Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "Crime"

Ask Officer Michelle - Officers Using Cellphones While Driving

2012-02-05T20:08:43Z

Posted by cyd evans

I saw an officer talking on a cell phone while driving a marked car yesterday. Don’t the same rules apply to police officers as the general public regarding only using hands free devices?

Dear cyd evans,

Police officers are to abide by the same rules of the road as citizens. However, there are some exceptions to these rules – for instance, when talking on a cell phone while driving, California Vehicle Code Section 23123 (d). This section does not apply to an emergency services professional using a wireless telephone while operating an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in Section 165, in the course and scope of his or her duties. This translates to, if the officer is using the phone for official business then this law applies. If they are talking to their spouse about non-police business for example, then they are in the wrong.

Police do a lot of business on their cell phones, and our cars are like our offices. We use the computers and cell phones for every call for service. We coordinate with other units, with dispatch, records, get additional information from victims, talk to citizens, Deputy District Attorneys, supervisors, and coordinate with outside agencies all on the cell phone. Thank you for your post.

Officer Michelle

Ask Officer Michelle - What To Do About a Friend Who's Using Drugs

2012-01-08T19:02:36Z

Posted by MartinM

Hi,I suspect that my friend Is using drugs,I am almost sure he is using some kind of drugs.Should I report him? After all I am not 100% sure,but he has had some problems before.

Thank you.

Dear MartinM,

It sounds like you have some concerns about your friend using drugs. You may be right. Have you discussed this with your friend? He may need help and police involvement may not be the best route. Your friend may need some intervention from friends and family. There are many drug and alcohol clinics in Sacramento and in the outlying region where your friend may seek help.

If your friend is selling drugs or furnishing the drugs to others, then you should call the police. Being under the influence of a narcotic or drug is a misdemeanor in this state. If they are operating a motor vehicle, or are involved in caring for children while under the influence, it could be a felony, especially if it your friend gets into an injury accident.

If your friend is on probation or parole, his agent should be notified. It is a violation of the conditions of the probation/parole if the subject uses illegal drugs during the time they are on this status.

Your friend may also have a mental condition such as bi-polar. People with this condition may act strange, have mood swings, have disrupted sleeping patterns, and change their social behavior which may present much like a person on drugs. They may distance themselves from their friends and family. I am not a physician, but I do work with people with mental illness every day, and have been working with them for 21 years, so I do have some exposure.

Several years ago, I did a series on our blog entitled, "Drug Trends and Teens." I laid out some the different types of drugs that are often abused. Attached is the link: http://blog.sacpd.org/2007/02/09/drug-trends-and-teens-2/ You may want to read the article and familiarize yourself with the different types that fit the behavior of your friend. I hope you will be able to help your friend. Keep me posted.

Officer Michelle

Burglars hit Downtown Sacramento sustainable furniture studio

2012-01-06T23:18:57Z

A Sacramento businessman is searching for clues that will hopefully lead to the return of his tools after thieves broken into his Downtown studio overnight and made off with thousands of dollars worth of equipment.

Sometime between 6 p.m. Thursday night and 6 a.m. Friday morning, an unknown number of bandits cut a hole in the north side of the building that Reclamation Art + Furniture uses as its studio. Once inside, the burglars grabbed the table saw, nail guns, angle grinders, and other small construction tools that the business owner, Steven Tiller, uses to craft his beautiful and one-of-a-kind functional furniture pieces, mostly out of old and discarded materials.

Tiller is hopeful that someone with information about where the tools are now will hear about this story and do the right thing. Anybody who may be able to shed any light on this case is asked to call the Sacramento Police Department and refer to case #12-4950, or to contact Tiller directly.

What happens when Sheriff K9's retire?

2012-01-03T03:01:18Z

The Sacramento Sheriff's K9 Association held a fundraiser and demonstration Sunday at Pet Food Express on Fair Oaks Blvd.

Along with meeting the K9's, getting to rub a K9 belly and meet their handlers, goers had the opportunity to purchase the new 2012 SSDK9 calendar loaded with dynamic images of the dogs and their handlers by XSiGHT Photography and Video.

Ike, one of twelve active K9’s in the unit, has seen his fair share of rough and tumble, part of the job as a K9. Deputy Pomerson, Ike’s partner and handler, related how Ike went over a fence after a bad guy and punctured a lung. With the punctured lung, Ike still latched on to the bad guy until deputies apprehended the perp. Ike’s chest swelled to almost twice his normal size and he was rushed to medical care and saved. After a two week recovery, Pomerson related, Ike eagerly went back to work.

Pomerson shared tales of his partner, such as how he slides back and forth in the back seat responding to calls.

“It seems the more he (Ike) is tossed around in the back, [the] more he’s excited and ready to get the bad guy when we arrive at the scene.”

Pomerson also explained the toll the tossing around takes on the K9’s, giving them an average of five to seven workable years. When the K9’s retire, “they get to de-stress and just enjoy the rest of their life as a pet and adapt well,” stated Pomerson.

We got to tag along while Pomerson gave Ike a bath at the pet store. Even though the water was nice and warm, Pomerson agreed Ike would much rather be getting wet in the river.

When Ike retires, Pomerson will purchase him from the county for one dollar plus tax, and Ike will enjoy his retirement as the family pet. With Ike’s retirement, Pomerson will get a new K9 partner. At that time, Pomerson explained, the hardest part for Ike will be not going to work.

On their off days they do absolutely no work related things at all, and when it’s time to go back to work and Pomerson dons his uniform, Ike gets all excited.

“Even when I chirp the alarm on the car or move the car around, Ike gets all excited thinking it’s time to got to work,” said Pomerson.

A large portion of the fundraising proceeds are dedicated to the retirement needs of the K9’s who served their community. The fundraising calendar is a wonderful way to get to know the beautiful and talented animals that protect and serve our community.

If you are interested in donating and being involved with the SSDK9 association, their site has all the information and details you need to get engaged. Be sure to check out SSDK9 Association fundraising golf tournaments and marathons as well.

SSDK9 Demo/Fundraiser from SacMav Rapid Media on Vimeo.

Deputy Amos talks about the K9's>>

Ask Officer Michelle - Concerns About Kidnapper out on Parole

2011-12-11T19:11:38Z

Posted by cherylwin

Can I complete a restraining order on someone without providing my location? This is a person who was in prison for kidnapping me years ago and is now free and off parole as of yesterday.

Dear cherylwin,

It must be unnerving for you knowing that the man who once victimized you is out. Here’s what you should do. His parole agent should have already put those conditions on his parole prior to getting out of prison. You may want to call Parole and make sure the condition to stay away from you was added. He must only know your name and you don’t need to supply your address. If you see the man anywhere near you, call the police. If he attempts to contact you via telephone, mail, or text, call the Police Department and his parole agent. He will be detained and his parole agent will promptly be called and his parole will be violated thus sending him back to jail.

In the meantime, let your neighbors know about your situation. They can be a lookout for you when you aren’t there. You might also want to invest in an alarm system. Keep me posted on this.

Officer Michelle

Ask Officer Michelle - Suspicious Abandoned Vehicles

2011-12-04T22:46:26Z

Posted by bmclemons

Hello Michelle.. Question.. I’m aware of a vehicle which obviously hit something when the driver was drunk not sure if it was a pole or something, but was able to make it back. The car is sitting in an apartment complex garage now for over 3 months and is completely totaled. Shouldn’t this be reported to either DMV or the authorities?

Dear bmclemons,

You could call the police department in your jurisdiction and report it as a suspicious vehicle. The dispatcher will ask you what the license plate is. It may be a stolen vehicle, or a vehicle involved in a crime. If it doesn’t have a plate attached to the vehicle, an officer can still be sent out to check the vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN will contain all of the vehicle data information.

If it is not listed as stolen, it would be the duty of the property owner to have the vehicle towed from the premises. If it was reported as stolen, the registered owner would be called, and the police would have the vehicle towed to a tow yard from the rotational list.

Thank you for your post.
Officer Michelle

Ask Officer Michelle - Camping Ordinance In Front of Stores?

2011-11-28T18:37:40Z

Posted by Jib916

Good Morning Michelle.
I had a question regarding how you plan on handling the occupiers/campers camping in front of best buy and other big box retail stores for black Friday.

If Sacramento has a no tent policy, isn’t it only fair that these peoples camping equipment shall be confiscated, just like the protesters? After all the law is the law.

Any response would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You
Justin Buell

Dear Justin,

The “no tent” policy you are speaking about refers to occupying a camping space on city/county property. When people camp in front of stores in anticipation for stores to open or to get prime tickets at a box office, they are occupying space on private property. We typically don’t enforce the city ordinance on private property unless the business owners have an issue with individuals causing a specific problem. We will enforce the law if the store owners have a “no loitering” sign posted.

There are other issues that go along with the camping ordinances. Sometimes, people bring their children out to camp out. If the conditions are such that it is posing an unsafe environment for a child, officers can enforce the 273 code of the California Penal Code which is basically the code referring to child endangerment. I mean, have you seen the news footage where some people are nearly trampling each other to get inside the store when it opens?

I know that some of the stores are only allowing an allotted number of people in every 15 seconds to alleviate this problem. Thank you for your concern.

Officer Michelle

Ask Officer Michelle - Police Arrest Two in Connection with Beating a Mentally Challanged Woman

2011-11-20T22:26:31Z

Posted by ron_lopez2011

Please extend my personal thanks to the officers involved in the arrest of Rasaan Zawadi. I hope you get his accomplices too. That story just bugged me to the core; thank you for what you guys do.

Dear ron_lopez2011,

Thank you Ron! For those of you who aren’t familiar with Rasaan Zawadi, he was one of two bullies who were shown in a viral video taunting and punching a handicapped woman in front of a South Sacramento store. Zawadi was seen harassing and punching the female victim several times. Another suspect, 19-year-old Donnell Wade, who was seen punching the female in the face and knocking her out, was also arrested for the crime.

According to a recent press release, “We received calls from throughout the country inquiring about the investigation. Detectives assigned to the case discovered that patrol officers had responded to an assault call on October 1, 2011, at approximately 12:11 p.m., near Center Parkway and Mack Road. The officers arrived, finding that the suspects had fled the scene and the victim, a 42-year-old female, did not wish for prosecution at that time.”

On November 12, 2011 police were called to the area of Omaha Court and Seyferth Way in South Sacramento regarding a weapons call. Upon arrival Donnell Wade began to run from police. He was taken into custody without incident for his involvement in the attack. The weapons call was not related to Donnell.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this suspect to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.”

Ask Officer Michelle - Reporting Suspicious Subjects

2011-11-06T17:11:12Z

Posted by ted bas

Greetings! I enjoy reading these archive articles. Thanks.
In my neighborhood, I suspect 3 individual who are, I believe, are in constant plans to rob empty home. One of them daily eye on certain vehicles which would have left their residence. I believes he communicates this to his partner and then determines who else is left behind on a house they plan to steal from. Yesterday I went out to the area where he usually observes. when he saw me, we walked away like guilty for some reason. Today, he is out there but in a more secluded area, eyeing or in a look out for some vehicle while he talks to his friend in the cell phone. Need your advice. I am willing to help to prevent any crime. Thank you for your help. Incidentally, I usually call the non emergency number, however, this may be trivial. Thanks.

Dear ted bas,

What you should do is call the police department and report a suspicious subject. Be ready to describe the subjects to the dispatcher from head to toe, (ie., height, weight, race, hair color/style, clothing description, etc). If there is a vehicle involved, be ready to describe the car as well. It would be optimum if you had a license plate, but try to get it without putting yourself in any kind of danger.

If there has been an increase of home burglaries in your neighborhood lately, let the dispatcher know that as well. You are probably right. These subjects are doing what we call “casing.” They’re looking for opportunities to victimize people. By calling us, you may be preventing a crime-in-progress. You are to be commended for being such an astute neighbor. If you don’t already have an established Neighborhood Watch group, I would suggest that you start one. There is information on our website at www.sacpd.org on how to establish a Neighborhood Watch.

Officer Michelle

Gang violence drops due to city’s new efforts, officials say

2011-11-01T03:30:52Z

Gang violence took what officials described as a drastic drop since July 2010, attributing the drop to Mayor Kevin Johnson’s gang-prevention programs initiated in June of 2010 and again after last December’s fatal barbershop shooting.

Since implementing some of the measures, Lt. Bill Champion of the Sacramento Police Department said that the results have been effective. The number of gang-related firearm assaults has dropped by 60 percent, and the overall rate fell by 39 percent. In addition, there has been a 75 percent drop in homicide rates, and a 100 percent drop in non-fatal shootings.

Community leaders gathered at City Hall Monday morning to discuss the mayor’s plan. Speakers, including Johnson and Khaalid Muttaqi, the head of the mayor’s gang-prevention task force, updated citizens on the new plan, explaining the problems they seek to solve, the methodology of their approach, and the results thus far.

“We asked the community what needs to happen,” Muttaqi said. “The community is obviously engaged.”

Champion spoke about the Sacramento Safe Community Partnership, known more commonly as Ceasefire, a program started by the Police Department to combat gang and gun violence in ways that are different and more effective than in the past.

“A traditional law enforcement response … has been to send a lot of officers into an area with gun violence or gang violence, and you have zero tolerance,” Champion said, adding that this kind of police crackdown not only stops the gangs, but builds distrust between the local community and the police.

“You end up enforcing the rules on the people that are crying out for help,” he said.

He said that Ceasefire is changing the the traditional methods by concentrating its efforts on finding out specifically who is causing the violence. The two primary gangs of the Mack Road commercial corridor, one of the worst areas in Sacramento for gang activity, were found to responsible for a majority of gun violence in the area.

Instead of waiting for a crime to occur, Champion said, the police identify prime suspects and have their probation officers reach out to them, asking them to attend community meetings. Faith-based organizations, health groups and community members are present, asking the gang member to not resort to violence. Champion said that this process is called an intervention, as labled in the graph.

“We have the community tell (the gang members), ‘The violence needs to stop,’ and now it’s very personal because we’re sitting there looking at them,” Champion said.

Muttaqi said that another important element of the task force is to provide alternatives to the gang members, such as educational opportunities, work training programs and other positive and productive options.

Leading the way for community-based efforts is the newly-planned Men’s Leadership Academy being put in place by the Sacramento City Unified School District and the Sacramento Violence Intervention Program, which is run by The Effort, a Sacramento-based health care provider that reaches out to lower income neighborhoods.

Adrian Williams of SCUSD said that the Men’s Leadership Academy is a 4-year program for high school students that is similar to programs such as AVID, a program for advanced high school students that has a class during the school day and additional responsibilities for the students to complete.

He said that a small number of students will be admitted to the program, where they will be closely mentored by teachers who are popular among the students. They will be taken on field trips to top colleges and be given opportunities that will move them away from gang life, such as being required to dress nicely on occasion. The program will begin in the spring.

SVIP is bringing services to struggling communities that were previously unavailable, said Melisa Bayne, who is in charge of the program. By providing services like counseling, addiction help and other medical services, Bayne said that the SVIP has seen drastic improvements in former gang members whom they reached out to.

Berry Accius, a 34-year-old teen mentor who lives in Natomas, attended the meeting and said that while he thought the effort was great, it was very important that people continue to come up with new ideas to combat gang violence.

“We need leaders who really identify with the kids,” he said. “You really need to engage them so they understand that people care about them.”

Muttaqi said that this is only the beginning of the mayor’s push for gang prevention, and that these ideas will continue to be implemented.

“We’re optimistic, and we hope it will continue,” Champion said.

Ask Officer Michelle - Shared Duplex Debate Over Medical Marijuana Smoke

2011-10-23T16:38:22Z

Posted by logsmom08

Hi Officer Michelle!

I am a renter in the Sacramento area. I live in a duplex and share the other half of the house with someone who has a ‘medical card’. My neighbors and I share a garage wall in our duplex and I am assuming that they smoke in their garage because when I walk in my garage, the stink about knocks me over. Do I have any rights to ask them to stop smoking in the garage or anywhere where I and my family can smell or be effected by it?

Dear logsmom08,

The best thing you can do about that is to speak with your landlord. Some landlords have their renters sign a marijuana smoking clause now. The law about smoking marijuana regardless if it is for medicinal purposes is that it can’t be smoked in a place where the public has access. Now, even though the garage is a part of his/her residence, it is still a common area to you and your family. If there are children who live in your or your neighbor’s residence, that could also change things.

Medicinal marijuana can be ingested in different ways as well as not to have the smoke permeate into your home, or linger in the garage. If you are on good terms with your neighbor, you may want to ask them to smoke it when you are not home, or suggest that he/she ingest it a different way. Keep me posted.

Officer Michelle

Ask Officer Michelle - Citizen Concerned About Neighbors' Pitbulls

2011-10-16T17:43:23Z

Posted by neighborwatch

Hi Michelle,
We recently had new neighbors move in the house behind ours. They have a few dogs, 2 of which are large pit bulls.
The first thing we noticed were the dogs barking for extended periods of time, all hours of the night. The tenants are home, but seem to ignore the barking. Recently we’ve witnessed 3 instances where the largest dog is attacking the other dogs/other possible animals in their backyard. Vicious attacks which leave their deck stained with blood.

The most recent incident involved the woman trying to separate the dogs, and she was thrown to the floor and screaming. I called 911 as I felt her life was in danger. Unfortunately I don’t know what happened next because the police never came to question me. It looks like the dogs may have been taken in by animal control, but I’m not certain.
My big concern is what happens if they return? I have 3 small children who I no longer allow to play in the backyard for fear that the dogs could breach the fence. I am terrified after witnessing a woman being attacked by her own dog.
What type of recourse do I have?
Another factor is suspicious activity surrounding the basement area of their home. Shady characters are lead through their back door to an area of the backyard which I cannot see from my vantage point. We can’t figure out if dog breeding is going on, or drug activity or what? I’m feeling a little out of my league here :)
Any suggestions are appreciated.

Dear Neighborwatch,

It sounds like Animal Control handled the situation. You were right in calling 911 on them. Chances are that once Animal Control takes the dogs, they won’t be coming home. You can call Animal Control (dial 311) and voice your concerns. Since the dogs have already exhibited aggressive behavior, you don’t want to take any chances with 3 small children. If you believe that they are illegally breeding and selling dogs, you would also express that to Animal Control.

As far as the suspicious behavior, you need to be more specific. If you think your neighbors are involved in illegal narcotics, call our Narcotic’s Tip Line at 808-5796. Are there any suspicious smells like chemicals emitting from the residence? Are there people coming and going at all times of the day and night? Have you seen any drugs, scales, packaging materials, money transactions?

It sounds as though you have really strong instincts about this residence, and may very well be right.
Thank you for your post.

Officer Michelle

Second suspect in viral video assault identified

2011-10-15T01:18:15Z

Sacramento Police Department press release:

The Sacramento Police Department is searching for the second suspect, 19-year-old Donnell Wade, in the unprovoked attack that was captured on video.

On October 12, 2011, the Sacramento Police Department was made aware of a video, showing suspects assaulting a female, which had gone viral on the Internet. We received calls from throughout the country inquiring about the investigation. Detectives assigned to the case discovered that patrol officers responded to an assault call on October 1, 2011, at approximately 12:11 p.m., near Center Parkway and Mack Road. The officers arrived and determined the suspects had fled the scene and the victim, a 42-year-old female, did not wish for prosecution at that time.

Based on the newly discovered video evidence of the assault, detectives continued to pursue the identity of the involved suspects. After officers saw the video image of the suspects and with crime tips that came in from the public, detectives were able to identify the suspects seen in the video. The first suspect that hit the victim was identified as 21-year-old Rasaan Zawadi. On October 13, 2011, Zawadi was taken into custody without incident. The second suspect that hit the victim was identified as 19-year-old Donnell Wade. Efforts to locate Wade have not been successful. The Sacramento Police Department is releasing Donnell Wade’s photo in hopes of receiving information as to his whereabouts. Wade currently has a warrant for assault with a gang enhancement.

Arrest made in viral video assault case

2011-10-13T23:50:34Z

Sacramento Police Department press release:

The Sacramento Police Department arrested 21-year-old Rasaan Zawadi for the unprovoked attack on a female that was captured on video and believed to have been posted by the suspects.

On October 12, 2011, the Sacramento Police Department was made aware of a video of an assault on a female that had gone viral on the Internet. We received calls from throughout the country inquiring about the investigation. Detectives assigned to the case discovered that patrol officers had responded to an assault call on October 1, 2011, at approximately 12:11 p.m., near Center Parkway and Mack Road. The officers arrived finding that the suspects had fled the scene and the victim, a 42-year-old female, did not wish for prosecution at that time.

Based on the newly discovered video evidence of the assault, detectives continued to pursue the identity of the involved suspects. After officers saw the video image of the suspects and with crime tips that came in from the public, detectives were able to identify one of the suspects seen in the video hitting the victim. The suspect was identified as 21-year-old Rasaan Zawadi (first suspect to hit the victim). Detectives working with the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office obtained an arrest warrant for Zawadi and were preparing to look for him, when a Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputy stopped him near German Drive and French Road this morning on an unrelated incident.

The Sacramento Police Department arrested Zawadi for assault with a gang enhancement. Detectives believe that the assault was gang related. Detectives are continuing their investigation into the second suspect involved in the assault.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Ask Officer Michelle - Video Taping Police on Duty

2011-10-09T14:46:22Z

Posted by GARYA73

Is it illegal to video record an on-duty peace officer?

Dear GARYA73,

In the State of California, it is legal to video tape a peace officer, if you are in public and have a legal right to be there. You must not impede the officer in any way while they are in the course of his/her duties. If a crime scene has been established, members of the public may not cross it, even to film. This may lead to contaminating evidence within the crime scene.

This happens all the time. Everyone has a camera phone or a video recorder and officers are constantly being scrutinized. The other issue is that people often post their videos on social media networks.

I am of the philosophy that if you are doing what you are supposed to be doing, it is not a problem. I however, don’t want to be on a media website without my consent. Public perception is very important, but what people have to understand is the whole picture. Say I get a call for service about a man who is aggressively panhandling and harassing citizens downtown. Say this person is a repeat offender and they have an extensive background with the police. I contact this subject and begin asking him questions about his identity and what he is doing. Say he gets indignant and begins talking about his rights and police harassment. Say a bystander starts taping at that moment before they know the whole situation. This is what concerns me. When things are taken out of context, the public’s perception of the police, based upon the video, is biased.

If the public is going to video a cop while they are in the course of their duties, it should at least be done responsibly.

Thank you for writing.

Officer Michelle

Occupy Sacramento continues after 20 protesters arrested

2011-10-07T23:50:31Z

Authorities said 20 protesters were arrested at about 12:45 a.m. Friday when they refused to leave Cesar Chavez Plaza, the site of the Occupy Sacramento demonstration.

Both police and protesters described the arrests as peaceful.

“They went without any problems or issues,” said Sgt. Andrew Pettit, spokesman for the Sacramento Police Department. “They were booked for failure to disperse after a lawful order.”

Anthony Bondi, a spokesman for Occupy Sacramento, agreed.

“It was completely violence-free,” he said Friday afternoon. “The protesters laid down and chose to be arrested.”

Despite what some protesters said they think was an overbearing police presence, Pettit said units involved were either on patrol already or “flexed” their hours to take part in the arrests.

“We had two SWAT teams, the entertainment team and three graveyard teams,” he said, noting that about 40 officers were involved.

The entertainment team is a unit that normally deals with drunken driving and enforcement of laws associated with entertainment venues such as nightclubs, he added.

The protesters who were arrested were booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail, and Bondi said supporters marched to the jail Friday morning.

“Everyone is out now,” he said. “A couple have come back (to Cesar Chavez Plaza).”

Officers making arrests donned riot helmets, which Bondi said seemed excessive.

“I do believe that the police were a little bit overkill with the riot gear,” he said. “I mean, you can’t get less violent and more peaceful than (the demonstrators) were.”

Pettit acknowledged the nonviolent nature of those arrested but said wearing the gear is a standard procedure to ensure the officers are protected in case the situation turns violent.

“It was a precautionary measure,” he said. “They were nonviolent, but it’s to protect our officers in case someone else comes in and gets aggressive.”

He added that officers carry their riot gear in their vehicles at all times, so no specialized units needed to be called in.

The occupation has been in place since Thursday morning, when Sacramentans took part in the nationwide trend.

One of the common questions raised by those observing the occupation has been what the activists’ objective is – and that’s a question the activists themselves are pondering.

“The general consensus here – and I know it’s incredibly broad and vague – is change,” Bondi said. “Even in the Wall Street protests, over a week or two, there was no definitive list of demands.”

Bondi described Occupy Sacramento as a democracy where no one person is a leader, and objectives are being worked out.

“We’re trying to get more organized at this point,” he said. “I just hope people stick with us.”

Pettit said police will continue to enforce the city’s listed park hours and “no camping” ordinance.

“We are anticipating to stay there and do the same thing again,” he said. “We’ll see if the same people want to be arrested. It’s up to them. Our primary concern is keeping the peace.”

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Crime rate down 18 percent in Sacramento

2011-09-22T00:50:50Z

Despite budget reductions and recent layoffs in the police department, serious crime in Sacramento has dropped 18 percent over the last three years – the second largest decline in California among cities of similar size – according to a report that Sacramento Police Chief Rick Braziel presented to City Council Tuesday.

Braziel told council members that the core mission of the Sacramento Police Department hasn’t changed since 2008 when he took charge. The mission, he said, is still “reduce crime, engage the community and provide excellent service.”

What has changed, however, is the number of police personnel – 81 sworn officers were laid off in July – and a department budget reduced by $12.2 million this year.

Over the past four years, police department budget reductions have resulted in $35 million in cuts and a loss of 372 positions, according city staff reports.

Still, Sacramento crime rates have been on a downward trend since 2007, Braziel said Tuesday.

Braziel’s report to the City Council included crime rate information compiled from department records and annual crime statistics from the FBI.

Braziel attributes the numbers to a “more focused effort” to achieve department goals, and an emphasis on working as efficiently as possible with the resources available.

“We have really focused on our 911 (call) center and operations in the field,” Braziel said. “We actually have more people answering the 911 line than (we had) three years ago.”

Braziel said staffing for field resources – patrol officers, traffic officers and officers on the streets responding to calls for service – has gone down 15 percent since July.

The investigations staff has been reduced by 35 percent, Braziel added.

“Those reductions are what necessitated a change in our dispatch protocols,” Braziel said.

In his last report to City Council in June, Braziel told council members that, with such a reduction in staffing, the department would no longer respond to some types of service calls, such as “cold” burglaries, where the suspect was no longer on the scene and the victims weren’t in danger.

“However, if we find a pattern or a series (of incidents) or something unique about an incident,” Braziel said, “we dispatch reports out to officers in the field and a patrol will go out to the scene to follow up.”

By prioritizing responses to nonviolent crime calls, Braziel said he is able to streamline operations and focus personnel where they are needed most at any given time.

Councilman Jay Schenirer told Braziel he was pleasantly surprised by the report.

“With budget cuts and an economy that is bad as it’s been in 40 or 50 years,” Schenirer said, “to see crime (in Sacramento) go down, that’s great.”

Schenirer said he would chalk it up to how well Braziel is running the department, and the continuous development of new ideas to reduce crime that are coming from the department.

Braziel told council members that violent crime is down 20 percent, and property crime is down 17 percent over the last year. All crimes together – excluding homicides – year-to-date crime rates are down 12.5 percent from last year.

“We are definitely continuing to trend down,” Braziel said.

The police department was able to bring back 35 laid off officers due to a grant waiver the department received in July.

One more grant request is pending, Braziel said, and he expects to have a result by the end of September or early October. If the city receives the second grant, it will restore another 35 officers to the police department.

“It’s a credit to the (police) department, and to the men and women on the front lines, so to speak, working every day and doing more with less,” Councilman Rob Fong told Braziel after hearing the report. “We obviously have very good people working on the force.”

Melissa Corker is a Staff Reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @MelissaCorker.

Ask Officer Michelle - A Personal Assistance Shady Request

2011-09-18T18:01:33Z

Posted by gigglebabe

this may be silly but need some info
My daughter looking for summer work decided to place a ad on craigs list. she received a replay from a guy and said he needed a personal assistant she was all caught up in making her on money she said she would do what ever it was he needed long story short her first task was to take these money orders and cash them , then western union the money, thought it was weird but told her the bank or post office would be able to tell if they were fake well they were, i just want to know that she wont be in trouble for taking them to the post office (they kept them and said they would be turned over to the investigators) and should we contact this person and tell them we got them cashed I for one would like this person caught and dealt with.

Dear gigglebabe,

It sounds to me that your daughter was caught up in a possible counterfeit/money laundering scam.

Personal assistants pick up dry cleaning, groceries and run errands; they do not cash money orders. This man was taking advantage of your daughter. What will happen now is that the postal inspectors will contact your daughter to get more detailed information and corroborate what she told them. They will continue their investigation from there. Since the US Postal Service is now involved, this is a federal investigation and your daughter must be truthful and tell the postal inspector what she knows. I don’t know the extent in which your daughter is involved, the status of this case and I am only responding to information you are giving me.

Meanwhile, if your daughter needs a job, there are more legitimate companies who look to hire personal assistants. Be wary of ads in the back of local free newspapers that advertise for personal assistants or personal escorts. They are often fronts for prostitution. Word of mouth is best, or tell your daughter to place applications marketing her skills to legitimate businesses.

It is great that your daughter is motivated about trying to earn her own way. Hopefully your daughter has learned from this. Thank you for your post.

Officer Michelle

Ask Office Michelle - Dealing with an Unpredictable Neighbor

2011-09-11T22:30:15Z

Posted by Rocky427

We’ve own our home for 4 years and know almost all our neighbors very well. We get along with almost all our neighbors. The homeowners that lives across the street are a very kind and elderly couple who has 2 or 3 adult sons (in their late 30s to early 50s) that live with them. We’ve said “hello” to the family in passing, and has never had any problems with them. We’ve seen the police at that house late at night occasionally, and learn that there are problems between the family members.

Last month, one of the sons (who is in his 50s) was pacing in front of his house. As we were coming back from our walk, he became very paranoid. He wanted to know why we were talking about him, and quickly came towards us to fight. We got away and no one was hurt. We have NEVER spoken with this son prior to this incident except to say hello in passing. We don’t know anything about him. We later found out that he was a “problem child” and had a history of extensive drug abuse in high school. We didn’t speak with that family about this incident because we weren’t confident that the elderly parents can do anything about this. We felt that confronting them with this could make him more paranoid and more dangerous to us. We also didn’t report this incident to law enforcement because we’ve never had a problem with this individual in the 4 years that we’ve lived there. We thought this might be an isolated event.

Today, as we were driving down the street, the same son was on his driveway. When he saw us, he glared at us and threw both arms in the air as if to challenge us to a fight. I’m not sure what to do at this point. I feel like I should report it to start documenting his behavior, but I’m afraid he’ll become more paranoid and violent if the cops are involved. Should I have reported the incident the first time? What do I need to do now to protect my family?

Dear Rocky427,

Definitely start documenting these occurrences. If you feel threatened by this man like you did when you were driving into your driveway, call the police. The police can stop and detain him, speak with him and evaluate whether he is being a danger to himself or others. Don’t handle this guy by yourself. He is obviously unstable and therefore unpredictable.

If you happen to see this man’s parents, you may want to mention something to them. I’d be interested to see how the parents are doing. Are they being over –run by their three adult sons? I’ve seen this before. Let me know, and keep me posted.

Officer Michelle

Ask Officer Michelle - Getting Possessions Back From an Ex

2011-09-04T22:14:36Z

Posted by kvv2002

I have a friend who recently broke up with her ex and she would like to get her stuff back out of his mother’s house. Both the mother and son are being uncooperative and all my friend wants is her stuff. How can she go about getting her items, if they are unwilling and ‘playing games’?

Dear kvv2002,

This is a pretty common dilemma. She can either set up a meet time which is convenient for her ex and his mother to get your belongings or she can take the her ex to small claims court to get her belongings. The latter may be a long and expensive process but she could mention it if she gets resistance.

Depending on what possessions were left there, it may not be worth the hassle. If your friends’ belongings consist of a vehicle, or official documents, it would be worth her while. If it is a duffel bag of clothes, non-essentials, let it go. Perhaps in time, your friend will be able to have a more civil relationship with the ex. The only other concern I had was whether your friends’ ex has a restraining order against her. That is a monkey wrench that complicates matters. Have your friend contact me so that I can get specifics. Thank you for your post.

Officer Michelle

Surveillance cameras help prevent crime on Regional Transit

2011-09-03T02:18:23Z

The new cameras that were installed at several Sacramento light rail stations in May have helped prevent crimes and improve passenger safety, according to Doug Voska, a Sergeant with the Sacramento Police Department.

“People want to feel safe when they ride transit,” said Voska, who has a contract position with RT. “If they don’t feel safe, they’re not gonna do it.”

Because the cameras were primarily funded by the federal Department of Homeland Security, their main focus must be on terrorism prevention. But according to Voska, this has many crossover benefits when it comes to crime prevention and passenger safety.

“Even without a uniformed police officer, somebody is keeping an eye on things,” he said. There are officers monitoring all the cameras at the stations, and Voska said he hopes that by the end of the year, there will be people monitoring the cameras on the trains and buses as well.

Voska said that the cameras have helped officers solve numerous types of crimes, from graffiti to robbery.

The videos are often used for prosecution purposes, and the police department even uses the cameras to locate suspects who have fled from a crime scene via bus or light rail. Still, he maintained that “crime is not that high on RT, so they are primarily used for crime prevention.”

But the amount of surveillance on RT is causing some outcry among personal privacy advocates. Cres Vellucci, a member of the board of the Sacramento Chapter of the ACLU, said he is concerned over what he sees as an Orwellian affront on privacy rights.

“Pervasive video surveillance does threaten privacy rights,” he said via email. “The U.S. has … been proud to proclaim that we are willing to give a little bit in security if need be to maintain our unique freedom ... Fear, however, can make us do some terrible things.”

According to Linda Lye, a staff attorney with the ACLU of Northern California, everything from data retention to the cost and effectiveness of the cameras has ACLU members worried. “Why are we investing scarce public safety dollars on methods that invade our privacy but don’t make us any safer?” she asked.

“If the government is going to implement measures that do invade our privacy, we want to be sure that they’re actually making us safer, and the data hasn’t really shown that with respect to video surveillance cameras,” Lye said.

She cited studies done by the ACLU in 2007 and by UC Berkeley in 2008 to support her claim that cameras do not make a big enough impact on crime. “The hard research shows that these (methods) don’t make us safer,” she said. “The thing that we find frustrating is this false dichotomy that’s often posed between safety and privacy.”

“There are far more effective, and much less expensive crime prevention tools,” wrote Vellucci, who recommended alternatives such as better lighting, community policing, and job and youth programs to “reduce crime and also help the local economy.”

Despite the ACLU’s opposition, Voska said that he believes the public generally supports the cameras.

“I’ve heard people say that they like the camera surveillance because they do feel safer,” he said. “Since we can’t afford to have a police officer on every train, we try to keep an eye on what’s going on … as efficiently and as effectively as we can. RT is not in a position to violate anybody’s rights.”

Like all other technology, the cameras are in constant need of upkeep. “Everybody who has a camera system has to deal with malfunctions,” Voska said. This includes everything from technical problems to issues with shrubbery growing into the cameras’ fields of vision.

Vandalism has also had an effect, albeit a small one. One camera has been stolen, and several of the cameras have been lightly tagged with graffiti, Voska added.

But Voska insisted that the cameras are worth the trouble. “It’s an overwhelming desire on the part of the passengers to feel safe,” he said. “Sometimes we don’t have any (officers) there, so that’s when we keep an eye on it through cameras.”

Here are links to the studies cited by the ACLU:

UC Berkeley Study: CITRIS Report

ACLU Study: Under the Watchful Eye

Composite Sketch of Assault Suspect

2011-08-31T21:23:14Z

The Sacramento Police Department is releasing a composite sketch of a suspect related to an assault.

On Thursday, August 4, at 2:00 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of I street regarding an assault of an elderly woman in her 80’s. As the victim was entering her home the suspect forced his way in. The suspect pushed her to the ground and attempted to sexually assault her but fled on foot prior to completing the act.

The suspect was described as a male Black, 35-45 years old, 5’9”, medium build, believed to have short hair, but possibly had dreadlocks pulled into a pony tail.

Disclosure: Posted by the Sacramento Police Department

Ask Officer Michelle - Buying Used Police Cars and Impounds

2011-08-28T15:49:49Z

Posted by jmccloskey81

Im looking for a new car. I was told about auctions at impound lots and was wondering how I can locate one of these auctions

Dear jmccloskey81,

The Sacramento Police Department doesn’t have any involvement in the selling of our vehicles. If you are talking about old police vehicles, there are auctions in the Bay Area that sell used law enforcement vehicles. One of the companies that sells these types of vehicles is called “National.” Hope this helps. For vehicles police have impounded, you might also trying calling some of the many tow companies in Sacramento. There are dozens of tow companies on the police tow rotation list and they would be able to tell you how they dispose of impounded vehicles that are not claimed by their owners.

I have to disclose that a used police car has been beaten. It goes through 3 shifts, 7 days per week. Police cars are utilized in pursuits, and driven hard by every officer on patrol. I would bring a mechanic with me if I were you. Good luck!

Officer Michelle

Police Seek To Identify Bank Robbers

2011-08-09T22:35:18Z

The Sacramento Police Department is asking for the community’s help in identifying three suspects wanted for two unrelated bank robberies.

On Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 1:21 p.m., in the 4700 block of Freeport Boulevard, a woman entered the bank and approached the teller. Using a note, she demanded cash. The teller complied and the woman walked out of the bank. The suspect was described as female White late 30s to early 40s, 5’8” – 5’10”, 170 lbs, large build, with blonde hair in a pony tail. She was wearing a brown baseball cap, white t-shirt, and blue jeans.

On Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 1:25 p.m., in the 5600 block of Freeport Boulevard, a suspicious male entered the bank, approached a counter, and then quickly left the bank. Later the same day, at 4:53 p.m., a similarly dressed male entered the bank and approached the teller. Using a note, he demanded cash. The teller complied and the man exited the bank.

The first man was described as male White or male Hispanic 20-30 years old, 6’0”, with a mustache. He was wearing a San Francisco Giants baseball cap, an untucked long-sleeved white dress shirt, dark tie, dark pants, and dark shoes. The second man, who actually robbed the bank, was described as male White 20-30, 6’0”,190 lbs, wearing sunglasses, a dark San Francisco Giants baseball cap, an untucked long-sleeved white dress shirt with vertical stripes, dark tie, dark pants, and dark shoes.

Disclosure: Article posted by the Sacramento Police Department's public information office

Police Investigate Attempt Sexual Assault

2011-08-05T00:11:57Z

The Sacramento Police Department is investigating the attempt sexual assault of a victim in her 80's.

On August 4, 2011, at approximately 2:10 p.m., the victim was entering her apartment, located at 5th and I Street, when she was approached from behind. The suspect forced his way into the apartment and attempted to sexually assault her. The suspect fled prior to completing the sexual assault allowing the victim to call for help.

The suspect is described as a male Black, 40's, 6'0, braided hair, white t-shirt and blue jeans.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Disclosure: Written by the Public Information Officer for the Sacramento Police Department

Cranking Up Enforcement on Motorcycle Safety

2011-07-28T17:44:42Z

The Sacramento Police Department will be conducting a Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation in an effort to reduce the number of motorcycle related accidents and fatalities as well as to educate the community on motorcycle safety.

From the 30th of July through the 5th of August, the department will have officers in various locations of the City, enforcing traffic violations made by drivers of motor vehicles, including motorcyclists that could lead to collisions, injuries and fatalities.

According to the Office of Traffic Safety, motorcycle fatalities have been on the rise in California, increasing 175% in the previous decade, rising from 204 killed in 1998 to 560 killed in 2008. Since then, we have seen a decrease in the number of motorcycle fatalities.

The Sacramento Police Department wants to remind motorcyclists to drive safely and defensively. Motorcyclists are also encouraged to seek training and to obtain proper license endorsement to ride. All motorists are encouraged to slow down, not drive under the influence and drive within your own limitations.

Riders can get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at www.CA-msp.org or by calling 1-877-RIDE411 (1-877-743-3411).

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

9-1-1 Can Call You with Emergency Information

2011-07-28T15:44:48Z

The Sacramento Police Department would like to inform the community of a new feature to the Reverse 911 system, the ability to register a cellular phone number.

The Sacramento Regional Reverse 911® system is an emergency community notification tool designed to inform residents and business owners of significant incidents occurring in a geographical area within the city of Sacramento. Prior to the new feature, the system only contacted residential and business landline numbers. However, we are now offering the ability for those with mobile phones or VOIP systems to register their phones to a physical address and receive alerts when that address is included in an emergency notification.

Our Reverse911® system has been used for neighborhood emergencies where health and safety is a concern such as evacuation notices, at-risk missing persons notifications, crime series, and much more. Recently, we used the Reverse911® system to alert a small section of the Elder Creek neighborhood of a mandatory evacuation due to a hazardous materials fire occurring in the area. A recorded message was sent to all those with landline phones in the affected area.

Residents, business owners and even those employed within the City of Sacramento, can register their phone numbers to receive informative recorded messages. Because of increasing popularity and usage of cellular phones, the new feature allows us to contact more individuals living and working in the affected area.

If you work or live within the Sacramento city limits, and wish to be part of this notification system, you can register your contact information by visiting our website at www.sacpd.org. Click on the Reverse911® tab on the lower left side of the screen and follow the prompts.

As a reminder, the community can follow us on Facebook and on Twitter. Facebook is a great opportunity for the community to read about “the rest of the story”. “Like” us today. Twitter provides an instant snapshot of what is going on with the police department. Also, residents and business owners can log into our website and sign up for e-notify (email notifications of press releases, daily and helicopter activity occurring in specific neighborhoods).

All of these resources are effective ways to communicate important incidents to the residents and businesses in the city of Sacramento.

Suspect Sexually Grabs Elderly Female

2011-07-27T23:02:09Z

The Sacramento Police Department is asking for the community’s help to identify a suspect who sexually grabbed an 83-year-old female victim.

In April of 2011, at around 2:00 p.m., the victim was near 22nd and R Street when she was grabbed from behind by a male suspect. The male began to thrust his groin area at the victim numerous times and then grabbed her butt. The victim was able to get away and call for help.

The suspect was described as a male Black, 50-60 years old, 6’, 160 lbs, shaved head, wearing a gray hooded jacket, and blue jeans (see attached photo).

Ask Officer Michelle - Receiving Suspicious Money Orders

2011-07-24T20:40:19Z

Posted by smcnamee

I have received money orders from someone I don’t know. Could I bring them to the police station to be verified "Legal Tender" so as not to be caught up in a possible fraudulent scheme?

Dear smcnamee,

It may be a fishing expedition. Crooks that partake in these expeditions send out mass mailings in the hopes that one or two people will bite on their lure. You’re wise to be cautious. Unfortunately, this often works, and it is hard to trace the originator.

You can call the Financial Crimes Unit in your jurisdiction and speak to an investigator about your situation. If you live in the city of Sacramento, the telephone number is 808-0650. Our investigators are doing more with less so it may be a few days before you get a response. They will be the point of contact to give you the best advice on how to proceed. Thank you for your post!

Bike share program stumbles and evolves

2011-07-19T00:18:35Z

Sacramento’s Ride Your Own Way bike share program suffered a setback when three bicycles were stolen earlier this month, but organizers said they are going forward with an updated system, and new bicycles will soon be ordered.

“Someone stole a credit card and used that to check out the bikes,” said Midtown Business Association Executive Director Rob Kerth. “We’ve made some changes to how people have to validate the credit card, so we’ll be able to tell if it’s the right person.”

The program, which launched June 11, allows bicycles to be rented from one of two kiosks in Midtown – one at the Priority Parking lot at 16th and I streets and one at the Priority Parking lot at 27th and J streets. Renting a bicycle is free for the first 30 minutes, and a $2 per half hour charge is applied after that, and bicycles must be returned to their original spots once the riders are done with them.

“It’s great for people who want to use bikes to go shopping or go to lunch or things like that,” said Adrian Moore, owner of Ikon Cycles and purchaser of the original 12 Bianchi Milano eight-speed bicycles.

Click here to read a previous in-depth story on the bicycle sharing program.

The program was set up as a six-month pilot to determine the feasibility of doing it on a larger scale, similar to programs in Montreal, Paris and Washington, D.C.

“My first impression of it is that it seems to be working pretty well,” Kerth said. “It’s maybe (getting) a little less (use) than what I’d thought, but we’ve yet to hit our stride.”

Kerth said there have been 43 bicycle rentals, and several of those have been from return users. Saturdays are the most popular days for the rentals, but he said people use them every day.

The average checkout time is about two hours, and Kerth said feedback has been positive, with people saying the system is easy to use and affordable.

“We’re looking forward to when we start having more kiosks, assuming it goes well and people like it,” Kerth said.

Moore said he is happy with the amount of usage and said there would have been more rentals had the service not been shut down for a couple of weeks following the theft. The shutdown was so better theft countermeasures could be put in place.

One of the countermeasures is to only allow two bicycles to be checked out on one credit card at a time.

Currently, the bicycles at the J Street location are back and available for checkout, while the I Street station’s bicycles are still in storage until the three stolen ones can be replaced.

“We’re just waiting on the check from the insurance company,” Moore said.

Moore added that he thinks the theft was not a trend, but more of an isolated incident.

“We went three weeks without a single theft, and we had no vandalizing of the bikes or parts stolen off them,” he said. “It’s just one (person) that sort of ruined it.”

If theft continues to be a problem as it has been with personal bicycles in Midtown, Moore said there are other options to counter the threat.

One option is to set up a subscription-based service, which would cause lag time from when people initially sign up to when they can check out a bicycle for the first time.

Another option, he said, is to partner with the city and install kiosks in parking garages where a guard is on-site 24 hours per day.

“They already have someone paid to be there, and they will probably be willing to give up one parking spot for the bikes,” Moore said. “That’s a route that would be easy to do and would prevent vandalism and theft.”

And that’s why Ride Your Own Way is still in its pilot phase, Moore said.

“That’s the whole point in doing this,” he said. “We might lose a little bit, but we learn tons.”

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Ask Officer Michelle - Suspicious Subject Hanging Out in Midtown

2011-07-17T15:17:42Z

Posted by kendell

Hello Officer Lazark; The problem I have is a homeless guy hanging out across the street. I have reason to believe that this guy participated in a theft from my backyard last year, then he went to jail for 6 mos for I am not sure what, rumor it was sex assault. I believe he is scaring off potential buyers of a vacant house next to me. Is there any rule about a person fresh out of jail spending time at a Megan’s list location? Thank you.

Dear kendell,

I ran the address you gave me on the Megan’s Law website which is a public information site. I discovered that there is a registered sex offender registered at this residence. He is in compliance with his registration.

If you have witnessed someone doing something criminally specific, you can report him. If you go to www.meganslaw.ca.gov, there is an option to report the person. You will have to type in a synopsis as to what the problem is. If he is merely hanging out in front of his residence, then there is not much you can do. If he is making comments, intimidating people as they walk by, panhandling, trespassing, or doing anything else illegal, you may also call the police and have an officer dispatched to check out a suspicious subject.

You may also discuss this gentleman with his landlord. If there is anything illegal going on in the residence, he or she may want to know about it.

A lot of potential buyers of properties now look at the Meagan’s Law website before purchasing. This is possibly one of the reasons why the house remains vacant. Thank you for your post.

Officer Michelle

Ask Officer Michelle - Neigbor's Children Causing Havoc

2011-07-10T21:21:57Z

Posted by bambam05

I at a loss and don’t know where to turn. There are some people renting a house across the street that have a zoo living there. They do not supervise their children who damage my property and toss trash in my yard. I made the mistake of confronting to bad child and now a parent appeared who then yelled at me for telling his kid what to do. so my question is…what can be done with this kids that ride bike in the middle of the street, run and scream at the top of the lungs 24/7 (and yes I work from home) and destroy my and disrespect my property daily? Is this really a police thing or a CPS thing or do I call thier landlord? How do I get thier landlord info if that’s the way to go? Pleaes help. This was a nice place for the most part.

Dear bambam05,

It sounds like you have the normal sounds of summer vacation! It may be annoying to you while you work from home, but the children have a right to play and ride their bicycles outside. As long as they are wearing bicycle helmets if under 18 years of age, not blocking the street, and they are being supervised, there are no police or CPS issues.

I would speak to the parents of these kids and explain to them that you do work from home and that you would appreciate if they can speak to their children about respecting your need for them to turn down their volume. Some parents become particularly upset when adults address their kids directly. Discuss your concerns about throwing litter into your yard, and the fact that they are destroying your property. I’m not sure of the extent of the damage. If you are talking about skid marks from their bikes in your driveway, or trampled plants, discuss with the parents. If however, you are talking about broken windows, or dents in your car, that is another issue. If the parents don’t respond or become indignant with you, then it is time to speak to the landlord. Ownership records are available through the County Assessor’s Office. You can start here to research: http://www.assessor.saccounty.net/OwnershipInformation/default.htm
Give the parents a chance to right wrongs. You also must remember that there must be a compromise between neighbors, especially in a situation like this when children are on summer vacation. Good luck.

Officer Michelle

Ask Officer Michelle- The Best Way to Thank an Officer

2011-06-26T17:46:11Z

Posted by billalbertson
What is the best way for me to thank officers. I want to send a letter of thanks to the officers and their supervisor, with a bcc to the local newspapers. Is it appropriate to do that and name them, or could there be privacy concerns regarding the officers involved if I bcc the local papers?

Dear billalbertson,
Your desire to thank helpful officers is much appreciated. Unless they are working undercover, officer’s names are public information as seen on the name badges that are part of their uniforms!

The best way to thank police officers is to send a letter to the chief (you may want to send copies to the officers and the press if desired). This ensures that the letter makes its way down through the officers’ chain of command. In the case of our officers, you can address your letter to:
Chief Rick Braziel, 5770 Freeport Blvd., Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95822.

Thank you,
Officer Michelle

RAAM Update: Team SacPD starts strong Saturday afternoon

2011-06-19T06:10:01Z

Team SacPD, started the Race Across America (RAAM) Saturday afternoon. Starting from the pier in Oceanside, they already peddled over 170 miles with just under 2,830 to go at the time of this post. They have cumulatively climbed 8,789 vertical feet and reached a top elevation just over 4,000 above sea level.

The team is now commencing a stretch in the race where over the next 750 miles they will ascend to an elevation of over 10,000 feet above sea level. Until they reach that elevation, they will be on a consistent climb with few brief downhill breathers.

Shortly after the races start, one of the teams vans with relief riders on board, broke down with radiator issues. “1st crisis! One van died…. We will be flexible and work through it,” the team stated on their Facebook page.

Sacramento Press on Insight

2011-06-14T20:47:37Z

Among the topics I discussed Tuesday with CPR's Jeffrey Callison:

The new arena commission starts yet another three month period (100 days) of research. There are 70, not 60, members, and it features just about every local politician you've ever heard of, and is headed once again by Chris Lehane. Few of them are business or finance people. First meeting is Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Central Library.

Big news last week, in terms of dollars and cents and jobs was the County's balancing of its budget to close a $90 million gap. That may mean as many as 300 MORE jobs lost and comes on top of some 1300 jobs cut since 2008/9. The Sheriff's Department wasn't hit as hard as expected, but the DA's office is being cut substantially. This won't be final until September.

Last week after we spoke, the city council voted 6-3 to push forward with police cuts if the police union didn't make concessions asking officers to contribute to their pensions. The mayor and two others voted against it, but a lot of people don't think that getting unions to make concessions is a bad idea. But police chief Rick Braziel says that crime will likely rise. And that is NOT the last we'll see of that issue.

There is good news! Last week, the federal government extended funding for a city department called Access Leisure, which provides athletic and other options for disabled people, including vets. There will be $150,000 for the organization, which hosts all sorts of activities for the disabled all over town.

And a new microbrewery has gotten approval for Curtis Park, south of Sutterville Road near 24th Street. Track 7 Brewery will occupy an old warehouse near the Southern Pacific tracks and will have a railroad theme. Only one neighbor objected. This is near the old Club Minimal, a big renegade music club from the '80s.

Also, a new pedestrian bridge is being built to cross over Sutterville Road.

Controversy at the Sacramento Natural Foods Coop - very complicated, very rancorous, and ultimately, a study in the way a handful of people can really muck up the process. Some very upset people over at the Coop.

Story about a new dance conservatory on the very north side of the midtown grid. Lena Logan opened the place a couple of weeks ago in a 6000 square foot space up against the railroad tracks in Midtown.

Finally, Melissa Corker joins our staff replacing Kathleen Haley.

To listen to audio for this show, click here.

Ask Officer Michelle - Working with Multi-curtural Diversities

2011-06-13T18:03:44Z

Posted by kaptanhook

Developing a community-partnership is difficult sometimes. What are some of the difficulties or problems that an officer might have with the different cultural microcosms of sacramento? And how do you overcome them?

thanks, its for school
kaptanhook

Dear Kaptanhook

The biggest issue that officers face is the lack of trust by some cultures that have experienced corruption in their countries, dealing with their governments and law enforcement agencies. Of course the second issue is communication, when officers and community members can’t speak to each other. The Sacramento Police Department does a number of things to overcome these issues.
First, because of our community policing efforts, we have many officers working in our neighborhoods building trust with community members. We have a number of programs that also address issues such as our Cultural Community Academies, our Community Recruiter program, and our language line services. To learn more about these programs go to http://www.sacpd.org/citybeat/citybeat.asp. Once on that site, look for City Beat videos #18 and #15. That should give you a lot of information for your school project.

Officer Michelle

In-depth look at proposed police layoffs

2011-06-10T01:05:21Z

Sacramento Police and union officials warned Thursday a spike in crime is expected if 81 cops are laid off when the City Council approves a budget.

Police officers – angered over the likelihood that dozens of them are about to lose their jobs – are vowing to take action come election time, said detective Mark Tyndale, vice president of the local police union, the Sacramento Police Officers Association.

On Tuesday, the Sacramento City Council tentatively voted to make deep budget cuts that would include slashing $12.2 million from the police department's budget and laying off 81 sworn officers and 68 civilian police employees. If the council approves the 2011/2012 budget with a final vote as expected June 21, the officers will be laid off July 1.

Police Chief Rick Braziel on Wednesday announced losing that many officers would force the department to reduce services. The department would eliminate more than a dozen specialized units, including gang crimes, narcotics, high-tech crimes, traffic, marine, mounted, bike and foot patrols.

The department would shift its focus to core services, mainly handling emergency calls and investigating major crimes required by law including murders, rapes and robberies. Bad guys will commit more crime because citizen crime reports will drop. That will provide police with fewer tips that can help stop criminals earlier in their careers, Braziel said Thursday.

"I expect crime to go up. You'll see criminals getting away with more because there are just less of us out there," Braziel said by phone. "The ultimate victim in all of this is the community. That's who suffers most."

Patrol officers who have the least seniority in the department are the ones facing layoffs. Detectives would be reassigned to fill those patrol slots or the remaining investigation units, such as homicide, robbery, sexual assaults or general investigations, Police Department spokesman Sgt. Norm Leong said.

The city has the right to lay off officers and would not be violating a contract with the union by doing so, according to Tyndale and Leong.

Such cuts would mark the first time sworn officers have been laid off – for as long as anyone can remember – at least since the 1970s, Leong said.

SPOA members said they believe the council's vote made it clear city officials aren't interested in negotiating any contract concessions in lieu of layoffs. No negotiations have begun, and none are expected before the budget is approved by the council, Tyndale said.

"Everybody's hoping some miracle can occur," he said. "I just don't see (it) at this point."

Morale among police officers is low. Tyndale said union members believe the six City Council members who tentatively approved the layoffs have turned their backs on police. Councilman Steve Cohn, Mayor Kevin Johnson and Councilwoman Angelique Ashby voted against the tentative decision.

According to Tyndale, union members think the six council members created a "mess." Officers are now saying, " 'This (2012) is an election year. You guys are going to pay for this mess you made,' " Tyndale said.

A total of 372 positions have been cut from the department over the last three years. Those were either civilian layoffs, or vacant posts that had been filled by civilians or sworn officers. The officer posts were vacant due to attrition through retirements or resignations, he said.

The total of sworn officers who would be cut now stands at 81 due to a retirement. That would leave 620 full-time officers – of 701 currently – working for the department. The department currently employs 318 civilians. The cuts would leave 250.

In addition, 17 vacant slots would be eliminated under the current budget plan, Leong said.

If that happens, the department won't have the investigation units or number of officers needed to keep Sacramento streets safe, Tyndale said.

"It is going to destroy Sacramento," said Tyndale, a detective with the sexual assault investigations unit who has served with the department 23 years. "It will completely devastate us – the department and the community."

However, 35 officers could be immediately rehired if the department wins a waiver on a federal grant that would provide funding to restore those positions. Police officials don't know when the exemption might be granted, Leong said.

A union representing 1,400 other city employees has been calling for "balance and equity" in layoffs among all city employee groups in order to balance the budget. At Tuesday night's council meeting, a business representative from Stationary Engineers Local 39 described claims about the impact of public safety cuts as "civil terrorism."

"The city can no longer afford to spare any group during this economic crisis," Local 39 official Linda Norman told the council. "I am also speaking out against the city's public safety unions' recent campaign of what I will call 'civil terrorism.'

“Through the use of media announcements, door hangers and lawn signs, these public servants are perpetrating a negative, harmful and divisive atmosphere, saying any reduction of public safety funding will leave our citizens vulnerable and unprotected from increased crime," she said.

SPOA President Brent Meyer later described those comments as unprofessional.

The units that would remain include patrol, crime scene investigation, front counter assistance/security, K-9, helicopter and the criminal apprehension team, as well as the other investigation units mentioned previously. The department's number of detectives would drop from 104 to 71 because some investigators will return to patrol, Leong said.

The crime scene investigation unit, currently staffed entirely by civilians, would be filled only by sworn officers as of July 1.

The department's two full-time SWAT teams, which do a lot of specialized training and assist with investigations and arresting criminals, would become part-time. Cuts would mean they will work on patrol when not doing entries or training.

There will be some cost-savings from laying off administrative clerks or other civilians tied to the units that would be eliminated. However, the units aren't being eliminated to save money. They're being eliminated because there won't be enough people left to fill them once officers are transferred to operational services such as patrol, Leong said.

As a result, officers will be responsible for handling so many cases they won't be able to do as much proactive crime-fighting. And that will lead to a loss of expertise in such areas as narcotics and gang crime over time, he said.

Braziel has been meeting for months with his executive command staff, made up of deputy chiefs and captains, to determine how to reorganize the department if the council approved major police layoffs to help balance the budget.

The chief said he's especially concerned because of the cumulative impact that may result if there are budget-induced layoffs in Sacramento County law enforcement agencies, in addition to an expected upcoming prisoner release, loss of social services and lack of jobs for prisoners.

The layoffs aren't spread out more evenly throughout the department because they must be made based on seniority. The majority of patrol officers are the newest members of the squad.

The announcement the units would be eliminated is not a negotiating tactic to get concessions from the union or City Council, according to Braziel and Leong.

"The police department has followed the direction of council who on Tuesday made it clear their intent is to move forward with the budget cuts, and there is nothing to indicate any foreseeable changes to the budget," Braziel said in an emailed statement.

Sacramento Press staff reporter Kathleen Haley contributed to this report. Suzanne Hurt is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @SuzanneHurt.

McCarty reflects on tough budget choices

2011-06-09T01:13:18Z

In an unparalleled move, the Sacramento City Council voted Tuesday night to move forward with cuts that will drastically change the scope of its public safety departments. Eighty sworn officers are on the chopping block, and there is a plan to brownout four fire stations on a rotating basis.

“I said in January there would be a day of reckoning,” Councilmember Kevin McCarty told the packed council chambers. “Today is that day.”

After the council meeting, I spoke briefly with McCarty to get his thoughts on the night’s historic events.

Isaac Gonzalez: You didn’t agree with Councilmember Cohn’s idea to add ask for concessions from the Police and Fire Departments and to match those amounts with one-time funding. (1)

Kevin McCarty: I agree we should try to put more money in, but taking it from our reserve just put us in a precarious financial situation, and it wasn’t the most prudent thing to do. But I do hope that we can use the fire and police’s concessions to buy down some of their effects.

Fire, I said earlier, they have a lot of stuff on the table. (A) measure by (State Assemblyman) Dr. Pan could bring in $1 or $2 million by mid-year. Right now they have two brownouts. We’re proposing to go to four. For fire, for example, each brownout is 1.4 million, so 3 and a half (million) would cover two brownouts. So if they do a concession, let’s say, of $1.5 million, and we get a million and half from this measure, we could go back to two within a year. So there’s a path to get there, with those revenues. But the answer to the question, I just didn’t think it’s the prudent thing to do.

IG: With the $4 million reserve currently, that would only cover two weeks of payroll. That’s a very slim margin.

KM: That’s a 4 percent reserve. It’s dangerously low.

IG: And with the city’s practice of borrowing money and lending it every night…(2)

KM: You can go back and ask our treasurer. He did a report three or four weeks ago how it just puts us in a difficult, very tough position.

IG: Tonight you talked about keeping the city swimming pools open this year but maybe not for next year.

KM: I think that we decided that we would have a commitment to do it. We don’t have to deal with that problem today. Bottom line, I think the council is committed to keeping the keeping the pools open, but the decision was [not?] necessary to make, not today. The pools are tricky in the summer, the middle of the budget year. We have enough money from last year’s budget to keep the pools open this year.

IG: A lot of passionate people here tonight, a very passionate debate. It must be hard to see people whose responsibility it is to protect the city to ask for council not to cut to the bone.

KM: Well, the math really speaks for itself. There’s only so much you can do. When you spend, for example, on public safety — as much as it pains me to make these tough cuts, public safety makes up as much as 85 percent of our general fund. You can’t bridge a $39 million gap by not taking a look at that 85 percent. It’s very difficult and painful, but I think the math speaks for itself.

IG: I think in past years council has dipped into the one-time funds and also eliminated vacant positions, and now that we’re past that…

KM: We’ve essentially cut to the bone and now all there was is amputations. That’s what we had to do. Some people say that we need to make sure public safety is our top priority. I would argue that they are. They’ve become even more of a priority. In 2008 public safety received 73 percent of the budget. Now they receive 85 percent of the budget, so they’ve actually gone up in that direction.

IG: Thank you, Councilmember.

KM: OK, thank you.

(1) Cohn proposed enticing the Police and Fire Departments to make labor concessions by offering additional budget funding in match amounts, up to $2.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively. The motion was rejected by the council.

(2) An example of how the city invests and borrows money on the long and short term can be found here: http://www.cityofsacramento.org/treasurer/Investment/Monthly%20Investment%20Report_April2011.pdf

Sacramento Police Prepare for Extreme Budget Cuts

2011-06-08T18:17:03Z

With the City Council decision to cut $12.2 million dollars from the Police Department’s budget we now prepare to transform the way we police in Sacramento.

The impact of four years of police budget reductions has resulted in $35 million dollars in cuts and a lost 372 positions which includes over 180 sworn. This year alone, we will lose 164 positions (82 sworn, 68 civilians, and 14 vacant sworn). The dollars cut to the police budget translate into service reductions to include the following:

Elimination- Narcotics Unit
Elimination- Gang Unit
Elimination- Traffic Teams
Elimination- Problem Oriented Policing Teams
Elimination- Magnet School Program
Elimination- Community Service Officers
Elimination- Bike Unit
Elimination- Mounted Unit
Elimination- Marine Unit
Elimination- Foot Beat Officers
Elimination- High-Tech Crimes Unit
Elimination- Auto Theft Investigations Unit
Elimination- Parolee Intervention Team
Transformation- SWAT to part time teams
Transformation- Crime Scene Investigators to sworn officers

In the next three weeks, the Department will be shifting the way we police to primarily handle emergency calls and investigate major crimes. More details on what the service impacts means for the community will be forthcoming in the next few weeks. “Although we will no longer be able to provide the level of service, we are committed to continuing to provide quality service when we do respond” said Chief Rick Braziel.

Agency seeks unknown victims entitled to restitution

2011-06-08T07:41:17Z

Nestled within the labyrinth of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is the Office of Victim & Survivor Rights and Services, whose mission is to make victims whole by awarding financial restitution through efforts in locating victim information.

CDCR collects more than $1.7 million in restitution every month for victims of crime throughout the state. However, when courts order CDCR to collect victim restitution, they do not always provide them with the victim’s address or phone number.

This has left the Office of Victim & Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) with nearly $12 million sitting in a fund waiting to be disbursed to unknown victims.

“A good amount of what we collect, we can’t disburse,” said Terry Boehme, OVSRS adult restitution services manager.

“Only about 50 percent gets disbursed, (and) the rest waits,” Boehme said.

For Sacramento County alone, Boehme noted, that amounts to more than $500,000 of unclaimed restitution money waiting to be disbursed to at least a total of 1,794 victims. More than 650 of those victims are entitled to anywhere from $1,000 to $8,000 each.

As part of OVSRS, the Unknown Victims Unit works with district attorneys, county probation offices and other state institutions to find necessary contact information so they can disburse collections to intended victims.

“Many victims either forget or don’t know that they were awarded money for their loss,” said Michael Rogowski, restitution services liaison for the Unknown Victims Unit.

Rogowski also noted that victims don’t often realize the scope of losses eligible for restitution.

“(Losses) might be for medical care, counseling, income and loss of support or wages, funeral and burial, and other crime-related costs, and sometimes attorney reimbursements,” Rogowski said.

Initially, restitution payments are collected from incarcerated offenders by garnishing wages earned in prison or funds deposited into prisoners’ accounts. As of 2010, CDCR also began collecting victim restitution from offenders through the California Franchise Tax Board as a lifetime debt, even after the offenders are released from parole.

“Restitution orders never expire, and they can’t be discharged through bankruptcy,” Rogowski said. “They remain enforceable until they are paid in full.”

For the analysts and liaisons at OVSRS, helping victims receive the restitution they are entitled to is very satisfying work.

“It is the most rewarding job,” said Meg Webber, a restitution services liaison with the OVSRS Unknown Victims Unit. “We’re helping people who’ve been through so much. It’s really worthwhile.”

Joanne Garcia, restitution analyst, agreed.

Garcia spent a large part of her career with the Department of Corrections working directly with inmates in prisons. Now that she’s moved to the Office of Victim Services, she has a different perspective.

“Working with offenders, you are insulated enough from the pain (of the victims) to be numb to the emotion,” Garcia said. “Here (at OVSRS), you’re talking to them and hearing their story. I definitely have a better appreciation for victims now.”

Through OVSRS, victims get notification of offender release, input into conditions of parole and escort to parole board hearings. The office takes more than 1,000 calls per week from victims who seek and receive information about offenders and services.

OVSRS is composed of a staff of 35 to serve the entire state, and just five staff members make up the Unknown Victims Unit. OVSRS staff and operations are funded solely by restitution fees collected, not from the state’s general fund.

If you have been a victim of a crime and ordered restitution by the courts, and the offender has been sentenced to state prison, OVSRS can help. Call toll-free, (877) 256-6877, or visit the OVSRS website for information about available services and resources.

Read about California restitution laws here.

Get information about the California Victims Compensation Fund here.

Find out how the Attorney General’s Victim Services unit can help here.

The Untold Stories

2011-06-02T16:04:54Z

Nowadays we hear about pensions, budgets, layoffs, rising crime rates, and many other negative stories, but in police work there are many untold positive stories.

A few months ago, a Sacramento Police Department dispatcher answered a routine call from a man asking for assistance to find shelter for him, his wife and two-year-old child for the night. The family had been traveling from Washington state on their way home to Reno, Nevada, but had run out of money for gas and shelter due to unexpected car repairs near the end of their trip. The dispatcher tried assisting the caller by contacting numerous shelters, but could not find housing. Feeling concern for the family, the dispatcher and her co-workers pulled together some money for the child so that the family could get a room for the night and fill their gas tank to make it home the next day, as well as some snacks and a rubber ducky for the child.

The actions of this dispatcher are an example of many untold stories members of the Sacramento Police Department helping those in need. “We are sometimes people’s last resort,” said the dispatcher. The reason why this story is being shared months after it occurred and why many other similar stories like this are never told is because members of this department help those in need day in and day out, never ask for recognition for their actions.

Ask Officer Michelle - Detectives Asking Questions on the Phone

2011-05-29T19:46:57Z

Posted by Travis

Can a detective interrogate a person over the phone WHO has no part in a crime? And when that person ask’s the detective for his/her department info/badge number, he/she refuses to give it?

Dear Travis,

The answer is yes, and it is perfectly legal because the person detectives are speaking to can hang up at any time. This is not really an interrogation. They aren’t being detained in any way and they aren’t required to answer any questions. Detectives routinely speak to people that are involved in an investigation over the telephone. They needn’t give Miranda warnings when doing so and can ask questions about a crime they may be involved in. Additionally, they may ask questions of others as well. For example, an officer can speak to a roommate of an accused theft subject as a witness or to glean information about the suspect or the crime involved. I don’t know why the investigator didn’t give you his/her name or department information. It is not required, but it is common courtesy. The investigator probably would have received more cooperation had they made you feel more comfortable. I hope you have a better understanding on this topic.

Officer Michelle

Carwash: Another step to help kids

2011-05-28T18:53:09Z

Published: Saturday / May 28, 2011 / By: Henry Harry

In the heart of Oak Park, last Sunday, another step in the fight to help kids took place. Players and coaches for the “Pirates,” a team in the Oak Park Little League (OPLL), held a car wash to raise money. Now halfway through the season, Oak Park Little League president, Robert Allen, was on hand at the event supervising kids as they eagerly lathered, washed and rinsed customers’ cars.

As we talked, Allen displayed two personas: one beamed with pride in his kids and coaches; the other worried over the struggle to keep the league moving forward in tough financial times. With area residents earning less income than others, Allen explained what he and his board are up against. “We charge lower fees than other leagues because our parents need the break; and we don’t turn away kids who come up short on funds. That leaves me and my board coming out of pocket to cover some costs,” Allen said.

Yolanda Torres, a woman with a strong demeanor and warm smile, is the league’s Snack Bar Coordinator. Keeping a watchful eye on the kids, she shared that she has been with the league for three years. Her pride was evident as she talked about her son, Andrew, who is one of the coaches for the Pirates.

“I was born in Oak Park. People need to give back! That is what this is about. These kids need help and our league keeps them off the streets. Many of these kids come from broken homes - they are in need - and this helps,” Yolanda said.

President Allen detailed some of the financial challenges O.P.L.L. face: $1200 for the league’s parent organization; $100 - 150 per team that advances through the tournament process and other miscellaneous expenses.

Many businesses were solicited in the area, but only three, Fruitridge Printing (Stockton Blvd. @ 8TH Ave.), Metro PCS (M.L.K. @ 9TH Ave.) and Capitol Tarpaulin Co. (Stockton Blvd. @ 14TH Ave.), provided donations to the league. Allen’s labor union, SEIU, also donated to the league.

To help this worthy cause, make donations to:

Oak Park Little League
P.O. Box 5202
Sacramento, CA 95817

The next O.P.L.L. carwash/barbeque is scheduled for 11:00 pm on June 5TH at Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. @ Broadway.

Ask Officer Michelle - Citizen Helps Elderly Mom-in-Law with Solicitors

2011-05-22T22:02:18Z

Posted by strandednturlock

my mother-in-law, recently widowed, is having to deal with people she does not know coming to her door, as early as 6:30 a.m. she’s 80 years old and this is freaking her out. is there some way to request extra patrols? She lives on Wakefield Way in South Sac, not a great neighborhood, zip 95822. she’s not answering the door but this has happened 3 or 4 times and we fear she is being targeted. she has a good alarm system. if someone could reply to me with any advice for her, i would appreciate it. thanks, debra

Dear strandednturlock,

It sounds like your mother-in-law is going through a lot right now. The best thing you can do is to look in on her regularly. If she knows and trusts her neighbors, you may want to speak with them as well about checking in on her.

The elderly are often easier targets for scammers because they know of the trusting nature of the people of that era, and the fact that the elderly are often isolated. There was one recent scam whereby a man claimed that he was with the water or sewer company. This man would go to an elderly person’s house with his partner and start talking to the resident. His partner would then go to the back of the home and enter quickly taking valuables and money that were in quick reach. By the time the resident noticed that belongings were missing, the scammers were long gone.

Put your mother on the “no call” list for telemarketers. This will cut down on the solicitor calls. Also stress to her that she should never give personal information over the telephone, unless she initiates the call. If they come to her door, she needn’t answer it. Help her post a “no solicitors” sign by the front door.

Talk to your mother-in-law about this. Tell her that nothing is for free, and if someone makes her an offer where she needs to give up-front money for something, that it is most likely a scam.

The fact that she has an alarm is a good early warning system. Dogs are also good deterrents and companions. If she is open to the idea you may want to look into it. I hope I’ve been able to help you.

Take care,

Officer Michelle

Violence and bottles break at downtown Parlare Euro Lounge

2011-05-22T01:01:00Z

Sacramento, CA | Fists and bottles fly early Saturday morning at Parlare Euro Lounge, leaving one person in serious condition.

Just around midnight Saturday, a fight started at the Parlare Euro Lounge on the corner of 10th and J Streets in downtown Sacramento.

“The fight spilled out from the club into the street. One of the security guards was hit in the head with a bottle, subsequently fought with the original suspect who in turn, turned and fought with another suspect who was also hit with a bottle,” Sargent Wendy Brown, Sacramento Police Department stated.

Later the area was deemed a tapped off crime scene with CSI collecting evidence and photos as one of the injured person’s condition worsened. Per Sargent Norm Leong, Sacramento Police Department’s Public Information Officer, the subject is now listed in serious condition.

Vist the scene via raw footage and hear from Sargent Brown about the incident>>

See what we're up to at Maverick Photography

Visit us for Sacramento Action news
colaborating with Sacramento Press

Capitol Garage shooting

2011-05-21T23:52:00Z

Sacramento, CA | Friends were saying good-bye for the evening downtown when shots rang out and two people were injured.

As friends were enjoying the wonderful evening air outside Capitol Garage early Saturday morning and getting ready to part ways, a black male wearing a hoody walked by and shot into the crowed, per Sargent Wendy Brown of the Sacramento Police Department.

Brown stated that two women were struck by the shooters bullets. One sustained a significant gunshot wound to the leg while the other woman was grazed in the leg. They were transported to the hospital via paramedics.

“We are assuming the women were not the intended targets. There were no problems going on at the club,” Brown stated.

Officers discovered one slug that had lodged in the trunk of a tree.

The shooter remains at large on got away in a maroon, four door Dodge Intrepid with chrome rims.

Hear from Sargent Brown and visit the scene [video]

Visit us at Maverick Photography

Your Sacramento Action News Source working in collaboration with Sacramento Press

Ask Officer Michelle - Noisy Generator Leaves Neighbors Sleepless

2011-05-15T14:51:07Z

Posted by DF1955

I have a neighbor behind my home who has started running some kind of generator in his backyard at night. This machine is approximately 30 feet from my home’s bedroom windows. It is loud enough that it can be heard plainly when windows are closed and it disrupts my family’s sleep. As we have had difficulty in the past with this neighbor (loud music at night) it is not an option to ask him to stop running this machine. Quite frankly, the back and front yards are a disaster and the pit bull rushing the fence when we are in our backyard tends to squash any thought of speaking to him face to face. We called the Police at approximately 10:30 p.m. the first night this started and after 3 calls (the last at approximately 11:30 p.m.) we had the Police come to our home so they could listen from our backyard. They said they would speak to the neighbor and find out what the noise was caused by. The machine continued to run all night long, so I have no idea what was discovered or done. The next night the machine did not run, but the night after that it ran again all night long.

When we received no assistance through the Police we sent an email to the 311 contact with the City of Sacramento. The response? To call the Police. This after we stated that we had tried that avenue.

Are we simply going to have to learn to live with this night time noise? Is that really our only option? Is it unreasonable to expect that loud noise cease after 10 p.m. and not start until after 7 a.m.?

We are frustrated with this situation and wish to solve the problem. I would appreciate any suggestion you might offer.

Thank you.

Dear DF1955,

You gave already taken the proper steps. It sounds like your neighbor may be stealing power or needing to generate their own. If they already have electricity, then they shouldn’t have to run a generator….all night long. I know that during these harder economic times that there are a lot of people who haven’t been paying their bill. It is a requirement to have electricity if there are children in the household. They may be running the generator all night to keep a refrigerator going. Nonetheless, there is the noise ordinance that they are violating. Call the police again. Let the dispatcher know that this is an ongoing problem even after we came out, and that the noise is annoying you and your family. I don’t know what the police did the first time they contacted the resident, but usually, the police give an initial written warning. The second time they are dispatched for the noise complaint, the complainant can be fined.

If your neighbor is renting the residence and has a landlord, call them and let them know what is going on. I know how loud generators are, and you shouldn’t have to live with the noise. Keep me posted.

Officer Michelle

Opinion: Open letter to Midtown Business Association, Mayor Johnson, City Council Members and the General Public

2011-05-10T19:15:35Z

Introduction/Background: The purpose of the following open letter is to outline quality of life problems that many residential neighbors now face from over concentration of alcohol "entertainment" establishments in Midtown whether related to Second Saturday or other weekends as well. The article also includes recommended solutions to these problems but so far Midtown Business Association and city leaders have largely ignored them.

This letter was written cooperatively by long-time Midtown residents, Bill Burgua, Karen Jacques, Dale Kooyman and Vito Sgromo, all of whom have successfully worked for years with many other residents to create a vibrant residential and business Midtown, which has existed now for many years as evidenced by its popularity and people buying homes and moving to Midtown throughout those years.

Over those same years, the authors have lived close to the center of this growing unplanned "entertainment district" so are especially sensitive to the negative fallout due to too much alcohol related misbehavior. They warmly welcome new ways to enhance Midtown's vitality but recognize that there must be a balance. These historic neighborhoods, which now house many children, a mix of residents' ages, ethnic groups and incomes, remain fragile and concerns raised about quality of life issues must be respected if both businesses and residents are to maintain a healthy coexistence in the future.

None of the various media have reported with any depth the adverse consequences that residents' endure or reported to their readers/viewers recommended solutions that we have proposed many times over the past years. Instead, reporters paint a picture of a small number of intolerant, narrow minded residents who are anti-Second Saturday, anti-entertainment, anti-youth, anti-business, anti-restaurant, anti-special events, anti-vibrant Midtown, etc. Nothing could be further from the truth!

The real truth is that the key guideline for our decisions and advocacy follows the long successful urban planning principle of "healthy residential neighborhoods must be fundamental to supporting healthy business districts." We respect and support our neighboring business and we expect nothing less of them by adhering to the same underlying principle when promoting our total community. Unfortunately, this seems to have been lost in the alcohol sales hype, which focuses too narrowly on alcohol consumption as the primary draw for “revitalization.”

Open letter to Midtown Business Association, Mayor Johnson, City Council Members and the General Public

As we begin to plan for the summer city events, Second Saturday and now have a recess period in the RHI/HZA Process, residents are waiting for MBA and city officials to respond to their need to be protected from the adverse effects of the over concentration of alcohol businesses (bars, clubs and restaurants, which function like clubs and bars after 10:00 p.m.) on J Street and other areas of Midtown where there are high concentrations of alcohol venues. We have submitted proposed solutions, had meetings with our councilman, city staff and MBA but the presentation at the NAG meeting Monday night, March 23, still produced nothing new, substantial or significant from MBA or city officials on the following issues and recommendations:

1) Parking - The city and MBA publicly announced that such venues are responsible for bringing over 22,000 people into Midtown every week. Recently, MBA stated that 60% of these visitors are local. What is MBA's definition of local? How many visitors are driving to Midtown? For us that is the distinction between local and non-local. Because our streets are so walkable and the alcohol venues are so closely concentrated together, the real question is how many patrons WALK to the weekend and Second Saturday events?

MBA has stated that it does not have sufficient parking to accommodate the group of visitors who drive. Consequently, these visitors use our residential neighborhood streets as a free parking lot. When parking is spread out into the various neighborhoods as it is now, it also scatters law enforcement staff and increases Police Department costs and complicates coordination, including DUI enforcement.

2) Crime and vandalism - That an over concentration of alcohol retail businesses causes crime and vandalism is now an accepted national standard used in all city planning and alcohol crime issues. The unplanned over concentration of alcohol retail businesses, which has been allowed to develop in Midtown has attracted crime and vandalism. These unfortunate results are consistent with findings of studies conducted by several other cities, and we have submitted copies these reports to MBA and the city.

The Alcohol Beverage Control has established that Midtown has an over concentration of alcohol businesses. Since it is now an established fact that finding enough parking spaces is a problem for many of the over 22,000 visitors attracted to Midtown, it then follows that these visitors who are parking in our neighborhoods also become targets of crime as well as bringing crime, littering, noise, vandalism and air pollution with them--all of which creates an unhealthy environment for our children as well as adults.

Contrary to some people’s misperception, many children now live in Midtown and more families are moving in. Attracting mixed ages and families to our neighborhoods is one of the goals we have strived for and have been seeing those efforts succeed for some years. It is not healthy for a residential or business neighborhood to see this trend reversed.

3) Profile Visitor Age Group - The type of alcohol businesses, special events and entertainment, which Midtown Businesses promotes have primarily targeted young people in their teens, 20's and early 30’s. This has created a “party atmosphere” where these groups of youth feel they can continue engaging in their related ”party” activities on the way to their cars parked in our residential neighborhoods. Residents must then bear the reality of repeated disruptive alcohol-related misbehavior such as shouting, screaming, noisy arguments, fights, vandalizing property and vegetation, using park strips or lawns as toilets and discarding beer bottles/cans or other litter.

While we are not suggesting that all misbehavior is deliberate or that all visitors engage in such misbehavior, it is a known fact that over-consumption of alcohol alters or impairs thinking, behavior, coordination and reaction time, resulting in unintended consequences. This is most demonstrable in DUI arrests. We agree with Bill Burgua who eloquently explained at the March 21, NAG, that he has heard nothing since the fatal shooting to address those adverse quality of life impacts.

4) Air and Noise Pollution - Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District has stated that due to MBA's attraction of over 22,000 visitors weekly to Midtown who have a problem finding parking and therefore repeatedly circle around our residences looking for parking, Midtown residential neighborhoods now have the highest concentration of auto pollution in Sacramento.

Noise pollution has also created a big problem--particularly for our early-to-bed children when special outdoor musical events are held and clubs open their doors or windows and play on their patios. It is not assuring that the Entertainment Permit Fact Sheet handed out at the NAG contains only weak generic boilerplate verbiage as to noise, which was never enforced before in our neighborhood and looks very likely that it will not be again.

These facts point out that even though MBA and city staff may feel that they are doing what they can to mend the problems with the nearby residents, they still have a great deal of work to stop these negative impacts.

Recommendations:

1. Parking – MBA and city officials should work with residents to restrict parking in the nearby residential neighborhoods to residential preferential parking on weekend days and evenings just as is done when there are special events. Also work with city and state officials to implement a more comprehensive local transit system. Sutter and Mercy Hospitals have created a local transit system that can be the basis of a more extensive local transit system. Work also with the local private parking lots to open their parking spaces to visitor parking. These efforts combined with parking restriction in residential neighborhoods would greatly reduce the negative impacts from MBA’s alcohol businesses’ customer misbehavior.

2. Crime and vandalism - Expand the area that the City Police Entertainment Team, Lavender Angels and Sutter Angels patrol to include the nearby residential neighborhoods. Extend the area of MBA’s graffiti abatement and trash pickup services covers to include the nearby residential neighborhoods. These extensions could eventually be eliminated once the parking restrictions are in place. Finally, limit, as other cities have done, the number of alcohol licenses in the MBA district. A self imposed limit will not only reduce crime but will encourage a more diverse retail base by attracting other types of businesses and customers.

As to costs for the above, officials and MBA should not forget that we as taxpayers also pay annually a significant amount into MBA’s PBid as shown following:

Park-(Marshall) $11,434.50
2 Parcels that make up Sutter's Fort @ 13,904.35 ea = $27,808.70
City Property that RT leases $6,476.50
City Utility Parcel $823.28

By the way we as taxpayers also pay for much of the police who patrol the bars on J Street. These taxpayer contributions entitle the public to some kind of return. Our recommendations lay out possible returns.

3. Profile Visitor Age Groups - Offer Second Saturday events and activities starting at noon or 1:00 p.m., as was very successfully done some years ago, and closing at 6:00 p.m. or 7:00p.m. These hours enable far more people to participate and will benefit day-operating business in the PBID as well. Day hours will attract the now excluded broader base age group which includes our and visiting families, teenagers and seniors many of whom could walk or use public transit. This will create a balance and a more diverse visitor profile that will not only profit the other non-alcohol businesses in Midtown but lessen police costs.

4. Air and Noise Pollution – How you address the parking issues listed above in the recommendations would eliminate this negative health impact caused by autos. Noise pollution must be addressed not by a consultant hired by MBA but by city staff working together with businesses and residents to create a fair and impartial updated noise ordinance. As for the acoustic consultant, hiring him by MBA is a conflict of interest. City codes are unclear and conflicting because they do not take into account health and other quality of life issues.

Finally, there are those who claim that adopting these recommendations is unnecessary because these adverse factors are an unavoidable part of “urban” living and that we residents must accept and adapt. That claim is without merit because many of us who live and bought in Midtown have lived or have friends/relatives who live in other “urban” centers where such factors are controlled. Those municipalities value highly the residents who live there and their contributions to their cities and adjacent business districts so take appropriate measures to ensure both continue to be healthy.

There are also those who have callously advised us that “if you don’t like it move!” In fact, some who found buyers have moved, and some are planning to do likewise if conditions don’t improve and the economy/real estate market gets better. There are others who are looking for homes that are located farther from this troubled zone. Still others have invested their life’s savings in their homes here and cannot afford to move elsewhere.

However, the major drawback to that advice is that avoiding problems has never solved problems. The adverse conditions causing the problems remain. Then what and who replace those caring and conscientious individuals who have been seeking solutions but finally move from enduring too much aggravation and frustration are usually those who don’t care. Residents or “investors” not caring about surroundings and related quality of life has long been known to be the first step to a declining neighborhood, which then heads toward eventual costly government Redevelopment —both business and residential.

Please be advised that our main goal has long been and is still not only to protect the residential neighborhoods but to reunite the residents with the businesses to build a great healthy community as we were successfully doing before the alcohol interests took over. As we have all said before, please do not let the tremendous amount of time we have volunteered and city staff have invested in the RHI/HZA process be wasted. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to finally create a unified community of businesses, residents and schools to make Midtown a great place to work, visit and LIVE!

MBA, city council and city staff: again we ask please let us know how you plan to address these issues and which recommendations you plan to adopt.

Editor's note: This article was temporarily removed and reposted again. All reposted articles appear at the top of the story feed.

Ask Officer Michelle - Landlord Faces Code Violations

2011-05-08T18:51:22Z

Posted by worried

Is there a law that requires an apartment to fix broken “security” doors? It’s senior low income tax credit property downtown. Also are they required to keep track of pass card numbers so they can deactivate them if they are lost or stolen? Our “security” pass card system has been broken for over a week and they haven’t fixed it yet and the manager doesn’t seem to care.

Dear worried,

There certainly are code violations. My suggestion is for you to contact our city Code Enforcement Division. You can call 311 and you will be transferred directly to a representative. There really aren’t any criminal elements to what you are describing, but Code Enforcement will cite the landlord or property owners if the building isn’t within code guidelines. The Code Enforcement has a website that you can go to as well for frequently asked questions. You can get there by going to www.cityofsacramento.org/code/

Thank you for your post.

Officer Michelle

Annual Law Enforcement Candlelight Vigil

2011-05-03T00:41:28Z

Sacramento, CA | Sunday night at the California Peace Officers’ Memorial, located at 10th Street and Capitol Mall across from the Capitol, a candlelight vigil was held to honor the memory of fallen Peace Officers, and to add 11 more names to the honor roll.

Peace Officers from around the State and as far as San Diego made the trip not to only pay tribute to those fallen Officers, but to help keep the memories fresh in citizens’ minds, so that these great sacrifices will not be forgotten.

There was an overflow crowd at the event, which not only included fellow Peace Officers and their families, the families of the fallen, but the general public that wanted to pay their respect to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for others.

After the ceremony, many could be seen walking around the memorial to find names of their loved ones, their former colleagues, or that officer that touched their lives.

One such person, who wished to reamain anonymous, found the name of a fallen officer that meant everything to him and his family, as he shed a few tears. “He gave his life protecting me and my neighbors”

Article/Photos: Rusty Kleine, MaverickPhotography.us
Photos: Kati Garner, Maverickphotography.us

MaverickPhotography.us and SacMav.com work in cooperation and collaboration with the Sacramento Press and are the designated photographers for the California Automobile Musem and Just For Corvettes.

visit for general and event photography>>

visit for dynamic action news>>

City program targets problem buildings, slumlords

2011-04-27T00:45:45Z

When buildings become slums and havens for gangs, prostitution and drug use, a little-known city program can force landowners to clean them up or – in extreme cases – be evicted.

The Justice for Neighbors program began in 2006 and allows multiple departments – including police, code enforcement, the city attorney’s office and park rangers – to focus their efforts on some of the worst slumlords and dangerous properties in the city, resolving an average of 17 cases per year.

“Essentially, it’s a public and social nuisance (enforcement) team,” said Gustavo Martinez, supervising deputy city attorney. “We meet every month and evaluate the worst security issues.”

Property owners are required to bring their buildings into compliance and stop criminal activity on the sites, or else they can face prosecution and jail time.

Safety issues are also tackled by the program when property owners refuse to comply with city codes and ordinances.

The program went into effect in 2006 to streamline city services and cut down on the time it was taking to solve the problems, Martinez said. Many times, police and code enforcement officers were working on the same property for different reasons, and the Justice for Neighbors program ensures there are no duplicate efforts – and similarly, no duplicate expenses.

Police Sgt. Matt Young, who is a leader of the south area’s Problem Oriented Policing (POP) unit, said that involving the city attorney’s office when a situation requires it now takes less time than it did previously.

“It used to take six to eight months, and now it only takes two or three,” he said, adding that officers no longer have to repeatedly go to some of the worst places in the city before the problems are addressed.

“It’s been a very effective program,” he said.

One of the program’s success stories is the property at 3132 Third Ave. – a 16-unit apartment complex.

The Justice For Neighbors program started work on it in 2007 due to numerous problems including prostitution, drug sales, sexual assaults and a large number of neighborhood complaints, according to a presentation given to the City Council April 12.

Police were called to the property 90 times in two years, and the property continued to deteriorate, with many of the units lacking running water and electricity.

The property owner was jailed for 30 days, but when problems persisted, the court ordered a receiver to take over the property, and it was sold last June. With its sale, the city was able to recoup $66,000 in attorney’s fees and enforcement costs, according to the presentation.

By February, it was refurbished.

“Now, developers are renting out beautiful units,” Martinez said.

Approximately $500,000 has been awarded to the city through the courts, of which about $120,000 has been collected, Martinez said, adding that some properties, like the on at 3132 Third Ave., have fees attached to them that the city will recoup if they are sold.

A more recent aspect of the program is the ability to order evictions based on certain felony crimes involving guns or drugs.

According to Martinez, Sacramento joins four other cities – Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland and San Diego – in being able to evict tenants for felony gun violations, and five other cities – the same as gun crimes, but with the addition of Palmdale – in being able to evict for felony drug activity.

That authority was granted by the California Legislature as a pilot program in 2009 for guns and 2010 for drugs, and it will expire in 2014 unless extended, Martinez said.

Only a small number of gun evictions have been served, and it is designed to combat gang activity, Young said.

“We recently had one where a gang member had a sawed-off shotgun and was living across from a school,” he said.

Last year, 33 evictions were served for drug violations, and four for gun violations, he added.

Martinez pointed out that the evictions are used sparingly and typically only when landlords or property owners have “had their heads in the sand” and not responded to previous requests to stop illegal activity.

The evictions are in line with a city ordinance that says property owners are responsible for controlling criminal activity on their property, be it a residence they live in or one they rent out, Martinez added.

No special funding is set aside for the program, as it is included in the daily activities of each of the departments involved in it.

Money collected through court orders is slated exclusively for enforcement and is used for things such as purchasing new equipment for police, Martinez said.

“I think it’s a great program,” Young said. “It really streamlines the process.”

Residents aren’t able to call in complaints to the program itself, Young and Martinez said. If there are complaints, they should still call the applicable department – including police and code enforcement – and the monthly meetings held by the program participants determine which properties are the worst based on number of complaints and calls for service.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @brandon_darnell.

Ask Officer Michelle - How to Have a Party and Keep Neighbors Happy

2011-04-24T18:04:15Z

Posted by Baldy286

Hello Officer Michelle,

I need your help!

I’d like to seek your recommendations/suggestions on the planning of a private party we’ll be hosting at our residence in May 2011. The party will be a 40th birthday party, meaning alcohol will be present, but no children will be present. Also, live music will be our entaininment, however, not after 10pm. We do have a very large backyard and some of the houses surrounding our home is vacant. I really want to be pro-active with preparing of our neighbors and to avoid the possiblity of involving law enforcement because of noise. The thoughts I’ve concluded is possibly passing out a flyer, informing our neighbor’s of a possible annoyance and to please contact us to avoid any confrontation. Please, feel free to contact me for additional information or clarifiy questions.

Thank you in advance for your efforts to help!

Dear Baldy286,

Sounds like fun! As long as you don’t violate the noise ordinance, you should be fine. The only things I though of were to make sure that your guests don’t block neighbors’ driveways when they park. If there are private CCRs attached to your neighborhood, you would have to abide by them although the Police Department has nothing to do with enforcing them.

You sound like you are very respectful of your neighbors. Letting them know ahead of time will alleviate a lot of problems.

The noise complaint calls that I have been on in the past usually involved drunken people with inappropriate behavior. Not a civilized celebration. Have fun and don’t let your guests leave after having too much to drink.

Officer Michelle

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 21st, 2011 at 1:56 pm and is filed under Answers From Officer Michelle. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Stephens Drive Double Fatality Fire Ruled Arson

2011-04-22T16:12:59Z

Sacramento Metro Fire Investigators have concluded that the double fatality fire that occurred at 4061 Stephens Dr. on April 6, 2011 resulting in the deaths of Laura Fernandez, age 38, and her son Wilfred Villarruel, age eight, was an act of Arson. Metro Fire Investigators are working with Sacramento County Sheriff’s investigators and are asking the public for assistance.

April 6, 2011 at 8:03pm, the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District received an alarm for a house fire at 4061 Stephen Drive in North Highlands. The first Engine Company arrived and reported a well involved garage fire with extension into the home.

Fire crews made entry into the home and began attacking the fire. During a search, two victims were removed from the home. Sacramento Metro Firefighter/Paramedics began assessing and treating the victims, both victims were determined to have fatal injuries.

The investigation continues and no additional details will be released.

If you have any information that may assist investigators please call the Arson Tip line at (916) 859-3775. Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522 is offering a Reward of $1000.00. You may be eligible by providing information leading to the arrest and prosecution of person(s) involved. You may also contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP. Crime alert allows for anonymous tips, and a reward of up to $1000.00.

Attorney General addresses gang problem in Sacramento

2011-04-20T05:38:18Z

California Attorney General Kamala Harris stressed the need to treat the gang problem with a community approach using prevention, intervention and enforcement. Harris was the guest speaker at Mayor Kevin Johnson’s gang forum Tuesday night in Meadowview.

“We have to be smart on crime,” Harris said, eschewing the old notion of the only two choices being to be hard or soft on crime.

She likened the gang violence problem to a public health problem like an epidemic: The best way to prevent it is through inoculations and early treatment, but by the time it is being dealt with in the emergency room, it’s too late, and too expensive.

Harris said combating gang violence should be dealt with regionally, a point that Johnson emphasized in his opening remarks.

“Crime and gang violence doesn’t stop at city lines,” Johnson said. “It goes across multiple jurisdictions.”

Johnson said there are 60 gangs and about 6,000 gang members in Sacramento County, and that students in second and third grade are being peer-pressured into joining gangs.

According to Johnson, the city and school districts will be working together, since the schools oversee youths for seven hours per day during the school year.

They will combine efforts through after-school programs, joint use of facilities and a renewed focus on school safety, he said, adding that benchmarks will be set up so progress can be measured.

One area Johnson focused on was the reading level of third graders, a point he brought up at his State of the City address earlier this year.

“If you can read, you’re not going to jail,” Johnson said after mentioning that 70 percent of incarcerated people are illiterate and only 30 percent of Sacramento’s students are reading at their grade level by the time they finish third grade.

Harris agreed, saying there is a “direct connection” between public education and public safety.

Another aspect of gang and criminal behavior Harris talked about was the “revolving door” of the California criminal justice system.

She said the average prison sentence in California is two years, and 70 percent of people released from prison commit crimes again, highlighting the need for education and prevention programs.

One of those programs is the Ceasefire program through the Sacramento Police Department, which works with gang members to get them out of the gang lifestyle. To read more about the program, click here.

During the question-and-answer session following Harris’ remarks, William Boyer, a resident of Colonial Heights in Sacramento, said police are often viewed as a threat when they come into communities with gang activity.

Harris said that to stop the problem of gang violence, police need to work with the community and the schools and elected officials. She added that witnesses to crimes need to come forward and testify, a problem that plagues gang enforcement, as Sacramento Police recently told The Sacramento Press.

Assemblyman Roger Dickinson attended the forum and said afterward that he agreed with Harris’ and Johnson’s remarks about gangs being a problem the whole community needs to work together to solve.

He also said that he wants to see various state violence prevention programs work more closely together and eliminate some of the redundancies so more resources can go to the actual problem instead of the bureaucracy.

Boyer, who was critical of police presence in the community, said he thinks Ceasefire is a very good program and a great start, but he wants to see more done, especially when it comes to funding to fight the problem.

“They show all these rich people on TV, big cars, mansions and beaches, of course these kids want that, but they’re poor,” he said. “They will get rich or die trying. They need to have more opportunities so they can be educated.”

Gregory King, who works with the Always Knocking nonprofit organization, said the Big Homie Street Team is a program through the nonprofit in which volunteers talk to kids on the streets and show them there are other options. Always Knocking is an organization focusing on ending youth and gang violence.

He said he thinks forums like the one Tuesday night are important, and they are having an effect.

“I’ve been coming to these for years, and each time, there are more new faces,” he said. “People are talking, and people are listening. It’s getting the community together, and people are going to react.”

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Ask Officer Michelle - Incident at 9/K Streets

2011-04-17T15:52:29Z

Posted by Frank000064

On 4/5/11 just after 2:30pm when I went into the RiteAid at 9th & K, I was told by a cashier that a customer had just been body slammed into the side of the building and robbed, but no one had been apprehended. Do you know if anyone was caught? I work a couple of blocks from there and myself along with other in my building were concerned about what happened. I checked the various news sites but didn’t see anything about it and did not see anything in your crime log either.

Dear Frank000064,

I know exactly the call you are speaking of. I was dispatched to that call myself. The complainant/victim was contacted at the bus stop at 9th/K Streets by a Hispanic male who asked him if he wanted to buy some marijuana. The victim told the suspect that he wanted to see the marijuana first. When the Hispanic male took three bindles of marijuana out of his pocket to display it to the victim, the victim grabbed the marijuana out of his hand and proceeded to walk toward the Rite-Aid. The Hispanic male caught up to the victim and punched him in the face. The Hispanic male then took off on a bicycle. The complainant said that it was his intention to give the marijuana to the police, and that he took it as evidence. Responding officers checked the area but were unable to locate the Hispanic male. The victim was taken to an area hospital for a precautionary examination. Thank you for your post.

Officer Michelle

DUI driver injures three in Downtown crash

2011-04-17T03:35:58Z

Sacramento, CA | An alleged drunk driver crashed into an occupied taxi cab early Saturday morning in Downtown Sacramento, next to City Hall.

Early Saturday morning, at the intersection of I St. and 10th St., a drunk driver crashed into an occupied taxi cab.

Two people were transported to the hospital in critical condition, a third was transported with minor injures.

Being struck by the alleged DUI driver, the taxi cab careened across the front lawn of City Hall and came to rest on against a light pole and across the sidewalk next to the steps of City Hall.

After being given a field sobriety test and refusing to take an in field breathalyzer test, the driver was arrested for DUI.

See more Downtown action>>

Lavender Angels keep the peace in Midtown when drunk subject gets unruly

2011-04-16T23:35:15Z

Midtown, Sacramento, CA | A drunk and violent male gets chased down, pepper sprayed and apprehended by a Lavender Angel.

Friday night, a drunk subject smashed the back window of a car in the back lot of Hot Rods near 20th St. and K St. in Midtown. Ashley with the Lavender Angels chased, pepper sprayed and apprehended the perp on 22nd St between J st and K st. after the perp took several swings at her and attempted to take her cell phone while she was contacting police.

Sacramento police officers arrived and took the unruly male into custody. While in the back of the police car the subject started kicking and spitting. Officers had to place a hood over his head and strapped him down.

Paramedics responded to flush the subjects eyes after being pepper sprayed.

Visit the scene and hear from Lavender Angel, Ashley>>

Photos/Video- Ryan Petersen, SacMav.com
Photos/Video- Ed Fogle, SacMav.com

Got Drugs?

2011-04-12T23:14:33Z

The Sacramento Police Department is participating in the National Pill Take Back Initiative.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Each day, approximately, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.

In an effort to address this problem, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the United States, will be conducting the second annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The purpose of this National Take Back Day is to provide a venue for persons who want to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs. Last year, the campaign was a huge success in removing potentially dangerous prescription drugs, particularly controlled substances, from our nation’s medicine cabinets. Approximately 3,000 state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the nation participated in the event. At the end of the campaign, the American Public turned in more than 121 tons of pills on the first National Take Back Day.

This is a great opportunity for those who have accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of them, with no questions asked.

Date: Saturday, April 30, 2011.
Time: 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Location: Public Safety Public Safety Center
5700 Freeport Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95822

Ask Officer Michelle - Rear-ended by an Uninsured Motorist

2011-04-10T16:02:15Z

Posted by vetta2d

I was rear ended downtown by a driver who was not insured (his dad had insurance on the vehicle, minimal, 5K for damages which will not cover my damages) had no license (only a DMV ID card) and the registration on the car was expired. An officer came and looked at the driver’s info., called it in and left on another call. Why was this person not punished by the law or arrested….he is totally illegal??

Dear vetta2d,

Wouldn’t you know! What an inconvenience. First off, did the officer provide you with a case number? It would have been a number starting with 11- followed with 5 or 6 other numbers. In the case of vehicle accidents, if the parties aren’t injured, the vehicles don’t require tows, and no obvious violations such as DUI drivers, unlicensed or suspended licensed drivers were present, drivers exchange information with each other and report it to their insurance companies. If there are violations, a report must be taken. The officer could have taken a report. If there is a citation to be issued, the officer usually sends the citation to the driver through the mail once the investigation is complete. This may have been the case here and you wouldn’t have been notified. The driver would then have to go to traffic court to clear the ticket, or to receive punishment for the violation. A failure to make the court date would result in a warrant.

The driver may have had a driver’s license. People sometimes drive without their physical licenses. If the driver did have a valid license, it would be depicted in our computer system. He could be cited at a later time for not driving with a license by the officer and the citation would be sent to his residence.

As far as the dollar amount of your damages, your insurance companies will have to hash it out. What usually happens is that your insurance company will cover the difference and then go after the other party’s insurance company for the difference. Good Luck.

Officer Michelle

Gang culture hinders homicide investigation

2011-04-07T00:08:25Z

Almost six months have passed since Victor Hugo Perez Zavala was shot and killed at the September Second Saturday Art Walk, and no arrests have been made.

According to police, gang-related crime like the Second Saturday shooting is hard to solve for a variety of reasons.

“In a nutshell, (the case is) wide open,” said Sgt. Bob McCloskey of the Sacramento Police Department’s homicide division. “We’re still trying to run down every lead we have.”

McCloskey said police are currently investigating leads, but declined to say how many or comment on how good the leads are, given that it’s an active investigation.

“In each case, we’re going to take and fully investigate it,” he said. “On open cases (like this), we use all the resources we can.”

The shooting has been identified as gang-related, but Zavala was not a gang member, nor do police believe he was the intended target of the shooting, in which three others were injured, McCloskey said.

The shooting happened outside a bar at 18th and J streets, where a sizable crowd was gathered, but police Lt. Bill Champion from the special investigations/gang division said that doesn’t mean witnesses will come forward.

“Within the gang culture itself, there’s definitely a ‘you don’t want to be a snitch’ culture,” he said. “A lot of times we’ll go to a gang shooting, and it’s not uncommon for a witness, or even the person who was shot, to say, ‘Yeah, I didn’t see anything.’ ”

He said gang members are “very uncooperative” most of the time, and getting any witnesses – even victims – to cooperate is difficult because gang members intimidate them.

There are ways of getting around that intimidation, including anonymous tip lines and even anonymous text tips through Sacramento Crime Alert. The police general investigations line is 808-0650.

“People can give us information to help us and remain anonymous,” Champion said.

McCloskey added that the governor’s office offers rewards up to $50,000 for tips on some cases, and Sacramento Crime Alert also offers rewards up to $1,000.

“There’s different programs at the District Attorney’s Office where we can take a witness and get the witnesses relocated, because there has been – due to the intimidation factor usually – a reluctance for people to come forward,” he added.

That program works with witnesses to make them secure – sometimes relocating them, even out of state, if necessary, he said.

The best way to combat gangs, Champion said, is to do it as a community.

“We’ve had a lot of success with neighborhood watch programs,” he said. “You have one person that stands up – it’s very easy to get intimidated, very tough to stand on your own – but if you get a whole community to stand up ... that’s the concept behind our Ceasefire program.”

Champion said criminals don’t bother those neighborhoods as much because they know they’re not easy targets.

Many residents in the downtown and Midtown areas have pointed fingers at Second Saturday, saying the event is bringing gang members from out of town to concentrate at the event.

According to Champion, that’s not a problem unique to Second Saturday.

“Sacramento’s gang problem is increasing,” he said. “We’re not talking just Second Saturday, we’re talking citywide. We have contacted a lot of Bay Area gang members at nightlife spots downtown.”

And even Sacramento’s resident gang population moves about.

Champion said gangs in Los Angeles are very territorial, but gangs in Sacramento move about the city, not necessarily laying claim to one particular neighborhood or area.

McCloskey said investigating shootings by territorial gangs can be easier, since it gives police a starting point, but with gangs moving around, it makes it harder to narrow down the suspect field.

Champion gave some statistics for increasing gang activity in Sacramento.

Crime reports related to gangs are up 37 percent over last year and 52 percent since 2008. And even though overall shootings went down 3.6 percent over last year, a higher percentage of shootings have been gang-related, with 18 percent of nonfatal shootings being gang-related in 2008, 26 percent in 2009 and 37 percent in 2010.

Aggravated assaults saw a slight rise over the past year.

Police Department spokesman Sgt. Norm Leong said it’s important to note that the problem can’t be addressed in a reactionary manner.

“It’s a regional issue, it’s not just a Second Saturday issue,” he said. “It’s a long-term effort, and that’s the concept of Ceasefire.”

Recent changes to Second Saturday events, he added, have been intended to bring the focus of the event back to art, but it will take time to see if those changes work out.

“I can’t overemphasize the point that it’s a community problem,” Champion said. “The community needs to respond and work together. That’s how it’s going to be effective ... making sure everyone gets involved, everyone picks up the phone and says, ‘This is what I saw.’ ”

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Ask Officer Michelle - Reining in an Uncooperative Teen

2011-03-27T14:41:41Z

Posted by lovechicagobears

I have an 15 yr old who stays out past 10, and has come home twice now under the influence of something. She is/has been violent, and wholly uncooperative. Can she be arrested for being under the influence? If given a cell phone number can her friends be found out where she is getting drugs/alcohol? What does one do with a teen who disregards all instruction, requests.. legally?

Dear lovechicagobears,

This must be a very frustrating situation for you. On one hand you are probably sick from worrying about your daughter, and the other hand, you may feel like going a few rounds in the ring with her. Keep talking with her. Explain the ramifications of her actions. Change her scenery. Get her involved with some volunteer work, sports, let her get a part-time job, talk with her school counselors, find her a mentor or someone other than you to relay the exact same things you are telling her. You may want to look into private psychological counseling as well. She may be acting out because of deeper issues. Look into who she is hanging out with and speak with their parents. They may be just as concerned as you are. Teenage years aren’t easy for you or your daughter. They will pass though, and the drama will subside. I am concerned about the drug situation.

If you suspect that your daughter is doing drugs, and you have a cell phone number of the supplier, you can call our narcotic tip line and leave the information with a narcotic investigator. Their number is 808-5796. Leave them with as much specific information as you possibly can…names, physical descriptions, addresses, anything you can to get investigators started.

Being under the influence of a narcotic is illegal and is a misdemeanor. You are ultimately responsible for her until she is 18. If the police were to pick her up for this, they would call you and notify you of the circumstances. She may either go to Juvenile Hall or be cited and released to you depending on the circumstances. If she is being violent towards you or anyone else, you can call us. We can mediate the situation and be able to tell if she is on a narcotic or drug. Good luck with this situation. I can imagine that it must be very difficult.

Officer Michelle

Second Saturday vandalism data analysis

2011-03-26T00:46:46Z

Today I came across a comment on Bill Burgua's recent article about the Second Saturday Art Walk. Larry was exasperated about the crime he witnessed on our most recent art walk, specifcially citing the vandalism near his place of residence.

He wrote:

"The last Second Sat event I got graffiti outside on my apartment building as well as inside and this is a controlled acces building. Out of Control! City council talking about walkable alleys when we dont even have walkable streets."

I often read the complaints from my neighbors concerning the escalating crime during Second Saturday. My personal feeling is that it's no different from the drunks and litterbugs I see roaming the streets every weekend evening. I decided to take a deeper look and check out the crime visualization site that Police Department spokesman Sgt. Norm Leong promoted this week.

Narrowing the map to the grid, and constraining solely to property crimes, I exported a list of all crime data using the site's "print" functionality from October 2010 until last weekend. I then skipped all non-vandalism crimes such as unlawful camping and trespassing incidents to focus solely on the issue Larry was complaining about. Using a little programming know-how, I formatted the crimes by weekend into the lists at the bottom of this article.

Due to this not being an official police analysis, I don't assume it's exhaustive for all vandalism occuring in the grid. And while the CrimeReports website lists the time an incident occurred, that data wasn't available to me via the print feature, and I couldn't find any other means to export data. Because of this, I've included Sunday as well. Hopefully this will serve as a rough guide for incidents over the past six months.

Data Summary

Weekends: 24
Second Saturday weekends: 6
Non-Second Saturday weekends: 18

Total weekend incidents: 69
Second Saturday weekend incidents: 23
Non-Second Saturday weekend incidents: 46

Average incidents per weekend: 2.88
Average Second Saturday incidents per weekend: 3.83
Average non-Second Saturday incidents per weekend: 2.56

Although the six weekends sampled have a slightly higher vandalism rate than the 18 other weekends, this isn't a big enough difference or sample size to substantiate the claims that the vandals paint the town red (and blue, and green) one weekend more than any other. January's Second Saturday weekend shared the lowest number of incidents for that month. November's was right in the middle. December's art walk had the highest number of incidents.

Seems pretty routine to me.

Incident Breakdown by Weekend

10/02 = 4
10/09 = 4 (Second Saturday)
10/16 = 2
10/23 = 2
10/30 = 5
11/06 = 2
11/13 = 3 (Second Saturday)
11/20 = 2
11/27 = 1
12/04 = 2
12/11 = 5 (Second Saturday)
12/18 = 1
12/25 = 3
01/01 = 4
01/08 = 2 (Second Saturday)
01/15 = 5
01/22 = 2
01/29 = 2
02/05 = 4
02/12 = 4 (Second Saturday)
02/19 = 3
02/26 = 0
03/05 = 2
03/12 = 5 (Second Saturday)

Incident List (Date, Type, Incident Description)

See my scribd document: http://www.scribd.com/doc/51572612/propertycrimes-20100925-20110325

How Do I Know What’s Going On In My Neighborhood?

2011-03-22T20:59:34Z

The Sacramento Police Department has partnered with CrimeReports.com to provide the community with mapping of crime and police activity in the City of Sacramento.

The Police Department is continually looking for partnerships and innovative ideas to provide more information to our community. The Police Department will provide crime and police activity data to CrimeReports.com each morning which will be converted onto a mapping program found on their website. “The Sacramento Police Department prides itself in using technology such as E-notify, Facebook, Twitter, Daily and Helicopter Activity Logs, and now CrimeReports.com which empowers our community in a partnership to prevent crime,” said Chief Rick Braziel.

The Police Department began providing data to CrimeReports.com on January 24, 2011. We then asked community members to assist us by testing the site and seeing if any modifications should be made prior to opening the site for the entire community. The community group gave positive feedback on the program. The Sacramento Police Department would like to thank those community members for assisting us in making this service better.

To start using the crime mapping, go to www.crimereports.com and sign up for free. Set the parameters of your search by entering an address within the City of Sacramento, crime type you wish to research, and date range. You will then see various icons which can be double clicked on for additional details.

CrimeReports.com offers the following features: I-phone application, alerts that can be sent to you regarding crime activity in your neighborhood, data on sex offenders in your neighborhood based on the Megan’s Law database, data that is made current every morning, and date range search.

Stay informed on what’s going on in your neighborhood and in your city. Working together we can bring down crime.

Ask Officer Michelle - Jaywalking - Illegal and Dangerous

2011-03-20T21:08:18Z

Posted by Daniel

I have a question about Jaywalkers. As a delivery driver I am constantly stopping and slamming on my brakes for jaywalkers, but the biggest problem i saw, was 3 adults were actually jaywalking right in front of a Sac PD Patrol car, the patrol car actually slowed down for them to cross the street, and did nothing about it. My question is "Is Jaywalking still Illegal?"

Dear Daniel,

Jaywalking is still as illegal as it ever was. It is also unsafe and people who jaywalk are taking a chance with their lives. It seems as though I am always off duty driving my kids around when I see people blatantly crossing the streets expecting cars to slow for them and just 100 feet of a crosswalk. I saw a woman pushing a baby stroller with two children inside while jaywalking on a very busy 4-lane road. I rolled my window down and told her that she was endangering her children. She saluted me; and not with a military salute if you know what I mean.

I can’t testify to why the officers didn’t stop the jaywalker that you witnessed cross in front of their car. I can only venture to guess that they had a call with greater urgency and priority that they were going to.

I spoke to our traffic section about jaywalkers. They told me that there has been an increase of vehicle versus pedestrian fatal accidents in the past year. The Sacramento Police Department Motor Unit has been cracking down on jaywalkers in the city limits because of this. Even more reason to use a crosswalk. Thank-you for your concern.

Officer Michelle

This entry was poste

Schnirer holds neighborhood conversation

2011-03-18T01:00:56Z

Residents of District 5 phoned in for the monthly “Neighborhood Conversations” conference call Wednesday night to discuss their issues, concerns, and questions with City Councilman Jay Schenirer.

One of the first discussions of the call centered around the crime and vandalism issues Oak Park faces. One resident from the area was the main speaker for this topic, he asked whether it was getting worse or improving and what the neighbors could do about it.

Schenirer commented that crime has gone down throughout the city and that it was mainly gang rivalries between Oak Park gangs and those in the surrounding areas.

In relation to gangs, he said the city is using strategies to rehabilitate gang members, by “putting them in full-time jobs and other social programs.”

Schenirer also said the city is working on developing different intervention strategies, such as a pilot program called “hot spot policing.”

“The program consists of GPSing where many crimes are being committed,” he said. Patrol cars then station themselves near those hot spot regions, to help act as both a deterrence and offer a quicker reaction to the scene of the crime.

Another caller, Kitty Wilson, mainly addressed traffic concerns she experienced near 26th and 27th street where it intersects with Broadway.

“The whole of 26th needs to be looked at ,” Wilson said. Mainly, she noted, there are problems during the times of 4:30 to 7 p.m. when many travelers are leaving work, getting on and off the freeway at the interchange. She said she thought there needed to be more signals in that area.

Schenirer said, “We can ask the traffic division to go and check it out.”

Healthy eating and healthy development of Oak Park were also brought up on the call.

Chris Johnson, a member of the group Healthy Development of Oak Park, said a McDonald's is being planned to be constructed at the corner of Stockton Blvd. and 2nd Ave.

Johnson said his group is reluctant to support the idea of a fast food restaurant in their neighborhood.

Schenirer explained how the process will work and how the proposal must goes through a planning committee. He told the listeners he couldn't comment directly on the McDonald's issue but that he was “very supportive of healthy eating habits.”

“I would love to to see better and more community development and neighborhood supportive businesses,” he said.

Some other concerns had to do with water usage and city bureaucracy. At the end, most listeners said they liked Schenirer hosting community conversations. They said it seemed like a civil, honest and open way to communicate directly with the district’s residents.

“It's a little easier than knocking on doors,” Schenirer added.

“Neighborhood Conversations” occur every third Wednesday of the month, lasting from 7 - 7:30 p.m.

For those interested in a face-to-face conversation, City Councilman Jay Schenirer will be having community office hours on Wednesday March 30 at the Big Spoon which is located at 4001 Freeport Blvd. from 5 - 7 p.m.

Jury deliberating on "Pops" case

2011-03-16T03:34:09Z

The jury assigned to the case of local security guard Leroy “Pops” Fisher’s death is now deliberating, following a day of passionate arguments by both the prosecution and defense attorneys.

At stake is the future of Michael Bruce Weisz of Sacramento, who faces charges of second-degree murder and felony hit-and-run with death or injury in the case of Fisher’s 2009 death.

The prosecution and defense attorneys made final arguments in Weisz’ trial on Tuesday in Sacramento County Superior Court.

Sacramento County Deputy District Attorney Sheri Greco contended that Weisz is guilty of both second-degree murder and felony hit-and-run with death. Donald Masuda, the attorney representing Weisz, argued that his client is not guilty of either charge.

Weisz and a friend were ordered by Fisher and a second security guard to leave Badlands, a Midtown nightclub, for inappropriate behavior on Sept. 23, 2009, Sacramento Police Department spokesman Sgt. Norm Leong said at the time. The Police Department also said at the time that it believed Weisz ran over Fisher in his car.

Greco argued that Weisz intentionally ran over Fisher and showed “conscious disregard” for Fisher’s life. “He was driving his car into Leroy Fisher,” Greco said.

Greco, who showed photos of Fisher’s severely damaged body after the event, also argued that Weisz should be charged guilty of hit-and-run resulting in death. She contended that Weisz intentionally drove away from the crime scene to San Francisco.

Meanwhile, Masuda argued that Weisz’ mental state was affected after being Tased by Fisher with a stun pen outside the nightclub. He said that Weisz did not intentionally run over Fisher.

Rather, Masuda argued that Weisz was trying to get away from Fisher. At the scene, Weisz had been Tased, was crying and was “trying to do the best he can to get out of the parking lot.”

Weisz, fleeing from Fisher, accidentally ran him over, according to Masuda’s argument. “It’s charged as a murder, but wasn’t a murder to begin with.”

Weisz’ and Fisher’s supporters who attended the hearing sat on opposite sides of the room. Some people on both sides of the room were seen crying quietly during Tuesday’s final arguments.

The Sacramento Press will update readers on the jury’s decision as soon as it is made and information becomes available.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Staff reporter Suzanne Hurt contributed to this report.

Help Sought In Solving Homicide Cold Case

2011-03-15T01:56:56Z

The Sacramento Coroner’s Office is seeking the public’s help in solving the mystery surrounding the identity of a woman’s body that was found nearly three years ago.

In March of 2008, a fisherman in the Delta region of Sacramento County discovered the skeletonized remains of an unidentifiable female who officials estimate had died four years prior.

With the help of forensic science and the latest in post-modem imaging technologies, investigators have what could be their best shot at identifying this “Jane Doe” victim. The above image is a computer rendering of what investigators believe the 30- to 45-year-old woman looked like. Details such as nose shape, cheekbone structure and dental profile are all parts of the puzzle that hopefully will give this woman a name.

Other clues that may aid in the victim’s identification include the “Grateful Dead” jacket and jewelry she was wearing. The county coroner believes that the woman was of Caucasian descent, with the possibility of an Asian or African background as well.

For more information, visit http://www.coroner.saccounty.net/unID-08-1866.htm or call 874-9320.

Ask Officer Michelle - Bully At Light Rail Station

2011-03-13T15:08:53Z

Posted by Dalal1979

Hello,

Today at the Royal Oaks RT station I was verbally attacked by a man. He was verbally attacking his girlfriend who was becoming an ex, after he was done screaming at her in public and in front of another 20 people, I walked to her and handed her a napkin and asked her if she was all right. He walked to me and started cursing and telling me to walk away or he’d F****me up, then he started calling me a terrorist and to go back to my country then he started saying some arabic words to me. He was drunk, I could smell it also he had a bag of white powder in his hand. Then he said I have nothing to do with whites or blacks. The sad thing, every single white person was laughing at me, and every single black person in his group was cheering for him. What about the woman he was verbally abusing while keeping her pushed to the wall? She was hispanic. Her face was dead frozen. What if that woman was hurt or killed by him? I did step up and got in his face and told him that I would call the police, but he and everyone else in his group said" go ahead call the popo on the black people." How far does it have to go before calling police about cases like this? Is it legal to drink and smoke whatever they smoke at the RT stations where kids and other people are waiting to go to their work or schools? How far does it have to get when a man is abusing a woman in public before the police department puts at least 1 or 2 cops out there? I am a SCC student and I use RT everyday, and I have seen enough drunk and drugies on the trains beside men masturbating not to mention half of the people ride for free which means they’re taking someone else’s right of the seat, someone who earned to sit there.

Also, is it too late to report the incident from today? I was told by a woman at Royal Oaks RT station, to walk away or I would get killed. How bad/seriously in danger are we that we can’t even defend others who are incapable of doing for themselves like that hispanic woman today?! Are there any answers? Thank you and have a blessed day.

Dear Dalal1979,

I applaud you for your compassionate nature. Far too often people become complacent or don’t want to get involved to help others for fear of retaliation or retribution. Even with your good intentions, you should not deal with him yourself. You should call 911 the next time you witness something like this. The Sacramento Police Department and the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department have a partnership with Regional Transit (RT). We have designated RT officers to handle such situations. We can deal with “Mr. Mouth” and help the woman as well. The man you dealt with was a bully. If you looked the word “bully” up in the dictionary, his photo could be posted next to the word. We deal with bullies every day.

The light rail is a still a safe mode of transportation. There are officers who ride the trains each day, seven days a week, to make sure there are no such problems on the light rail. That being said, the officers can’t be on every train. That’s why it is so important for citizens to call the Police Department to let the police and RT know when there is a problem. I will also forward your email to the RT police division so that they can be made aware of this situation. Thank you for your concern, and your post. You are a very fine citizen.

Police Urge Responsible Celebration of St. Patrick’s Day

2011-03-11T20:47:36Z

The Sacramento Police Department would like everyone to enjoy celebrating St. Patrick’s Day but we want to remind the community to do so in a safe manner and to designate a sober driver. In an effort to address drinking-related issues, the Sacramento Police Department has planned several enforcement events during this upcoming week.

The first enforcement operation focuses on alcohol use by minors. The Sacramento Police Department will be partnering with the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control, addressing underage drinking and those individuals who provide alcohol to minors.

During this week, officers will also be assisting the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office in a county-wide warrant sweep. The focus of the sweep will be targeting those individuals who failed to heed the many warnings to not drink and drive and now have DUI warrants for their arrest.

“AVOID the 17” will be participating in this week’s alcohol-related enforcement. The California AVOID campaign is a grant funded, statewide program that publicizes the combined DUI enforcement efforts of participating law enforcement agencies. The goal is to raise awareness of the increasing problems associated with drinking and driving. Seventeen agencies are involved in the local portion of the statewide campaign, appropriately named “AVOID the 17”. Together, many of these agencies will be working in the City of Sacramento in the form of roving DUI patrols.

The enforcement efforts this week will end with a sobriety and drivers license checkpoint. The purpose of the checkpoint is to promote public safety and serves as a deterrent to potentially impaired and unlicensed drivers.

The Police Department wants to remind you that Sacramento is a great place to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, but we ask that everyone do so in a responsible manner.

The Sacramento Police Department appreciates the continued partnership and funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control.

SacQuotes: Safe at Second Saturday?

2011-03-10T16:33:41Z

For this week's edition of SacQuotes, we asked attendees of last month’s Second Saturday Art Walk if they feel safe and comfortable at the event. You may remember that last year police had to disperse some of the large groups who would linger after the official end of the evening. In September a Sacramento City College student was killed in the crossfire of a gang-related shooting after Second Saturday. Here’s what folks had to say:

Chico State student Meghan Vanderford was home visiting and decided to come out to Second Saturday. She said her comfort level changes throughout the night. “Earlier in the evening I feel safer, but the later it gets, it gets a little sketch.” Vanderford said she only stays until 8 or 9 o’clock. “I noticed that there’s a lot of young kids just getting drunk and coming to this to have fun.”

Joseph Kutchukov said he feels safe at Second Saturday. “I’m a server at Chicago Fire. We haven’t had any problems, besides some homeless people, but nothing major.”

Sacramento State theater major Melissa Warren feels more comfortable when she attends Second Saturday with a group. “I don’t know that I feel too comfortable by myself. I find some of the people slightly intimidating.” Another factor on Warren’s mind was visibility. “I think the brighter the day is the more safe that I’ll feel. The darker it is, all the connotations of evil and mysterious things come with that. It’s darker and you can't see if someone was going to attack you.”

The members of the South Sacramento hip-hop group "Project" said they come out to Second Saturday to “meet people, give out our music, share ideas and share our styles.” When discussing the evening’s atmosphere and police presence, the guys didn’t seem phased in the least. “Cops, I’ve seen them. I haven’t talked to them, haven’t been hassled,” one member said.

Yolo County firefighter Nathan Taylor attends Second Saturday regularly. He said he feels totally comfortable staying until the end of the night. “It’s usually pretty quiet around here on the main drag. Off the beaten path is where the issues tend to be at. Out here where there’s a lot of people, it’s usually real quiet. This is like the fifth or sixth one I’ve been to, and I feel safe.”

Thanks for all the great feedback in the last few editions of SacQuotes. If you would like to see you questions answered on a future edition, please email them to SacramentoIsaac@gmail.com.

Ask Officer Michelle - Fictional Writing About Sac PD

2011-03-06T16:18:42Z

Posted by akshunhiro

Are there legal issues in using the Sacramento PD in a work of fiction? If so what are the boundaries? Assuming all characters and events are fictional and only the setting is based on an actual organisation, that is. There would be no defamatory remarks at all either. Is there someone I can correspond with regarding details and accuracy in my research?

Dear akshunhiro,

I would suggest that you talk to our Public Information Officer by calling 808-0800. Sergeant Norm Leong is the lead Public Information Officer and any questions or concerns involving the media should be directed to him.

I would say as long as you didn’t refer to any officers by actual name and/or badge number, or any suspects by name as to go against their penal interests, you should be fine. If you were to write about a current case that is pending and you articulate certain facts about it that could cause the suspect to have an unfair trial, I could see that as being a big concern. Give Sergeant Leong a call to find out definitively. Good luck with your story.

Officer Michelle

Trial involving Leroy "Pops" Fisher's death underway

2011-03-05T02:24:49Z

A friend of late Sacramento security guard Leroy “Pops” Fisher is urging the city’s gay community to attend the trial of the man charged with killing Fisher in 2009.

The trial involving Fisher’s death started last week in Sacramento County Superior Court. Michael Bruce Weisz of Sacramento faces charges of second-degree murder and felony hit-and-run with death or injury in the case of Fisher’s death.

Steve Thompson, who was a friend of Fisher’s, has already used Facebook and e-mail messages to ask more than 150 people to appear in court to honor Fisher.

“I want to bring as many people as can be allowed,” Thompson said.

He said he is reaching out to the gay community about the trial because he heard that Weisz has many supporters attending the court hearings. The presence of Fisher’s friends at the trial would show that Fisher had many friends and that “he is well-missed in the community,” Thompson said.

The Police Department said at the time that it believed Weisz ran over Fisher in his car.

Donald Masuda, the attorney representing Weisz, said Friday he was not bothered by the possibility of a crowd of Fisher’s supporters at the trial. “As long as they’re not disruptive, I don’t see any problem with it.”

In a comment to The Sacramento Bee in December 2009, Masuda contended that Fisher’s death was accidental.

The next hearing will be held 9 a.m. Tuesday, at Superior Court’s Department 12 in Sacramento, 720 Ninth St.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Staff reporter Suzanne Hurt contributed to this report.

Sacramento Police Working to Help Our Youth

2011-03-02T20:54:22Z

The Sacramento Police Department realizes that to really make an impact on crime, we have to start early and reach the youth in our community.

Sacramento Police officers, both on and off duty are participating in various programs that seek to mentor, educate, and provide positive activities to the youth in the City of Sacramento. “The commitment our officers have to the youth in the community is truly impressive and a reflection of the quality personnel that make up the Sacramento Police Department,” said Chief Rick Braziel.

School Resource Officers/Criminal Justice Magnet Academy- Officers are assigned to various schools in partnership with the Sacramento City Unified School District. In their capacity they mentor, counsel, and protect the kids in their assigned school sites. The Magnet Program is a four-year program that is a “school within a school” which is law enforcement focused. Magnet participants must perform 50 hours of community service per year and uphold various required standards.

Youth Advisory Committee- This police department committee is comprised of youths from various schools in the city. Its goal is to educate the youth on current trends, issues, and procedures that are relevant to the police and youth. The program strives to develop leadership skills and have the youth provide constructive opinions and advice to the Chief of Police.

Sacramento Police Activities League- SacPAL is a non-profit organization that teams police officers with the youth of Sacramento. Officers and coaches mentor and guide youth in activities such as arts and crafts, athletic competition, physical education, social skills, civic participation, basic technology literacy, and leadership training. For more information, visit www.sacpal.com. To support the rugby team, email sacpdpalrugby@yahoo.com.

Luther Burbank High School and SacPD Youth Mountain Bike Team / Club- In the 2006-2007school year, a mountain bike club was started in a partnership with the Sacramento Police Department and the Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD), in an effort to engage youth in extracurricular activities,. The club’s emphasis is to get area youth engaged in fitness and teamwork, while exposing them to mentoring and positive role models from Sacramento Police officers and SCUSD teachers. Now in its 5th year as a program, the club receives most of its equipment from generous donations as well as refurbished unclaimed property. The competitive team is currently comprised of Luther Burbank High School students, while the club includes youth from around Rosa Parks Middle School in an effort to introduce them to mountain biking and prepare them for team participation when they reach high school. The program would not be possible without the wonderful officers and teachers who have volunteered through the years. If you would like further information about the program visit , www.hookit.com/members/burbankmtb

Kops-N-Kids- Members of the Sacramento Police Department participate with this organization, which provides over 300 children ages 9-13 with a weeklong summer sports camp. Kops-N-Kids is celebrating its 25th year. The children attending camp choose from seven different sports and receive curriculum in gang resistance, drug awareness, bullying issues, violence prevention, and gun avoidance. The program is made possible by fundraising events and donations. Registration for the
June 20-24, 2011 camp located at Rosemont High School starts March 15, 2011. Total camp cost is $32.00, which includes bussing, hot breakfast, lunch, snack, T-shirt, backpack, and prizes. For more information, visit www.kopsnkids.com.

Ask Officer Michelle - The Legality of Videotaping at Work

2011-02-27T18:58:46Z

Posted by odiebrodie1

Hello,

Can an employer videotape me without my permission when terminating me? Also, when I asked if I was being videotaped they did not respond to the question. Is that legal?

Dear odiebrodie1,

This is more of a civil matter than a criminal one. It really depends on your expectation of privacy. Were you captured on a surveillance camera? Did you boss videotape you in public? Were you merely in an office? Did you ask your boss to stop the taping and he or she refused? Did the video taping qualify as an invasion or was it an intrusion? Did your boss post the footage on a social media outlet without your consent? These are all questions that you may want to ask an attorney. This is out of my scope and I am not qualified to give you legal advice. This is an interesting question and I learned a lot while doing research. Read Hernandez v. Hillsides. It is a California case that was taken to the Supreme Court.

Look for an attorney that specializes in this type of law. Good luck.

Officer Michelle

Ask Officer Michelle - Reporting Criteria for Vehicle Accidents

2011-02-20T16:26:36Z

Posted by Toni

I was involved in a auto accident and was rear-ended. At the time I asked the officer if a report would be made. She stated that the incident did not fit their criteria for a report. There were no apparent injuries by either party at the time, I was able to drive off but the other car was in a sad state and had to be towed off. My vehicle was damaged but I was able to drive off. Also, no id, license or insurance questions were asked of us. I am hoping this does not pose any issues for insurance claim process?

So, what is that criteria for a report to be completed and filed?

Dear Toni,

What a bummer. I am glad that you are okay. I don’t know what agency the officer worked for that assisted you, and I’m not familiar with other agency procedures, but I can tell you if your accident was in the Sacramento city limits, the officer gave you the correct advice. In cases where there are no obvious violations, (ie., unlicensed/suspended license, DUI driver, no serious injuries, or if the vehicle is other than a city vehicle, bus, light rail, etc.), it falls below Sacramento Police Department minimum reporting standards. You and the other driver are to exchange information including your names, driver’s license numbers, phone numbers, license plate and your insurance carrier information. You then call your insurance company and give them the details of the accident. Your insurance companies then work out the details. They have internal investigators that deal with this sort of thing.

The Sacramento Police Department can assist people by standing by until a driver gets a ride and for traffic control, but we are no longer required to take a report for a vehicle that needs a tow. An incident number is generated by dispatch just by virtue of the police being called. When officers arrive on scene, they voice the license plate numbers of all vehicles involved. They also run the driver’s licenses for validity.

As for injuries, an ambulance or paramedic is often called in cases of complaint of pain. If there are no serious injuries, it is up to the discretion of the officer whether he or she will take a report. They must assess the situation at the scene. Statistically speaking, your accident was not too bad if you were able to walk away. I’m sorry for the inconvenience, but I’m glad that you are okay.

Take care,

Officer Michelle

Bank Robber Spent Money on Sex Toys and Photo Shoot

2011-02-18T19:12:55Z

The Sacramento Police Department arrested 25-year-old Steven Wilson for a bank robbery that occurred in North Sacramento, but found a large amount of the stolen money was already spent on various sex toys, electronics, and a photo shoot.

On February 12, 2011, at 10:28 a.m., Steve Wilson was caught on surveillance cameras entering a bank in the 1800 block of Del Paso Boulevard. Wilson gave a note to the teller indicating he had a gun and demanded money. Wilson fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of money.

Detectives utilized the surveillance video of the suspect and cross checked it with recent released parolees and found a match on Steve Wilson who was released from prison on February 2. On February 15, 2011, detectives located Wilson at a motel in the 3400 block of Orange Grove Avenue and took him into custody without incident.

Detectives located numerous items totaling thousands of dollars that the suspect is believed to have purchased with stolen money from the bank. Amongst the items purchased were numerous sex toys, electronics, and a photo shoot for $600. Detectives continue to investigate several of Wilson’s associates who may have information on the crime and location of the remaining money stolen.

Assault Suspect Caught on Camera

2011-02-18T01:34:19Z

The Sacramento Police Department is asking for the community’s help to identify a subject whose image was caught on surveillance camera prior to committing what may be a bias motivated assault.

On February 11, 2011, at approximately 1:54 a.m., officers responded to 20th and K Street on an assault. The victim, a male in his 20’s, was walking with his friends when the suspect came out of a bar yelling derogatory comments directed at homosexuals. One of the victim’s friends said something to the suspect about his comments. The suspect came up to the victim and punched him.

The suspect and a female that was with him were captured on surveillance camera prior to the assault. The suspect is identified as a male Black, 20’s, 5’10”-6’, 210-230 lbs, thin mustache, silver necklace, and wearing an earring in his left ear. The suspect was seen leaving with a female Hispanic associate in an older gray sedan possibly a Ford Crown Victoria with 22” rims.

The Sacramento Police Department takes bias motivated crimes very seriously and is asking the community’s help to identify the suspect in this crime.
The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Ask Officer Michelle - Women Officers with the Sac PD

2011-02-13T17:12:10Z

Posted by Christina

How many women officers are there in your local city(Sacramento Police Department)?

How many of those women are in supervisory or management positions?

Are any of the women assigned to nontraditional roles such as special weapons and tactics teams, motorcycle enforcement, bomb units, hostage negotiations, or community relations? Have there been incidents of sexual harassment or gender discrimination against women employees? If so how were the cases resolved? has the agency implemented any programs to increase the employment of women, such as flex-time, child care,mentoring, awareness training, or career development? Has the agency been innovative in the recruitment efforts for women applicants?

Dear Christina,

This is a good time for females in law enforcement. Women officers have greatly multiplied in the past 15 years due in part to the first women officer pioneers who paved the way for the rest of us. I show homage and appreciation to them.

We currently have 701 officers with the Sacramento Police Department. Of these 701 officers, 113 are females. As far as females in supervisory roles, we have 13 Sergeants, 3 Lieutenants, and 2 Captains.

I have been with the Sacramento Police Department for 20 years. The numbers have doubled with women in supervisory roles as well as number of females in specialty units. The ratios of female to male numbers in specialty units such as specialty weapons units, bomb technicians, and motorcycle patrol isn’t due to the lack of opportunity, it is usually due to lack of interest in working in the particular unit or for other personal choices which don’t have anything to do with the police department.

There is a misconception in that most people are under the impression that an officer can join specialty teams right after the academy. An officer must work the streets for at least two years before they are even eligible to test for a specialty position. Then an officer must test for the position. Training and experience always plays a large part in the process.

The Sacramento Police Department has a strict Equal Opportunity Policy and they adhere to the policy. A female or anyone else for that matter may generate a discrimination complaint without being penalized. There is even a third party complaint process.

The Sacramento Police Department even has a part-time status that officers can work. I worked part-time for seven years so that I could raise my sons until they started school. I was very grateful for the opportunity, and I was able to go fulltime with no repercussions.

I would encourage any female who is interested in a career in law enforcement to go on a ride-along with their local police department.

Officer Michelle

Ask Officer Michelle - Laws Pertaining to Vehicle Window Tinting

2011-02-07T17:05:28Z

Posted by DCaroll

I had a Lexus a few years ago and the prior owner had tinted the front driver and passenger windows.

My wife was pulled over while driving the car and was cited for the tinted windows. The ticket forced us

to remove the tint and have an officer sign off. Ignoring it, I was told, would prevent us from registering the car. Has this law been

changed? The reason I ask is because it seems every 5th car I see today has dark

tinted front windows. I was next to a Corvette the other day in bright

daylight and I couldn’t even see the outline of a driver, let alone if

there was an actual person in there. How do they get away with it?

Dear DCaroll,

California Vehicle Code is pretty specific. It states that, you may not apply any color tint to your vehicle. Clear, colorless, and transparent material may be installed, affixed, or applied to the front side windows, located to the immediate left and right of the front seat if the following conditions are met:

(1) The material has a minimum visible light transmittance of 88 percent.

(2) The window glazing with the material applied meets all requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205 (49 C.F.R. 571.205), including the specified minimum light transmittance of 70 percent and the abrasion resistance of AS-14 glazing, as specified in that federal standard. If you fail to get the ticket signed off, it can inhibit your ability to register the vehicle.

Most vehicles sold today have a tinted material fused into the glass. Car makers and windshield retailers must comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. California’s standards are even stricter. You may see high end vehicles with darker tinted windows like your Lexus.

Officers often times use this vehicle code for probable cause to stop a vehicle. It is not that the police aren’t concerned about these types of violations; it is just that all agencies are swamped with higher priority calls. As far as people getting away with tinting their windows, its not that they are getting away with it, it is that they just haven’t been caught…yet.

Don’t Be Benched With A DUI Arrest On Super Bowl Sunday

2011-02-03T22:34:39Z

The Sacramento Police Department will conduct a saturation patrol on Sunday, February 6, 2011, after the Super Bowl.

The purpose of a saturation patrol is to promote public safety and serve as a deterrent to potential impaired and unlicensed drivers.

Don't forget to designate a driver to and from your Super Bowl party this year. Plan ahead and don't get caught off sides and impaired! DUI Enforcement Officers will be deployed throughout the city looking to arrest impaired drivers while making our streets safer.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Ask Officer Michelle - Reporting Stolen Property

2011-01-30T20:04:03Z

Posted by cindy10869

If I know that someone is in possession of my stolen property and refuses to return it…. how do I file a report?

I live in Placer County but the person who is holding onto my stolen property lives in Sacramento County.

This person has knowledge that the items were stolen, has admitted to having them and has refused, both verbally and in writing, to return them.

Thank you for your assistance.

Dear cindy10869,

If this is a straight stolen property case, then the first thing you should do is to report it as stolen by contacting your local sheriff department. There is usually an on-line reporting method for theft. They will want to know the dollar amount and any identifying serial numbers as well.

If this is a situation involving a civil matter, such as a break-up or a parting of ways between roommates and there was a question as to who’s property belongs to whom, then you would have to sue the party to get your belongings back.

When you say that these items were stolen, was this a burglary to your residence, or something along these lines? If so, you would file a burglary report and list the known person as the suspect. You may want to contact this person and tell them that you are considering filing a police report if the items aren’t returned. If the person is holding your property in return for some sort of payment or as collateral, tell them that this is not the way you want to resolve the issue.

If the suspect is a juvenile, call the parents and explain the situation. You may have better luck that way.

If you decide to go ahead with the police report, be sure to mention that you have made many attempts to communicate with the suspect and they refused to return your belongings. Good luck.

Office Michelle

Ask Officer Michelle - Police Communications in the Sixties

2011-01-23T17:42:08Z

Posted by djbynum02

How would police departments communicate during the mid 60’s era? I am writing a book about a serial killer who murders women up and down the coast of California.

Dear djbynum02,

I actually learned something while I was researching your question. Interestingly enough, police cars were equipped with car-to-car radios. They would speak to dispatch and each other via the car radios. The police also had call boxes. These boxes were locked metal boxes that contained a telephone. They also communicated with the dispatchers this way.

Usually, police departments had light poles designated for the police department throughout the city. When the light went on, officers knew to go to the nearest call box and make a phone call to dispatch. Dispatch would then give the officers the pertinent information about the call. Some officers would also leave notes to other officers inside the call boxes; a sort of rendition of the modern day text. The Sacramento Police Department still has several call boxes containing telephones. Officers don’t usually use them anymore because everyone has cell phones now; however, they’re still available if needed. Thank you for your post. I enjoyed the history lesson.

Officer Michelle

Recycling Business Takes More Than Aluminum Cans

2011-01-18T21:19:09Z

The Sacramento Police Department has arrested Priscilla Monsibaiz-Alvarez, 25, Jorge Alvarez, 27,and Jose Navarro, 27, for receiving stolen property at a recycling business.

Officers received information that the PM & NC Recycling Center located at Northgate Blvd and Harding Avenue was buying stolen property. Detectives began a three week investigation into the business utilizing undercover officers to sell tools and bicycles to employees of the recycling center. The employees bought the property despite knowing that the items were stolen.

On December 28, 2010, officers arrested three suspects and recovered stolen property. The property located and believed to be stolen included 33 high end bicycles, electronic equipment, a gun, and power tools. Detectives have not been able to prove that all the bicycles were stolen due to the fact that many of the serial numbers did not show up in our data base as being reported stolen.

The Sacramento Police Department would like to remind the community to write down all of their serial numbers of their property in case they are stolen and to include their serial numbers in police reports. Serial numbers are the easiest way for police to identify property as stolen and to rightfully return it to their owners.

The Sacramento Police Department would like to thank the Sacramento District Attorney’s Office, State of California Employment Development Department and California Recycling Auditors for their assistance in this investigation.

Ask Officer Michelle - Solicitation of Minor Via the Internet

2011-01-17T04:11:30Z

Posted by mica

I did not mean for this to be a public post, but could find no other avenue for registering this concern. I do very much appreciate your making this venue available.

Yesterday I called the Sacramento Police Department to report an email I received soliciting sex with a 13 year old. The solicitation did not appear to come from the 13 year old. I assumed that adults were exploiting children in a criminal manner. I was not sure who to report this to and whether it was really in the jurisdiction of the Sacramento Police, but hoped to find that there would be somewhere to report this kind of internet crime. I called child abuse and sexual assault first. The person who answered the phone told me to call dispatch -- that they would be concerned that someone was offering 13 year olds for sex. However, when I called dispatch, they immediately assumed it was a prostitution case with the 13 offering his or herself for sex and refered me to the vice line.

Ironically and timely, this column by Bob Herbert appeared in an column in the New York Times yesterday. I am pasting the entire column in here as it is all so relevant. It calls for a change in police attitude about sex trafficking in children and seems almost like it was written in response to what I encountered. I would appreciate your reaction to this.

Mica

WRONG TARGET

... Across the country, young girls by the many thousands — children — are being drawn into the hellishly dangerous world of prostitution. They are raped, beaten and exploited in every way imaginable.

As part of the staggeringly lucrative commercial sex trade, the role of these children is to satisfy the sexual demands of johns who in most cases do not fit the stereotype of a pedophile.

“Many of the guys who buy sex with children would never consider themselves pedophiles,” said Rachel Lloyd, founder of an organization in New York called GEMS that offers help to under-age girls in the sex trade. “They’re not necessarily out there looking for 12-year-olds or teenagers. They just kind of don’t care.

“They feel like they have the right to buy sex from someone, and they prefer it to be someone who looks younger and cleaner and less drug-addicted.”

...

[L]aw enforcement does not always respond in a positive or constructive way. It is common across the country for under-age girls engaged in prostitution to be arrested, which is bizarre when you consider that it is a serious crime — statutory rape — for an adult to have sex with a minor.

If no money is involved, the youngster is considered a victim. But if the man pays for the sex — even if the money is going to the pimp, which is so often the case — the child is considered a prostitute and thus subject in many venues to arrest and incarceration.

“We often see the girls arrested and the pimps and the johns go free,” said Carol Smolenski, the head of Ecpat-USA, a group that fights the sexual exploitation of children. “One of the big problems is that there is this whole set of child sex exploiters who are not targeted as exceptionally bad guys.”

What’s needed is a paradigm shift. Society (and thus law enforcement) needs to view any adult who sexually exploits a child as a villain, and the exploited child as a victim of that villainy. If a 35-year-old pimp puts a 16-year-old girl on the street and a 30-year-old john pays to have sex with her, how is it reasonable that the girl is most often the point in that triangle that is targeted by law enforcement?

A measure of how far we still have to go is the fact that some enlightened officials in the state of New York tried to shift that paradigm last year and failed. The proposed Safe Harbor Act would have ended the practice of criminalizing kids too young to legally consent to sex. Under the law, authorities would have no longer been able to charge children with prostitution, but would have had to offer such youngsters emotional counseling, medical care and shelter, if necessary.

Legislative passage was thwarted in large part because prosecutors made the case that it was necessary to hold the threat of jail over the heads of these children as a way of coercing them to testify against pimps. In other words: If you don’t tell us who hurt you, little girl, we’re going to put you in jail.

It was an utterly specious case, filled to the bursting point with tragic implications and unworthy of a civilized society.

Dear mica

This is a most concerning topic. I have strong convictions against this sort of thing. In fact, I helped produce a whole public safety announcement about this in January 2007, which is posted on our web site at www.sacpd.org. Go to the public service announcement page, and then click on “Cyber Safety.”

The referral to our Vice Division was the correct response. Our Vice team works actively on exploited child prostitution cases. In fact they have been nominated for an award by the FBI for their work on exploited children.

Our Vice officers do not just take the exploited child off of the street, they actively pursue a case against the john and or pimp. We work closely with our Juvenile Justice system and the FBI to find the best placement for the exploited child. In many instances sending the child home is not the best option because of the issues at home.

We frequently receive reports of on line predators. The best thing we can do as parents is restrict access to the computer, put it in a common room of the house, teach our children about these predators, and install parental controls on your computer. Watch the public service announcement for more information. The police take this thing very seriously.

Take Care,

Officer Michelle

Ask Office Michelle - Pitbulls Loose in Church Parking lot

2011-01-09T17:54:31Z

Posted by crawdad5150

Officer Michelle, we have several pit bull dogs running astray in the parking lots at St Paul Baptist Church on 14th Ave. As these dogs are unpredictable, will mace or pepper spray have an affect on these dogs? What can we do to keep the the public safe, on and around the church campus? Thanks.
crawdad5150

Dear crawdad5150,

No dog, let alone a pit bull, should be running astray in a public place. I will forward this email to the City of Sacramento Animal Control Division. Meanwhile, if you need to protect yourself against a dog, mace will not work because dogs don’t have tear ducts. Pepper spray, which includes an oleo based resin, will work on dogs. It makes their eyes burn and causes them to sneeze. Pepper spray is what letter carriers with the U.S. Postal Service carry in case they have an aggressive encounter or if they need to protect themselves from an animal including dogs.

The Sacramento Animal Control Division handles all animal type of complaints within the city limits. Their telephone number is 916-264-5011, or 311 if you live in the city limits. They should get back to you, but if you haven’t heard anything in a few days, call them. If you need immediate attention, or if the situation is in progress and the dogs are aggressive, you can always call 911. Keep me posted on this!

Officer Michelle

Ask Office Michelle - Cutbacks in prostitution enforcement causing painful situations

2011-01-02T17:25:25Z

Posted by justme

On 12/21/2010 the Sacbee ran the article: Prostitution Arrests Plunge Amid
http://www.sacbee.com/2010/12/21/3272246/prostitution-arrests-plunge-a mid.html#disqus_thread

I understand cut-backs and how some things are out of our control. However, I feel this article is helping enable the activity.

My story is, I recently found out my husband visits massage parlors and he finds them on myredbook.com. In their forum, someone mentioned the news article from Sacbee.

Is it true that there are this many escorts, providers, massage parlors so easily available in Sacramento and in my own neighborhood? And no, I don’t live on Watt Ave, Stockton Blvd, or any of the other common locations. These services are advertising for downtown, El Dorado Hills, Elk Grove, Roseville, Greenhaven, Natomas, you name it.

And while I’m at it, the websites advertise “happy endings” and all of the massage parlors in town. Today I spotted 12 parlors in just 15 minutes. How do they get permits and not get caught? Exchanging money for sex is still illegal right? Or did I miss something…..

Sorry for unloading all of this, but I live in Sacramento to get away from this in San Francisco, New York, etc.

Dear justme,

I first want to say that I am sorry. This must be very difficult and confusing for you. I was looking at a free Sacramento publication the other day at a coffee shop and noticed a lot of advertisements for massages that sported scantily clad women posturing in provocative poses. It was fairly obvious that some of these advertisements weren’t for legitimate massages. I am very familiar with the website you mentioned and often see these massage parlors inconspicuously tucked away in lower rent business areas in urban environments.

I can tell you that the Sacramento Police Department still investigates VICE-related crimes. Some of our Problem Oriented Police (POP) Officers work prostitution operations if it has been identified in their areas. If you do know of a specific business in the city limits that is partaking in illegal prostitution practices, you can call the narcotic/VICE reporting tip line at 808-5796. Leave as much detailed information as possible and an investigator will call you back. If you have complaints in the county, you would want to call the Sacramento County Sheriff Department at 874-5115. They may have different procedures and or protocols that you may have to go through.

As far as emotional support, I called Women Escaping a Violent Environment (WEAVE) to see if they had services for women that are in your situation. They have people that you can talk to about this. There is a business line at 443-3715 you can call during regular business hours and a 24-hour support hotline at 920-2952. Finally, you can contact them via the web at www.weaveinc.org. They are there for women who are in crisis; not just for women that are going through abuse, but they are there for support including circumstances like what you are experiencing. I have heard prostitution as been referred to as a “victimless crime.” After hearing stories such as yours from other women as well, it is apparent that prostitution is not victimless at all. Good luck and take care.

Officer Michelle

DUI driver injures several in Midtown wreck

2010-12-31T02:35:12Z

Sacramento, CA | A drunk driver with passengers collides head-on with a Taxi minivan leaving several injured in Midtown early Thursday morning.

At approximately 1:47 am Thursday morning, a black compact car collided head on with a taxi cab minivan at 20th and N Streets in Midtown. Occupants in both vehicles were injured and transported to area hospitals with non threatening injuries, per Sacramento Police department. more from this incident and about Midtown DUI checkpoint >>

Downtown burglar caught red handed

2010-12-28T16:13:24Z

Sacramento, CA | Downtown police on patrol catch a suspicious subject to find out he burglarized a local wireless phone store.

Late Monday night, downtown officers spotted a man running with a purse in his hand and a mask pulled part way over his face. Officers gave chase, the subject dropped the purse he was carrying and he was captured a couple of blocks away on the corner of L St. and 4th St...

continued>>

Second Saturday's controversial year

2010-12-28T01:21:51Z

One of Sacramento’s biggest controversies in 2010 centered on the Second Saturday Art Walk.

Initially intended to be a family-friendly arts showcase, it had, before 2010 started, turned into two events – the art walk, and the after party – according to many Midtown residents.

On the morning of Sept. 12, the issue got the attention of the entire city when 24-year-old Victor Hugo Perez Zavala – who police say was not affiliated with a gang – was killed in a gang-related shooting outside a bar on 18th and J streets.

Several others were injured, but it was Zavala’s death on September’s Second Saturday event that brought increased scrutiny to the event.

One Sacramento Press community contributor wrote that Midtown’s concentration of bars and nightlife coupled with an event that regularly brings more than 10,000 people from out of town combined to make the tragedy inevitable.

To read her article in full, click here.

Sacramento Press Editor in Chief David Watts Barton argued that the shooting was not caused by Second Saturday, and the incident would not bring down the art walk or the event as whole.

To read his editorial, click here.

Community members weighed in on The Sacramento Press, proposing a “Second Saturday Synergy 2.0” in which the event would be more focused on art and possibly entail earlier start times, more police presence and other ideas.

To read their suggestions, click here and here.

More than 100 community members met with police and city officials Sept. 25 to discuss options for what might be done to both preserve the event and make it safer. Among the discussion topics were parking, enforcement of the 10 p.m. curfew for minors and better management of the event.

To read about the meeting, click here.

With the increased attention on the event, some questioned whether Second Saturday would go the way of the Thursday Night Market that used to take place on the K Street Mall.

The Sacramento Press interviewed several people involved in the Thursday Night Market, and they had differing opinions on how applicable the comparison was. One said that Second Saturday, like the Thursday Night Market, was becoming a victim of its own success while another questioned if there was actually anything going wrong with the event at all.

To read the article, click here.

Another set of comparisons was drawn between Sacramento and Chicago, with Chicago’s large, city-sponsored events.

Click here to read the article.

With October’s Second Saturday event approaching, police and city officials made plans to step up their efforts, and private citizens’ groups got involved as well.

The Guardian Angels and the newly formed Lavender Angels were not founded in response to Zavala’s death, but both groups took to the streets Oct. 9 to do their part in making a visible security presence on the streets.

To read about the two groups of “angels,” click here.

When Oct. 9 came, approximately 80 police department staff members – ranging from uniformed officers to volunteers – were out to ensure the event’s safety.

Police Department spokesman Sgt. Norm Leong told reporters the following day that the event was a success.

To read about the October Second Saturday event and the thoughts of those who attended it, click here.

With the weather turning colder, November and December Second Saturday events were more subdued, but the issue is likely to come up again as the weather warms and more people come to the central city for the event in 2011.

Kevin Johnson photo by Suzanne Hurt, staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Meeting photo by Jon Mortimer. Other photos by Brandon Darnell, staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Top photo taken Oct. 9 is not the Sept. 12 shooting suspect, who reamains at large.

Ask Officer Michelle - Abusive Ex Overstays Welcome

2010-12-27T03:49:08Z

Officer Michelle-

I recently allowed my sons’ father to live with me because he was fired from his job (which was also where he lived) because he had no where else to go. After staying with myself and my kids for about two weeks, I asked him to leave because he became disrespectful and borderline abusive.

He completely refuses to leave and now it has been more than two months. He is not on my lease and I am afraid that I will get in trouble with my rental company for having someone at my residence that is not on the lease.

How do I go about getting him removed forcefully? He is at times verbally abusive and belittling to both myself and my children. I do not want my kids exposed to this.

Any legal information about how to get him out would be VERY helpful as he will not leave when I ask him to.

Thanks, Kjksmom

Dear Kjksmom,

Since your ex is becoming abusive with you and the children, you can go downtown to the County Courthouse and file for a restraining order. Once you get this order, serve your ex with it. He will then have to leave and failure to do so will be in violation of the court order. He is then subject to being arrested by law enforcement.

You have a right to have short term guests in your residence that don’t have to be on the lease agreement, however I would notify your landlord of what is transpiring as well. Two months is becoming a time frame where he is establishing a residency in your home especially if he is beginning to receive mail there. Just give your landlord a heads up. If he or she is reasonable, they will understand, especially if you are taking steps to remove him.

Lastly, I would call Women Escaping a Violent Environment (W.E.A.V.E). Their staff is so helpful and knowledgeable. They can guide you through the entire process. Their web address is www.weaveinc.org. The support line is 920-2952. W.E.A.V.E is not only an organization for battered women, it is an organization for empowering women. Give them a call. I hope your situation works out amicably for the sake of you and your children, without having to resort to more drastic measures. Good luck to you.

Officer Michelle

Ask Office Michelle - Airsoft Guns in Sacramento

2010-12-20T01:41:12Z

Hi Office Michelle,

I’m not sure if this is the right place to ask, but I think it is smart for me to ask and not get to any trouble. I am thinking about buying an airsoft gun. I think going to the shooting range is expensive and paintballing is also expensive. My question is where are you limited to shooting one. I know the obvious public places is out of question. I tried looking up any laws and couldn’t find any. my dad is even worried about shooting it in my own backyard. Would you be able to help with this.

Thanks
Brandon

Dear Brandon,

Let me just say that it is not illegal in California to buy or own an Airsoft gun if you are over the age of 18. It is, however, illegal to use one in the Sacramento city limits except at a licensed shooting range. With regards to shooting the gun in your backyard, refer to the Sacramento City Code Section 9.32.070 which states, “It is unlawful for any person to carry or use any air gun for the purpose of discharging or from which are or may be discharged bullets, shot or missiles of any kind within the city limits, except in licensed shooting galleries. (Prior code § 48.01.008).
Be mindful that there are inherent risks associated with Airsoft guns including accidents and mistaken identity by citizens who call police to tell us that they witnessed a person with a gun only to find out that it was a BB or Airsoft gun. The police don’t know this until they arrive on scene and assess the situation. Many look so realistic at first glance, that unless we see the bright orange tip, we would never be able to tell that it is a toy gun. If you are merely using the gun for target practice, remember that it is illegal to alter the gun, such as painting the orange tip black, to make it look more realistic.

You can find the full City Code, at http://www.qcode.us/codes/sacramento/. Look for Codes 9.32.070 and 9.32.090.

Thanks for writing in and your desire to do the responsible thing.

Officer Michelle

Police seek to purchase new Tasers

2010-12-14T01:18:55Z

The Sacramento Police Department will update its Taser arsenal if an ordinance banning purchases from Arizona doesn’t stop the six-figure deal.

Taser International, based in Arizona, has supplied the department with the less-lethal weaponry for nearly a decade, according to Capt. Scott LaCosse.

“They’re old, they’ve been through a lot of use, and the manufacturer is not supporting them anymore with training or updates or ability to get them serviced,” LaCosse said. “We’ve experienced some situations where they’re not working. They’re electronic devices.”

Police are asking the council to authorize not more than $440,000 to purchase 360 new Tasers, holsters and Taser cartridges, though the actual cost will be closer to $360,000, LaCosse said.

He explained that asking for the larger amount allows the department to account for unanticipated incidental costs such as variations in shipping without returning to the council for adjustments. In this case, he added, the amount to be authorized is higher due to anticipated prices coming in lower than expected.

The funding comes from “seized asset funds” – money generally collected from the sale of items confiscated during narcotics raids.

A city ordinance passed on June 15 orders that "where practicable and where there is no significant additional cost to the City, the City of Sacramento shall not enter into any new, amended, extended, or supplemental contracts to purchase or procure goods or services from any business or entity that is headquartered in Arizona," according to the staff report.

City spokeswoman Linda Tucker said police told her it would “involve a huge expense to replace (the Tasers) with a different vendor.”

LaCosse said there aren’t any other vendors who can supply products of the same type and quality.

Neither Tucker nor LaCosse speculated on what the City Council will decide Tuesday, but the item is on the consent agenda, which is typically passed in one motion without discussion.

In addition to being outdated – LaCosse said the manufacturer recommends a service life of five years – older-model Tasers are bulky and not practical for officers to wear at all times.

Sgt. Norm Leong said the older M26 Tasers are often left in vehicles, while the newer X26 models are smaller and can be worn on an officer’s belt at all times.

The department currently has both models, but pending City Council approval Tuesday night, it will turn in its 288 M26 models and replace them with 360 X26 Tasers.

“Right now, the manufacturer is offering a trade-in of $75 per unit toward a new device,” LaCosse said.

La Cosse said the 360 Tasers will be bought for $810 each, and 360 holsters will be purchased at $20 each. Belt clips for the holsters come in at $9 apiece, and the department will buy 1,800 cartridges for $37,600, and sales tax will come in at almost $30,000.

He added that all sworn officers will have access to the newer Tasers, and that access serves the public by ensuring officers have the less-lethal option of stopping someone at all times.

LaCosse said Tasers have been shown to reduce injuries by stopping violent suspects without officers “getting into wrestling matches that lead to a lot of injuries.”

Photos of the X26 Taser courtesy Taser International, Inc.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Ask Officer Michelle - Citizen Drives Drunk to Get More Beer

2010-12-13T05:03:41Z

Hello Officer Michelle,

My concern is about a neighbor across the street. I frequently see him outside on his driveway, drinking beer and playing loud music with friends. I’m not shy to ask them to lower the volume and most times they comply.

The issue I want to address is that they drive to the liquor store to get more alcohol when I know fully well that they have exceeded the legal alcohol limit based on the number of empty cans that strewn the driveway. Is this something I should report to the police? If so, how would I go about reporting a drunk driver if I do not know their location after they drive away from their home and when they return in only 15 minutes?

Dear Cogsboy,

Currently, there are no laws or city codes that prohibit people from drinking alcohol outside on their own private property unless they are sitting in a vehicle, providing alcohol to minors, or venturing out onto the sidewalk or street. California Penal Code Section 647f deals with people who are intoxicated in public and basically states that anyone who is found in any public place under the influence of intoxicating liquor, or controlled substance in a condition that he or she is unable to exercise care for his or her own safety, or the safety of others, or by reason of his or her being under the influence interferes with or obstructs or prevents the free use of any street, sidewalk, or other public way is in violation of this code.

You can call us out on the noise complaint. It is a lower priority call, but we responded to these calls. We advise the party to turn down the music and give them a warning. If we have to return they can be cited for the noise complaint. If you suspect that your neighbor is intoxicated and driving, what you would want to do is to call 911, and tell the dispatcher what transpired, provide them with a physical description of the driver, and the vehicle, including the license plate number, and the last direction the vehicle traveled. This way they can broadcast the description out to units. The units in the area can check it out and stop the vehicle. It won’t hurt to call, and being called to these types of incidents is our job. You could save someone’s life. Statistics show that most vehicle accidents occur within three miles of your home. Couple that with alcohol, and it is a recipe for disaster. If this guy has done this in the past and continues to drive, it is only a matter of time before he hurts someone.

Take care,

Officer Michelle

Gunman holds up in downtown parking garage

2010-12-10T18:53:02Z

Sacramento, CA | SWAT gears up to go into a downtown parking garage where an alleged gunman has taken refuge.

SWAT personnel have geared up and taken positions around and inside a parking garage at 7th Street and Q Street in downtown Sacramento.

In an email communique, a state employee in a nearby building stated, “…right across from my building. I have a good view of the 8th floor of all the cops crouched down and hiding behind walls with their guns drawn. 3 blocks have been cordoned off. They won’t let employees go to their offices and are holding them in the lobby.”

There were unconfirmed reports that the suspect has a history of mental illness issues and a criminal history with firearms.

Roads have been closed in the area to facility law enforcement staging and equipment as well as community safety. 7th Street has been shut down at P Street, while Q Street has been shut down at 9th Street.

Click here to see more photos and incident updates>>

Follow @SacMav on Twitter for mobile updates

City Fails to Plants Seeds of Empowerment But Plants Surveillance Cameras

2010-12-06T03:42:03Z

An Open Letter to the Mayor and Council for the City of Sacramento

As a resident of the City of Sacramento who has continuously stood before you begging, crying, pleading for you to address the violence, which has left our children dead on Sacramento city streets or leaving Sacramento to become the walking dead in California prisons, I have several questions regarding your position on surveillance cameras.

In regards to Sacramento Press article: Police Working on Surveillance System
http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/41637/Police_working_on_surveillance_system

Within the article it states: “There are many factors that will determine where the cameras will be placed...Among those factors are crime rates, crime trends, special events and areas that may present a threat to public safety. The fixed cameras will be placed based upon recommendations from City Council, the Police Department, and the availability of existing infrastructure.”

Instead of planting seeds of employment, resources, opportunities in crime areas the City of Sacramento decides to continue to plant weeds of surveillance cameras? Why haven't you used the factors of crime rates, crime trends, special events, scientific based, researched based, evidence based studies to determine where to place resources for those affected/ exposed to crime/ violence?

Are you planning on placing the cameras in low income communities?

When the City of Sacramento held the closed-door-away-from-the public-discussion- on where the cameras would be placed did you even once consider if the area is in need of surveillance cameras then it must be in need of resources, opportunities, employment for the residents of that area?

So, the City of Sacramento had the time, energy, resources to have a discussion among themselves on how to arrest people but has YET to have a discussion among themselves and with the public on the needs, other than suppression, of those same areas? You can't have a discussion on crime prevention other than law enforcement funding but you can discuss where to place cameras due to crime?

Will the cameras be placed in Oak Park, Meadowview, Valley Hi, North Sacramento? If you felt the need for the cameras in those areas why have you never felt the need for a Boys & Girls Club in those same areas? Why have you never felt the need to hold a Council session to address crime in those areas? Did money -a grant- have to become available for you to value the life or freedom of City youth?

Their are no Boys & Girls clubs...in Valley Hi, Meadowview, Oak Park, North Sacramento but their is crime so instead of resources those areas get cameras in an ignorant, ineffective attempt to arrest away crime?

Surely you're not ignorant to think this is in any way a solution to crime prevention for the city of Sacramento. Their are surveillance cameras at schools, stores, gas stations, regional transit, malls, on police units, businesses, cameras within the Department of Human Assistance which capture images a block away and crime has not decreased.

We see surveillance criminal activity images on the Sheriffs site, media releases stating "Do you know these thieves?" surely you can't think placing additional surveillance cameras will significantly address violence in our city. Ask the District Attorney's office how many cases they are prosecuting due to surveillance footage? It doesn't appear the District Attorney's office case load has decreased due to surveillance cameras.

It doesn't appear our jails have become less crowded due to surveillance cameras? It doesn't appear surveillance cameras significantly prevents crime. Lots of not-so-bright often under educated and living in communities lacking resources, employment, opportunities commit crimes. It appears surveillance cameras merely aid in arrest / prosecution but the crime goes on. Will you create a balance and give us employment, opportunities, resources in the same areas you place cameras?

You can not pacify a community affected and exposed to crime by merely placing surveillance cameras in their communities and call it crime prevention. You can not silence our cries as you shift crime away from one area (the area with a camera) and move it to another area (the area without a camera). How long will you continue to shift crime instead of looking at avenues to prevent it?

Do you plan to continue to let this cancerous polyp of violence in Sacramento break off and spread to other streets and bodies of Sacramento area youth and families? As it is our cries echo from one Sacramento neighborhood to another due to the city decades long neglect of addressing youth violence with employment and opportunites.

Since it is obvious many of you were looking at money- a grant of $615.000- and not at the people will you NOW have the discussion on how you plan to prevent crime?

If you place surveillance cameras in areas affected by crime/ violence and do not place employment, opportunities, resources in those same areas you are doing no more than rounding people up as cattle and milking the County of Sacramento of Social services programs. The City of Sacramento will become a contributing factor in the County of Sacramento taking away programs, services, opportunites for the needy to fund Sheriff, District Attorney, Probation, Courts.

Your surveillance cameras will aid in the County budgets being monopolized with suppression rather than services for the mentally ill, poor, and needy.

Do you plan on planting seeds of empowerment in the same areas you plan on weeding out people with cameras for incarceration? In the May 28, 2009 SN&R 'Surveillance City' article, SPD Sgt Norm Leong stated, "It’s free money, why wouldn’t you take it?” Is that why cameras are gong up because it's free money?

Are you looking at money or looking at the people affected/ imposed to crime? When will you look at life, freedom, prevention verses grants and money for suppression? Have City residents, affected/ exposed to crime, become a Sacramento City Commodity?

Cities have received Homeland security grants for over 6 years (http://www.newsreview.com/chico/content?oid=31334 ) have you spoken with the cities and asked how or if the surveillance cameras reduced crime or were you just looking at money and not the people?

Many of us know you value grants but when will you value LIFE and FREEDOM for city youth?

I hope you can or will answer the questions listed in this letter at the next city council session.

Related articles on Homeland security grants:
http://www.newsreview.com/reno/content?oid=42502 Homeland Pork

http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/content?oid=998297 Surveillance City
"The ALCU has for years produced studies showing that surveillance cameras don’t prevent crime. In fact, according to an ACLU survey of crime statistics in San Francisco, crime actually increased overall at locations where public-surveillance cameras were installed."

http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/snog/blogs?date=2009-09-01 City Council Humors ACLU but won't slow down on Surveillance Scheme

Ask Officer Michelle - Single Female Wants to Feel Safe Downtown

2010-12-06T02:24:51Z

Posted by Gayle

Michelle,

I am a single female. I work in the downtown area and take public transportaion. I will also be living alone next month. I read and hear about a lot of crime in the Sacramento area. Sometimes I don’t feel safe. I saw a web-site that sells defense items such as pepper spray, stun guns, knives, Kubatons etc. What is legal to carry on the streets of Sacramento? Do you have any suggestions for a petite female at home and on the streets? Thank you. P.S. I will be on the first floor in an apartment. Alarms and a dog isn’t an option. Thank you. I love this new feature.

Dear Gayle,

Understanding the way females are socialized is the first step. Because women are often taught to be polite at an early age, this carries over into adulthood with behavior that can jeopardize personal safety. For example, females are sometimes reluctant to question service or sales people about their identification for fear that they may be perceived as being rude. When someone comes to your door that you don’t know, who you are not expecting, and you are alone, speak to them through the door, or a window. Ask for an identification badge. It’s okay to be cautious and authoritative when you are questioning someone you don’t know. Never give anyone the impression that you are home alone.

In your home, keep entrances well-lit. If the area is not well-lit, approach with caution. When coming home, if you think someone has entered your home, don’t enter. Call the police and go to a neighbor’s house. Keep your windows and doors locked when you’re home or away. If you open a window, be in eyeshot of it. Close it before you go to bed. Know your neighbors, watch out for each other, and exchange phone numbers.

When approaching your automobile, have your keys ready in your hand. Look around the inside of your car before getting in. Lock your doors as soon as you enter. At night, park in well-lighted areas or under a street light and always check out your surroundings. If someone looks like they don’t belong there, drive off. Have a cellular telephone with you. If you think someone is following you, drive to your nearest police station (It’s always good to know where they are located), or open business.

Just because you are petite, you can still pack a punch (so to speak). Walk tall and stay aware of what is going on around you. In an attack, deciding to fight or comply with an attacker is a personal choice depending on if the assailant has a weapon, if you are in a public place, and on your personal capabilities. If you are in a public place, draw attention to yourself by yelling or screaming. Attackers don’t want the attention. As for carrying a weapon, pepper spray is legal. I can’t tell you to carry a weapon like a knife or stun gun based on liability purposes. I can tell you that it’s always wise to do what you need to do to protect yourself. Watch out for your back.

Officer Michelle

Tips for deterring bicycle thieves

2010-12-05T16:54:50Z

Bicycle theft in Sacramento’s central city is an ongoing problem, but cyclists can take steps to minimize their chances of becoming victims.

“People come in here every day telling me their bikes got stolen,” said Simon Garcia, assistant manager of City Bicycle Works at 2419 K St. “Every day. I’m not exaggerating.”

The obvious tip for keeping a bike from being stolen is to lock it up, but it isn’t that simple, according to Garcia.

“I consider all locks deterrents,” he said. “(But) if someone wants the bike, the lock won’t stop them.”

Having said that, he added that some locks are better than others, and U-locks like the ones pictured below are the best easily transportable locks for securing a bicycle.

He said a 50-pound steel chain and lock would be stronger, but they are not easy to carry around.

Midtown resident and cyclist Caitlin Mee said some U-locks with cylindrical key holes can be opened by thieves armed with Bic pens.

Garcia said that was a problem on some brands of U-lock produced about five years ago, but new locks are built more sturdily.

“A quality lock these days will not have that problem,” he said.

U-locks cost between $40 and $45 at his shop, Garcia said, and cheaper locks are available as well.

Cable locks are less expensive, running close to half the cost, but Garcia said they are more susceptible to thieves armed with bolt cutters or even a really good pair of scissors.

“With the right tools, anybody is going to cut through it,” he said.

Even bicycle racks at City Hall recommend against using cable locks, as pictured below.

With all locks being deterrents to theft, Garcia said there are ways to make bikes less-appealing targets to criminals.

Those include locks that bind the seat to the frame and pins that go through the wheels and lock so thieves can’t undo a quick-release mount and walk off with a piece of the bicycle.

“The key is to lock as much as you can,” he said. “Run (the lock) through the frame and the rear wheel, and if you can, take the front wheel off and run the lock through it as well.”

According to police, there are other steps to take that will help prevent bicycles from being stolen.

“Try not to leave it in areas that aren’t well-traveled,” said Sgt. Norm Leong, spokesman for the Sacramento Police Department. “Try to keep sight of it as much as possible. The reality is that if someone wants to get it and they’re good enough, they’re going to get it.”

Garcia recommended taking bicycles inside overnight.

“If you can avoid leaving it outside overnight, the chances of a theft go down drastically,” he said.

Leong said bicycle theft is a crime of opportunity, and if your bicycle is stolen, he said it is important to file a police report either online or at one of the police stations so your bicycle can be returned if it is recovered by police.

When police stop bicyclists, they check the serial numbers to see if it has been stolen just like they do for license plates on cars at vehicle stops.

In that case, Leong said, police will contact the rightful owner.

If a report has not been filed, but police determine the bicycles were stolen, the recovered bikes go to one of several places.

“We have programs that help disadvantaged kids within city schools,” Leong said. “Some go to auction, some go within the department for various functions, and some go to other cities’ departments that can use bikes. Others go to the Bike Kitchen as donations.”

Garcia added that though bicycle theft is a problem, it shouldn’t stop people from having them.

“It’s a good sport,” he said. “Don’t let the evil out there deter you.”

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Editorial: Crime and the City

2010-11-30T02:59:17Z

My, it was a busy weekend around Sacramento. And I'm not talking about the holiday.

People were shot, people were killed and people (and homes) were robbed. And there was all the other horrible stuff that happens daily.

I took the four-day weekend off from news consumption. Monday morning, I remembered why. Much of it, especially the crime news, is depressing and does nothing to improve my life. Worse, some of it is not even entirely true.

But confronting it now gives me the opportunity to ask Sacramento Press readers a question about the future of this website.

But first, as they say, the news:

The big news that I missed until Monday was that a group of four people – described in The Bee and other media as "a family of four" – were shot at (and two hit) near the Safeway at 19th and S. They were walking to Panda Express. This was, of course, seized upon by Sacbee.com commentors as proof that "downtown" Sacramento is unsafe.

Having taken place a mere two blocks from The Bee building, and since the central city remains our civic focus, this was the big news. But it wasn't the only news.

A man was shot in Folsom during a dope deal gone bad. The victim said the shooter, a customer, was from Elk Grove. Meanwhile, a 15-year-old boy was shot and killed while walking near Encina High School in Arden Arcade. A man was shot outside the Virgin Sturgeon restaurant on Garden Highway on Sunday morning.

And Monday's big crime news was that a former Sacramento County sheriff's deputy Chu Vue was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for arranging the murder of state correctional officer Steven Lo. That murder occurred in South Sacramento. Cop-on-cop murder. What next?

Meanwhile, there were ten home burglaries over Thanksgiving week in supposedly bucolic Folsom. Notice that none of these crimes occurred in the central city. The fact that there were also 10 robberies in Midtown in November shouldn't make people in Folsom feel smug.

My point isn't that murders and other crimes don't occur in the central city; it's that they happen all over, but only downtown/Midtown gets branded for it.

Think back to the “Second Saturday shooting” that occurred in Midtown a few months ago, and how much drama it stirred up in the central city. Everything that happens in downtown Sacramento – as long as it’s bad – seems to expand in meaning when it hits the local media.

So, back to this horrible story of the "family of four walking to a restaurant" that The Bee, KCRA-3 and other outlets reported, once again stoking fear in – and of – the central city.

The truth was actually this: A 21-year-old man, his girlfriend and her two younger brothers were approached and shot at by suspected gang members.

"It's being investigated as a gang-related shooting," Sacramento Police spokesman Sgt. Norm Leong told me Monday afternoon.

Which means we still don't know much. But things are rarely as simple as they may first seem, and where there is a "gang-related" crime, there is no telling who is a gangster and who is a victim, or what the relationship between the shooter and the victim might be.

What we do know is that this is a very different story than the image of a "family of four," whether from the suburbs or not, coming to the central city, going to a shopping center and being randomly shot.

How random this was, we don't know. But we do now know the make-up of this "family." But The Bee's lede and headline ("Gunmen shoot 2 members of family walking to midtown eatery") remained in place, uncorrected, as late as 6 p.m. Monday. This was even after the police had clearly said that this was not a family in any sense readers would recognize.

And thus is Sacramento's urban core tarred: not safe for "families."

This sort of news is destructive to our central city. It lacks nuance. It lacks accurate information. And it hurts Sacramento.

Beyond that, like most crime reporting, it's useless information. What can I do with it? I won't stop shopping at Safeway, I won't stop walking downtown after dark – that's after 5 p.m. these days, folks – and it certainly won't stop me living downtown.

But it did confirm the wisdom of my impulse to take the long weekend off of news. And it raised a question in my mind:

Who wants crime reporting in The Sacramento Press?

Crime news is a staple of local news reporting – TV would cease to be profitable without it – but we don't run much crime news on The Sacramento Press.

That's not because I don't like it; it's because we don't have the staff, and our readers have thus far not expressed much interest in it. But we want to expand our coverage of Sacramento, and we want to do it in ways that reflect reality, rather than just offering sensational fodder.

What do you think? Would you, as a Sacramento Press reader, like more crime reporting? This being an open platform, you can of course just post such news yourself, as Ed Fogle, of Maverick Photography, and his colleagues occasionally do.

But I am contemplating a new section on the Press, perhaps expanding our coverage not just to "crime" but to "public safety." Such a section could offer not just bad news to scare (and perhaps thrill) readers of such things, but also help make our neighborhoods safer and our citizens more savvy.

So I'm curious: Do you want more "crime" reporting? Fire reporting? Advice on dealing with either, and with other public safety issues? What would those be?

How can we do it differently, so that we don't spread misinformation or simply scare people to no good end? How can The Sacramento Press move journalism forward, so that we're not a mouthpiece for the police department on the one hand, or a cheap thrill to "sell papers" on the other?

This is what we do, and we're learning. We want to do it better, and I’d love to hear your ideas.

Facebook page shines light on Midtown bike thefts

2010-11-29T08:10:32Z

Midtown resident Sheila Wages treasured her brand-new bicycle – a seven-speed cruiser her boyfriend had put a lot of effort into picking out for her. She kept it in her back yard, from where it was stolen in August.

Wages started a Facebook page for stolen Midtown bicycles within the next couple of days.

“It started out as a joke,” she said, adding that the Facebook page has since taken on a life of its own, where users will post details of their stolen bikes and possible places to look out for them.

“When my bike was first stolen, I didn’t realize what an epidemic (bike theft) was,” Wages said. “You’ve got to lock them up and take them inside if you can.”

According to Wages, one of the posters on the Facebook page had locked a bike up to a tree, which thieves cut down to steal the bike.

“I didn’t know how serious it would be when I started it,” Wages said of the Facebook page. “At the time, I was just messing around and posting pics and info.”

Recently, the site, which currently has more than 230 friends, started seeing a lot more activity, and Wages said she is considering starting a Facebook Groups page as well as a photo gallery of stolen bicycles, and generally working as something of a virtual neighborhood watch program.

“It might take quite a bit of work,” she said. “I’m open to suggestions on what people would like to see.”

Midtown resident Caitlin Mee had a bicycle stolen several years ago, and she takes every precaution to keep her current bicycle from being stolen.

“I had a big, heavy beach cruiser I left locked up at a Midtown business when I was living in Natomas,” she said.

The shop was broken into, and her bike was stolen. She said it had been given to her by her dad, and it had sentimental value.

“I really would like to still have it,” she said.

Her current bicycle used to belong to her grandfather, and she said she rides it to Davis for exercise, but she is always afraid it will be stolen.

“I don’t take it anywhere unless I can keep it in my sight,” she said. “It’s the most frustrating thing. This is a lot of people’s mode of transportation. It’s like getting your car stolen.”

Mee said she likes the “whole neighborhood watch feel” of the Facebook page, and she thinks it’s a good way to spread awareness of the problem and help serve as a deterrent to would-be thieves.

“I still haven’t given up hope on finding my bike,” she said.

Wages and Mee both filed police reports when their bicycles were stolen, and Mee said she is frustrated with the lack of police investigation into the issue.

Sacramento Police Department spokesman Sgt. Norm Leong said Sacramento has high levels of crime, and other crimes such as murder, felony assault, auto theft and robberies take priority.

He added, however, that police do what they can to stop the crimes, and the department uses “bait” bikes to catch thieves as well as public outreach to help owners protect their property.

“We had thefts happening at sheds in East Sac, and we took a proactive approach,” Leong said. “We went out and showed people their bike’s serial number and did engravings for them.”

Leong said that filing a police report without knowing the bicycle’s serial number or being able to provide a description that makes a bicycle unique makes it very difficult for police to solve the crimes.

Serial numbers are typically located on the bottom of the bicycle’s frame and can be read when the bike is turned upside down, he said.

When cyclists are stopped by police, officers run the serial numbers through computers the same way license plates are during a vehicle stop. If the serial number shows it is stolen, police contact the rightful owner.

“We get a lot of people saying, ‘I know it’s my bike,’ but if they can’t prove it, there’s nothing we can do,” Leong said.

Check back next week with The Sacramento Press for an upcoming article on ways to protect your bicycle from theft and what to do if your bicycle is stolen.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Opinion: After the fire

2010-10-22T18:53:22Z

Today we are all Rosevillians.

Yeah, I know that sounds goofy – and it's said half in jest. But only half.

Surely, the day after the horrific arson fire that shuttered the Roseville Galleria – on the eve of the holiday shopping season – even the most dismissive Midtown hipster can feel for our suburban neighbors.

During the last decade, we've come to think about each other as something other than neighbors or fellow citizens – we've become competitors. And the divide has come to have a cultural flavor.

Suburbanites dismiss the central city for its liberalism, for its "attitude," for our homeless, for the need to walk a couple of blocks from parking spot to destination, or for being what one poster on Sacbee.com called "ghetto town."

But meanwhile, central city occupants deride people from beyond the rivers as SUV-driving dye jobs, monoculture "bridge-and-tunnel" philistines who take all the parking, don't understand how to drive on a one-way street, and have ruined the Second Saturday Art Walk, among other things.

And the resentment of even our local leaders over the unbalanced investment by Westfield in the Downtown Plaza versus the Roseville Galleria has led to some bad feelings. Why does Roseville get all the improvements? It's not FAIR!

As someone raised in the Arcade suburbs who has long lived in the central city, I am clear which "side" I'm on. I couldn't wait to get out of there, and I can't imagine what would possess someone to live "out there." The schools, I suppose. Or the hills.

But despite my biker's resentment at having been nearly run off the road by soccer moms with two tons of steel in their hands, today I want to recognize this fact:

The greater Sacramento area is one place, one economy, and we rise and fall together. Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom and other increasingly tony suburbs are important parts of our greater economy, and seeing their gains as our losses, or vice versa, is short-sighted.

The more people live and thrive in those small suburban towns, the more people there will be who can come downtown and see shows, support local bands and artists, admire our century-old architecture, learn about our history, participate in our heterogeneous culture and yes, shop in our stores.

And when a town like Roseville suffers an economic hit like yesterday's – the loss of jobs, and of sales tax income has yet to be absorbed – it strikes me as the perfect time to reaffirm that we are all part of one community.

For as Roseville has risen on a tide of Bay Area immigration, central Sacramento has not fallen – we have gotten busier and more interesting; and as Roseville suffers the results of this crazy crime, the central city does not rise – there will be fewer people with disposable income to spend at Mix or Old Ironsides or yes, Downtown Plaza.

This arson was a mad strike at our whole region, and our whole region will suffer for it.

So today, at least, let's put aside our petty differences and one-upmanship and recognize that, while we may not all be Rosevillians, we should all acknowledge the damage and pain that this crime is causing, and will continue to cause for many months ahead.

Whether we live in Roseville or Carmichael or Rancho Cordova or the central city, today, and every day, we are all Sacramentans.

And that is no joke.