Sheriff's association backs Arden Arcade cityhood

By Robert Lewis, Sacramento Bee, Jan. 20, 2010

Proponents of cityhood for Arden Arcade, a 90,000-resident community in Sacramento County, just got an influential supporter in their effort to incorporate: the Sacramento County Deputy Sheriffs' Association.

The association's board of directors voted unanimously today to support cityhood and encourage a new Arden Arcade municipality to contract with the Sheriff's Department for law enforcement service, according to an association statement. Other young cities including Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova and Citrus Heights also contracted with the sheriff's department after breaking away from the county. Elk Grove and Citrus Heights have since formed their own police departments.

"We have had very strong relationships with the residents of Arden Arcade for many years. We know the community and we look forward to many more
years of working with and serving the residents in Arden Arcade," association President Kevin Mickelson said in a prepared statement.

The group pressing for Arden Arcade cityhood is close to raising enough money to complete the studies necessary to bring the issue before the voters, said Joel Archer, Arden Arcade Incorporation Committee chairman. The group has a $25,000 payment due Feb. 1 to the Local Agency Formation Commission. With that money the group will have finished paying for an environmental study and financial feasibility report. Both are necessary before LAFCO will approve putting the issue on the ballot.

Archer said the group still needs to raise about $10,000 for the effort.

Smash & grab near Oak Meadow Park

On Sunday, January 10 at 9:45am a vehicle stopped alongside a car parked on Kadema (across from the American River access ramp) and a passenger exited the vehicle long enough to smash the back seat window of the parked car and steal and bag from the car before speeding away on Clunie. Remember to never leave personal belongings visible in a parked vehicle. They may not be there when you return to your car, no matter where you are parked. The SONA Off-Duty Patrol officers are on the lookout for the vehicle and perpetrators. Both were carefully identified by a witness who immediately report the crime.

Sierra Oaks Discovery Club Teacher Arrested

This post was taken directly from the Sierra Oaks School website: Shane Vicars, a child development permit teacher in the Sierra Oaks K-8 Discovery Club program was arrested Jan. 6 on 15 counts of lewd acts with a child and child annoyance. The arrest comes after an investigation by the Sacramento Sheriff's Department of allegations that Vicars had inappropriate contact with multiple victims who were students in the Discovery Club program. The safety of students and staff is the top priority of San Juan Unified and Sierra Oaks K-8 school."We have worked closely with the Sacramento Sheriff's Department during the course of this investigation and will continue to do so," said Trent Allen, director of communication for the District. "We are encouraging parents to talk with their student and report any items of concern." Anyone with information in the case is asked to contact Detective John Linke at (916) 874-5964. Counselors will be available at Sierra Oaks K-8 school on Thursday, Jan. 7 for students to talk to if needed. Additional staff will also be on site to support the school. Vicars previously worked at Gold River Discovery Center's Discovery Club program and as a substitute child development assistant previously. All District employees undergo a background check before working with students.