Sacramento Adds Ball Drop to New Year's Eve Fireworks

FROM THE SACRAMENTO BEE
There's never anything to do in Sacramento, eh?
That can't be said this New Year's Eve, when our local cowtown goes hog wild – with not one, but two free outdoor celebrations.
The area's first Times Square-style New Year's Eve ball drop at 10th and K streets is stealing some of the attention from the city-sponsored Old Sacramento fireworks show, but officials from both camps say the more the merrier.
"Sacramento is a large enough city that we can have multiple events happening at the same time," said Lisa Martinez, director of marketing for the Downtown Sacramento Partnership.
The highlights of the Old Sac celebration are the 9 p.m. and midnight fireworks shows, produced by the same company that lit up the skies over Beijing for the opening of the Olympic Games.
Sacramento is paying $70,000 for the event, including $35,000 for the fireworks, but officials expect to recover that expense in parking fees.
"You pay for a quality show. You get a quality show," said Mike Testa, vice president of communications for the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau.
In between the fireworks shows, there will be food, live music and street entertainment along the Sacramento River waterfront. Front and Second streets will be closed to traffic starting at 6 p.m.
Ten blocks up K Street, a group of business owners is planning a free outdoor party. They hope to bring a little New York flavor to the Golden State capital. A ball will drop in a specially built tower and illuminate a 22,000-watt LED sign at 930 K St.
"It will be the West Coast's first ball drop, and it will happen in Sacramento," said Norm Alvis, one of the business leaders behind the event.
Tenth Street will be closed to traffic between J and L starting at 7 p.m. (except for access to the parking structure at the corner of 10th and L).
The event will showcase several new restaurants and bars in the area, including The Cosmopolitan, Ella Dining Room and Bar, Parlare Euro Lounge and the Citizen Hotel. There will be musical performances and a video projection of New Year's Eve events from around the world, Alvis said.
Sacramento police have said no open alcoholic beverage containers will be allowed at the outdoor party, which begins at 11 p.m.
Alvis said he hopes that one year soon folks will be ringing in the new year along K Street all the way from the Sacramento Convention Center to the Sacramento River.
"It will be a great thing for Sacramento," Alvis said of this week's bifurcated New Year's Eve celebrations. "Both spots will be well represented until we meet in the middle, which we will in a few years."
Call The Bee's Ed Fletcher, (916) 321-1269.

Car Burglaries

BOLO - "Be On The Lookout" for two white male suspects driving a Grey minivan, possibly a Chevy Astro Van, unknown plates.

Suspect #1 Description: White Male Adult, Approximately 22 years old, 5' 10", 200 lbs, Short brown hair, Blue eyes
Suspect #2 Description: White Male Adult, Approximately 22 years old, Unknown Height, Weight, or hair color, (wearing a dark hood)

A number of Car burglaries along the American River Parkway have been tied to these two suspects. They have been seen at parking lots at Riverbend Park , El Manto Access and Sarah Court . We are asking our regular visitors to the American River Parkway to report any suspicious activity, including this van to the Park Ranger Dispatch at 875-PARK, (875-7275).
If visiting the Parkway, please remember to take your valuables with you. These suspects are not selective with what they steal and will break your windows even for an article of clothing.

Thank you for your help,
John Havicon
Park Ranger Supervisor
Sacramento County Regional Parks
4040 Bradshaw Road
Sacramento, California 95827
916-875-6672
haviconj@saccounty.net

DUI Checkpoints Friday

Sacramento police will be on the lookout for drunken drivers Friday.
Officers will conduct a sobriety and drivers license checkpoint in the north area of the city, a police news release states.
Officers will be checking for alcohol and drug-impaired drivers and making sure all drivers have a valid drivers license.
The location and time of the checkpoint will be disclosed about two hours before it is implemented.
The checkpoint is funded by a grant from the state Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Package Theft

Does anyone know of any recent cases of package theft in Sierra Oaks? I have not heard of any. Hopefully you have not either.

Please pass along any news you have. Email to thomasdodson2004@yahoo.com.

Found Cat

This post comes from one of our Sierra Oaks neighbors.

I live next door to Bev Christenson, who built her house hear in 1965. Bev is a joy to have as my neighbor and I would like to help her on this if possible. Bev is distraught because there is a black and white cat that has been hanging out in our back yards for the past month or two. We live near the Kadema entrance to the park against the levee. Bev says this cat drives her cats crazy, kills birds, and it eats the bread that she puts out for the birds. Bev is convinced that the cat does not belong to anyone since it always seems to be hungry. Anyway Bev has rented a trap and is going to try to catch the cat to bring it to the animal shelter. I told her I would check with SONA to see if the cat belongs to anyone. It is a medium large, black and white cat. It looks fairly young and appears to be a Manx (it has about a four inch black tail). If anyone knows who this cat might belong to or wants a cat please call me.

Jaimie Scott

971.235.9393

Patrol Report

This report comes from Deputy Charles Price.

The last couple of days have gone pretty well. As I told you the other day, I spoke to several people about open garage doors and the consequences

The vacation cks are going well, and I have put together a binder with a form used to log the information of the resident requesting a vac ck. I have answered the e mails sent by the resident and have asked for further information about possible visitors, service personnel, vehicles parked at home and a secondary contact number if one has not been given.

This really helps if we cannot get a hold of the owner in case of an emergency.

The home at -------- had a screen door in the locked front area fall and knock down some planters. I contacted the neighbors who told me the residents are out of town or work elsewhere and are not at home much. The rest of the home looked secure.

As usual, I checked near the schools and walked the parks for better visibility of our presence.

Deputy Charles Price

Reporting Issues To COUNTY DOT

If you live in the County, the below information will be very useful. It comes from Howard Schmidt, Chief of Staff to Supervisor Peters.

Thomas:

Thanks for copying me on the below reported problem on Sunday and I wanted to take this opportunity to alert you to the Department of Transportation’s website that allows individuals report online problems like potholes, sidewalk repairs, signs down, drainage problems, street lights out, etc. It is real simple – just go to http://www.sacdot.com/ and click on e-services. I understand the incident you reported was forwarded yesterday for investigation. Making the report online is easy and allows the problem to be routed to the appropriate response team in an efficient manner. While this office is always available to assist during regular business hours, please also consider online reporting via e-services readily available through SACDOT’s website. Best wishes.

Howard Schmidt
Chief of Staff to County Supervisor Susan Peters
District 3, Sacramento County
(916) 874-5471

Winter Newsletter

Please click on the below images for full screen versions of the 2009 Winter Newsletter (four pages).

'Tis The Season

Even if I didn't live on Morley Way, I would have to say it has the most Christmas spirit! If you have not driven down our street yet, I suggest you do so tonight! I know there are some amazing streets in Sacramento, but Morley has to be right up there with the best.

Feel free to send in pictures of what is happening on your street!

FYI - The above picture is from the Giordano family at 2604 Morley Way. They spent three weeks setting this up. Their lights are all tied into music you listen to through your car radio. It's on each night from 5 until 10.

Saturday's SONA Patrol

2 vehicle stops (Howe @ American River, Fair Oaks @ Munroe) for minor traffic violations, warnings given1 suspicious vehicle, American River Drive @ Watt Ave. Vehicle/subjects checked clear, joggers 1 suspicious person call (received from resident on SONA cell phone), suspicious person soliciting door-to-door in the 2700 Block of Kadema after dark. Unable to locate the subject upon arrival.1 suspicious male on a bicycle (American River @ Clunie), checked clear, advised of headlight needed
Deputy Dan Birch #2329

SONA FSBO

This comes from a SONA resident selling their home on Sierra Oaks Drive.

3317 Sierra Oaks Drive, between Larch and Lawson. About 2700 square feet. Three bedrooms, three and half baths, plus a huge upstairs bonus room with one of the bathrooms. This can be used as a fourth bedroom if desired. Large living room and dining room with high ceilings. Kitchen remodeled about five years ago with granite counters and stainless steel appliances. High ceilings in the kitchen/family room. Hardwood floors in kitchen, family room, entry way, and hallway. Office/den off of master bedroom. Big backyard with large, solar heated pool. Living room has French doors opening to backyard patio. Great for entertaining. Sierra Oaks School K-8th grade.

Contact: Dana at 483-8997/217-8997

Bee Covers Sierra Oaks Security

This morning's Bee features a story on Sierra Oaks and its fight against crime. Click here to read the article.

2009 Membership Form

Several people have asked for a copy of the 2009 Membership Form. Well here it is! If you click on the above image it will open in a larger version. Just print, complete and mail it in!

SONA Board Ups Patrols To Daily

The SONA board voted last night to up our patrols to daily, at least through December. Given the high number of package deliveries in Sierra Oaks this time of year, we want to be extra vigilant. We hope to counter some of the package theft we have seen the past two years.

We hope to stay at this level of patrols into 2009, but we cannot do that without your support! If you have not sent in a 2009 Membership Form, please email me immediately (thomasdodson2004@yahoo.com). I will send you a form to complete and return.

SONA Board Meeting Tonight

There is a Sierra Oaks Neighborhood Association board meeting tonight. If there any items you would like the board to consider, please email me today. thomasdodson2004@yahoo.com

Thanks!

Thomas Dodson

Tips For Beating Package Theft

This email comes from Deputy Andy Yeates.
I worked the Sierra Oaks on 11-24-08 from 1200-1600. I didn't come across anything note worthy during my shift. I have a suggestion on your inquire about package deliveries during the holiday season. While I was driving around I noticed a lot of the from doors were pretty open from the street making it easy for passersby to notice package on the front doors. My suggestion might be to put a decorative planter pot next to the door making a place to conceal most packages. It doesn't have to be as big as the picture I added but something to give a delivery driver to put a package behind. Hope this helps, and happy holidays.

American River Drive Speeders Busted

This email comes from Deputy Rob Stofle.

I patrolled last night 11-25-2008 from 730 to 1130pm. I found the neighborhood was very quiet. I did cite a couple of motorists for speeding and equipment violations near American river and mills. I also talked to a few people walking their dogs. They were curious to know what was going on in the neighborhood and stated they really appreciated me being out there.

Vacation Check Works!

For anyone planning to leave town this holiday season, I highly recommend you use the off-duty vacation patrol. I emailed the off-duty deputy (sona4@sacsheriff.com) with the dates I was out of town last week. While away, I received an email from one of the deputies who checked on my house for me. That is peace of mind!

Watch Out For The Bad Guys!

Please see the below images. They are from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department. They contain great tips on spotting bad guys.

Vehicle Burglaries

The Sacramento County Sheriff's Department has some great suggestions to help prevent from becoming a victim of vehicle burglary.

Vehicle Burglary is most often a crime of opportunity. Our own carelessness is often causing our vehicles to be broken into as well as stolen; however, you can minimize your chances of being a victim by taking away the opportunity.
Here are some tips to remember:
LOCK your vehicle and take the keys
PARK carefully in well lighted areas
USE anti-theft devices
CLEAN it out; do not leave anything in it
REMOVE the garage door opener
UTILIZE your garage to park in, if possible
MARK it; use an engraver to mark property
REPORT suspicious activity or persons to the Sheriff’s Department at 874-5115,for crimes in progress call 9-1-1.

Lock up:
An unlocked car is an open invitation to a car thief. Lock up when you leave your car, and take the keys with you.
Lock the trunk or tailgate.
Close all windows – professional thieves have tools that unlock cars through the smallest openings.
Be sure vent or wind-wing windows are shut tight and locked.
Lock your car even if you are making a quick stop at the gas station, convenience store or mini-mall.
At night, park in well-lit areas with lots of people around when out running errands.
Turn wheels sharply toward the curb when parking, this makes it extra difficult for thieves to tow your car.

Items to avoid leaving in your vehicle and/or view:
Cellular phones and chargers
Pagers
Cd’s
Purses/briefcases
Wallets
Back packs
Clothing
Laptops/cameras
Sports equipment/tools
Removable stereos including the removable face plates

Operation I.D.:
With an electric engraver, etch your driver’s license number (preceded by the letters “CA”) on stereo equipment and other valuable items.
Record your vehicle identification number (located on a small metal plate on the dashboard of newer cars) and store it in a safe place.
Keep the vehicle registration in your wallet or purse, not in your car.
Use anti-theft devices
Consider the purchase and installation of security devices, such as:
Interior hood lock release.
Second ignition switch or “kill switch” to prevent electrical current from reaching the coil distributor.
Fuel switch to prevent fuel from reaching the carburetor.
Locking devices for batteries, wheels, decks, etc.
Alarm device to activate a siren, horn or lights – or all three – to frighten the thief away.
Device that attaches to the steering wheel or brake pedal.

Package Theft

With the holidays fast approaching, more and more of us will be receiving packages from UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc. Unfortunately, as we know all too well, these packages are easy targets for criminals.

That is one of the main issues the off-duty Sheriff's patrol is focusing on in Sierra Oaks. They have public ways to combat this issue, such as following delivery trucks, etc. The Sheriff's Department also has some undercover ways of combating this issue that are not for publication.

As far as what you, the homeowner, can do to fight this crime trend, it's not so cut and dry. I have scoured the net and asked several law enforcement departments for tips. There are not many. Other than the usual, 'be vigilant' and 'stay alert' recommendations, there is not a lot more I can find on the topic. If you come across anything that you feel others should read, please let me know and I will post it here.

UPS does have an article on its site about Omaha Steaks package theft. It ultimately leads to buying insurance. If you are interested in reading the article, click here.

Finishing Touches On American River Drive

Workers put the finishing touches on the American River Drive construction project this morning. According to the Department of Transportation, the project is almost a wrap. Seven fruitless pear trees, two raised beds, crosswalk signs and a striped street now connect the north and south sides of Oak Meadow Park.

Please thank Sierra Oaks resident Carole Herman for her tireless work on this project. She is responsible for both this crosswalk and the speed tables that went in a while back. Thank you, Carole!

(click on each picture for a larger version)

Vacation Plans?

If you are going on vacation, let the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department know. As part of our neighborhood patrol, the off duty deputies will check your home to make sure things are safe. Email the deupites directly at sona4@sacsheriff.com.

University Undulations

The new traffic calming measures are in on University. Here is a report from a neighbor who lives over that way.

There are 3 sets of speed bumps between American River Drive and Breckenwood Way . Time will tell whether they install one more that appears to have been stenciled yet abandoned close to the corner of University & ARD.

For the most part, traffic slows down because the bumps are there – brakes must be applied to slow the rate of travel.

However, it is interesting to watch the percentage of motorists so hurried they attempt to speed through the bumps – avoiding the wisdom of the process.

A little humor - when I told my teenager who nearly lost his life being clobbered by the Surburban that the bumps were being installed that day, he commented, ‘that’s too bad’ implying they would be inconvenient! Youth…

Testimonials

Here is what you are saying about the SONA blog.

“We wanted to let you know that we enjoy receiving these updates so that we are informed on what is happening in our neighborhood.” – K&S
“Thanks for keeping me posted.” – A
“It’s great.” – J
“Thanks so much!” – K
"What a great idea for the community." – D
“Thanks a million.” – R

Thank you all for your support!

Sierra Oaks School Mural

The mural at Sierra Oaks School is taking shape. For the latest information visit this site.

American River Drive Construction

Here are some photos I snapped today of the construction at Oaks Meadow Park. You can click on each image to see it in a larger window.

American River Drive

Construction has begun on American River Drive. I will post some photos of the project tonight.

4th Annual Sierra Oaks Holiday Boutique

(click on the image for a better look at the ad.)

What:4th Annual Sierra Oaks Holiday Boutique
When: Saturday November 15, 2008, 10am-3pm

Where: Sierra Oaks School, 171 Mills Road, Sacramento, CA 95864

Please make time this Saturday to attend the 4th Annual Sierra Oaks Holiday Boutique. There will be a large array of vendors and merchandise as well as a Café and Coffee Cart.

Scoop That Poop

This email comes from one of our Sierra Oaks neighbors.
I am a regular dog walker in the neighborhood, and I have noticed lately that those who walk their dogs have become very lax in picking up after their pooch. I do see people not pick up after their dogs and other than watch in disapproval, I never felt this was something of importance to bring up. The only problem now is that in the last couple of months, it has gotten so bad that I really have to watch where i step because it is left in the middle of the sidewalk. The area I have seen it most is on Kadema before you get to the park walking east. Maybe mentioning it in the newsletter might make those who are responsible think twice about leaving it behind. I know there are a lot more pressing and important matters but I thought maybe it wouldn't hurt to mention it to you.

Construction on American River Drive?

I saw a lot of activity along ARD at Oak Meadow Park today. Is this the start of the construction project we have been hearing about? I have a call in to the county to find out! Stay tuned.

SONA Gets New Membership Chair

Please help me welcome SONA's new Membership Chair, Elizabeth Shults. Elizabeth and her family are 10-year Sierra Oaks residents. You can read Elizabeth's bio here.

SONA on FOX40

FOX40 did a story Friday night on the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department and its off-duty program. Sierra Oaks was featured in the story.

Have You Met An Off-Duty Deputy?

I'm very interested how it's going out there. Are you seeing the deputies? Have you talked with one? If so, I would like to hear about it. Please drop me an email at thomasdodson2004@yahoo.com.

Thanks!

From Today's Patrol

Hello to all the good citizens of the association. My last name is Duncan (badge #1223) and i am on duty in your area from 1000-1400 hrs today (11-09). Please feel free to call me at the number assigned by the off-duty program or my cell #606-5520.

To Dr. Sawires, the vehicle in question was not at that location when I was there but the lp#5ETF966 is registered to a person living at 2288 University. I hope that information is helpful to you. Please contact me (personally) anytime if you have any questions or if I can help.

Poker Anyone?

This email request comes from one of our Sierra Oaks neighbors.

I'm looking to start up a local Texas Hold'em poker game. I will be happy to host the first one and then if others decide they would like to host that would be fine too. I like Hold'em and the strategy, but this is not serious poker. With a tiny buy-in and maximum of one re-buy it definitely falls more into the category of entertainment!

Low stakes, I supply the cards, chips, and venue, guests bring their own food and drink is what I have in mind. Interested parties contact Jaimie Scott at carom_fan@hotmail.com or 916.971.1392.

FOX40 Talks SONA

FOX40 is airing a piece tonight at 10pm on the Sacramento Sheriff's Off-Duty Program. It will feature Sierra Oaks as a new neighborhood participating. Reporter Lonnie Wong is doing the story.

Ballot Box Blues

The following is an email conversation between a Sierra Oaks resident and the Sacramento County Election Supervisor.

To Whom It May Concern:

I'd like to know why the polling place for my court changed after 47 years of being at the nearby grammar school???? The new site was at best "a total disaster" waiting to happen. The new location at 2691 Northrop Avenue may have been a great location during daylight, but with the time change it was absolutely pitch black. You could not make out the actual "polling place" sign outside it was so dark. No one was available to direct cars to the only available parking.....well behind the fire station in total darkness. A great opportunity for a rape, murder, car jacking etc. A great place for an elderly Sacramenten to fall and break a hip. I'd like to formally register a complaint a find out if there is a way to change my polling place back to the previous location???

Thank you,

-Teresa Walters
__________________________________
Thank you for your comments and concern. For the two previous elections I was able to consolidate to include voters that live towards Rio Americano High School . Then, this Election, due to the Ballot Type and contests on the Ballot, I could not place the all of the same consolidation at Sierra Oaks Elementary. Unfortunately, I had to make a decision, for this election, and was required to find a polling place for the voters in your neighborhood.

Sierra Oaks Elementary should be your Polling Place for future elections.

-Richard Klenhard, Election Supervisor

sona4@sacsheriff.com

The email address for OUR off-duty deputies patrolling Sierra Oaks is sona4@sacsheriff.com. You can use this email address to communicate directly with the deputies. They can and do check this from their cars.

Use this email address to report crimes, alert the deputies to your vacation schedules, etc.

A Novel Opportunity

Have you heard of The Little Book by former Sacramento Country Day School Headmaster Selden Edwards? It's on the New York Times Best Seller List.

Now you are invited to meet the author! Mr. Edwards on November 12th at SCDS. For complete details, click here.

Today Is The Day

Generous Contribution

SONA wants to recognize and thank Lori Lutes for her generous donation of $750. Lori's family owns three of the buildings on Drake Circle. She is supporting SONA and its efforts to combat crime in our neighborhood. Thank you, Lori!

(916) 243-9452

The cell phone number for the off duty deputy is (916) 243-9452. This number will ONLY be active when the deputy is on duty and in Sierra Oaks. The Sheriff's Department is also setting up a separate email address for the deputies to check when they come on and go off shifts in our neighborhood. I will let you know what that is when it gets created.

PLEASE REMEMBER, if there is something happening in the neighborhood and you need to reach a police officer, call 911 immediately! The number for our off duty deputy will only be active while he/she is ON DUTY. Currently, this is less than 15% of the hours in the day.

Technical Questions

I have received some questions from folks who want to sign up to receive blog updates but do not know where to start. I am going to post their questions here, hoping that someone smarter than I (Jaimie!) can help.

Question #1

i have never used a blog. i like the idea for sona. my question. i am a comcast user. i don't google or use yahoo. if i fill out the google thing, will i get updates and stuff on comcast. that is will it appear on my comcast email or do i have to go somewhere to get these blog updates.

Question #2

I would like to sign up to receive auto e-mails when blogs are posted, especially about crime. I tried but I do not think I am doing this right. Please advise.

Question #3

what specifically do I do to get email updates? I wasn't familiar with some of the applications/methods lists in the drop down menus....e.g. "Subscribe using live bookmarks, bloglines, myyahoo, etc."

First Night On Patrol

Our first night of patrol came and went without incident last night. The rain kept a lot of people off the streets. Deputy Jeff Long reported a relatively slow night in the neighborhood.

Did you see the Sheriff's car on your street? I did... twice!

Happy Halloween!

Be careful out there tonight. Not only will the kids be out and the roads be wet... the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department will be patrolling Sierra Oaks!