Bobbie Singh-Allen v. MV Transportation

Below find the complete filing in Bobbie Singh-Allen v. MV Transportation. Click on each of the 11 pages to enlarge.

Document continued on link.

Elk Grove's e-Tran Contractor Sued by Political Consultant

MV Transportation accused of breach of contract, interference


MV Transportation Inc., operator of Elk Grove’s e-Tran bus service, has been sued by its former Elk Grove political government affairs consultant for breach of contract, tortuous interference with contract and prospective economic advantage and negligence.

The suit was filed on behalf of Ms. Bobbie Allen-Singh of Elk Grove in Sacramento Superior Court.

According to suit, Singh-Allen alleges that in January, 2009 MV entered into a month-to-month agreement with her firm, L&B Associates to provide consulting advice concerning Elk Grove political government affairs. The suit asserts that as part of that agreement, Singh-Allen e-mailed several MV executives and “stressed all communications between herself and MVT concerning Elk Grove City Council members must remain confidential to ensure for protection for all parties involved.”

Confidential advice on Detrick’s fundraiser

Attempted Robbery of Cell Phone, Shoes

An Elk Grove man was the victim of an attempted robbery of his cell phone and shoes he was trying to sell yesterday afternoon.

According to Elk Grove Police reports, the victim had arranged to meet the robber to sell him a pair of shoes on the 5600 block of Adobe Spring Way. While the victim was showing the shoes, the robber grabbed the victim's cell phone and one pair of shoes.

the victim pushed the robber and retrieved his property. The suspect then fled the area on foot.

The robber is described as a black male, 18-19 years old, 6'0" tall, 165 pounds, wearing a white hooded swet shirt and blue jeans.

Leary Criminal Trial to Move Forward

Former Elk Grove City Council member to stand trial


In a preliminary hearing in Department 13 of the Sacramento Superior Court this afternoon, Judge Raymond Cadei turned down defense motions to drop three of the four criminal charges against former Elk Grove City Council member and current Sacramento County Deputy Sheriff Mike Leary.

Leary was indicted last October on four criminal real estate fraud charges following a Sacramento County Sheriffs Department Internal Affairs investigation. That investigation came following a complaint by Leary’s former girlfriend, Alyc Maselli, that Leary forged documents in an attempt to defraud her of property they are said to have jointly owned.

In the three-plus hour hearing there was only one witness called, Detective Mark Freeman. A real estate fraud investigator for the sheriffs' department, Freeman conducted the investigation that led to Leary’s indictment.

Arguing the people’s case was Michael Blazina, supervisor of the Sacramento County District Attorney’s real estate fraud division. Blazina questioned Freeman how the allegations surfaced and the investigations findings.

Freeman said the investigation was initiated after Maselli’s attorney contacted the sheriffs’ department internal affairs claiming that Leary had altered a title filed with the Sacramento County Recorders office. The document, which was introduced as evidence, allegedly was altered by Leary to show he had a 90 percent stake in the property that is said to have initially showed equal joint-ownership.

Subsequent to that recording, Maselli is said to have signed over a 10 percent interest in the property to Leary following personal financial difficulties. In the complaint Maselli said she was under the impression she had equal joint ownership prior to relinquishing the 10 percent interest.

It is alleged that when Leary initially purchased the property in 2005 and placed it solely in his own name as part of 1031 exchange, it was understood that Maselli would be added to the title at a later point, which it was.

Leary’s defense attorney William Portanova questioned Freeman extensively regarding title fees that were waived when the property was purchased. The title work was performed at a by a title company that at the time employed Maselli as an office manager.

Portanova sought to demonstrate that although fees may have been waived because Maselli was an employee, it did not necessarily imply ownership. Freeman acknowledged that at least one employee at the title company believed the fees should not be waived because Maselli’s name was not on the initial title recorded.

Portanova also questioned Freeman regarding whether Maselli had sufficient documentation to substantiate her claims. Freeman acknowledged that Maselli lacked documentation to back some of her claims.

During his questioning, Portanova repeatedly sought to discredit Maselli and bolster his client. At one point Portanova referenced a 2008 unlawful detainer suit (case number 08UD13662) filed by Leary against Maselli whereby Portanova said Maselli reportedly admitted to not owning the property.

After both attorneys concluded arguments, Cadei denied Portanova’s request to drop three of the charges.

“The documents more than shows a suspicion that there was legal title transfer to her,” Cadei said. “I agree with the people on this.”

Leary will be arraigned in Department 8 of the Sacramento Superior Court at 1:30 pm on Thursday, March 11. A trial date will be set then.

Leary is currently on paid administrative leave from the sheriffs department.

Elk Grove Man Arrested After Forcibly Entering Residence, Attacking Victim

While Elk Grove has seen its share of domestic violence cases, on Monday one incident included the forcible entry to a residence.

According to Elk Grove Police reports, 44-year old Alex Decena forcibly entered an apartment and attacked his victim. After entering, Decena allegedly pushed and dragged the victim and chased the victim who was trying to call police from a cell phone.

The suspect reportedly grabbed the phone and smashed it by throwing in on the ground. Upon arrival officers arrested the suspect. The victim sustained visible injures and was issued an emergency protective order.

In other activity, police arrested 20-year old Christopher Anderson of Elk Grove for allegedly burglarizing a vacant house on the 8700 block of El Toreador Way.

Four Reported Domestic Violence Arrests in Elk Grove This Weekend

Elk Grove Police report there were four arrests this weekend that involved domestic violence.

On Friday afternoon police arrested 21-year old Marina Reyes of Sacramento after she allegedly scratched, punched and kicked her victim who suffered visible injures. Reyes was transferred to the county jail.

On Saturday Police reported two incidents. The first incident happened early Saturday morning and involved a 14-year old Elk Grove male who allegedly punched his mother several times in the head causing visible injuries. The suspect was transferred to juvenile hall.

The other arrest happened when 30-year old Ronald Sharma of Elk Grove allegedly was involved in verbal argument inside a moving vehicle. Sharma allegedly grabbed the victim around the neck and forced the victim’s head against the driver’s side window. The suspect was transferred to the county jail.

The fourth incident happened late Sunday evening when 33-year old Frank Gabrielli allegedly punched his victim in the face causing visible injury following a verbal argument. The suspect was arrested and transferred to the county jail.

Man Attacked, Robbed in Friday Afternoon Incident

Elk Grove Police report an assault and robbery on Friday afternoon in the vicinity of Laguna Boulevard and High Tech Court.

According to police reports, the victim was approached by the unknown suspect who asked for a cigarette. When the victim gave the suspect a cigarette, the suspect punched the him in the back of the head. The suspect then proceeded to remove money from the victim’s jacket pocket.

The suspect fled the area on foot and was seen getting into an older white Lexus being driven by another individual. The suspect is described as a black male adult in his 20’s, wearing a black baseball cap, black hooded sweatshirt and dark jeans. There was no description for the driver

Buchanan Covers Wide Range of Topics at Elk Grove Breakfast Meeting

From education funding to the on-going state budget crisis, 15th District Assembly Member Joan Buchanan met with Elk Grove constituents Saturday morning to discuss these and other topics over a pancake breakfast.

Held at the Elk Grove Senior Center, the first term Alamo Democrat told the dozens of people in attendance “she was honored to represent Elk Grove” and felt her effectiveness as a assembly member was in helping municipalities within the district address local problems. The 15th Assembly District snakes from the East Bay east and includes portions of Elk Grove.

Buchanan opened the meeting with a discussion of the states on-going budget problems. After giving a historic perspective on the budget woes, Buchanan said political leaders must be willing to make tough decisions.

“We have gotten in this situation by not making tough budget decisions,” she said. “We need a thoughtful plan.”

Buchanan pointed to the leadership of former governors Earl Warren, a Republican, and Pat Brown, a Democrat, as example of leaders who were able to put aside partisan politics and deal with budgetary problems they both faced in their respective administrations. She said they both did what was best for the people of California, not any particular political agenda.

In addition to discussing the budget woes, Buchanan also covered prison reform, medical marijuana, the water bill and education during a lively question and answer session.

As a school board member for 18 years prior to being elected to the assembly, Buchanan said much of the states future economic well being hinges on public school funding and having a well trained and educated workforce.

“Public education is the corner stone of our democracy,” she also noted.

Elk Grove Police Apprehend Two Daytime Burglars

Elk Grove Police apprehended two home burglary later yesterday morning with the help of witness descriptions.

According to police reports, a witness noticed 18-year old Clenzo Johnson of Sacramento and a 15-year old Elk Grove juvenile male enter a backyard on the 5000 block of Opal Creek Court then later leave the area. Responding officers were able to locate the suspects based on the descriptions provided.

A check of the residence found that a side garage door had been forcibly opened. Johnson was arrested and transferred to the county jail and the juvenile suspect was arrested and taken to juvenile hall.

In other activity, police arrested 41-year old Dee Sims of Sacramento for shoplifting at the Winco store on Sheldon Road. The suspect was transferred to the county jail.

Elk Grove Youth Robbed of Cell Phone by Three Assailants

A 14-year Old Elk Grove male juvenile was robbed of his cell phone early yesterday evening on the 9100 block of Paseo Grande Way.

According to police reports, the unaccompanied victim was walking on Paseo Grande Way when an old model white Toyota Corolla drove passed the victim the made a u-turn and stopped near the victim. Three suspects exited the car and approached the victim with one suspect demanding the victim’s cell phone.

Fearing for his safety, the victim complied with the demands. The three suspects then returned to the car and left the area.

The suspect who stole the phone is described as a black male approximately 18 to 19 years of age, 6’ tall, 170 lbs., wearing a black cap and red hooded sweatshirt with black, white and red Nike basketball shorts.

Officers responded to the area but were unable to locate the vehicle.

In other activity, arrested 23-year old James Zamora on suspicion of DUI, took 5-year old Jesus Alvarado of Modesto into custom for an active warrant and picked up 26-year old Alvin Singh of Elk Grove for an active warrant.

Elk Grove Police Arrest Another Kohl’s Shoplifter

Either the Kohl’s store on Calvine Road in Elk Grove has a very effective loss prevention team or is a favorite spot for local shoplifters.

Whatever the case might be, Elk Grove Police have made five arrests, including one for embezzlement, at the store on the city’s north side since the first week of the, year.

In the latest case, officers apprehended 23-year old Clifford Roberson of Sacramento after he was seen shoplifting merchandise and fled the store. After his apprehension the merchandise was returned and the suspect was arrested and transferred to the county jail.

In other activity, police report the arrest of 39-year old Craig Derek of Elk Grove for domestic violence. According to reports, the suspect was involved in verbal altercation that escalated into a physical altercation.

Derek allegedly pushed the victim in the face and the throat. When officers arrived the suspect was reportedly combative with officers that resulted in a brief struggle. The suspect was arrested and transferred to the county jail.

Police also report arrests for one DUI and one probation violation.

Assembly Member Joan Buchanan to Host Free Pancake Breakfast this Saturday

Assembly Member Joan Buchanan will host a free pancake breakfast this Saturday morning at the Elk Grove Senior Center. Buchanan represents California's 15th Assembly District which includes a large portion of Elk Grove.

During the breakfast, which is scheduled from 10 AM to 12 PM, Buchanan will discuss the budget and other legislative issues.

"My top priorities this year are creating jobs, ensuring that all our children receive a high quality public education and creating a state government that operates in a fiscally responsible manner," Buchanan said. "California's working families deserve no less."

The Senior Center is located at 8830 Sharkey Avenue, Elk Grove, 95624.

Buchanan would also like to remind constituents of her Elk Grove satellite district office. The office is located at 8401 Laguna Palms Way and is available the first Thursday of every month from 1 to 5 PM.

Constituents are invited to stop by to discuss problems with state agencies, past or future legislation, and community issues. Informational brochures will also be available.

For more information, Buchanan's office can be reached at (916)319-2015.

Elk Grove Cops Busy with DUI’s, Outstanding Warrants over Holiday Weekend

Over the four day period covering the recent President’s Day Holiday, Elk Grove Police made over 22 arrests.

Staring on Friday, officers made eight arrests for DUI. At least one of the arrests was made a license/sobriety checkpoint conducted near Big Horn Boulevard and Laguna Boulevard.

Police also report the arrest of eight individuals for outstanding warrants. All suspects were transferred to the county jail

Other arrests

Elk Grove Police also made other arrest this weekend for shoplifting, a verbal threat to do bodily harm and domestic violence.

45-year old Mateo Ocampo of Sacramento was arrested at the Kohls store on Calvine for allegedly shoplifting. The suspect was arrested and transferred to the county jai.

The other shoplifting case involved a 13-year old Sacramento female juvenile who allegedly shoplifted the CVS store on the 8500 block of Elk Grove Boulevard. The juvenile was cited and released to her parents.

52-year old Peggy Smith of Sacramento was arrested for making verbally threatening comments to an employee at the WinCo store on Sheldon Road. The suspect was transferred to the county jail

In the two domestic violence cases, officers arrested 31-year old Maria Garcia-Fraser of Elk Grove after she was involved in a verbal argument that escalated into a physical confrontation. Garcia-Fraser allegedly punched her victim in the face and pulled the victim’s hair.

The victim suffered visible injuries. The suspect was transferred to the county jail.

In the other domestic violence case 31-year old Yamil Salas of Elk Grove following a verbal altercation that escalated into a physical confrontation. The suspect is accused of twice pushing his victim.

The suspect was transferred to the county jail. The victim was issues an emergency protective order.

Elk Grove Police Arrest Man after Vehicle, Foot Pursuit

A Sacramento man was arrested yesterday afternoon following a short vehicle pursuit.

According to police reports, officers attempted to stop a vehicle being driven by 28-year old Kenneth Donald for a code violation. Donald reported failed to stop and a short vehicle pursuit ensued.

Donald eventually stopped the vehicle and fled on foot as officers gave chase. The suspect was located hiding in a backyard near Los Banos Way and Terra Linda Drive.

When Donald was taken into custody he was found to be in possession of narcotics. The suspect was arrested and transferred to the county jail.

12-year old Robbed of Cell Phone

A 12-year old Elk Grove boy was robbed of his cell phone near Franklin High School last night.

According to police reports, the victim was walking on Franklin High Road near Hewitt Way when he was approached by three juvenile males. One of the suspects asked the victim for his cell phone and he initially refused.

Fearing for his safety, the victim relented and gave the phone. The suspect made a phone call and the victim them asked for his phone to be returned but the suspect refused.

The suspect and two accomplices then fled on foot. The suspect was described as black male juvenile, 14 to 17 years old, heavy set, 6’ 0”, and last seen wearing a dark jacket and baggy jeans. The two accomplices were described as black male juveniles.

Other activity

In other arrests, 21-year old Richard Gibson of Elk Grove was taken into custody for allegedly shoplifting at the Kohls store on Calvine Road. Police also discovered Gibson to be allegedly in possession of narcotics paraphernalia.

One Economist Predicts Taxpayer Revolt Over Public v. Private Sector Pay Differentials

Are Elk Grove public employee pensions in line with Elk Grove private employees?

Over the course of the last few years there has been a slow simmering controversy in California over CALPERS.

Aside from the multi-million dollar payoffs made to so-called middlemen facilitating financial transactions, there seems to be a perception cutting across political lines that the current CALPERS system is unsustainable and could hobble California and local governments for years to come. The states on-going budget problems have brought this issue to the fore.

While there are several groups in the state that have taken up this issue, most notably Pension Watch, the issue seemed to be confined to California. It seems the issue is now getting national attention in face of stagnant wages and continued unemployment.

According to an economist from the University of Michigan-Flint, public employees now make an average of 45% more than private sector employees.

According to a December report from the BLS, state and local government employers spent an average of $39.83 per hour worked ($26.24 for wages and $13.60 for benefits) for total employee compensation in September 2009. Total employer compensation costs for private industry workers averaged $27.49 per hour ($19.45 for wages and $8.05 for benefits). In other words, government employees make 45% more on average than private sector employees.

According to another BLS report, compensation for private industry workers has increased by 6.9% between December 2006 and December 2009, compared to a 9.8% increase for government workers (state and local) over the same period.

Ripe for local taxpayer revolt?

Closer to home, a review of the warrants presented for payment at the last city council meeting revealed the City of Elk Grove paid $177,521 to CALPERS for city employees. According to city finance manager Rebecca Craig, the city makes similar sized payments on a bi-weekly basis for the 260 full time equivalent employees on the city’s payroll.

Using some basic calculations, that amounts to approximately $4,550,000 annually or an average contribution of $17,500 per employee.

For comparisons sake, let’s take the average Elk Grove household income of about $80,000 and say they are enrolled in a 401k. Further, let’s assume the employer matches 50% for each dollar up to 6% and our average family contributes up to the 6%.

Under this scenario, the $80,000 income household would be getting about $2,400 in matching employee contributions, or about 14% of what the average Elk Grove city employee receives. Even if our typical Elk Grove household has a generous employer and gets an even match up to 6%, they would still be getting only $4,800, or about 28% in employer paid retirement funding compared to the average city employee.

Lest we forget, for our typical Elk Grove family to get either of the above amounts, the employee is compelled to make a matching contribution. Furthermore, 401k’s move at the whim of world markets and offers no guarantee while public pensions have an implied guarantee on the backs of taxpayers.

So as we move into the 2010 elections, city council members would be well served to consider the burdens of generous city pensions being placed on the backs of local taxpayers. After all, public employees are meant to serve the public, not the other way around.

Elk Grove Man Arrested on Firearms Charges;DUI Arrests Made

An Elk Grove man was arrested Friday morning after reported gun shots were heard on the 9700 block of Bowmont Way.

According to Elk Grove Police, officers responded to calls reporting to have heard guns shots at 4:12 AM in the area. Responding officers observed 31-year old Tyrone Anderson of Elk Grove leaning into a vehicle that had the driver’s side door open.

After detaining the suspect, officers searched the vehicle and discovered a loaded firearm under the seat and four expended shell casings in the front of a nearby residence.

The report did not list a motive for the shooting or whether any structure had been hit by the bullets. The suspect was arrested for illegally discharging a firearm and illegal possession and transferred to the county jail.

Other arrests

In other activity, police report seven arrests for DUI, two for narcotics and one each for public intoxication, domestic violence and an active warrant.

Elk Grove Juvenile Attempts to Elude Police, Crahses Car Into Neighborhood Fence

A 16-year old Elk Grove male took a car ride the other night that didn’t end so well.

According to Elk Grove Police reports, officers attempted to stop a vehicle early Sunday morning near Bond Road and Elk Grove Florin Road for a vehicle code violation. After failing to stop, officers activated their emergency lights and sirens and pursued the vehicle.

A short pursuit ended in the nearby Camden neighborhood when the suspect lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a fence on the 9000 block of North Camden Drive. The juvenile suspect and a passenger fled the area on foot.

After establishing a perimeter, officers were able to detain the driver but unable to locate the passenger. The juvenile was arrested and transferred to juvenile hall.

ELK GROVE POLICE TO CONDUCT SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT

The Elk Grove Police Department will be conducting a sobriety and drivers license checkpoint within the city of Elk Grove on February 13, 2010 beginning at approximately 8:00 p.m.

The checkpoint will focus on removing impaired drivers, as well as unlicensed drivers from the roadways. Educational materials covering the dangers of driving under the influence will also be handed out to motorists. Funding for the sobriety checkpoint is provided through a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant that was made available by the California Office of Traffic Safety.

The public is encouraged to call the Elk Grove Police Department at (916) 714-5111 (emergency line) or 911 if they observe impaired drivers on the roadways. Members of the media interested in an interview or ride-along should contacted Sergeant Audrey Haug at (916) 478-8073.

Juvenile Chased From Elk Grove House, Arrested

A 15-year old Sacramento male was arrested yesterday afternoon after he was caught someplace he shouldn’t have been.

According to Elk Grove Police reports, the juvenile suspects was discovered inside a house on the 9700 block of Terrapin Court by a resident of the dwelling. Upon his discovery, the youth fled the house and the resident gave chase.

After detaining the suspect, the juvenile was taken into custody and transferred to juvenile hall.

Other arrests

Police also reported four other arrests yesterday.

According to police reports 22-year old Habib Mojaddedi and 19-year old Ruben Gallardo, both of Sacramento, were arrested last night after they attempted to pick up a fraudulent codeine prescription. Both suspects were transferred to the county jail.

Police also arrested 19-year old Jennifer Young of Elk Grove on suspicion of embezzling the Kohls store on Calvine Road. The suspect was transferred to the county jail.

The other two arrests were for public intoxication and a probation violation for possession of narcotics paraphernalia.

Will Elk Grove Declare The Elk Grove Promenade Blighted?

Elk Grove’s own TARP fund?


At the end of the Wednesday, January 13 Elk Grove City Council meeting, a regular meeting of the Elk Grove Redevelopment Agency was convened.

During that meeting city manger Laura Gill was questioned about the purpose of the redevelopment agency. Gill said the agency was formed following requests from Elk Grove’s Old Town Foundation seeking assistance in redevelopment of their special planning area (SPA).

Among several reasons Gill cited for the formation was the agency could declare structures within the study area blighted and the city could take mitigations steps. According to state law, blight conditions exist when the identified structure or area “causes a reduction of, or lack of, proper utilization of the area to such an extent that it constitutes a serious physical and economic burden on the community that cannot reasonably be expected to be reversed or alleviated by private enterprise or governmental action, or both, without redevelopment.” (see complete legal description here.)

To facilitate their redevelopment efforts, the city has hired and allocated up to $264,000 for San Francisco-based Seifel Consulting to conduct the initial study.(see map). Included in the area are older neighborhoods in Elk Grove including the Old Town SPA and the Elk Grove Promenade shopping center

Construction of the Elk Grove Promenade stopped over a year and half ago and several months later the developer, Chicago-based General Growth Properties, declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Given the continuation of the Great Recession and the developing commercial real estate collapse, prospects for jump-starting construction, much less completing the Elk Grove Promenade anytime in the near future are dim.

Gill acknowledged the city could use the study’s findings and declare the Elk Grove Promenade blighted. “We don’t know at what point the construction will start,” she said.

So what does it mean if the city finds the Elk Grove Promenade to be blighted? According to Gill the city could provide assistance to help re-start construction. “We may need to provide assistance to get that project jumpstarted again,” Gill said.

Gill added that during last year’s budget public outreach meetings, she was repeatedly asked what the city could do to get the Promenade project moving. “This may be an option to help the mall in the long term,” she said.

In August 2008 when the city council approved a hotel project on East Stockton Boulevard and Highway 99 just south of Elk Grove Boulevard, the site was found to be blighted. Because of this designation, the city council also approved a $1.8 million 15-year subsidy for Bay Area developer Reynolds & Brown.

Reynolds & Brown also has another shopping development planned for Grantline Road and Highway 99; directly across from the stalled Elk Grove Promenade. Reynold & Brown has been a significant contributor to the campaigns of city council members past and present.

While it will be at least nine months before the study is completed, it will be interesting to see if the Elk Grove Promenade is declared blighted. You can’t help but wonder if city taxpayers will be obliged to clean up the financial mess created by General Growth Properties and the city council that approved this failed project with Elk Grove's own TARP?

Elk Grove Police Conduct DUI Warrant Sweep

On Wednesday, February 3, 2010, the Elk Grove Police Department conducted a DUI (driving under the influence) Warrant Sweep within the City of Elk Grove.

Officers from the Elk Grove Police Department’s Traffic Bureau, Problem Oriented Policing Unit and Patrol Division attempted to locate individuals with outstanding DUI warrants at their last known addresses.

As a result of the operation, five individuals were located and arrested for their active warrants. Those arrested and transported to the county jail include Long Tifu Ngo (DOB) 8-19-73, Cardena Horo 10-22-85, Steven Martin 2-28-83, Socorro Cruz 4-01-69 and Mohammed Khan 2-24-83.

The Elk Grove Police Department plans on additional warrant sweeps and DUI enforcement operations throughout the year.

Elk Grove Police Make Three Separate Arrests for Possession of Loaded Weapons

Elk Grove made three arrests yesterday that led to the discovery of loaded weapons.

In the first incident officers stopped a vehicle driven by 37-year old Eva Arzola of Sacramento for a vehicle code violation near Calvine Road and Vineyard Road. A records search found Arzola to be on a searchable probation.

A search of the passenger in the vehicle, 22-year old Jabarie Hollis of Sacramento allegedly found him to be in possession of narcotics. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a loaded firearm in the glove box. Both suspects were arrested and transferred to the county jail.

The second arrest happened when officers stopped a 17-year old Sacramento male juvenile for a vehicle code violation near Beyer Court and McGray Way. A records search discovered the juvenile to be on a searchable probation.

A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a hidden loaded weapon. The suspect was arrested and transferred to juvenile hall.

The final incident occurred on Elk Grove Boulevard and East Stockton Boulevard when officer stopped a vehicle driven by 21-year old Steven Vega of Sacramento for a vehicle code violation. A records search revealed Vega had an outstanding arrest warrant and a passenger in the vehicle, 29-year old Dominic Orozco of Sacramento was on a searchable probation.

A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of narcotics and a loaded firearm. Both suspects were arrested and transferred to the county jail.

Other police activity

In other activity, police arrested 24-year old Jonathon McCray of Sacramento on suspicion of embezzlement of the Target store on Laguna Boulevard. The suspect was transferred to the county jail.

Police also made four additional arrests for outstanding warrants. All suspects were transferred to the county jail.

Law Enforcement Officials and Community Leaders Offer Reward in Hate Crimes

The greater Sacramento area has experienced a recent uptick in hate crime incidents, and two in particular have authorities and community leaders asking for the public’s help in solving the crimes.

The first incident occurred on November 10, 2009, at Congregation Beth Shalom, 4746 El Camino Avenue, Carmichael, California.Congregation Beth Shalom, a Jewish synagogue, was the target of racist graffiti, a hate message, and an attempt to burn a sign bearing the congregation’s name.

Video footage obtained from outside the synagogue captured the image of an individual dressed in all black spray painting the words “Kristallnact still lives” (sic).This message pertains to the November 1938 attacks against Jews by Nazis in Germany and Austria.

A swastika and SS symbols were painted on the building and there was also an attempt to burn the sign in front of the synagogue as evidenced by the burnt bushes below the sign.

The perpetrator wore a black hooded sweat shirt to obscure his/her face from the camera and can be seen making an obscene gesture to the camera before departing the scene.

The second incident occurred on January 1, 2010, at Kenesset Israel Torah Center, 1165 Morse Avenue, Sacramento, California, where someone spray painted satanic messages on the exterior walls of the center and racial epithets and two swastikas on the SMUD power box located at the edge of the property.

The Sacramento FBI is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for these crimes.Representatives from the Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region have also offered a reward, up to $1500, for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for these two acts.

Anyone with information regarding these two incidents is urged to contact the Sacramento FBI at 916-481-9110.

Elk Grove Police Arrest Man for Possession of Metal Knuckles

Elk Grove Police arrest a Sacramento man early Friday morning after he was found to be in possession of metal knuckles.

According to police reports, officers observed a suspicious car parked in front of a closed business in the shopping center located on the 9100 block of Elk Grove-Florin Road. Officers contacted the driver of the vehicle and one passenger.

The driver, 18-year old Daniel Miller of Sacramento consented to a voluntary search which allegedly revealed a pair of metal knuckles in this back pants pocket. A search of the passenger, 20-year old Kennedy Nguyen of Elk Grove, found him allegedly in possession of marijuana.

Nguyen was issued a citation and released while Miller was arrested and transferred to the county jail.