-way race between Rob Kerth, Kim Mack, Allen Warren, and Sondra Betancourt.

SPOA endorses Kim Mack for City Council

2012-01-20T21:32:00.000-08:00

Lost in the coverage of the Strong Mayor proposal was the Sacramento Police Officers Association's endorsement of Kim Mack for City Council.

Mack is running for the District 2 Council seat.

Photo from: facebook.com/kimmackcitycouncil

Robber rock 'n rolls all night robbing stores

2012-01-20T21:05:00.000-08:00

The Sacramento Police Department is asking for the community's help in identifying a suspect wanted for robbery.

On January 19, 2012, at approximately 8:45 p.m., police responded to the 4200 block of Norwood Avenue regarding a business robbery. The suspect was wearing a white clown mask similar to the "KISS" rock band. The suspect climbed over the counter and fired two shots within close proximity of store employees. The masked robber then took money from the register and fled on foot.

Later that same evening, at approximately 9:28 p.m., the suspect entered a liquor store in the 2900 block of Del Paso Boulevard wearing the same mask and clothing. He fired a single shot inside the store, robbing the employees at gunpoint.

The suspect then fled to an awaiting blue or black four-door sedan. As a witness attempted to write down the license plate, the suspect fired a shot in their direction.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Police arrest wife for murder in abduction case

2012-01-20T08:58:00.001-08:00

The Sacramento Police Department has arrested Shajia Ayobi, 45-years-old, for the murder of her husband Ghulam Ayobi, an Afghan Veteran.

The case stems from an incident taking place in the 12am hour of Sunday, December 18, 2011. The couple was abducted by two men waiting in their vehicle in Natomas' Gateway West neighborhood. They traveled east on Interstate 80 until it is believed a scuffle broke out, leading to the shooting of Ghulam.

Officers responded to the call of a male shot on eastbound Interstate 80 at Norwood Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found Shajia (uninjured) and Ghulam who had been shot in the upper body; the suspects had fled the vehicle. He was transported to the hospital where he was declared deceased.

On January 19, 2012, Detectives from the Sacramento Police Department re-interviewed the victim’s wife, Shajia Ayobi regarding her involvement in the murder of her husband. Based on further investigation and incriminating statements, Shajia Ayobi was arrested and booked into the Sacramento County Jail for the murder of her husband.

At this time, investigators have yet to establish a motive.

The investigation is still ongoing and further details of this case are not being released at this time.

Two homeless men found deceased in tent

2012-01-15T20:20:00.001-08:00

According to the Sacramento Police Department, two male individuals (ages 44 and 38) and a dog were found deceased inside their tent down by the river just east of the Hwy 160 bridge.

The cause of death appears to be carbon monoxide poisoning from a camp stove they had inside the tent.

It appears the men were homeless.

MLK March in the North Area

2012-01-15T18:54:00.001-08:00

The annual MLK March returns tomorrow, January 17, 2012.

Like last year, the north area's march will begin at Grant High School and proceed down Marysville Blvd., Del Paso Blvd., and Highway 160 into downtown to meet marchers from the south area at the Sacramento Convention Center.

Opening ceremonies at Grant take place at 8:00am. The march is slated to leave Grant at 8:30am.

Visit www.mlk365.org for more information.

SacAnime is back

2012-01-13T17:39:00.001-08:00

SacAnime makes it's first official appearance at the newly named Woodlake Hotel this weekend from January 13 to January 15, 2012.

As usual, SacAnime will feature vendors, guests, tournaments, concerts, a dance, and the cosplay & fashion show.

Even though the hotel's name has changed, all room reservations remain the same.

Pre-registration is closed, but you'll be able to register at the door. Friday's price is $20.00, Saturday's $30.00, Sunday's $15.00, and it's $35.00 for the full weekend.

Shell Station overhang blows in the wind

2012-01-07T18:21:00.000-08:00

Somebody may want to check the screws on top of that thing...

Radisson Hotel changes to a familiar name

2012-01-06T21:30:00.000-08:00

The Radisson Hotel is now known as The Woodlake Hotel, a spin on an old name.

First reported by Bob Shallit in the Sacramento Bee, the hotel changed names on January 1, 2012. The facility's new name is a spin on the Woodlake Inn, the facility's title for nearly 20 years before becoming a Radisson affiliate in 1989.

As reported by Shallit and Mark Anderson in the Sacramento Business Journal, changes are in the works for the facility including the possibility of additional jobs.

Visit www.woodlakehotel.com for more information.

Arrest made in Bell Avenue homicide

2012-01-05T20:42:00.001-08:00

The Sacramento Police Department has arrested 35-year-old Lionel Doria for the murder of James Hiter on Black Friday.

On Friday, November 25, at 3:50 a.m., police responded to the 700 block of Bell Ave regarding a subject that had been shot. Upon arrival, officers located Hiter, 46, lying in the roadway with a fatal gunshot wound to his midsection. Hiter died at the scene.

The Sacramento Police Department's Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators responded to the scene.

Detectives believe the victim and suspect had met for a drug transaction, and the victim was shot and killed at some point during the meeting.

The investigation is ongoing.

Teen arrested after short car chase

2012-01-04T20:56:00.000-08:00

A 15-year-old male was arrested after leading officers on a short pursuit in Del Paso Heights on the evening of Tuesday, January 3rd.

An officer observed the young occupants of a white Toyota Camry acting suspiciously and made an illegal U-Turn in front of him. The officer followed and attempted to make a traffic stop, but the Camry did not yield.

A pursuit ensued until the driver and passengers abandoned the still moving vehicle at Knightlinger and Grand Ave. The driver was captured a short distance away.

The vehicle was found to be stolen.

New Year's Eve in North Sac

2011-12-30T18:17:00.001-08:00

North Sacramento will be full of New Year's Eve festivities.

Here's a glance at some events:

Kuumba Collective Artists Kwanzaa Brunch
1001 Del Paso Blvd

11am - 3pm

New Year's Eve at The Bolt Bar

2560 Boxwood Street

Begins at 2pm

Enotria New Year's Eve*

1431 Del Paso Blvd

5pm - 9pm

New Year's Eve at the Stoney Inn

1320 Del Paso Blvd

7pm - 1am

Barcode Nightclub & Lounge New Year's Eve

1890 Arden Way

8pm - 2am

Professional's Guild New Year's Party*

2200 Harvard Street

8:30pm - 1am

New Year's Eve at The Radisson Sacramento

500 Leisure Lane

9pm - 11pm

New Year's Eve Sky Spectacular

Old Sacramento

6pm -1am

*RSVP

Handling holiday stains

2011-12-27T20:06:00.000-08:00

Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb from TODAY look at how to handle holiday stains ranging from cranberry, to gravy, to coffee.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T20:18:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Image created at SP-Studio

Christmas Lights in North Sacramento

2011-12-21T18:59:00.000-08:00

Homes in North Sacramento are aglow with Christmas Lights. Here's a sample of some residences lit up at night:

Field of candidates grows again

2011-12-20T18:49:00.000-08:00

According to Melissa Corker at the Sacramento Press, community leader and former human resources manager Sondra Betancourt will enter the race for Councilmember of District 2.

Among many things, Betancourt has worked with the Ben Ali Community Association.

Betancourt's entry expands the field of candidates to five.

And then there were four

2011-12-19T12:08:00.001-08:00

Developer Allen Warren has thrown his hat into ring for the District 2 Seat.

Warren will be vying for the seat currently head by Councilmember Sandy Sheedy.

Rob Kerth and Kim Mack are also running for the seat.

Image from: SacObserver.com