Elk Grove foreclosures and plummeting prices

By Thom Nadeau

“A DESTABILISING contraction in nationwide house prices does not seem the most probable outcome...nominal house prices in the aggregate have rarely fallen and certainly not by very much.” Alan Greenspan, 2005

The maestro himself uttered these very words. Greenspan, along with every self-serving real estate agent and mortgage broker seemed to believe we had somehow entered a new era of financial invulnerabilty.

Didn't we hear these same sort of word from the now all discredited stock analyst during the dot-com bubble of the late 90's? Looks like Greenspan was just another shill for Bush and company.

Greenspan's comments came from a story in The Economist that noted today's real estate market declines were last seen during the Great Depression:

Unfortunately, new figures this week reveal that house prices have already fallen by more over the past 12 months than in any year during the Great Depression. The S&P/Case-Shiller national index fell by 14.1% in the year to the first quarter. Admittedly, other property indices show smaller drops, but most economists now favour this measure. The index goes back only 20 years, but Robert Shiller, an economist at Yale University and co-inventor of the index, has compiled a version that stretches back more than a century. This shows that the latest fall in nominal prices is already much bigger than the 10.5% drop in 1932, at the worst point of the Depression.

Meanwhile, things in Elk Grove are continuing to reflect the real estate meltdown. According to Data Quick News, real estate prices in Elk Grove dropped 32% annually from April '07. The median price dropped from $407,000 to $278,500

As if things weren't bad enough, gas prices continue to spiral out of control. Gas prices have reached as high as $4.39/gal. in Elk Grove.

Can $5.00/gal be far behind?

California 10th assembly race gets nasty

Sander targets Sieglock for beer drinking, Heygi for being prowler; Sieglock calls Sander the official liberal. Where's Hegyi?

In what started as a rather drab June primary is getting interesting, if not humorous for voters in California's 10th Assembly Republican primary. There are three candidates vying to replaced termed-out assembly member Republican Alan Nakanishi; Paul Heygi, David Sander and Jack Sieglock.

As with most assembly campaigns, the mailer is the tool of choice in spreading "information" about opponents. As "information" campaigns goes, this one is fun.

By far David Sander is the most prolific mailer. At first Sander's mailers touted his virtues as an all around good guy looking out for God, family and country. American as apple pie.

As election day rolls around, the tone of his mailers gets nastier which is a typical tactic. It doesn't give an opponent a chance to rebut the charges.

In a mailer received yesterday, Sander's "Taxpayers For David Sander" first attacked opponent Paul Hegyi. Aside from implying the 32 year old Orange County native is a carpet-bagging-liberal-campaign-political-operative feeding of the tit of a Democratic party special interest group, the mailer posts a copy of a misdemeanor citation Heygi received in '04 for prowling and trespassing on private property.



Perhaps Hegyi was doing some "political" research.

Believing in equal opportunity, in today's mail Sander has accused Sieglock of being a beer-swilling-back-slapping-politico more interested in living high on the hog than serving taxpayers interests. His proof - copies of expense reports showing Sieglock's purchase (singular) of a Fat Tire Ale at the Denver airport.



Frankly, we may vote for Sieglock based on his fine choice of beer. Fat Tire beats a Bud or Miller's every time.

Not to be outdone, Sieglock has his own nasty mailer targeting Sander. In his mailer, Sander is accused of the "L" word - Liberal! That's right (excuse the pun), Sander is actually a liberal in disguise.



Sieglock's proof? Sander is endorsed by the "liberal" Sacramento Bee.

As for Heygi, he doesn't appear to have the big bucks to do a mailing, yet. He's probably just hangin' in the OC or prowling some dumpster for political information.

One can only hope.

Elk Grove road closures

Week of June 1, 2008

ROAD CLOSURES:

E. Stockton Blvd. from Northbound 99 on-ramp (ramp will be open) to Geneva Point Drive.
(North and south bound) June 2, 2008 to July 18, 2008

LANE CLOSURES:

Elk Grove Blvd. between Elk Grove Florin and E. Stockton
(East and West bound - alternating) June 2nd – July 30th 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Laguna Blvd. at Babson
(West bound) May 27th – June 6th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Bilby Rd., east of Bruceville Rd.
(East and west bound) May 19th – June 29th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Bradshaw Rd. between Kapalua Ln. and Elk Grove Blvd.
(North and south bound – alternating) May 12th – July 12th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Bruceville Rd. between Whitelock Pkwy. and Laguna Blvd.
(North and south bound – intermittent) May 19th – June 27th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Bruceville Rd. between Bilby Rd. and Boa Nova Dr.
(North and south bound – alternating) May 12th – June 29th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

E. Stockton Blvd. between Hampton Oaks and Calvine Rd.
(Southbound – intermittent) April 20th – August 17th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

E. Stockton Blvd. between Bow St. and Sheldon Place Dr.
(North and south bound – alternating) April 21st – June 27th 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

W. Stockton Blvd. between Old Poppy Ridge Rd. and Grant Line Rd.
(North and south bound – intermittent) April 7th – June 15th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Kent St. between Grove Street and Lark Street
(North and south bound – intermittent) April 27th – June 13th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Elk Grove-Florin Rd. between E. Stockton Blvd. and Elk Grove Blvd.
(Various) February 4th – December 30th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Elk Grove Florin Rd. between Park Trail and Park Meadows
(North and south bound - various) January 1st - July 30th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Elk Grove-Florin Rd. between Mountain Home Court and Elk Grove Blvd.
(North and south bound – various) April 30th – July 30th 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

OTHER CONSTRUCTION ZONES (EXPECT DELAYS):

Grant Line Rd. between Waterman Rd and West Stockton Blvd.
(North and South bound) February 5, 2007 - August 31, 2008 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

Sheldon Road between Lewis Stein Rd. and Power Inn Rd.
(East and west bound – intermittent) February 4th – August 31st 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

TRAFFIC SIGNALS:

NONE

Road Closure Planned on East Stockton Blvd.

Press release from city of Elk Grove

Elk Grove, CA – As work on the Sheldon Interchange progresses, the City of Elk Grove will be closing East Stockton Blvd. from the Northbound 99 on-ramp to Geneva Point Drive beginning June 2.

This closure is necessary for significant underground work and roadway reconstruction to take place.

The closure will occur from June 2 through July 18.

On- ramps will still be operational. Detour signs will be placed to direct traffic around the closure. Through traffic that normally uses East Stockton Blvd. between Sheldon Road and Geneva Point should use Power Inn Road, approximately ½ mile to the east.

Local residents needing to access their homes within the detour area will be able to access their property under regulated traffic control.

Message signs will alert motorists in advance of the road closure several days before construction begins.

The Sheldon Interchange project remains on schedule, with completion expected in fall 2009.

For more information about the Sheldon Interchange project visit www.sheldonroadinterchange.com or contact Ted Idlof at 916/478-3630 or tidlof@elkgrovecity.org.

David Sander - Another poster child for dedrawing California districts

State budget woes won't end until districts become competitive in November

Have you met David Sander?

If you are a registered Republican or Independent voter in California's 10th Assembly district chances are you have received one of his numerous mailers.

As one of the Republican candidates in the June primary, Sander's is seeking his party's nomination to run in the November election. Based on the high-profile Republican endorsements and the huge financial backing from groups like "Taxpayers for David Sander" (whoever that might be), if Sander's wins the primary he is a sure bet to win in November because the 10th district's boundary lines are drawn to ensure a Republican seat.

And politicians in districts like the 10th lie at the heart of California's perennial budget delays and unbalanced budgets - district lines drawn by politicians for the benefit of political party's, not the people of the state.

Sander's is but one example of this.

In his mailers, Sander's paints a picture of himself as a unyielding conservative fiercely against any tax increase. Being against tax increases are not inherently bad, unless you face a revenue shortfall.

Sander's is adamantly against any tax increase and we really believe him for this simple reason - the way the 10th is drawn, the voters in this district support this stance. More importantly, if he bucks the party line, he will be exiled.

Just ask former 10th district Republican Assembly person Anthony Pescetti who was termed-out after two terms by his own party for supporting a budget deal from then Gov. Gray Davis. This is the reality of what what happens when you break ranks, compromise and help pass a budget - your own party exiles you.

Likewise, in other districts the lines are drawn to ensure very liberal Democrat's are guaranteed victory. In these Gerrymandered districts voters are at the other end of the spectrum from Sander's - more inclined to support,sustain and even increase spending on programs even in the face of declining revenues.

Their solution is quite often to increase taxes to make up for revenue shortfalls. And this is the crux of California's on-going budget problems - overly partisan politics perpetuated by non-competitive political districts. Partisan conservatives and liberals refuse to give any ground for the good of the people.

With the California's super majority needed to pass a budget and the the overtly partisan political districts, budget gridlock is a guarantee.

The missing ingredient in the whole budget mess are districts that are drawn to ensure competition based on reason, not districts drawn for political benefit. Until the mechanism used to draw political districts are changed from guaranteeing victory for conservatives like Dave Sander's and liberals like Mark Leno, California's budget problems won't go away.

East Franklin Blues, Part II

Why Founder's Landing matters

One aspect of the foreclosure crisis that gets little attention is the effect it has had on commercial real estate, specifically how small businesses have been hammered. Also, when a smart growth concept fails, who pays.

A good case study is the Founders Landing strip center in Elk Grove’s East Franklin neighborhood.

As part of the sprawling development on the city’s far southwest side, East Franklin came on line just as real estate prices were nearing their peak. The entire area includes a number of large shopping areas.

However, Founder's Landing is different. Located on the corner of Whitelock Pkwy. and Atkins, the shopping center is just 21,600 sq. ft. The center is designed to be within easy walking distance for hundreds of dwellings (with some homes literally within throwing distances) and incorporates certain elements of the smart growth concept.

Among the tenants was a Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a dry cleaner, a nail & beauty salon, a dentist, a convenience store, the karate school and a clothing store. This development is close enough to the immediate neighborhood to provide quick convenience within walking distance or, at least not having to get in a car and drive a long distance for a six-pack, a pizza or a haircut.

Unfortunately, several of the businesses have closed. They too are the victims of Elk Grove's foreclosures crisis, not to mention Elk Grove's formerly high development and impact fees.

The Mountain Mike has a sign saying it will reopen soon (presumably by a new franchisee or the company); the dry cleaner is washed-out; the clothing shop is an empty closet and the chicken restaurant has flown the coop. Not only are the empty stores a sign of the foreclosure crisis and recession, they represent the dashed hopes of the each business owner who surely poured their hearts into their businesses.

Hopefully as the economy recovers and real estate stabilizes, Founder's Landing will find it's groove and become a successful convenient neighborhood retail center. If it doesn’t, developers will surely point to this a justification to kill any vestige of smart growth in Elk Grove.

Just in time for Memorial Day, gas prices continue upward spriral

$4/gal. gas is now the norm, not the exception in Elk Grove. Here are prices at a few stations around town.



Sheldon and Bond. Note that diesel is above $5/gal.



Elk Grove Blvd. and Big Horn.



Laguna Blvd. and Harbour Pointe.

Meanwhile, Fox Business Business News correspondent Dunstan Prial points out that high gas prices may, in the long run, be beneficial for the United States. Prial notes smaller homes and less driving, for example, may benefit the environment and our general business practices.

As John Maynard Keynes pointed out though, in the long run we're all dead!

Watch the video here.

Elk Grove police accused of negligence in accident

In an exclusive, KCRA reported yesterday that a formal complaint has been filed against the Elk Grove Police Dept. regarding an April 8 vehicle accident.

In that accident, an unnamed Elk Grove police officer ran a red light during a call and hit Frank Fitzgerald. The accident occurred at the intersection of Bond and E. Stockton Blvd.

Fitzgerald was hospitalized for 11 days. During that time Fitzgerald said he received last rites twice.

In the report, KCRA said that the Elk Grove police are conducting their own investigation. Fitzgerald's attorney, Roger Dreyer said the police are seemingly investigating this so as to blame Fitzgerald.

As this site reported April 21, there were few details about the accident available. Perhaps now the citizens of Elk Grove will pay more attention to police conduct.

Consumnes Fire investigators make arson arrest

Press release from CCSD

Investigators with the Consumnes CSD Fire Dept. have arrested a suspect in connection with an arson fire that caused heavy damage to an Elk Grove home Monday night.

there were no injuries caused by the blaze in a single-family home in the 5300 block of Jade Creek Way in Elk Grove. Damage was placed initially at about $150,000.

Willie Jean Bethea, 52, who was a resident of the home, was arrested by the Consumnes Fire Dept. investigators on arson charges in connection with the fire.

Units from the Consumnes Fire Dept. were dispatched about 6:15 p.m. to the call. The home was well involved in fire when firefighters arrived but they were able to gain control of the blaze withing about 20 minutes.

The Consumnes Fire Dept. was aided by units from the Sacramento Fire Dept. and the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District. No firefighters were injured fighting the fire.

Pocketbook Pain! $4 gas arrives in Elk Grove

Today crude oil prices surged, again, reaching levels heretofore unseen - over $129/barrel on the NY Mercantile Exchange.

Of no coincidence, $4/gallon gas arrived in Elk Grove today. The Shell station at Elk Grove Blvd. and Elk Grove-Florin posted it's price for regular at $4.099.

Busy weekend for Elk Grove police

Juveniles, youth involved in several incidents

Perhaps it was the heat or the soaring price of gas. Whatever the reason, the Elk Grove Police Dept. were busy last weekend, particularly when it came to juvenile and youth criminal activity.

On Friday afternoon responded to a burglary in progress in the 2900 block of West Pintail Way. Police arrested a 17 year old male juvenile.

Friday evening police responded to a fight that broke out at a youth dance at the Wackford Center on Bruceville Rd. Police arrested a 13 year old male juvenile who struck an officer twice with a closed fist as police attempted to break-up a large fight.

Saturday night saw a shooting at a party on the 8800 block of Benson Place. Michael Ward, 18, was shot in the upper arm after several uninvited guest were refused entrance to the party.

Ward was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment. The suspect(s) fled the scene in multiple vehicles.

In addition to these, several others were arrested for a variety of suspected crimes including public intoxication, fighting, outstanding warrants, domestic violence and drunk driving.

Broken windows- retail centers to fall victim to broken window theory?

The broken window theory of crime states that as windows break and go unrepaired, buildings become increased magnets for crime and vandalism.

In Elk Grove the glut of foreclosures are prime targets for verifying whether or not the theory holds water. Now the empty houses have a co-target, misery does loves company after all, empty retail centers.

This never occupied retail space located on Elk Grove-Florin and Calvine (in Elk Grove boundaries) has been vandalized. As the picture demonstrated, someone decided to use the glass window for BB gun target practice.

This window withstood the barrage, but will Elk Grove be able to withstand the barrage of empty homes and retail spaces?

East Franklin Blues, Part I

Weeds gone wild in East Franklin

Of all the neighborhoods in Elk Grove, East Franklin appears to be one of the hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis. A close look at the trustee sales notices in the Elk Grove Citizen will show many addresses in this part of town.

Construction and occupancy of most homes and businesses in East Franklin came just as home values peaked then started their long and painful plummet. The entire area was approved by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors prior to Elk Grove becoming an incorporated city.

One of the telltale visual signs of a foreclosed home are dried-out or weed infested lawns. A drive through any of the East Franklin neighborhoods will reveal a bewildering number of foreclosed homes.

But what happens when a builder gets in trouble? A visit to the 'Monterey Village' section of East Franklin can provide pretty stark answer - weed infested medians and pathways among other things.

Although the entire planning area was approved by the board of supervisors, this specific area was granted permission to be rezoned.

Developed by Dunmore Homes of Granite Bay, Calif., their on-site sales office has been closed since September of last year. Shortly thereafter, in November to be exact, Dunmore filed for bankruptcy protection.

A drive in 'Monterey Village' will reveal many half-completed homes, the aforementioned sales office and a video surveillance camera, presumably to keep the meth-heads and tweakers from stripping the copper wire out of the construction sites.

A drive around the perimeter of the compound will reveal weed-infested sidewalks and pathways in areas that just a few months ago were nicely landscaped. So who is responsible for the maintenance of these landscape areas?

Usually the property owners in the immediate neighborhood have a landscaping assessment attached to their property taxes. Until the property is sold, the developer is on the hook for the assessment.

It would appear with Dunmore's bankruptcy the payment to a landscape contractor have not been made, not to mention the water bill for the installed sprinkler system. So consequently the landscaped areas around 'Monterey Village' are over-run with weeds.

On the day these photos were taken, Friday, May 16, a crew from the city of Elk Grove was seen cleaning the north side (Blossom Ridge Dr.) of the compound. Hopefully they will complete the job.

Too bad that the taxpayers of Elk Grove have to pay for the failings of the Dunmores of Granite Bay. Let's just hope that it doesn't take years for this project to be completed.


This is the first in a three part series on East Franklin area in the aftermath of the foreclosure crisis.

Seniors carjacked, robbed in two separate incidents

Yesterday there were two separate incidents where senior citizens were victims of agressive criminal acts.

The first case happened in the Winco parking lot at 5:05 yesterday afternoon. According to police reports, 84 year old Salvador Aceves was seated in his car when two suspects brandished a knife and demanded the vehicle.

The suspects drove the vehicle away and it was later recovered in the 7400 block of Waterwillow in Sacramento. The two suspects were described as 17 to 18 years old, 5' 5" to 5' 8" Black males.

The other case happened at 5:26 this morning in the 8600 block of Elk Grove Blvd. In this incident, 75 year old Joseph Zinganto was sitting in his car in a parking lot when one of the suspects brandished a handgun and demanded Zinganto to give him his wallet and leave the car.

The first suspect took the car and left the parking lot. A second suspect in a different car then followed the stolen car out of the parking lot and north on Hwy. 99.

Zinganto sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The stolen car has not been recovered and as is a 1993 Buick Park Avenue with tag # 3EMX260. There was no description of the second car.

The suspects in this case were described as Black males with the one who stole the vehicle being described as 30 years old. There was no age given on the second suspect.

Police do not believe the crimes are connected.

Police describe carjacking as a crime of opportunity and say the steps both victims both took were appropriate. Elk Grove police have information available on how to avoid situations conducive for carjacking and how to handle it should one be confronted with it.

Remember a car can be replaced, a life cannot.

Anyone with information should contact the Elk Grove Police Dept.

Quick Take: Nathan’s Chinese Cuisine reminiscent of a first date

By Maria G. Manio

Dining at Nathan’s Chinese reminds me of going out on a first date. You have great hope, suffer a little disappointment only to be reaffirmed and ultimately have a satisfying enough experience to give it another try.

Located on Bruceville just north of Laguna Blvd., Nathan’s offers the typical laundry list Chinese menu. What attracted us though were their other non-typical items.

Along with a welcomed emphasis on seafood, there is a whole section on shark and abalone, an assortment of lamb dishes, clay pots and several attractive picture menu items. It was the pictured items that first caught our eye.

When we asked our server, Randy, what they were, he told us the pictures were on the menu just to make it look attractive and they were not actually available. Isn’t this like those men who go to online dating services and post pictures of themselves resembling Brad Pitt only to find out they are more like Steve Buscemi?

Undeterred, we proceeded to order a lamb dish. Unfortunately, Randy informed us, alas, they were out of lamb.

After going through this routine with three other dishes and experiencing the same results, we settled on two clay pots dishes – oysters and pork and vegetables.

After placing our order, we were quickly served our sizzling hot dishes. Both dishes met our expectations, with the oysters being particular tasty. They were obviously fresh and just the right size.

Like the first date, we hope to go out with Nathan again because while it didn’t meet every expectation, it was satisfying enough to give it another try. Next time we just hope they have the lamb.

Nathan’s Chinese Cuisine, 9105 Bruceville Rd. #A-2, Elk Grove, 916- 683-8298

Elk Grove road closures, construction updates

Week of May 18, 2008

ROAD CLOSURES:

NONE

LANE CLOSURES:

Bradshaw Rd., 240’ south of Calvine Rd.
(Southbound – alternating) May 20th – May 25th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Bilby Rd., east of Bruceville Rd.
(East and west bound) May 19th – June 1st 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Bond Rd. at Bader Rd.
(Westbound – various) May 21st – May 25th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Sheldon Rd. at 800’ west of Elk Grove-Florin Rd. at railroad tracks
(Eastbound) May 12th – May 30th 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Bradshaw Rd. between Kapalua Ln. and Elk Grove Blvd.
(North and south bound – alternating) May 12th – July 12th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Bruceville Rd. between Whitelock Pkwy. and Laguna Blvd.
(North and south bound – intermittent) May 19th – May 23rd 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Bruceville Rd. between Bilby Rd. and Boa Nova Dr.
(North and south bound – alternating) May 12th – May 25th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

E. Stockton Blvd. between Hampton Oaks and Calvine Rd.
(Southbound – intermittent) April 20th – August 17th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

E. Stockton Blvd. between Bow St. and Sheldon Place Dr.
(North and south bound – alternating) April 21st – June 27th 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Sheldon Rd. between Elk Grove-Florin Rd. and Springhurst Dr. (UPRR Crossing)
(Eastbound – various) April 14th – May 30th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Big Horn Blvd. between Fry Creek and Laguna Star Dr.
(East and west bound – various) April 8th – May 30th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

W. Stockton Blvd. between Old Poppy Ridge Rd. and Grant Line Rd.
(North and south bound – intermittent) April 7th – June 15th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Kent St. south of Lark Street
(North and south bound – intermittent) April 27th – May 25th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Laguna Blvd. between W. Stockton/Laguna Springs Dr. and Bruceville Rd.
(East and west bound – intermittent) March 10th – May 27th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Bond Rd. between Elk Grove-Florin and E. Stockton Blvd.
(West and east bound – intermittent) March 3rd – May 27th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Elk Grove-Florin Rd. between E. Stockton Blvd. and Elk Grove Blvd.
(Various) February 4th – December 30th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Elk Grove Florin Rd. between Park Trail and Park Meadows
(North and south bound - various) January 1st - July 30th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Elk Grove-Florin Rd. between Mountain Home Court and Elk Grove Blvd.
(North and south bound – various) April 30th – July 30th 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

OTHER CONSTRUCTION ZONES (EXPECT DELAYS):

Grant Line Rd. between Waterman Rd and West Stockton Blvd.
(North and South bound) February 5, 2007 - August 31, 2008 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

Sheldon Road between Lewis Stein Rd. and Power Inn Rd.
(East and west bound – intermittent) February 4th – August 31st 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

TRAFFIC SIGNALS:

NONE

Leary targeted during city council meeting

Third candidate announces challenge to Leary, Davis dresses him down for cop quota comments

In the race for Elk Grove's third district seat, the city council meeting seems to be the place to announce a challenge to two-term incumbent Mike Leary. First there was Steve Detrick's announcement last month.

Last night it was David Cano's turn. The similarity end there though as Cano's announcement stood in stark contrast to Detrick's.

"I am running for city council as an openly gay man," Cano said to the council and standing room only chamber during the public comment period. "I figure if a person is in the city council can be in the closet, why not have two."

Speaking to the media outside the chambers, Cano emphasized the importance of attracting high paying non-retail jobs to the area. "I would go over over (the Bay Area) and bring those jobs to Elk Grove," he said.

Cano also said attracting high-paying jobs was crucial in light of the high retail vacancies in town. He said the high vacancies sully Elk Grove's appeal and is "a crime waiting to happen."

Leary was also in the sights of Mayor Gary Davis but for far different reasons. Davis publicly condemned Leary for comments he made at the conclusion of the last city council meeting suggesting that Elk Grove police were issuing traffic citations based on a quota system.

Citing the code-of-ethics passed by the city council in April, 2005, Davis said he felt Leary's comments needed to be addressed. "It is important that we be reminded of it from time time to time," he said.

Calling Leary's comments "totally inappropriate," Davis said that while the code has no enforcement mechanism, he felt it is the mayor's responsibility to address it. "It is the mayor's job to enforce it or at least point things out when I notice things are not in accordance with it," he said.

Council member Sophia Scherman echoed Davis' sentiments. "It's about time. Thank you," she said.

Leary was not in attendance during this portion of the meeting and did not respond to e-mail request seeking his comments.

Elk Grove hires new city manager, city clerk

After a closed special session, the Elk Grove City Council announced tonight that it has hired a new city manager, Laura Gill.

Gill is currently the chief administrative officer for El Dorado County.

In making the announcement, Mayor Gary Davis welcomed Gill and said that her arrival is an exciting time for the city. "We're lucky to have you," Davis said.

In a brief appearance, Gill thanked the council for the opportunity and said she was looking forward to her new job. "I thank you for the opportunity to serve Elk Grove," she said.

Gill will officially start on June 16 at annual salary of $195,000. Gill replaces Jim Estep who vacated the position to become city manager in Lincoln, Calif.

The council also announced that Susan Blackston had accepted the position of city clerk at an annual salary of $101,573. "I am really thrilled you accepted the position," said council member Sophia Scherman.

Ed. note: there were several other developments at tonights city council meeting. Another story will be posted regarding the balance of the meeting.

Crafty citizen catches crook on Craigslist

How many times have you heard about somebody getting something of value ripped-off and never seeing the goods recovered much less the crook being caught?

Most of the time the victim files a report with the cops and nothing else happens. Every now and then though, the good guys win one.

Take the case of Maynard Delacruz and his golf clubs.

After having his set stolen from the Cordova Golf Course, Delacruz decided to initiate his own investigation. He went looking for his clubs at the the digital pawnshop/marketplace where goods can easily be fenced - Craigslist.

Delacruz quickly located a description of his clubs being offered for sale and contacted the "seller." With the assistance of Elk Grove police, he arranged to meet the seller at Emerald Lakes Golf Course.

Once at the course, Delacruz met with the suspect, 27 year old Byran Sughrue and quickly identified his clubs. Police arrested Sughrue without incident.

Looks like Sughrue took one to many mulligans!

Is Elk Grove's most segregated hour now the most meaningless?

Dr. Martin Luther King once said "it is appalling that the most segregated hour of Christian America is eleven o'clock on Sunday morning."

In Elk Grove, that most segregated hour might now be called the most meaningless at least for members of Elk Grove's St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

Below is an item from St. Joseph's most recent parish bulletin. (Click on image to enlarge.)


We couldn't agree more with Fr. Peter Bosque. Is there no civility left?

Elk Grove city council to hold special meeting to consider city manager

In addition to the regular meeting, the Elk Grove City council will hold a special meeting tomorrow.

Among the items to be considered are the appointment of a new city clerk and city manager. The special session will start at 5 pm.

View the agenda here.

Elk Grove’s Spring Cleaning Program kicks off today

Press release from City of Elk Grove

Elk Grove, CA - The City of Elk Grove is launching a special effort this month to maintain the beauty of Elk Grove by keeping the city free from blight. Elk Grove’s “Spring Cleaning” program kicks off tomorrow.

This month, the City of Elk Grove’s Community Enhancement officers will be working proactively with the community on an extra effort to crack down on serious nuisances in neighborhoods citywide. Officers will be concentrating on properties with junk and debris, inoperable or abandoned vehicles and abandoned homes. The goal is to inspect every street in the city by the end of this month.

“The city and community’s partnership to address blight in Elk Grove sends a strong message about the strength of our neighborhoods and pride of ownership in Elk Grove,” said Mayor Gary Davis. “Together, we will address the bad apples, and preserve the quality of life our residents enjoy.”

The Community Enhancement officers will be armed with Elk Grove’s Nuisance Code, which provides officers enforcement tools to deal with unsightly junk, abandoned homes, unmaintained property, and other eyesores. The city will also be executing several abatement warrants, allowing Community Enhancement officers the ability to clean and maintain a neglected property themselves.

For more information, or to report a nuisance, call the City of Elk Grove’s Community Enhancement Department at 916-687-3023.

$4 gas arrives in West Sacramento

$4/gal. gas has arrived in Sacramento County, well Yolo County at least.

Today the price of $4.099 was being offered for regular gas at this station located at Reed Ave. and I-80.

With intraday oil futures trading as high as $126/bbl., you can be sure $4/gal. gas will soon will the norm.

Elk Grove PD cracking down on buckling up

Click It or Ticket Aims to Boost Seat Belt Use
Press release from EGPD

Elk Grove, Calif. – The Elk Grove Police Department will be aggressively enforcing the state’s occupant protection laws as part of California’s 2008 Click It or Ticket mobilization, taking place May 12-June 1. The campaign relies on heavy enforcement and public education as a means to help California achieve the highest seat belt use rate in the nation. California currently has the nation’s fourth highest seat belt use rate at 94.6 percent.

“We want to make sure that all drivers and passengers buckle up on every ride, day and night,” said Police Chief Robert Simmons. “Our officers will be on the lookout for those who are not buckled up and for teens and children not riding properly restrained. We will not accept excuses or give warnings. It’s Click It or Ticket.”

California has a primary seat belt law which requires that every passenger in the car, including the driver, is required to wear a seat belt at all times. If stopped and found to be in violation, law enforcement will issue citations without warning. Tickets for first seat belt violations range from $80 to $91 for adults and $330 to $401 for children under age 16, depending on the county.

“We’re doing well with nearly 95 percent buckling up, fourth highest in the nation,” said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety. “That’s 1.5 million more people protected from death and injury by using seatbelts since the Click It or Ticket campaign started in 2005. But we can do better yet. I urge everyone to always buckle up.”

While the buckle up rate for adults has continued to climb in recent years, California ’s teen seat belt use rate lags behind the general population. In 2007, California ’s teen seat belt use rate was 88.9 percent, well below the state rate of 94.6 percent for the same year.

More than 280 law enforcement agencies statewide will be participating in this year’s Click It or Ticket mobilization. Additionally, agencies are encouraged to conduct nighttime patrols in an effort to boost compliance at night.

Funding for officer overtime to support California ’s Click It or Ticket campaign was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Part II: Elk Grove Promenade construction plods along while

By D.A. Gougherty

Part II might be called a Tale of Two Elk Grove Shopping Centers. One is massive and represents the fiscal hopes and dreams of the city council. The other is a brand new empty strip center barely on the radar on the other side of town.


Of the course the former shopping center we speak of is the massive drive-thru strip center located on the southeast side of Elk Grove known as The Promenade. Slated for completion in early 2009, this strip center is believed by city fathers to be regional mall that will put Elk Grove on the map as a shopping destination. Time will tell.

The latter is a small strip center on the cities northeast side called "The Habour Pointe." Located at 9186 Maritime Drive very near Laguna Blvd and I-5, the center consist of two buildings each about 9,500 sq. ft.



The center has had one tenant "Reef Hermit," which unfortunately appears to have gone out of business. The rest of the center is vacant and the balance of the interior space has not been build out meaning the building are shells.

For a little historical perspective, according the Elk Grove planning department, the center was issued construction permits in Jan. 2006, and was ready for occupancy in Sept. 2007. The first tenant, the aforementioned "Reef Hermit" was granted a certificate of occupancy last November.



Though indistinguishable from the scores of others strip centers throughout Elk Grove, "Harbour Pointe" has some features that make it a viable commercial property. It is close to the Laguna I-5 interchange and has several neighborhoods in easy walking distance.

Though located only 7.5 mile apart, the two retail centers are are in opposite worlds. When The Promenade finally open next year, in the short term at least, it will siphon business aways from the numerous strips centers, many of which have mom and pop operators.

Even those centers that don't have mom and pop's, think of the Gottschalks at the Wal-Mart center or the two Kohl's department stores, they are surely going to be hurt by Macys and other shops catering to teenagers. Do you think Gottschalks will survive at their current location?

The point is once The Elk Grove Promenade opens, we are likely to see an increase in retail vacancies throughout the Elk Grove. This glut will come in form of numerous business failures and will be piled on top of the existing inventory of retail space that has yet to be occupied.

This all adds up to bad situation for our neighborhoods. Frankly it is surprising these empty never-occupied retail centers yet to be stripped of their cooper wiring by meth-heads and various tweakers.

This might be the price of our drive-thru regional mall known as The Promenade.

As the "The Harbour Pointe" illustrates, even without The Promenade's presence being felt, local retail strip center space is going unfilled.

What happen's a year from now?

Senior moment; Sheldon-99 interchange construction leads to road rage

With the construction of the new interchange at Sheldon Rd and Hwy. 99, along with Grantline Rd, all the old interchanges in Elk Grove will have been remodeled in the last 10 or so years.

With the construction comes the unavoidable lane closures and delays that while frustrating, do signal improved traffic flow will soon be there. For some though, the delays can be to much.

Such was the case yesterday for Joseph Aeltean.

According to Elk Grove police, while navigating the construction at Sheldon & 99 Aeltean was signaled to stop by a traffic control worker Shawnee Allison. Aeltean then became so irate at the worker that he aimed his car at Allison and attempted to run her over.

Allison managed to jump out of the way and Aeltean proceeded. Aeltean was arrested at his house after an eyewitness gave police his license plate number.

The unusual part of this story is Aeltean's age. While you might expect this behavior from some stressed-out-tailgating-SUV-driving yuppie, Aeltean is 81 years old.

We're not sure is Aeltean was stressed out or just disappointed that the 1950's era interchange is about to see it's last days.

Evening Highway 99 Closures Ahead

Press release from City of Elk Grove

Elk Grove, CA – Next week, portions of Highway 99 at Grant Line Road will be closed for night work related to the Grant Line Interchange project. Crews will be working on the overpass, keeping the project on schedule.

Southbound 99 will be closed on Monday, May 12 and Tuesday, May 13 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Northbound 99 will be closed Wednesday, May 14 and Thursday, May 15 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The overcrossing, on-ramps, and off-ramps will still be operational.

Flaggers will detour traffic. The Elk Grove Police Department and California Highway Patrol will be on site to ensure the work does not create significant traffic delays.

The City of Elk Grove is more than halfway complete with the reconstruction of the Grant Line Interchange, and expect completion this fall.

For more information about the Grant Line Interchange project, visit: http://www.egpublicworks.org/grantline/index.asp. For information about the upcoming closures, contact Steve Palmer at 916/478-2221 or spalmer@elkgrovecity.org.

Elk Grove cops use taser on suspect, recover sunglasses for robbery victim

Between tasering a suspect, making arrests for marijuana and recovering stolen sunglasses, Elk Grove police were busy yesterday.

The taser case started as a domestic violence call early yesterday afternoon. Arriving at the scene, officers heard a female victim cry and scream and were unable to gain entry into the dwelling.

After a forced entry, officer discovered a female victim with visible injuries to her neck. The suspect, Joshua Head was handcuffed and lead out of the dwelling.

Once outside, Head reportedly began fighting with one of the arresting officers. After Head refused to comply with officer directions, the taser was used to subdue him. Head was transported to the central jail. (Reporting EGPD officer: Lt. Litade)

Officers also were able to recover a pair of sunglasses that were stolen from a female juvenile while she was wearing them. The eyeglasses were recovered from a male juvenile who was then transferred to juvenile hall.

In addition, police issued four citations for marijuana possession in two separate incidents.

City to host foreclosure workshop

By Maria G. Manio

In response to the stinging foreclosure problem, the city of Elk Grove will host a foreclosure prevention seminar.

Partnering with the California Dept. of Real Estate, the city will conduct a workshop for families facing foreclosure. According the city, "the purpose of the workshop is to help Elk Grove residents stay in their homes or explore exit strategies."

Participants will have access to lenders and financial advisers who will provide their expertise. It is estimated that up to 500 participants could attend.

The workshop will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 29th at Wackford Complex, 9014 Bruceville Rd.

Further information is available at the Governor's task force website at www.yourhome.ca.gov.

Detrick's campaign moving quick, Maestas' is near invisible

In this year's Elk Grove City Council race, so far there are two challengers to three of the incumbents seeking reelection.

With much fanfare in January, Democrat Katerine Maestas announced her bid to unseat two-term council member Republican Sophia Scherman. At her announcement Maestas, brought out local Democrat political heavyweights Darrell Steinberg and David Jones.

More recently, Steve Detrick announced (see video) his challenge to two-term incumbent Mike Leary during a city council meeting. Detrick was accompanied by his wife at the announcement.

Since then, Detrick's fledgling campaign has taken flight. In addition to using the economy and timeliness of e-mail, Detrick has also established, be it presently barren, a campaign website.

Aside from her MySpace page, which could help with the youth vote, as far as we can tell Maestas has not actively started her campaign. (See Google search results.) Granted running a campaign against the deep-pocketed Scherman will require any candidate to carefully manage their funds, but how much would it cost to start an e-mail campaign?

The clock is ticking.

Part I: Elk Grove Promenade construction plods along while other retail centers are empty

Construction of Elk Grove's regional mall, The Promenade, is moving along.

A visit to Grantline and Hwy. 99 reveals several buildings rising in the former farmland in southern Elk Grove. Right now it is hard to envision how these buildings will resemble the urbane regional shopping center Elk Grove has been promised.

Interestingly, one of the main buildings is more akin to a large dairy facility you would see further south in valley. A visit to the Promenade's website doesn't help envision the 'hip' looking type of place me might have expected.

(Palm trees in Northern California? A dead give away that someone in the Midwest designed this barn.)

Who knows, maybe we are just lacking the 'vision thing.' Likewise, maybe this drive-thru outdoor mall is the thing of the future and we are on the cutting edge of some new 21st century urban planning trend. With gas hovering around $4/gal., who wouldn't want to cruise though the mall in a gas-guzzling SUV!

Or maybe we were just sold a bill of goods. Only time will tell.

One thing is for certain, once The Promenade opens, it will have lasting effects on Elk Grove and it's neighborhoods.

(To be continued)

City spins Apple layoffs

Just what do the recent layoff of 174 employees at Apple's Elk Grove facility really mean? Well that all depends on who you listen to or where you read about it.

Using NPR's local outlet, KXJZ, Elk Grove Mayor Gary Davis tried to put the best possible spin he could. Davis was quoted saying:

"It hurts to lose jobs from one of our major employers. Our heart goes out to those residents that are losing their job."

Never losing an opportunity to spin, Davis went on to say:

" We feel pretty optimistic that they’ll be able to find other jobs in Elk Grove simply because the economic activity that’s coming down the line in Elk Grove looks real positive."

Meanwhile, a couple other local media outlets had some rather downbeat economic news for Elk Grove. In their story on the layoffs, the Bee noted that along with high foreclosures, retail vacancies have dramatically increased:

Still, the job cuts come at a particularly difficult time. Real estate analysts say Elk Grove is doing worse than most other parts of the Sacramento region. Vacancies at its smaller strip malls were three times as high as the region's average at the end of 2007.

Further along in the Bee's story Davis cited the construction of Elk Grove's long-awaited mall, The Promenade as positive economic sign for the community.

News10.net also ran a story on the layoffs. In their version they talked to two laid-off workers who said:

Two workers from sales said they made $100,000 last year in sales and commission. They said they were told earlier the commission jobs would be replaced by flat salary jobs at $12 an hour.

We can't help but wonder if these two workers will be applying for retail jobs at The Promenade?

Elk Grove road work/closures week of May 4

ROAD CLOSURES:

E. Stockton Blvd. between Cantwell Dr. and Sheldon Rd.
(North and south bound) April 2nd – May 30th

LANE CLOSURES:

E. Stockton Blvd. between Hampton Oaks and Calvine Rd.
(Southbound – intermittent) April 20th – August 17th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

E. Stockton Blvd. between Bow St. and Sheldon Place Dr.
(North and south bound – alternating) April 21st – May 9th 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Sheldon Rd. between Elk Grove-Florin Rd. and Springhurst Dr. (UPRR Crossing)
(Eastbound – various) April 14th – May 30th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Big Horn Blvd. between Fry Creek and Laguna Star Dr.
(East and west bound – various) April 8th – May 30th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

W. Stockton Blvd. between Old Poppy Ridge Rd. and Grant Line Rd.
(North and south bound – intermittent) April 7th – June 15th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Kent St. south of Lark Street
(North and south bound – intermittent) April 27th – May 11th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Power Inn Rd. at Sheldon Rd., Villenueve Dr., Orchard Park Dr.
(All directions – various) March 31st – May 16th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Laguna Blvd. between W. Stockton/Laguna Springs Dr. and Bruceville Rd.
(East and west bound – intermittent) March 10th – May 27th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Franklin Blvd. between Laguna Blvd. and Tegan Rd.
(Westbound - Various) March 11th – May 16th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Bond Rd. between Elk Grove-Florin and E. Stockton Blvd.
(West and east bound – intermittent) March 3rd – May 27th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Elk Grove-Florin Rd. between E. Stockton Blvd. and Elk Grove Blvd.
(Various) February 4th – May 30th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Elk Grove Florin Rd. between Park Trail and Park Meadows
(North and south bound - various) January 1st - July 30th 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Elk Grove-Florin Rd. between Mountain Home Court and Elk Grove Blvd.
(North and south bound – various) April 30th – July 30th 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

TRAFFIC SIGNAL MODIFICATIONS (EXPECT DELAYS):

The following locations will be having traffic signal modifications that will require the intersections to be dark. Flaggers will be controlling traffic.

Laguna Blvd. and Bruceville Rd.
May 6th 8:30 am – 12:30 pm

Laguna Blvd. and Trenholm Dr.
May 6th 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Laguna Blvd. and Big Horn Blvd.
May 7th 8:30 am – 12:30 pm

Laguna Blvd. and Laguna Creek Pedestrian Crossing
May7th 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Laguna Blvd. and Laguna Springs Dr.
May 8th 8:30 am – 12:30 pm

Bond Rd. and Elk Grove Creek Pedestrian Crossing
May 8th 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm

OTHER CONSTRUCTION ZONES (EXPECT DELAYS):

Grant Line Rd. between Waterman Rd and West Stockton Blvd.
(North and South bound) February 5, 2007 - August 31, 2008 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

Sheldon Road between Lewis Stein Rd. and Power Inn Rd.
(East and west bound – intermittent) February 4th – May 16th 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

TRAFFIC SIGNALS:

NONE

CSLB, Elk Grove police arrrest unlicensed contractors

By Maria G. Manio

The California State Licensing Board (CSLB) and Elk Grove police arrested five individuals suspected of operating without required licenses on Wednesday, April 30 in Elk Grove.

The sweep was under the direction of the CSLB with Elk Grove police assisting. Along with four arrests, the joint operation issued two administrative citations, five misdemeanor citations, towed five vehicles and issued 15 CSLB misdemeanor violations. The sweep was conducted in the 7500 block of Nassa Circle.

There was a separate arrest at the same address earlier in the afternoon. In that incident the suspect, Viet Huynh, 47, fled the scene. After a struggle, he was arrested by police for resisting arrest and transported to the county jail.

Elk Grove police did not have any further information regarding the violations. There was no immediate response from the CLSB regarding the sweep.

$4/gal. gas creeping towards Elk Grove

Just when will $4/gal. gas hit Elk Grove?

That is the question many of us are asking ourselves as we dish out $40 and more to fill our gas tanks.

Many people we talk to seem to think Memorial Day will be the time when the $4 barrier is broken throughout Northern California.

Well at one Sacramento area gas station it has been within one-tenth of a cent of $4 for several days now. This station happens to be located at the Reed Ave. exit and I-80 in West Sacramento.

Obviously they are taking advantage of their location to extract a few more pennies per gallon from unsuspecting travelers. Most local stations are hovering around $3.90/gal.

Nonetheless, hold tight because $4/gal is coming to a gas station near you.

First paid political ad for Elk Grove City Council race

As best as we can tell, the first paid political ad for the Elk Grove city council race appeared yesterday.

The ad was in the Elk Grove Citizen's Western Festival supplement and appeared on page 25. The ad was from Steve Detrick who is running against incumbent Mike Leary. It appeared as a bottom banner for his wife Jan's broader real estate services ad.

The race is on.