Drivers Try Fleeing Elk Grove Police Arrests

Arrest made in senior domestic violence incident


Elk Grove Police arrested two men in separate incidents yesterday after both allegedly tried fleeing the scene after vehicle enforcement stops.

The first incident happened early Tuesday morning near Bruceville Road and Laguna Boulevard when officers noticed 18-year old Michael Patterson was operating a vehicle without headlights on.

When officers attempted to stop the suspect, he failed to yield and short vehicle pursuit ensued. The pursuit ended when Patterson collided with a tree.

Patterson then reportedly left the vehicle and fled on foot. Officers established a perimeter and were able to locate him.

A records search revealed the vehicle Patterson was driving has been reported stolen. The suspect was arrested and transferred to county jail.

The other incident happened late last night when police initiated a code enforcement stop near Laguna Boulevard and Laguna Park Drive. Upon contact, the suspect, 33-year old Richard Frutoznorman of Sacramento, displayed objective signs of impairment.

After performing poorly on the field sobriety test, the suspected allegedly attempted to run away from the officers. After a short pursuit, officers apprehended the suspect who was arrested and transferred to the county jail.

In other activity, an Elk Grove woman was arrested following a senior domestic violence incident.

According to police reports, 49-year old Jeanette Parker was involved in a verbal argument with her elderly mother that escalated into a physical confrontation. Parker allegedly grabbed her mother and struck her several times with her fists.

Upon arrival, officers arrested Parker and transferred her to the count jail. The victim was issue an emergency protective order.

Elk Grove Police to Conduct DUI Checkpoint This Friday

The Elk Grove Police Department will conduct a sobriety checkpoint on April 3, 2010 from 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. As part of its on-going effort to eliminate drunk driving, the checkpoints are conducted to identify offenders and get them off the street.

Traffic volume and weather permitting, all vehicles may be checked and drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will be arrested. The police say the object is to send a clear message of no tolerance to those who operating a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol and or drugs.

Police ask that public to help keep roadways safe by calling 911 if they see a suspected impaired driver.

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 through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Elk Grove Woman Arrested for Hammer Attack; Cop Bitten by Suspect

An Elk Grove women was arrested early Saturday morning following a domestic violence incident where she attacked her victim with a hammer.

According to police reports, 47-year old Jaime Piring was involved in a verbal argument that escalated into a physical conformation. During the course of the confrontation, Piring allegedly struck the victim in the head and arm with a hammer.

Piring fled the scene prior to the arrival of officers and the victim was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Officers later located the suspect at the residence where she was arrested and transferred to the county jail.

In another incident an Elk Grove Police officer was bitten by a women suspected of drunk driving.

According to police report, 41-year old Lihn Vo of Elk Grove was involved in single vehicle accident early Sunday morning. When officer contacted the suspect, she displayed objective signs of impairment.

When officers attempted to conduct a search, the suspect became combative and refused to follow instructions. As officers attempted to gain control of the suspect, she allegedly bit and officer’s forearm.

Additional officers responded and where able to gain compliance. The suspect was arrested and transferred to the county jail.

Officers also made three DUI arrests and one for an outstanding warrant during the three day weekend period.

Vampire Movie, and the Future of Cinema.

By Maricor Capulong




As I watch Twilight on Showtime, I wonder if in the near future, someone can create a new brand/type of monster/being that is as mysterious as a vampire and dangerous much like the werewolf. I got to hand it to literary geniuses like Mary Shelly of Bram Stoker, they have created beings that are adaptable even to today's cinema.

One of my top film favorites is a film called "The Crow" starring the late Brandon Lee. I think the thought of revenge and coming from the grave is such a romantic notion. That the feeling of hurt, anger and love never truly dies until that one unfinished business is done. It saddens me that the crow franchise cannot be done as good as the first, but then again its such a story that you cant keep repeating over and over. Unlike a good/ or bad vampire movie, there are so many variables you can change, I guess this is what 'The Crow' was lacking.

In some movies, the father of all vampires is Judas himself. In Dracula, he is a disillusioned turkish soldier who gave up his soul forsaking Christianity. I mean there is so much to change and unchange in this genre. Twilight even has the vampires glisten in the sun because of their beautiful diamond bright skin. In some versions they lie in coffins and wait until sun down.

In any case, what can be re-made to match the phenomenon of Twilight?

Maybe another version of Cat People?

Meow???

In cinema history, what movies do you think should have been expanded into a franchise, much like vampire movies are in today's films.

EGPD Catches Carjacker

Elk Grove Police arrested a Modesto man late Wednesday on suspicion of carjacking.

According to police reports, officers found 25-year old Kelly Hughes asleep inside a vehicle at the Grantline Road off ramp. A records check revealed that the vehicle had been stolen as part of a carjacking in Ripon, Calif.

Officers woke up the suspect and he was arrested without incident and transferred to the county jail.

In other activity two female suspects were arrested on suspicion of shoplifting at the Kohl’s store on Bruceville Road.

In Cooper's Run for Sacramento County Sheriff, Every Vote Matters

Will Elk Grove’s SOI, Wilton voters weigh in Cooper’s political calculus?

For the first time in over a dozen years, the race for Sacramento County Sheriff will be completive and may not be decided until November.

Facing off in the June primary will be Elk Grove City Council member and Deputy Sheriff Jim Cooper, Deputy Sherriff Scott Jones and the Harold Stassen of Sacramento County sheriffs races, Brett Daniels.

Going back to 1998, all the sheriffs races have been decided by wide margins in the primary negating the November run-off. This year it will be different as there will be two heavy weights with Daniels playing the role of a potential spoiler.

Undoubtedly Cooper and Jones would like an outright win in June to avoid what would be a nasty campaign. Both career law enforcement officials would like to keep all their skeletons in the closet.

For some perspective, in the 2002 June sheriffs election there were 199,000 votes cast and 183,000 in 2006. In both case the incumbent or anointed-one ran against the under-funded Daniels.

The results were predictable with incumbent Lou Blanas capturing 82% of the vote in 2002 and McGinness winning 75% in 2006.

You don’t have to be Tim Russert with a chalk board to lay out the possible mathematical permeations of what could happen. The worse case scenario for Cooper and Jones would be Daniels takes a large enough share to give neither a straight-up majority.

With this in mind, every vote for both candidates will matter. For Cooper there lies opportunity – or peril depending on what happens at the April 14 Elk Grove City Council meeting.

It will be at that meeting where the city council will discuss the possibility of removing the Cosumnes River floodplain from the city’s sphere of influence (SOI) application. While the issue has little significance outside portions of Elk Grove or the rest of Sacramento County, it does have great significance in the Southeastern Sacramento community of Wilton.

The people of Wilton are well organized and vocal in their opposition of having the floodplain included in the SOI. They have consistently appeared at public meeting in large numbers and have made their position on the matter clear in no uncertain terms.

The April 14 city council meeting will certainly attract a large delegation of Wiltonites who will be watching Cooper with a close eye as he is widely perceived to be the swing vote needed to remove the floodplain from the application.

Whatever position he takes will have ramifications. If he votes to remove the floodplain, several Elk Grove constituents and Wilton voters will probably be more inclined to vote for him in the June primary. A vote to support for inclusion of the floodplain in the SOI could cost him several thousand votes.

According to Sacramento County Assistant to the Registrar of Voters Alice Jarboe, during the 2008 general election there were 13 voting precincts 4,259 registered voters in those Wilton precincts.

In three way race with two strong contenders and one wild card, those few thousand voters out in Wilton could mean an outright victory for Cooper in November or a five month campaign filled with mud slinging not seen in a race for sheriff in recent history.

If Cooper thinks a few hundred votes don’t matter, just remember Al Gore.

Huber Appointed to Little Hoover Oversight Commission

Assemblymember Alyson Huber has been appointed to the Little Hoover Commission, the independent and bipartisan oversight commission charged with making recommendations to the governor and Legislature on ways to make state programs more efficient and effective.

“I am honored to serve as a member of the Little Hoover Commission,” Huber said. “The Commission plays an integral oversight role in our state government and I have looked to the findings of the Commission many times in making the argument for reforming the way the state does business. I look forward to contributing to the Commission’s important work.”

The Little Hoover Commission was created in 1962. The Commission's mission is to investigate state government operations and – through reports, recommendations and legislative proposals – promote efficiency, economy and improved service.

The Commission is a balanced bipartisan board composed of five citizen members appointed by the Governor, four citizen members appointed by the Legislature, two Senators and two Assembly members.

For more information, please visit asm.ca.gov/huber or call (916) 319-2010.

Elk Grove Police Catch Morning Burglar, Arrests other Robbery Suspects

Elk Grove Police arrested an Elk Grove man following a morning home burglary on Monday.

According to police reports, officers responded to an in-progress burglary on the 8700 block of Redwood Grove way. As offices arrived, the suspect fled the area on foot.

Officers established a perimeter and were able to located 19-year old David Turner a short distance away. Turned was arrested and transferred to the county jail.

In other activity, a teenage girl was robbed on the 1000 block of Bruceville Road yesterday afternoon.

According to police reports, the 13-year old girl was approached from behind by 19-year old Brett Ingram of Elk Grove and a 15-year old Elk Grove juvenile male who forcibly took the victims IPod Touch from her hand.

Both suspects fled but were quickly apprehended and arrested by responding officers. Ingram was transferred to the county jail and the juvenile was transferred to juvenile hall.

Police also arrested 19-year old Duy Nguyen of Elk Grove after he was detained by loss prevention personnel on suspicion of shoplifting. According to reports the suspect became combative and fought with employees.

Listening Sessions Show Public Wants Cosumnes River Floodplain Dropped From SOI Application

By Wayne Gallup

Elk Grove's "Listening Sessions" have been a costly, time-consuming, and well-done example of gathering pubic input on their proposed Sphere of Influence. Having attended all of them, there is absolutely no doubt that nearly all the individuals and organizations who spoke want the Cosumnes River flood plain dropped from the SOI. The reasons are factual, sound and convincing.

Similarly, it is overwhelmingly believed that the Memorandum of Understanding being negotiated by the City and County for "joint vision", is an unenforceable document offering the flood plain no protection from almost certain development if Elk Grove were to annex it.

Real leadership has appeared at the City Council for the first time in recent memory, with Councilman Davis' proposal that Elk Grove drop the flood plain from their SOI. Councilman Hume, predictably, opposes it. The other three Councilmembers ride the fence, testing the wind and thinking hard about how to weigh in at the April 14 City Council meeting. Are they listening? Do they care?

The inclusion of the Cosumnes River flood plain in the Elk Grove's SOI has been shown, beyond any reasonable doubt and through the City's own listening sessions, to have been a bad idea. That can be easily fixed by voting to remove it, and the Council can once more turn its energies and resources toward resolving the City's other pressing issues.

The spotlight will be hard-focussed on Elk Grove's five City Council members on April 14. The case for dropping the flood plain from the SOI has been solidly made, and at the City's own request. The case for keeping it in is transparently questionable at best. At the end of the day it will be very clear which Councilmembers "listened", and which did not. I would guess that Elk Grove's reputation and more than one political career hangs in the balance.

Elk Grove Road Alerts/Detours

Week of March 21, 2010

ROAD CLOSURES:

NONE

LANE CLOSURES:

Garrity Drive between Calvine Rd. and Blackman
(North and south bound, alternating) March 15th – April 2nd 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove-Florin Rd. to Emerald Oak
(East and west bound – intermittent, various lanes)
NIGHT WORK: February 21st – April 2nd 7:00 pm – 7:00 am
(Signals at Elk Grove-Florin, Williamson and Emerald Oak in flash, as needed)

Bond Rd. east of Egret Dr. to Elk Grove-Florin Rd.
(East bound – intermittent) January 25th – March 26th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Elk Grove-Florin Rd., south of Bond Rd. to E. Stockton Blvd.
(North bound – Intermittent) January 18th – March 26th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Elk Grove Blvd. between Franklin Blvd. and Bruceville Rd.
(East and west bound – intermittent) March 22nd – March 26th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Franklin Blvd. between Laguna Woods and Whitelock Parkway
(North and south bound - intermittent) March 22nd – March 26th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Whitelock Parkway between Franklin Blvd. and Bellaterra Dr.
(East and west bound - intermittent) March 22nd – March 26th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Calvine Rd. west of Bradshaw Rd.
(East bound – intermittent) January 4th – April 9th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Bradshaw Rd. south of Calvine Rd.
(South bound – intermittent) January 4th – April 9th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

OTHER CONSTRUCTION ZONES (EXPECT DELAYS):

Sheldon Rd. between Power Inn Rd. & Lewis Stein Rd.
(East and west bound – intermittent, various lanes) January, 2010 – April 12th


TRAFFIC SIGNALS:

NONE

Health Care Reform Passes - Will Limbaugh Stay or Leave as Promised?

Love it or loathe it, President Obama has succeeded in passing a large scale national health care plan. As the centerpiece of his domestic policy, the President political fortunes will thrive or die with it.

One thing that should not be lost in post-mortem of the historic legislation; we can now see if the nation’s largest supplier of hot air – Rush Limbaugh – is a man of his word or not.

Some of you might be aware that Limbaugh promised if Obamacare, as he and his ilk have dubbed health care reform, would leave for Costa Rica if it passed.

According to several reports, the bill should be ready for Obama’s signature in about 72 hours. Well let the countdown begin.

It’s just too bad some of the other gas-bags like Glenn Beck didn’t make that promise.

If he does leave, you can’t help but wonder what on earth has Costa Rica ever done to the U.S. to deserve this fate?

Elk Grove Police Arrest Imposer Police Officers

A trio of Elk Grove men posing as law enforcement officers were arrested yesterday following an Elk Grove Police Department investigation of a home robbery.

According to police reports, officers responded to an "in-progress" home invasion robbery early Friday morning on the 4800 block of Roselin Way in Elk Grove. The duo were reportedly dressed in police uniforms when they forced their way into the residence.

At gunpoint the suspect handcuffed the residents and ransacked the house looking for valuables. After 20 minutes, the two suspects left the house. The occupants were not physically injured but were traumatized.

After interviewing neighbors and the victims, detectives developed a possible lead; Richford Caguiat, a 26 year-old Elk Grove parolee. Additional investigation led detectives to obtain search warrants for two homes; one on Moonlight Way and the other on Travo Way in Elk Grove.

As detectives and SWAT officers prepared to execute the search warrants, the two suspects believed to be involved in the robbery attempted to drive out of the area. Traffic stops were conducted and the two suspects were arrested without incident. The suspects; identified as, Christopher Pascua and Richard Douglas, are both 25 year-old males from Elk Grove.

A search of the suspect’s residence revealed numerous firearms, ballistic vests, handheld radios, handcuffs, a “US Marshall” hat and property belonging to the victims.

All three suspects; Caguiat, Pascua and Douglas, were all booked into Sacramento County Jail and face charges of; First Degree Robbery, Carjacking, Kidnapping, Impersonating a Peace Officer and Conspiracy.

Of SOI and Floodplains: WAG’s Letter to Elk Grove Council Member Gary Davis

The following letter form the Wilton Action Group was addressed to Council Member Gary Davis and copied to the other Elk Grove City Council members as well as several media outlets.

March 17, 2010

Gary Davis, Councilmember
Elk Grove City Hall
8401 Laguna Palms Way
Elk Grove, CA 95758

Dear Gary,

The Wilton Action Group (WAG) welcomes your proposal to schedule for discussion on April 14 removing the Cosumnes/Deer Creek floodplain from Elk Grove’s SOI. This discussion could lay the basis for resolving an issue that has taken on a costly and contentious life of its own. We appreciate the fact that for a long time, you have questioned the sensibility of including the floodplain in the SOI, especially considering the fact that Elk Grove is organized to provide urban services, not to manage working landscapes.

We are convinced that an Elk Grove expansion South and Southeast into the floodplain and up to the North/Northwest boundary of the Cosumnes River is a threat to the rural community of Wilton. We believe that the floodplain should remain under the jurisdiction of the County, an entity more qualified and better suited than the City of Elk Grove to manage and protect the agricultural lands, open space and habitat along the Cosumnes corridor.

The Wilton Action Group’s point of view is, and always has been, that if the floodplain is removed from the SOI, WAG will not oppose the remainder of an amended SOI request. From day one of the SOI request, we have been very clear, upfront, and transparent about our position. We believe your move to discuss removal of the floodplain next month is wise and appropriate. There is strong sentiment among not only Wilton but also among many Elk Grove residents, as well as other communities in our region and the environmental community…………all saying the same thing………… The floodplain does not belong in the SOI.

We appreciate your efforts to address this issue in a timely way. And we want to reiterate so it is perfectly clear: If the Council’s discussion results in an action to remove the floodplain from the SOI, WAG will not oppose the revised SOI request.

Sincerely,

Bill Kutzer

Wilton Action Group

Elk Grove Police Make Arrests for Shoplifting, Narcotics

Elk Grove Police made five arrests yesterday including one for narcotics possession and two Stockton shoplifters.

According to police reports, 25-year old Earl Risby of Elk Grove was sitting in the driver’s seat of car parked at the apartment complex located on 6800 block of Di Lusso Drive when he was contacted by officers. Risby is said to have advised the officers he was on probation from another state.

A consent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of marijuana and narcotics inside a backpack. The suspect was arrested and transferred to the county jail.

Police arrested 33-year old Stephanie Leflar and Dan Rhea of Stockton after they had been detained by loss prevention personnel at the Kohl's store on Calvine Road. Both suspects were transferred to the county jail.

Other arrests include 34-year old Angelika Heath of Ione on suspicion of drunk driving and 30-year old Robert Rice of Elk grove for an active warrant. Both were transferred to the county jail.

Elk Grove Police Arrest Two Teen's For Brash Carjacking

At 1:26 p.m. this afternoon the Elk Grove Police Department responded to a call of several suspicious individuals loitering in front of a residence in the 8900 block of Meadowspring Dr. As officers were responding to the call, additional information was obtained from a witness indicating that a carjacking had just taken place.

According to dispatch, while the victim was inside his open garage sitting in his vehicle, a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe, he was confronted by two suspects. The suspects were described as black males, 15-17 years of age, one of which was armed with a gray firearm.

One of the suspects then brandished the firearm at the victim and ordered him out of his vehicle. The victim feared for his safety and complied.

Both suspects then entered the victim’s vehicle. The vehicle was then backed out of the garage by the armed suspect and then driven away.

An Elk Grove Police Department motor officer located the described stolen vehicle travelling westbound on Laguna Blvd. at Laguna Manor Dr. The motor officer advised of his location and requested additional officers in order to conduct an enforcement stop.

The two occupants became aware of the officers presence, and the driver began to accelerate. Additional officers responded to the area as the vehicle began travelling northbound on Franklin Blvd.

At this point, the driver of the stolen vehicle began evasive maneuvers in an effort to avoid apprehension. Officers initiated a vehicle pursuit with the stolen vehicle which was not yielding.

As the vehicle was travelling north on Franklin Blvd. in light traffic conditions, speeds reached 100 mph.

When the driver of the stolen vehicle attempted to make a left turn onto Valley Hi Drive from Franklin Blvd., he lost control of the vehicle and collided with several poles surrounding the front yard of a residence at 4645 Valley Hi. Dr. After the collision, both suspects exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

Officers from the Elk Grove Police Department, Sacramento Police Department and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department responded to the area in an effort to locate the possibly armed suspects. A perimeter was established, and the driver was taken into custody directly north of the location of the collision on Alcala Court.

The passenger was taken into custody a short distance away on Mill Stream Court. Both suspects have been identified as 16-year-old Sacramento resident.

A search of the stolen vehicle led to the discovery of two BB guns along with the victim’s property. Both suspects were taken into custody and transported to juvenile hall. The victim was not seriously injured and did not require medical attention.

City to Host Sexual Assault Prevention Seminar

From the dangers of “sexting” to safe computer usage for children, the Elk Grove Police Department and W.E.A.V.E (Women Escaping A Violent Environment) will be hosting a Sexual Assault Prevention Seminar on Tuesday, March 23, 2010.

The seminar is designed to raise awareness in the community about issues related to sexual assaults. In addition to providing protection strategies for preventing assaults, information will be presented regarding safe computer procedures, protecting children from sexual assault, the dangers of “sexting” and safety planning.

The seminar will take place at 8400 Laguna Palms Way (City Council Chambers) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and is open to the public. Seating will be limited, so please arrive early. For more information please contact Officer Christopher Trim (916) 627-3709.

Police Catch Bike Thieves

Two Teenage boys were apprehended yesterday afternoon after it was discovered they had stolen a bicycle.

According to police reports, one of the suspects stole the bicycle on the 8700 block of Elk Grove Boulevard. Responding officers located the 17-year old Sacramento suspect who no longer had possession of the bicycle.

Officers checked the immediate area and discovered the 14-year old Elk Grove second suspect had disassembled the bicycle. The two juveniles were issued a citation and released to their parents.

In other activity, police arrested an Elk Grove lady following a stop for a vehicle code violation. A records search revealed that 26-year old Amie Martin had an active warrant for her arrest.

A search of the suspect also revealed her to be in possession of a stolen blank check. Martin was transferred to the county jail.

Police Catch Bike Thieves

Two Teenage boys were apprehended yesterday after it was discovered they had stolen a bicycle.

According to police reports, one of the suspects stole the bicycle on the 8700 block of Elk Grove Boulevard. Responding officers located the 17-year old Sacramento suspect who no longer had possession of the bicycle.

Officers checked the immediate area and discovered the 14-year old Elk Grove second suspect had disassembled the bicycle. The two juveniles were issued a citation and released to their parents.

In other activity, police arrested an Elk Grove lady following a stop for a vehicle code violation. A records search revealed that 26-year old Amie Martin had an active warrant for her arrest.

A search of the suspect also revealed her to be in possession of a stolen blank check. Martin was transferred to the county jail.

Upset with Parents, Elk Grove Youth Taken into Custody

A 16-year old Elk Grove male was taken into custody last night after he allegedly made threats with a knife.

According to Elk Grove Police reports, the juvenile suspect was upset with his parents and armed himself with a knife. The suspect then held the knife in a threatening manner toward a females victim.

When officers arrived the suspect was detained without incident. The suspect was taken into custody and transferred to juvenile hall.

In other activity, police report two arrests for two DUI’s, one for narcotics and one outstanding warrant. All suspects wer transferred to the county jail.

Two Elk Grove Men Arrested For Possession of Stolen Guns

Elk Grove Police arrested two Elk Grove men late yesterday afternoon after it was discovered they were in possession of stolen guns.

According to police reports, Officers were dispatched to the 8800 block of Kelsey Drive regarding a call of an armed individual. As officers were responding, additional information indicated that there were seven to eight Hispanic males involved. The caller also indicated that the individuals were now leaving in two separate vehicles, a white Chevy truck and gold GMC Yukon.

Responding officers located the white Chevy truck described in the call and initiated a vehicle stop in the 9100 block of Lujan Dr. The gold GMC Yukon was parked unoccupied in the driveway of a residence next to where the white Chevy truck stopped.

Officers detained 1-year old Johnny Romero and 21-year old Robert Aguilar who were inside white vehicle and four individuals who were near the Yukon. A search of the white Chevy pick-up revealed two loaded handguns, one of which had been reported stolen.

A search of the gold GMC Yukon revealed a loaded handgun that had been reported stolen. The weapons were recovered and both suspects were arrested and transported to the county jail.

Leary Trial Date Set

Former Elk Grove City Council member Mike Leary’s trial date was set late last week in Sacramento Superior Court.

Leary, who is on paid administrative leave from the Sacramento County Sheriffs Department, appeared before Judge Gary E. Ransom and was formally arraigned on four criminal felony charges stemming from an alleged scheme to defraud former girlfriend Alycc Maselli out of her share of a property they jointly owned.

After hearing Judge Ransom read all four charges against his client, attorney William Portonova entered a not-guilty plea for Leary.

A pre-trial conference has been set for Tuesday, April 27 and the trial is scheduled to begin at 8:45 am on Tuesday, May 4 in Department Four of the Sacramento Superior Court in Downtown Sacramento.

Elk Grove Mayor Sophia Scherman Flubs Up - Again

During the Wednesday, March 10, 2010 meeting of the Elk Grove City Council Mayor Sophia Scherman again demonstrated her lack of ability in conducting a city council meeting.

As you watch the video, you will see the Mayor is going to skip Vice Mayor Steve Detrick's opportunity to report on his activities and discuss future agenda items.

If that is not bad enough, less that two minutes later she is about to do the same thing to City Council member Gary Davis.

Fortunately Scherman's protege, City Council member Pat Hume, intervenes on her behalf. Notice in the video how twice Hume points towards Detrick and Davis for Scherman to remind her that yes, there are two other counil members to her right.

Normally, this would not be that big of a deal. But it seems that in the last few meetings Scherman has done this to Detrick more than once.

Is this a mental lapse or is she purposely slighting her fellow council members?

Let's hope that it was, as Scherman said, that she "lost track" and not some other thing at work. Perhaps the city ought to see if there is training available for Mayor Scherman that would instruct her on how to properly and legally conduct a meeting. That investment could save the city some embarrassment, and money, down the road.

The View from Wilton: The Circus is in Town

March 12, 2010

The Circus is in town. Ring Master Pat Hume cracks the whip and Council Members STEP UP. The MOU of the SOI dog and pony show was on display again at the March 11th “Listening Session."

If you missed it,don’t worry two more performances are scheduled at City Hall Council Chambers on March 16th and March 31st. A report to City Council, from staff, is scheduled for April 14th at the Council Chambers and is a “must see."

I must admit the meeting of the 11th was enlightening, to say the least. What we learned was the following:

The MOU is a critical part of the SOI application in which the County of Sacramento and the City of Elk Grove come to an agreement on land use/planning as related to the Cosumnes/Deer Creek Floodplain.

The MOU is intended to (1)“ensure no urban development in the Cosumnes River Floodplain” (2) “protect and preserve lands within the Cosumnes River Floodplain” (3) “recognize that development within the 100 year floodplain is inappropriate and unacceptable” and (4) “prohibit any alteration of the floodplain to facilitate urban development.”

On the surface it all sounds like a “good deal"; however, additional questions by members of the audience were revealing.

The MOU, if adopted, is only an agreement (understanding) and as such may not be subject to any challenges and/or litigation!!! As long as the County of Sacramento and the City of Elk Grove are in agreement changes can be made.

Also, either the City of Elk Grove or the County of Sacramento can opt out of the agreement at any time.

Things are becoming a bit clearer now!

The City of Elk Grove needs the MOU to assure that the SOI in its present form will be approved by the Local Agency Formation Commission.

There is no guarantee that the MOU will be honored in 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 years.

It appears that at some point, after the approval of the SOI, the City of Elk Grove or the County of Sacramento can “Opt out of the MOU” once either the City of Elk Grove or the County of Sacramento “opt out” then the City of Elk Grove can revisit land use in the floodplain (which is now within their SOI). Matters can now be reconsidered by the City of Elk Grove:

(1) Alteration of the floodplain to facilitate urban development within the floodplain----in effect extending urbanization.

(2) Create a regional trail along the Cosumnes River thus linking the Cosumnes River with the Sacramento River/thus developing Elk Grove’s own “American River Parkway” aka “Cosumnes River Parkway."

3)Explore other alternatives related to the Cosumnes River water way.

4)Decimate wildlife they view as a threat or nuisance much as they did with the extermination of the Beavers of Laguna Creek.

There is now some clarity - EXPANSIONISM AT WHATEVER COST.

At a time of decreasing revenues, increasing unemployment, loss of retail business’s, expansion of foreclosure actions, and escalating costs related to City Services the City of Elk Grove continues to spend taxpayer dollars to fulfill the vision of City Council Member Pat Hume……a vision not shared by a majority of its constituents.

Eugene Rose
Wilton, CA

Elk Grove Police Seek Kenny G Jewelry Robbers

At 6:53 tonight the Elk Grove Police Department responded to a robbery that had just occurred at Kenny G & Company jewelry store located at 7440 Laguna Boulevard.

According to police reports, three masked men entered the jewelry store and confronted the employees inside the store as they were preparing to close. At least one of the suspects was armed with a handgun.

During the robbery, one of the suspects sprayed two employees in the face with a chemical agent thought to be mace or pepper spray. Two of the suspects then proceeded to gather an undetermined amount of jewelry from inside the store.

The three suspects fled the store on foot and were last seen getting into dark colored small compact vehicle. The suspects were described as Hispanic or Asian male adults, wearing bandanas that covered their faces and dark clothing.

The employees who were sprayed with the chemical agent were not seriously injured.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call the Elk Grove Police Department Communication Center at (916) 714-5115 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357). Callers to Crime Alert can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Tips can also be sent via SMS text message by entering CRIMES (274637) on a cell phone, followed by Tip732 and the message.

Elk Grove Police Arrest 'Sewer District' Imposter

On March 10, 2010, Elk Grove Police officers were on patrol in the area of Killdeer Way and Wymark Drive when they observed a “butterscotch” Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck being operated by an unidentified individual.

Officers immediately recognized that this vehicle may have been involved in several attempted burglaries over the last two weeks and initiated a vehicle stop. Officers contacted the driver of the vehicle, identified as 48-year-old Caesar Fontillas, in order to conduct an investigation.

During the course of their investigation, officers were able to contact a witness from a previous burglary and transported them to the scene of the vehicle stop. The witness positively identified Caesar Fontillas as the person responsible for the attempted burglary. In addition, the witness also identified the Chevrolet Colorado as the vehicle that was associated with Fontillas.

Officers arrested Caesar Fontillas on one charge of attempted burglary (664/459 Penal Code) and he was transported to the Sacramento County Main Jail where his bail was set at $130,000. Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, a booking photo of Caesar Fontillas will not be released.

Anyone with additional information regarding this crime is asked to call the Elk Grove Police Department Communication Center at (916) 714-5115 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357). Callers to Crime Alert can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Tips can also be sent via SMS text message by entering CRIMES (274637) on a cell phone, followed by Tip732 and the message.

Elk Grove Girl Arrested for Assaulting Mother

A 14-year old Elk Grove girl was arrested yesterday afternoon after she allegedly assaulted her mother.

According to Elk Grove Police reports, the mother and daughter were involved in a verbal argument that escalated into a physical confrontation. The daughter grabbed her mother’s arm and pushed her several times.

The mother signed a citizen’s arrest and the daughter was taken into custody and transferred to juvenile hall.

SEWER DISTRICT IMPOSTER CASING ELK GROVE HOMES

The Elk Grove police department is asking for help from the community in identifying a residential burglary suspect posing as a “sewer district” employee.

Over the last two weeks, the department has responded to three attempted residential burglaries involving an individual who has identified himself as a “sewer district” employee. The unidentified individual has been described as an Asian male adult, 5 feet 3 inches tall, 20 to 30 years of age, wearing a work vest.

In each of the attempted burglaries, the suspect approached residences and knocked on the front door. If there is no response, the suspect would then attempt to gain entry into the residence by using some type of metal pry tool to open the front door. In two cases, the owners were home and confronted the suspect by opening the front door after they heard noises. The suspect then claimed that he was a “sewer district” employee and was looking for the sewer lines. After being confronted, the imposter fled the area in a tan or orange colored Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck.

As a reminder, Sacramento Area Sewer District (SASD) employees wear blue uniforms that clearly identify them as SASD employees. In addition, SASD employees also carry identification badges that display their photos and a Sacramento Area Sewer District logo. The vehicles utilized by the Sacramento Area Sewer District are always clearly marked with the SASD logo and phone number.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call the Elk Grove Police Department Communication Center at (916) 714-5115 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357). Callers to Crime Alert can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Tips can also be sent via SMS text message by entering CRIMES (274637) on a cell phone, followed by Tip732 and the message.

Elk Grove SOI Meeting This Thursday

The City of Elk Grove and County of Sacramento will hold a joint public outreach meeting on Thursday, March 11 to discuss the city’s sphere of influence (SOI) application.

As the second of four scheduled meetings on the controversial SOI application, this meeting will be focused on floodplain and transition zone property owners. The City of Elk Grove’s SOI application seeks to include a large swath of currently agricultural land on it's south side into its jurisdiction.

The meeting will be held at the Elk Grove City Hall and will start at 6:30 pm.

Two Elk Grove Teens Attacked during Robbery Attempt

A walk home from school yesterday resulted in two Elk Grove teenage males being assaulted.

According to Elk Grove Police reports, the 12 and 13 year olds were on Coop Drive and Franklin High Road when they were approached by four unidentified suspects. The suspects pushed one of the victims down and punched him.

One of the suspects forcibly removed the wallet from one of the victim’s rear pocket. The other victim was able to chase off the suspects and recovered the wallet.

The suspects were described as being black males, 16 years of age, wearing dark hooded sweatshirts and dark pants.

In other activity yesterday, police report the arrest of 19-year old Orlando Windrow of Sacramento yesterday on suspicion of possession of unreported stolen firearms and 19-year old Vannezia Hernandez of Sacramento on suspicion of shoplifting at the Kohl’s on Calvine Road.

Elk Grove Youth in Custody for Attack on Parents

A 17-year old Elk Grove male was taken into custody yesterday afternoon follwing an attack on his parents.

According to Elk Grove Police reports, the juvenile suspect was involved in a verbal argument with his parents when he pushed his mother on her shoulder caused her to fall backwards. The suspect then grabbed a knife and swung it at his father.

The knife did not make contact and when the suspect dropped his knife, the father physically restrained him until police officers arrived. The suspect was taken into custody and transferred to juvenile hall.

Sac Sheriff's Detectives Need Help in Identifying Attempted Robbery Suspect

Sacramento County Sheriff’s Robbery detectives are asking for help in identifying the suspect responsible for the February 21, 2010, attempted robbery of the Del Taco restaurant located at 9152 Keifer Boulevard.

At 4:00 p.m., an adult male walked into the restaurant, ordered food, and asked to speak to the manager. When the manager approached, the suspect pointed a handgun at him and demanded money. The manager ran behind the counter and the suspect fled without receiving any money.

The suspect (see surveillance photos below) was described as a Black male, in his 20’s. He was approximately 5’10” tall and weighed approximately 180 pounds. He was clean shaven, wearing a black beanie and sunglasses; and he had an unknown tattoo on the right-side of his neck.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect involved in this attempted robbery is urged to call Sheriff’s Robbery detectives at (916) 874-5115, or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP; or send a text message tip by texting to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Elk Grove Police Nab Hit and Run Driver, Scooter Thief

Elk Grove Police apprehended a hit run driver yesterday afternoon following an accident on Laguna Boulevard.

According to police reports, 19-year old Luke Sanderson of Elk Grove was operating a vehicle that was involved in a hit-and-run collision on Laguna Boulevard and Laguna Park Drive. Sanderson allegedly fled the scene following the collision.

Responding officers located Sanderson fleeing the accident scene and initiated an enforcement stop. Upon contact the suspect showed signs of impairment and failed a field sobriety test. Sanderson was arrested and transferred to the county jail.

Police also report the arrest of a 16-year old male who was allegedly seen entering a garage on the 9300 block of Newington Way and steal a scooter. Responding officers located the juvenile suspect a short distance away. The suspect was taken into custody and transferred to juvenile hall.

Democrats Call on Lungren to Release Recovery Fund Request

In an-going taxpayer transparency campaign, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is urging the three term Republican incumbent Representative Dan Lungren to release all of his requests to federal agencies for Recovery Act funds, including letters and other correspondence.

In recent weeks the DCCC has stepped up its campaign against Lungren and other Republicans who voted against the stimulus but praised the funding sent to their districts. On at least one occasion last year Lungren praised an in-district project that was a direct beneficiary of the stimulus he and every Republican member of congress voted against.

“Given that more than half of House Republicans have now been caught hypocritically attacking recovery efforts in Washington and then trying to take credit in their districts for the funding, voters deserve to know where Representative Dan Lungren really stands,” Ryan Rudominer, National Press Secretary of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said.

Republican congressional member are not just receiving criticism from the Democrats either. The conservative-leaning anti-tax group Club for Growth’s vice-resident of public affair Andrew Roth said “It’s pretty hypocritical for someone to be against the stimulus and then walk around handing out big checks.”

Elk Grove Police Make Two Arrests

Elk Grove Police report two arrests for Tuesday, March 2.

According to police reports, 30-year old Roozbeh Eslambolchi of Sacramento was driving a car that was stopped for a vehicle code violation on Elk Grove Boulevard for a vehicle code violation. Upon contact, the suspect displayed objective sign of impairment and performed poorly on field sobriety test. He was arrested and transferred to the county jail.

Police alos arrested 22-year old Joseph Almanza on the 8000 block of Bruceville Road for an active warrants. The suspect was transferred to the county jail.

Thieve Robs Property From Purse, Threatens Victim with Knife

An 18-year old man was arrested following robbery of property in a women’s purse during a party on the 10000 block of Willard Parkway late Sunday night in Elk Grove.

According to police reports, the victim discovered personal property was missing from her purse and saw that Conner Kenneth Klein was in possession of the property. After confronting him, Klein allegedly pulled out a knife and threatened the victim before fleeing the residence.

Responding officers with the help of a K-9 unit were able to locate the suspect hiding in a closet in his nearby residence. The suspect was arrested for robbery and transferred to the county jail.

Paint it Black: Monterey Trails High Student to Protest Budget Cuts

Students, teachers plan protest over school district budget cuts


Students, educators, classified employees and parents of Elk Grove’s Monterey Trail High School will stage a mock funeral protest on Thursday, March 4 to protest school funding cuts. Among other activities, students are being asked to wear black and a mock funeral procession will be held early Thursday morning.

The demonstration is part of a statewide effort by the California Teachers Associations to demonstrate the unprecedented budget cuts in school district statewide.

Monterey Trails is part of the Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD). The EGUSD is facing a $60 million dollar shortfall that is necessitating severe cuts.

To make up the shortfall, district officials have announced plans to issue up to 1,000 pink slips as well as cuts to several programs. Some of the decisions regarding these cuts will be made at tonight’s school board meeting.

“Our class sizes are soaring, schools are cutting art, music, career technical education and other vital programs and thousands of educators face more pink slips on March 15,” said Tom Gardner, local Elk Grove Education Association Union President.

Elk Grove Women Arrested For Price Altering, Illegal Possession of EBT Card

An Elk Grove lady was arrested after allegedly changing prices on merchandise then trying to purchase it on an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card illegally in her possession.

On Saturday afternoon Elk Grove Police sere summoned to the Winco store on Sheldon Road after loss prevention allegedly observed 55-year old Manda Foang switching price tags. Officers determined that the suspect was using an EBT card issued to someone else when see attempted to pay for the merchandise.

Hoang was arrested and transferred to the county jail.