North Sac Beat

Youth Job Fair at City Hall on March 22

2014-03-07T11:48:00.000-08:00

The Neighborhood Services Division of the City of Sacramento's Parks and Recreation Department will host a Youth Job Fair on Saturday, March 22 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at City Hall Plaza Area (915 I Street).

The Job Fair, aimed at individuals ages 16 to 24, will include on-site employers and educational resources.

Free workshops include:

How to dress to impress (11 a.m.)
How to nail an interview (12 p.m.)
Apply yourself - Applications and resumes (1 p.m.)

Attendees should come early and bring their resumes. Dress to impress.

The Youth Job Fair is also sponsored by SETA and Sacramento Business agencies.

Call 808-6525 for more information.

ESC Contracting and Employment Opportunity Meeting this Thursday

2014-03-04T12:25:00.001-08:00

A meeting for contracting and employee opportunities for the Entertainment & Sports Center project takes place this Thursday, March 6 from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at Robertson Community Center (3525 Norwood Avenue).

The meeting will be hosted by Councilmember Allen Warren, the City of Sacramento, the Sacramento Kings, and Turner Construction.

Contractors will learn about contracting opportunities, meet the project team as well as understand the construction timeline.

Individuals seeking employment will get an update on the apprenticeship programs and learn about career development opportunities to prepare for future job opportunities.

For more information, contact Delia Chacon at 916-808-7002 (dChacon@cityofsacramento.org) or Dean Peckham at 916-808-7063 (dPeckham@cityofsacramento.org).

Kaiser Permanente offering eye screenings for free cataract surgeries

2014-02-25T20:54:00.000-08:00

Kaiser Permanente physicians and staff in Sacramento will offer screenings for area residents who may be eligible for free cataract surgeries to be performed this spring.

The screenings, by appointment only, will be on Saturday, April 12, at the Kaiser Permanente Point West Medical Offices at 1650 Response Road, Sacramento, CA 95815.

The surgeries are part of Mission Cataract USA, an annual program in which participating doctors provide the sight-restoring procedure to hundreds of people across the nation who have no health insurance and can’t afford the operation. This is Kaiser Permanente’s 19th year in the program.

Kaiser Permanente physicians and staff will perform as many as 20 free cataract surgeries on eligible individuals in early May.

Screening appointments can be made through April 3 or until the slots fill up, whichever comes first. To sign up for the screening, or to request more information, call (916) 973-7159.

Shots fired at Naughty Gras event at Cal Expo

2014-02-23T18:43:00.000-08:00

Shots were fired at last night's 5th Annual Naughty Gras event present by 102.5FM Radio at Cal Expo.

At approximately 9:59 p.m., four shots were fired from a 9mm pistol near the entrance of Parking Lot A/B off of Exposition Boulevard. Two event attendees were each struck by a bullet.

One victim was wounded in the leg and one victim was wounded in the hand and side.

Both victims were transported by ambulance to a local hospital. Their wounds are not life threatening. Two unoccupied parked cars were also struck by one bullet each.

The suspected shooter, identified by witnesses as an African American man wearing a black hooded sweatshirt. The suspect was seen running West from the area in the direction of the Capital Freeway.

Cal Expo Police, Sacramento Police and Sacramento County Sheriff Deputies coordinated efforts and had the scene and parking lots secured by 10:13PM.

After a thorough search of the surrounding areas the suspected shooter was not found.

At 11:26PM, Parking Lot C/D was opened for event attendees to enter and park. According to event organizers, the majority of attendees at the indoor Naughty Gras event were not aware of the incident and the event closed at its scheduled time of 1:30AM.

Roughly 2,400 tickets were sold for the event.

Councilmember Warren hosting special meeting on arena project

2014-02-19T14:34:00.000-08:00

Sacramento City Councilmember Allen Warren will hold a Special District 2 Community Meeting on Monday, February 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Robertson Community Center (3525 Norwood Avenue) to provide an update on the Entertainment and Sports Center project.

Residents and local businesses are invited to attend to learn more about the project, including the latest design concepts, proposed financing structure, draft environmental review, and general information about the progress of this significant public-private project.

Plaza view

Concert view

Councilmember Warren and representatives from the Sacramento Kings, the Office of the City Manager, and Turner Construction will all be on hand to answer questions.

For more information, contact Delia Chacon at (916) 808-1308 or at dchacon@cityofsacramento.org

Photos from: Kings.com

Councilmember Warren hosting Office Hours tomorrow

2014-02-12T12:03:00.001-08:00

Councilmember Allen Warren will hold his Monthly Community Office Hours tomorrow from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Grant High School.

Monthly Community Office Hours are a time for residents to voice their concerns, ask questions, or just let say what’s new in your neighborhood.

In attendance this month will be representatives from New Life Church, Riveria RV Management, and the Eleanor Avenue Improvement Club.

Call 916-808-7002 or email Delia Chacon (DChacon@cityofsacramento.org) for more information.

Arrests made in Marconi Avenue homicide

2014-02-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, February 3, 2014, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Homicide Detectives arrested two people responsible for the murder of a 34 year old man in the 4700 block of Marconi Avenue on the evening of January 18, 2014.

Christopher Bernal, 33, and Jacob Reed Fisher, 20, were arrested and charged with the murder of David Justin Gonzales of Citrus Heights.

Detectives believe that the altercation between the victim and suspects was the result of an ongoing personal dispute. Both Bernal and Fisher are currently being held and the Sacramento County Main Jail without the possibility of bail.

Anyone having information regarding this homicide is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (916) 874-5115. Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com, by texting to 274637 (CRIMES) and entering the keyword ‘SSD’, or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).

Arrest made in homicide on Ethan Way

2014-01-23T12:33:00.001-08:00

The Sacramento Sheriff's Department made an arrest this morning related to yesterday's homicide in an apartment complex in the 1800 block of Ethan Way.

Montrell Woods, 19 (pictured above), was booked into the Sacramento Main Jail for Murder early this morning, January 23, 2014.

At approximately 3:00pm yesterday (Wednesday, January 22, 2014), the Sheriff’s Communications Center received multiple 9-1-1 calls from the apartment complex reporting a man had been shot.

When Deputies arrived on scene, they determined the 31-year old male shooting victim had already been transported by family to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

Sheriff’s Homicide Detectives were able to determine the victim and Woods were involved in a verbal altercation when the suspect shot the victim one time in the upper body. Although Woods fled the scene, the Homicide Detectives were able to identify him and his whereabouts.

Homicide Detectives have confirmed Woods is a resident of the same apartment complex as the victim and became involved in a verbal altercation.

The victim’s identity will be released by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office.

Enotria abruptly closes

2014-01-15T14:36:00.000-08:00

Enotria Restaurant and Wine Bar closed by surprise today.

Photo from: Enotria Restaurant and Wine Bar

David Hardie (Owner) and Pajo Bruich (Executive Chef) left the following statement on Enotria's Facebook page:

Post by ENOTRIA Restaurant and Wine Bar.

The restaurant's abrupt closure comes as a surprise given it reopened two years ago following an expansion, and the restaurant's numerous accolades.

Sacramento City Council mandates water use reductions

2014-01-15T13:59:00.001-08:00

Sacramento City Councilmembers voted last night to requite water customers to reduce their water use by 20 percent.

Photo from: City of Sacramento, Public Information

The reductions are expected to be achieved through increased enforcement of the City's conservation ordinance, reduced watering days in the spring and summer, enhanced water conservation measures at City facilities, and an enhanced public education campaign.

While the City is not facing an immediate water supply emergency, the Department of Utilities asked City Council to require cutbacks due to historically low-levels in Folsom Reservoir, a weather forecast predicting continued dry conditions, and concern for the American River and its fisheries.

Customers can achieve the 20 percent reduction savings by adopting small changes in their everyday routines such as:

Complying with the City’s current one-day-a-week watering rule, in effect until Daylight Saving Time, March 9, 2014 (saves more than 500 gallons of water per day for every day the water is turned off).
Turn off water when brushing teeth or shaving (saves approximately 10 gallons per day).
Wash only full loads of clothes (saves 15-45 gallons per load ).
Take five minute showers instead of 10 minute showers (saves 12.5 gallons with a water efficient showerhead (2.5 gallons per minute)).
Fix leaky toilets (saves 30-50 gallons per day per toilet).
Fix leaky faucets (saves 15-20 gallons per day per leak).
Install a high-efficiency WaterSense-labeled toilet (1.28 gallons per flush) (saves 19 gallons per person per day).

The City will enforce the 20 percent water use reduction through the enforcement of its existing water conservation ordinance which specifics watering days and times based on the time of year, with penalties amounts doubled while the water shortage remains in effect.

The City offers rebates for high-efficiency toilets and select high-efficiency clothes washers, as well as free Water Wise House Calls to help customers find ways to save water in and around their property.

For more information on these services, please visit www.SpareSacWater.org or call 311 or 916-264-5011.

Free movie night this Friday

2014-01-13T14:46:00.000-08:00

A free Community Movie Night will take place this Friday, January 17 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hagginwood Community Center.

The event will feature "The Blue Umbrella" at 4:15 p.m. followed by "Monster's University" at 4:45 p.m.

There is no cover charge and no charge for snacks.

Hot Spot program returns to North Sac in January

2013-12-31T11:36:00.000-08:00

The District 2 Hot Spot recreation program, sponsored by Councilmember Allen Warren, returns on Friday, January 10, 2014 to its new location at Martin Luther King, Jr. Technology Academy.

Paid for by Measure U, the free program operates on Friday nights from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. with basketball, volleyball, and snacks.

Martin Luther King Jr. Technology Academy (Christopher Shannon)

Councilmembers Steve Cohn and Angelique Ashby will also bring the Hot Spot program to Rio Tierra Jr. High in Gardenland / Northgate beginning Friday, January 10, 2014.

The free program includes basketball, volleyball, and snacks, and operates on Friday nights from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m

Rio Tierra Jr. High School (Christopher Shannon)

Both Hot Spot programs are operated by the City of Sacramento Department of Parks and Recreation.

Neither Hot Spot program is a program of the Twin Rivers Unified School District, and TRUSD accepts no liability or responsibility for the program.

Call 916-808-6789 for more information.

District 2 Hot Spot by NorthSacBeat

Hot Spot (Gardenland/Northgate) by NorthSacBeat

Dollar General applies for license to sell beer and wine

2013-12-30T16:55:00.000-08:00

The new Dollar General at the corner of Roanoke Ave and Marysville Blvd is applying for a liquor license and that has prompted concern within the community.

Dollar General's application has caused a mix of outrage and fear the community will have another store selling alcohol.

What remains unclear is what Dollar General is proposing to sell.

Below is a look at the type of liquor licenses provided by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, what licenses are currently held by surrounding businesses, and whether Dollar General would have an impact.

Liquor licences explained

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has two Off-Sale Licenses:

20 - Off Sale Beer & Wine (Package Store): Authorizes the sale of beer and wine for consumption off the premises where sold. Minors are allowed on the premises.

21 - Off Sale General (Package Store): Authorizes the sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits for consumption off the premises where sold. Minors are allowed on the premises.

These licences are typically held by markets, gas stations, and other businesses, the difference being what those establishments can sell.

If the store has an Off Sale Beer & Wine License, then it is allowed to sell Budweiser, Coors, Miller, Franzia Wine, and other beer and wine products.

Image Sources: Budweiser, Coors Light, and Miller Lite

A store holding an Off Sale General License is allowed to sell beer and wine products along with spirits (distilled beverages / hard liquor) such as Hennessy Coniac, E&J Brandy, Svedka Vodka, and Captain Morgan Rum.

Image Sources: Hennessy, E&J Brandy, Svedka Vodka, and Captain Morgan

Stores with an Off Sale Beer & Wine license are not allowed to sell spirits / distilled beverages.

Who serves what?

Dollar General is surrounded by multiple businesses holding Off Sale licenses. These businesses are:

Arcade Market
Bill’s Liquor & Deli
Express Stop
Four Oaks Market
Haggin Oaks Market
Lucky Express
Market Basket
Mini Mart
Quik Stop
Rainbow Market

Of these business only three - Arcade Market, Bill’s Liquor & Deli, and Rainbow Market - hold an Off Sale General License allowing them to sell spirits. Lucky Express holds an On Sale Beer and Wine License.

The remaining businesses hold an Off Sale Beer and Wine license.

Will Dollar General overfill the glass?

Dollar General is applying for an Off Sale Beer and Wine License, the same license that the majority of surrounding businesses already have.

It is also doubtful that alcohol will be sold for a dollar. A Dollar General circular in Texas lists the price of Spring Creek Wine at $3.00 (750ml). Barefoot Wine was $5.50 (750ml).

Dollar General Circular

All of this is not to advocate in favor of Dollar General selling alcohol but rather to simply point out the type it would sell - beer and wine - should it obtain a license and that it most likely wouldn't be sold for one dollar.

Voicing a concern to ABC

Individuals wishing to voice their concerns / protest the application to ABC can do so by filling out Form ABC-510-A and Form ABC-128 by January 12, 2014.

Refer to the instructions regarding what a protest must contain.

Once complete, sign the protest and mail or hand deliver the protest to ABC’s office at:

2400 Del Paso Road, Suite 155
Sacramento, CA 95834

Protests can also be faxed (916-419-3994) or scanned and emailed in .pdf or .jpg format to SAC.Direct@abc.ca.gov.

This flowchart details the application and protest process.

Rudolph brings candy canes to Del Paso Blvd this weekend

2013-12-12T11:25:00.000-08:00

The Del Paso Boulevard Partnership hosts Rudolph's Candy Cane Walk this Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

These participating businesses will be distributing free candy:

Del Paso Grooming
Angel's Gallery
Son of a Bean Coffee & Art
Uptown Café
GameFit
Uptown Fitness
Schiff's Estate Sales
Casa Bella Galleria
Forgotten Furnishings
Li'l Joe's
So-Cal Speed Shop
Uptown Bike & Accessories
In2Win Records & X-Quisyte Dance Studio
Decades Costumes
Taber Furniture
Real Life Church At The Artisan
Sammy's Restaurant
Fiore Floral Boutique
North Sacramento Library
Fenix Studios
Cook's Ace Hardware
Best Cleaners
Panaderia La Jerezana
Box Brothers
Formosa Café

Breakfast with Santa this weekend

2013-12-12T11:03:00.001-08:00

Breakfast with Santa on The Boulevard returns this Saturday, December 14 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. to Masonic Hall.

Breakfast includes delicious pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage patties and beverages. Coffee provided by Son of a Bean.

Fun activities include photos with Santa, a free craft project for kids, raffles and a special appearance by children's book author K.D. Sanford.

The breakfast benefits the Sacramento Fire Reserve Association.

Tickets are $5.00 each and can be purchased online or at one of the following locations:

Del Paso Boulevard Partnership (1219 Del Paso Blvd)
Forgotten Furnishings (1615 Del Paso Blvd)
Li'l Joe's (1710 Del Paso Blvd)

Sacramento Police searching for murder suspect

2013-12-04T21:22:00.001-08:00

The Sacramento Police Department is seeking help from the community in locating suspect Avery Draughty, wanted for murder.

On Thursday, November 28, 2013, at approximately 2:53 p.m., officers responded to the 3700 block of Balsam Street regarding a report of a shooting. Officers quickly discovered that 31-year-old Tiffany Silva had been fatally struck with gunfire. Early on in the investigation detectives identified Draughty (pictured below) as a person of interest which has now led to a warrant for his arrest.

Suspect Draughty is wanted for murder in connection to the shooting death of victim Silva. Immediately after the shooting it is believed that suspect Draughty, along with his girlfriend Wanette Armstrong, fled the scene in what was described by witnesses as being either a 2-door white vehicle or possibly a gold colored Saturn.

The Sacramento Police Department considers suspect Draughty to be armed and extremely dangerous. Please notify law enforcement immediately if you have information regarding his whereabouts.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact the dispatch center at (916) 264-5471 or 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.

City Council to discuss proposed hospital near Woodlake

2013-12-02T15:41:00.000-08:00

City Council is scheduled to discuss the proposed Expo Parkway Behavioral Healthcare Hospital tomorrow night.

A discussion regarding the facility has been postponed for months due to concerns raised by the Woodlake community. The facility would be located across Highway 160 on Expo Parkway.

Concerns regarding the facility included a lack of outreach to the Woodlake community regarding the project, concerns related to security, a lack of nearby public transportation, the proximity of the facility to railroad tracks, and the proximity of the facility to the American River Parkway and Utilities drainage facilities.

City officials outline their responses to these concerns in their report (see below).

Council is scheduled to discuss this at their weekly meeting tomorrow at 6 p.m. at New City Hall, (915 I Street).

Expo Parkway Behavioral Healthcare Hospital (12-3-2013)

Celebrate Hmong New Year this weekend

2013-11-27T19:52:00.000-08:00

The Sacramento Hmong New Year celebration returns to Cal Expo tomorrow, November 28 through Sunday, December 1.

Photo from: Sacramento Hmong New Year, Inc.

Deeply rooted in the tradition of the Hmong culture, this modern day celebration is a reflection of change, progress, and growth.

Admission to the event is $4.00 (children under 5 and seniors 65 and older are FREE) and guests enter at Cal Expo's Main Entrance.

The celebration takes place at Expo Center, Lot A, and Lot 26.

Visit www.sacramentohmongnewyear.com for more information.

Re-dedication of Northgate Park

2013-11-23T18:11:00.000-08:00

Northgate Park was re-dedicated today with the opening of a new playground, basketball court, and refurbished tennis court to include futsal.

The refurbished court is named after Arturo Carrillo, a former youth soccer coach you passed away in August 2010. The court includes one tennis court and one futsal court.

Futsal is a variant of soccer and its Portuguese translation, futebol de salão, is "half football". Developed in the 1930s and 1940s, futsal is played between two teams of five players each, one of whom is the goalkeeper. Unlimited substitutions are permitted, though the game is played with a smaller ball with less bounce.

Northgate's tennis/futsal court is open from sunrise to 10pm.

Progressive Service Center holding Open House tomorrow

2013-11-22T13:10:00.000-08:00

The new Progressive Service Center will hold an Open House this Saturday, November 23, from 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. at 2150 Harvard Street.

Photo from: Flo, the Progressive Girl.

The center is the third to be constructed in California and is the only center located in the northern/central California region.

Hours are 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Monday - Friday), 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Saturday), and closed on Sunday.

Customers can contact the center by phone at 916-246-3200 or via fax at 916-923-9382.

Customers will be able to drop off damaged cars, pick up a rental and go while while their car is repaired. Customers will also be able to manage their claims at the center.

No word on whether Flo, the Progressive Girl will be attending the event, though Progressive provides tips on dressing up like her.

Iceland raises the roof tomorrow

2013-11-21T15:52:00.001-08:00

Iceland Ice Skating Rink hosts its "Raise the Roof!" Season Opening Party tomorrow, November 22 from 6pm - 9pm at 1430 Del Paso Boulevard.

The party includes The Streets of London Pub's Big Red Bus food truck, a DJ, performances (including one by local artist Stevie Nader), prizes, and more.

Call 916-925-3121 for more information.

Grant heads to Yuba City tomorrow

2013-11-21T15:25:00.000-08:00

The Grant Pacers will need a strong offensive showing as they take on Yuba City Honkers tomorrow night on the road in round two of the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoff Brackets (Division II).

Grant and Yuba City last faced each other in November 2005. Grant is 2-0 all-time against Yuba City.

Things have changed in eight years. Grant is 8-3 overall this year while Yuba City is 10-1. Yuba City was almost undefeated at home and posted three shutout victories at home this year.

Yuba City scores an average of 39 points at home while Grant scores an average of 31 points on the road. Grant will have to reach that mark and then some; Yuba City holds their opponents to an average of 11 points at home.

Game kicks off at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 22 at Yuba City High School.

(All statistics from MaxPreps.com)

Grant to face Yuba City this Friday

2013-11-18T12:11:00.002-08:00

The Grant Pacers defeated the Downey Knights (Modesto, CA) 52-14 last Friday in Round One of the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoff (Division II).

Grant will face the Yuba City High School Honkers (10-1) - who defeated the St. Mary's High School Rams 34-28 - this Friday, November 22 in Yuba City.

Grant opens playoffs tonight at home

2013-11-15T11:44:00.000-08:00

The Grant Pacers open their playoff run at home tonight against the Downey Knights (Modesto, CA).

Both teams are startlingly similar to each other. Both are 7-3 on the season and have a total of 46 touchdowns on the season.

Still, there are some differences. Downey dominates the passing game with 242.2 receiving yards per game, where Grant dominates the ground game with 260.2 rushing yards per game.

Grant has averaged 39 points in their four home games this season. That's compared Downey's average of 35 points in five road games, including one shutout earlier this year.

Game kicks off tonight at 7:00 p.m. at Grant High School.

North Sacramento Community Health Fair this weekend

2013-11-14T14:00:00.001-08:00

The North Sacramento Community Health Fair takes place this Saturday, November 16 from 9am - 4pm at Grant Union High School.

The free event includes Obamacare / Affordable Care Act and Covered California information, local healthcare providers, community resources for seniors and families, cooking and fitness demonstrations, dental, asthma, vision, blood pressure, and blood sugar testing and screenings (limited in quantity, so arriving early is recommended).

For more information, contact Andrea in Councilmember Allen Warren's Office at 916-808-7233 or asanmiguel@cityofsacramento.org.

The event is sponsored by Councilmember Allen Warren, Assemblymember Roger Dickinson, and The Center for Innovative Community Solutions.