Doug McElroy talks about the issues and his opponent's "scare tactics" at the Oct. 16 candidate forum. McElroy has been on the CCSD board for 16 years and is seeking his fith term. Fellow incumbent Gil Albiani is seeking his second term on the board. Challenging the pair for the three open seats are Jimmie Johnson, Sandi Russell, Guy Rutter, Michelle Orrock, and Rod Brewer.
Video & Text by Jeff Forward, Elk Grove Citizen
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Cosumnes CSD Candidates Forum on YouTube
The candidates for the Cosumnes Community Services District met Oct. 16 to talk to voters about their platforms and the issues in a candidate forum. Co-sponsored by the Elk Grove Citizen and the League of Women Voters, the forum was the fourth and final in a series that included the Elk Grove City Council, Elk Grove Joint Unified School District, and the Florin Resource Conservation District.
There are 11 videos in all. They will be posted on this blog; and on YouTube.com - our account is EditorEGCitizen.
As the election season draws to a close with voting day less than two weeks from now, we will continue to cover the races and candidates with print coverage and online videos and updates.
Thanks,
Jeff Forward
Editor
There are 11 videos in all. They will be posted on this blog; and on YouTube.com - our account is EditorEGCitizen.
As the election season draws to a close with voting day less than two weeks from now, we will continue to cover the races and candidates with print coverage and online videos and updates.
Thanks,
Jeff Forward
Editor
Cosumnes Community Services District Candidate Forum
This is the first video of many taken on Oct. 16 at the Cosumnes Community Services District candidates forum. The forum was co-sponsored by the Elk Grove Citizen and the League of Women Voters and held at the Trigg Center on Elk Grove-Florin Road.
This video is of challenger Jimmie Johnson making his opening statement.
Jeff Forward
This video is of challenger Jimmie Johnson making his opening statement.
Jeff Forward
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Jamie Gonzales 1983-2008
Citizen Staff Writer Jamie Gonzales, who has been battling cancer since March, 2008, has died.
Jamie passed away at about 10 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008, in her home in north Elk Grove.
Jamie began to chronicle her journey after learning she had colo-rectal cancer in March. Her blog has all of the columns she wrote.
Jamie's Journal
A series of tributes to Jamie from our staff and friends will be published beginning in the Oct. 22nd issue of the Citizen. The tributes will continue to run for the next several weeks.
Jeff Forward
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Police, Firefighters unions announce endorsements...
By Cameron Macdonald
Citizen Staff Writer
Elk Grove’s police and firefighter unions formally announced their local Election 2008 endorsements outside the Elk Grove City Hall on Oct. 8.
The members of the two groups are endorsing the same candidates for both the Elk Grove City Council and the Cosumnes Community Services District (CSD) Board.
For city council, the groups support incumbents Jim Cooper, District 1, and Sophia Scherman, District 5, as well as challenger Steve Detrick in District 3.
And for the Cosumnes CSD board, the groups are backing incumbent Doug McElroy and challengers Rod Brewer and Michelle Orrock.
If elected, the Cosumnes CSD candidates would govern fire and emergency medical services for Elk Grove and Galt along with the parks of Elk Grove.
The leaders for both unions said they are supporting candidates who they believe will maintain public safety during difficult economic times.
“We need council members and board members that clearly understand the priorities of public safety,” said Dan Quiggle, the director of the Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522.
The Local 522 represents the Cosumnes CSD firefighters who serve Elk Grove and Galt.
James Fuller, the president of the Elk Grove Police Officers Association, first spoke about how his organization considered their choices for the election.
“What comes to mind is just an absolute cooperation with public safety,” Fuller said of the endorsed candidates. “(They) are going to be the right team to make the right decisions to deal with those difficult issues.”
All of the endorsed candidates attended the unions’ press conference to share their appreciation.
“It’s one of the ones that I worked very hard to get,” Orrock said about the endorsement.
McElroy told the press: “This is a new chapter in regards to how local government is run here in the Elk Grove area…a chapter of cooperation, partnership and increased synergy.”
Quiggle told the Citizen that the Local 522’s endorsement process is performed every two years.
They first have seven firefighter members interview the candidates to learn about the candidates and hear their positions on subjects like public safety and the funding for it, Quiggle said.
“Much of it is an educational session for us to learn about them and for them to learn about us,” Quiggle added.
Fuller explained that the police officers’ association also conducted an interview process with the candidates. He mentioned that they made sure their interviews correlated with the Local 522’s, so that their endorsed candidates shared the same priorities for public safety.
The Local 522 chose to endorse McElroy, Brewer and Orrock for the CSD board based on their stances on issues that concern citizens and firefighters, Quiggle said.
As for the city council, the Local 522’s support of Cooper and Scherman is centered on those incumbents’ history in office; they are endorsing Detrick because they believe he will continue make the changes to the city council that were brought by the 2006 election winners, Gary Davis and Pat Hume.
Both of the union leaders said their members will now campaign for the chosen candidates.
Quiggle said that the Local 522 is making financial contributions to the candidates as well as placing campaign yard signs and making telephone calls to voters.
“All the work it takes to get the message of the candidate out to the citizens,” he said.
Fuller said that his association’s members have already started campaigning and “hitting the pavement. We’ll be in your neighborhood supporting our candidates.”
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Quick thoughts on televised debate
On Saturday morning, I was honored to be a moderator for the League of Women Voters televised forum for Elk Grove City Council candidates.
In one sentence, I wanted to describe my thoughts of the morning and the candidates' responses.
I will begin with District 1:
Imcumbent Jim Cooper was passionate and expressed his desire & reason to be elected well.
Challenger LaWanna Montgomery had difficultly maintaining focus and did not explain her positions in-depth.
In District 3:
Challenger Greg Higley, owner of the UPS Store, was a no-show.
Incumbent Mike Leary stuck to his normal emphasis points - he feels he's done a good job the past eight years.
Challenger Steve Detrick had a few feisty moments, but is clearly not a polished public speaker.
In District 5:
Challenger Bob Felts was emphatic that he has the qualifications to be a council member.
Incumbent Sophia Scherman made her case, but she had a cold and it affected her speaking.
Challenger Khanh "K.T." Tran continued to promote his green-tech plan to bring jobs and industry to Elk Grove.
Challenger Katherine Maestas spoke honestly about her personal life, and seemed very well prepared to speak.
I want to thank all the candidates who showed up for the event; as well as the fine folks at the League of Women Voters. This was my third time moderating the forum and all three have been a great experience.
Jeff Forward
Editor
In one sentence, I wanted to describe my thoughts of the morning and the candidates' responses.
I will begin with District 1:
Imcumbent Jim Cooper was passionate and expressed his desire & reason to be elected well.
Challenger LaWanna Montgomery had difficultly maintaining focus and did not explain her positions in-depth.
In District 3:
Challenger Greg Higley, owner of the UPS Store, was a no-show.
Incumbent Mike Leary stuck to his normal emphasis points - he feels he's done a good job the past eight years.
Challenger Steve Detrick had a few feisty moments, but is clearly not a polished public speaker.
In District 5:
Challenger Bob Felts was emphatic that he has the qualifications to be a council member.
Incumbent Sophia Scherman made her case, but she had a cold and it affected her speaking.
Challenger Khanh "K.T." Tran continued to promote his green-tech plan to bring jobs and industry to Elk Grove.
Challenger Katherine Maestas spoke honestly about her personal life, and seemed very well prepared to speak.
I want to thank all the candidates who showed up for the event; as well as the fine folks at the League of Women Voters. This was my third time moderating the forum and all three have been a great experience.
Jeff Forward
Editor
Former city PIO gets more than $32,000 from Leary
Today I received the most recent financial filings for candidates for Elk Grove City Council. I am still going through the forms and working on a story, but one thing among all really stood out to me.
Elk Grove District 3 Incumbent Mike Leary paid out $32,510.26 in expenses to the political consulting firm MMS Strategies, which is owned by former Elk Grove Public Information Officer, Michelle Smira.
When Smira left the city of Elk Grove before the 2006 election, she told the Citizen she would not work for the campaign of any city council member.
Now, judging from campaign finance statements filed by Leary, she is a major cog in Leary's re-election campaign.
Jeff Forward
Editor
Elk Grove District 3 Incumbent Mike Leary paid out $32,510.26 in expenses to the political consulting firm MMS Strategies, which is owned by former Elk Grove Public Information Officer, Michelle Smira.
When Smira left the city of Elk Grove before the 2006 election, she told the Citizen she would not work for the campaign of any city council member.
Now, judging from campaign finance statements filed by Leary, she is a major cog in Leary's re-election campaign.
Jeff Forward
Editor
Just attended the GSREHA meeting....
Shirley Peters of the Greater Sheldon Road Estates Homeowners Association invited me to their meeting Tuesday night, and I took her up on the offer.
Elk Grove City Council Candidates Mike Leary and Katherine Maestas spoke to the group - more than a dozen in attendance - and answered questions.
It was a nice event and I can say one thing, those folks are passionate about their community as well as knowledgeable about everything going on which will impact that community they love and cherish - know as "ag res."
We'll have a full story in an upcoming edition of the Citizen, but here are some quotes.
Mike Leary - the incumbent in District 3 - was very approachable and casual - dressed in faded blue jeans; a nice button down shirt and tie.
"I think I've provided a lot of good things to the community," Leary told the group. "I've had a good ride and I think I have the knowledge that it takes. We've done just a fantastic job creating this city as it is today."
Leary has repeatedly lauded the city council for making road improvements in Elk Grove - and he made sure to emphasize the Grant Line Road and Sheldon Road interchange projects as successes.
"Both of those interchanges happened because we moved forward without any federal funding," Leary said.
Leary also took aim at the city's developmental and business fee structure, saying it's, "Quite frankly, out of control."
When some in the audience questioned the money Leary has received in campaign donations from developers and out-of-town interests, Leary had a simple response.
"I don't really care who supports my campaign," he said. "I'm going to do what's right for the community."
The GSREHA group also heard from District 5 Challenger Katherine Maestas, who appeared very well dressed and professional looking.
Maestas talked a lot about her personal life, and how that has shaped her for a life of public service.
"I have a heightened feeling of, 'I need to make a difference,'" she said. "I am here to serve, I want to make a difference."
Maestas touted her years of planning experience with the County of Sacramento and listened to the pleas to save the rural way of life found in Sheldon.
Maestas said she is against the city's proposed Sphere of Influence expansion proposal.
"To expand here," she said, pointing at a map of the affected areas, "would be a huge detriment to our community. Once you pave it over and put in stop lights everywhere, you are never going to get it back."
Some asked about the proposed highway linking El Dorado and Interstate-5, which could run smack down the middle of Sheldon.
Maestas said she is "very cautious" about the proposal.
"That's not what we need," she said. "My gut feeling right now is, it's now good. In my opinion, it's not a good idea."
Maestas also took a swipe at the growing gang problem in Elk Grove, telling the group when she heard a gang presentation at her child's school, that it "scared me to death."
Maestas, who has much less money in her campaign war chest than incumbent Sophia Scherman, said the current political climate in the city is not community-minded.
"It's pretty sad that to be a viable candidate in this city, you need to raise more than $100,000," she said.
For more information on the meeting, check out an upcoming edition of the Citizen.
Jeff Forward
Editor
Elk Grove City Council Candidates Mike Leary and Katherine Maestas spoke to the group - more than a dozen in attendance - and answered questions.
It was a nice event and I can say one thing, those folks are passionate about their community as well as knowledgeable about everything going on which will impact that community they love and cherish - know as "ag res."
We'll have a full story in an upcoming edition of the Citizen, but here are some quotes.
Mike Leary - the incumbent in District 3 - was very approachable and casual - dressed in faded blue jeans; a nice button down shirt and tie.
"I think I've provided a lot of good things to the community," Leary told the group. "I've had a good ride and I think I have the knowledge that it takes. We've done just a fantastic job creating this city as it is today."
Leary has repeatedly lauded the city council for making road improvements in Elk Grove - and he made sure to emphasize the Grant Line Road and Sheldon Road interchange projects as successes.
"Both of those interchanges happened because we moved forward without any federal funding," Leary said.
Leary also took aim at the city's developmental and business fee structure, saying it's, "Quite frankly, out of control."
When some in the audience questioned the money Leary has received in campaign donations from developers and out-of-town interests, Leary had a simple response.
"I don't really care who supports my campaign," he said. "I'm going to do what's right for the community."
The GSREHA group also heard from District 5 Challenger Katherine Maestas, who appeared very well dressed and professional looking.
Maestas talked a lot about her personal life, and how that has shaped her for a life of public service.
"I have a heightened feeling of, 'I need to make a difference,'" she said. "I am here to serve, I want to make a difference."
Maestas touted her years of planning experience with the County of Sacramento and listened to the pleas to save the rural way of life found in Sheldon.
Maestas said she is against the city's proposed Sphere of Influence expansion proposal.
"To expand here," she said, pointing at a map of the affected areas, "would be a huge detriment to our community. Once you pave it over and put in stop lights everywhere, you are never going to get it back."
Some asked about the proposed highway linking El Dorado and Interstate-5, which could run smack down the middle of Sheldon.
Maestas said she is "very cautious" about the proposal.
"That's not what we need," she said. "My gut feeling right now is, it's now good. In my opinion, it's not a good idea."
Maestas also took a swipe at the growing gang problem in Elk Grove, telling the group when she heard a gang presentation at her child's school, that it "scared me to death."
Maestas, who has much less money in her campaign war chest than incumbent Sophia Scherman, said the current political climate in the city is not community-minded.
"It's pretty sad that to be a viable candidate in this city, you need to raise more than $100,000," she said.
For more information on the meeting, check out an upcoming edition of the Citizen.
Jeff Forward
Editor
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Televised City Council debate Saturday moring....
I am one of the moderators for the League of Women Voters live, televised debate between all nine candidates for Elk Grove City Council.
This is my third time being a moderator, and I have enjoyed the opportunity each time. Tomorrow - I guess today, since it is 1:17 a.m. - will be a lot of fun and voters in Elk Grove can learn more about the candidates whom they'll see on this year's ballot.
The debate is at 9 a.m. and will be televised on Metro Cable 14.
Jeff Forward
Editor
This is my third time being a moderator, and I have enjoyed the opportunity each time. Tomorrow - I guess today, since it is 1:17 a.m. - will be a lot of fun and voters in Elk Grove can learn more about the candidates whom they'll see on this year's ballot.
The debate is at 9 a.m. and will be televised on Metro Cable 14.
Jeff Forward
Editor
Citizen meeting with city of Elk Grove on hold
The meeting planned between officials from the city of Elk Grove and the editorial staff and ownership of the Elk Grove Citizen has been delayed until the city's new police chief is on duty and settled in. More on this exciting meeting when further developments arise.
Jeff Forward
Editor
Jeff Forward
Editor
Elk Grove beats Pleasant Grove 13-7
The Thundering Herd scored on their first possession Friday night and used a ball-control, running strategy to grind out a 13-7 victory over cross-town rival Pleasant Grove. The Herd improved to 4-0 while the Eagles fell to 3-1.
Both teams entered the game undefeated and ranked in the area's top five; each riding offensive explosions to big wins. But Friday night was good old fall football, as a light drizzle developed and things got a bit slippery and both teams relied on the ground game.
The Thundering Herd ran the ball with a combination of several different players, including RB Bryce Harper and and QB Zach Miller; while Pleasant Grove moved the ball on the ground primarily behind Michael Madkins and somewhat through the air to WR Drew Ahmann.
Harper gave the Herd the lead on their first drive with a 7-yard score on third down; while Miller scored with a sneak from 1-yard out on Elk Grove's first possession of the third quarter. The Herd controlled the clock much of the game, including their two scoring drives, the first a 14-play series and the second, an 11-play drive, both for touchdowns. Elk Grove could have padded their lead late in the fourth after the Eagles had closed within six points, but missed a 31-yard field goal after a 13-play drive that began at their own 20-yard line and ate up more than five minutes on the clock.
The Eagles got the ball back with 3:22 on the clock at their own 20 yard line and adeptly moved the ball to the Herd 41-yard line.
On first down, QB Taylor Congdon threw incomplete. On second down, Congdon hit TE Kevin Harris for six yards to the 35. On the next play, Congdon threw imcomplete to WR Russell Vonschoech. The Eagles called time-out to discuss their fourth down play.
Looking at fourth and four from the Elk Grove 35-yard line, Congdon scrambled to his right and tossed an easy pass to Obadiah Johnson, but the Eagles hopes were dashed when Johnson couldn't hold on to the pass and dropped a sure first down.
Elk Grove took over on downs and ran out the remaining 1:15 off the clock to remain undefeated.
Look for a full report with player and coach reaction in Wednesday's Citizen.
Jeff Forward
Both teams entered the game undefeated and ranked in the area's top five; each riding offensive explosions to big wins. But Friday night was good old fall football, as a light drizzle developed and things got a bit slippery and both teams relied on the ground game.
The Thundering Herd ran the ball with a combination of several different players, including RB Bryce Harper and and QB Zach Miller; while Pleasant Grove moved the ball on the ground primarily behind Michael Madkins and somewhat through the air to WR Drew Ahmann.
Harper gave the Herd the lead on their first drive with a 7-yard score on third down; while Miller scored with a sneak from 1-yard out on Elk Grove's first possession of the third quarter. The Herd controlled the clock much of the game, including their two scoring drives, the first a 14-play series and the second, an 11-play drive, both for touchdowns. Elk Grove could have padded their lead late in the fourth after the Eagles had closed within six points, but missed a 31-yard field goal after a 13-play drive that began at their own 20-yard line and ate up more than five minutes on the clock.
The Eagles got the ball back with 3:22 on the clock at their own 20 yard line and adeptly moved the ball to the Herd 41-yard line.
On first down, QB Taylor Congdon threw incomplete. On second down, Congdon hit TE Kevin Harris for six yards to the 35. On the next play, Congdon threw imcomplete to WR Russell Vonschoech. The Eagles called time-out to discuss their fourth down play.
Looking at fourth and four from the Elk Grove 35-yard line, Congdon scrambled to his right and tossed an easy pass to Obadiah Johnson, but the Eagles hopes were dashed when Johnson couldn't hold on to the pass and dropped a sure first down.
Elk Grove took over on downs and ran out the remaining 1:15 off the clock to remain undefeated.
Look for a full report with player and coach reaction in Wednesday's Citizen.
Jeff Forward
Jamie's Journal Update
For those that haven't already read, there is an update on Jamie's Journal.
Jeff Forward
Editor
Jeff Forward
Editor
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Announcing the EG Citizen Footall Report blog
As many of our readers know, I have been writing a college football column for several years at the Citizen. However, due to space constraints in our print edition and our essential focus on local high school sports, the column hasn't always been published.
This year, we're switching the college football coverage to the Internet with our new blog, The EG Citizen College Football Report, where we will be covering everything related to the greatest sport in America - College Football.
Check out my first post and picks for tonight's three big games - Ohio State at USC; Washington hosting Oklahoma; and Wisconsin at Fresno State.
Jeff Forward
Editor & College Football Fanatic
This year, we're switching the college football coverage to the Internet with our new blog, The EG Citizen College Football Report, where we will be covering everything related to the greatest sport in America - College Football.
Check out my first post and picks for tonight's three big games - Ohio State at USC; Washington hosting Oklahoma; and Wisconsin at Fresno State.
Jeff Forward
Editor & College Football Fanatic
Citizen to meet with city of Elk Grove officials
The ownership and editorial staff of the Elk Grove Citizen will be meeting with numerous officials from the city of Elk Grove in an joint effort to discuss and enable better communications between the Elk Grove Police Department and the Citizen reporting staff.
In light of two recent serious public safety issues, Citizen staff became concerned about the availability and dissemination of information about critical criminal allegations and situations.
One incident involved the owner of a local mascot business who is facing allegations of suspicion of child porn charges and is also accused of suspicion of rape. The suspect was initially arrested on minor charges and allegations, but when more serious accusations and allegations surfaced, the Citizen and other area media were not informed. A local television news investigation weeks after the additional charges uncovered more details about the unusual allegations.
A second incident involving two pit bulls rampaging up to a mile from their owner's home and menacing citizens, attacking two pets, and finally aggressively confronting police officers - one of whom shot one pit bull to death - was reported to the Citizen but full and critical details regarding the incident were not provided to the Citizen reporting staff despite repeated interviews and requests.
These details, however, were provided to other area media; and the information provided by several officials was confusing and did not match the information each provided to the Citizen.
The Citizen editorial staff also sought the name of the owner of the two pit bulls, but was denied by Elk Grove police officials, who said names of suspects only receiving citations were not releasable to the press.
The Citizen editorial staff felt this information was public record, and filed a California Public Records request with City Attorney Susan Cochran, who denied the request and refused to release the name of the owner of the two dogs. The surviving pit bull was returned to the owner - who is facing numerous charges related to the dogs and incident - after being deemed not viscious by city animal control officials.
The city of Elk Grove finally did release the name of the owner, but it was nine days after the incident occurred.
In an effort to work collaboratively to better share information with the Citizen reporting staff, Editor Jeff Forward; Publisher and General Manager David Herburger; and Owner and Founder Roy Herburger will be meeting with city Manager Laura Gill, Elk Grove police Chief Robert Simmons, city Attorney Susan Cochran, city Public Information Officer Christine Brainerd, and EGPD Public Information Officer Christopher Trim.
The Citizen staff is very excited about the meeting as one of our top priorities it to serve the public and readership by, among other things, reporting news about critical public safety issues in Elk Grove. We appreciate the quickness of city officials to recognize the importance of the situation and offer to meet and improve communications.
A full report will be published in the Citizen after the meeting.
Jeff Forward
Editor
In light of two recent serious public safety issues, Citizen staff became concerned about the availability and dissemination of information about critical criminal allegations and situations.
One incident involved the owner of a local mascot business who is facing allegations of suspicion of child porn charges and is also accused of suspicion of rape. The suspect was initially arrested on minor charges and allegations, but when more serious accusations and allegations surfaced, the Citizen and other area media were not informed. A local television news investigation weeks after the additional charges uncovered more details about the unusual allegations.
A second incident involving two pit bulls rampaging up to a mile from their owner's home and menacing citizens, attacking two pets, and finally aggressively confronting police officers - one of whom shot one pit bull to death - was reported to the Citizen but full and critical details regarding the incident were not provided to the Citizen reporting staff despite repeated interviews and requests.
These details, however, were provided to other area media; and the information provided by several officials was confusing and did not match the information each provided to the Citizen.
The Citizen editorial staff also sought the name of the owner of the two pit bulls, but was denied by Elk Grove police officials, who said names of suspects only receiving citations were not releasable to the press.
The Citizen editorial staff felt this information was public record, and filed a California Public Records request with City Attorney Susan Cochran, who denied the request and refused to release the name of the owner of the two dogs. The surviving pit bull was returned to the owner - who is facing numerous charges related to the dogs and incident - after being deemed not viscious by city animal control officials.
The city of Elk Grove finally did release the name of the owner, but it was nine days after the incident occurred.
In an effort to work collaboratively to better share information with the Citizen reporting staff, Editor Jeff Forward; Publisher and General Manager David Herburger; and Owner and Founder Roy Herburger will be meeting with city Manager Laura Gill, Elk Grove police Chief Robert Simmons, city Attorney Susan Cochran, city Public Information Officer Christine Brainerd, and EGPD Public Information Officer Christopher Trim.
The Citizen staff is very excited about the meeting as one of our top priorities it to serve the public and readership by, among other things, reporting news about critical public safety issues in Elk Grove. We appreciate the quickness of city officials to recognize the importance of the situation and offer to meet and improve communications.
A full report will be published in the Citizen after the meeting.
Jeff Forward
Editor
Friday, September 5, 2008
Pit Bull Update 3: City Attorney releases name of owner
The city of Elk Grove has released the name of the owner of a pit bull shot by police on Aug. 20.
City Attorney Susan Cochran initially denied the Citizen's California Public Records Request and would not release the name of the dog owner.
In a letter dated Aug. 29, Cochran said the city would identify the owner as well as the officer who shot the dog.
The owner of the two pit bulls was named as Isreal Washington, of the 8600 block of Territorial Way. One dog was shot dead by Elk Grove police Officer Manual Saenz. According to police Spokesperson Christopher Trim, the other pit bull - which was also accused of menacing area residents and attacking a Pomeranian dog - was returned to Washington because under city Municipal Code, it was not deemed a dangerous animal.
The Citizen reporting staff will have a follow up story in Wednesday's print edition.
City Attorney Susan Cochran initially denied the Citizen's California Public Records Request and would not release the name of the dog owner.
In a letter dated Aug. 29, Cochran said the city would identify the owner as well as the officer who shot the dog.
The owner of the two pit bulls was named as Isreal Washington, of the 8600 block of Territorial Way. One dog was shot dead by Elk Grove police Officer Manual Saenz. According to police Spokesperson Christopher Trim, the other pit bull - which was also accused of menacing area residents and attacking a Pomeranian dog - was returned to Washington because under city Municipal Code, it was not deemed a dangerous animal.
The Citizen reporting staff will have a follow up story in Wednesday's print edition.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Pit Bull Follow-Up: Part Two
The city of Elk Grove has returned a pit bull to its owner despite the dog being involved in a rampage that ended with its capture and the shooting to death of a second dog, also owned by the same person.
City Attorney Susan Cochran declined a Citizen California Public Records Request last week for the name of the dog's owner - who was cited according to Elk Grove Police Public Information Officer (PIO) Christopher Trim.
In a post on the local forum, Elk Grove Online, Trim responded to a question from a poster about whether or not the second dog had been returned to the owner. He said the dog had been returned because it was deemed not to meet the criteria of a "vicious dog" under city code.
Trim's response is below.
The Citizen is working on a follow-up story on the pit bull situation; as well as stories on the Sacramento County Grand Jury probe into another incident in the city involving a pit bull, one that attacked and killed a couple's cat last year.
Meanwhile, in Lodi, citizens have also seen a recent vicious pit bull attack - this one beginning with the dog escaping a home, chasing and attacking a cat inside its owner's home, and ending with a 74-year-old man shooting and killing the dog after it attacked and bit him.
Story here "All I saw was a face full of teeth.
The city of Lodi, though, had a different approach to public safety - releasing the name of the owners of the dead dog - something the city of Elk Grove refuses to do despite a California Public Records request by the Citizen.
Follow-Up Story here Animal Control finds owner of pit bull...
This response was posted on Elk Grove Online, a local forum where Elk Grove Police PIO Christopher Trim posts information and answers to requests from other users. His screenname is "EGPD PIO"
----------
Good Afternoon,
Animal Control Officers returned the dog to the owner because under the current vicious animal code 8.04.260, the dog did not meet the criteria required to be considered a vicious animal. Here is a link to the Elk Grove municipal code regarding animals (49 page document)
http://www.elkgrovecity.org/documents/agendas/attachments/municipal-code/mc_title_08.pdf.
Here is the definition of a vicious animal according to the municipal code. I hope this helps to clear things up.
8.04.260 VICIOUS ANIMAL.
"Vicious animal" means any animal including a dog (except a dog assisting a peace officer engaged in law enforcement duties) which has, on one or more occasions, committed any one or more of the following acts:
(1) Without provocation inflicted severe injury on or killed a human being.
(2) In an unprovoked manner killed another domestic animal, as defined in section 8.04.140 of this Title, excluding rabbit or fowl, at a place other than upon the private property where the attacking animal is maintained.
(3) Physically attacked, mauled, or physically injured by biting any person, without provocation, at a place other than upon the private property where the animal is maintained.
(4) Physically attacked, mauled, or physically injured by biting any person, without provocation, when the owner thereof knows or should reasonably know that the animal poses a threat to public safety and has made no substantial effort to prevent the attack or when the owner has purposefully encouraged or commanded the animal to attack, maul, or physically injure any person.
(5) Physically attacked, mauled or physically injured by biting any guide dog for the blind, service dog for the disabled or signal (hearing) dog for the deaf, without provocation, at a place other than upon the private property where the attacking animal is maintained.
(6) Physically attacked, mauled or physically injured by biting any guide dog for the blind, service dog for the disabled or signal (hearing) dog for the deaf, without provocation, when the owner of the attacking animal knows or should know that the animal poses a threat to public safety and has made no substantial effort to prevent the attack or when the owner has purposefully encouraged or commanded the animal to attack, maul or physically injure any guide dog for the blind, service dog for the disabled or signal (hearing) dog for the deaf.
(7) Any animal previously determined to be and currently listed as a dangerous animal which, after its owner or keeper has been notified of this determination, continues the behavior described in Section 8.04.265.
For purposes of this section, provocation does not include the acts of a person attempting to prevent an animal from physically attacking, mauling, or physically injuring by biting another person or animal. (SCC 1180 § 1, 2001; SCC 0892 § 10, 1992; SCC 0815 § 2, 1990.)
Officer Christopher Trim
Public Information Officer
Elk Grove Police Department
(916) 478-8008"
------------
City Attorney Susan Cochran declined a Citizen California Public Records Request last week for the name of the dog's owner - who was cited according to Elk Grove Police Public Information Officer (PIO) Christopher Trim.
In a post on the local forum, Elk Grove Online, Trim responded to a question from a poster about whether or not the second dog had been returned to the owner. He said the dog had been returned because it was deemed not to meet the criteria of a "vicious dog" under city code.
Trim's response is below.
The Citizen is working on a follow-up story on the pit bull situation; as well as stories on the Sacramento County Grand Jury probe into another incident in the city involving a pit bull, one that attacked and killed a couple's cat last year.
Meanwhile, in Lodi, citizens have also seen a recent vicious pit bull attack - this one beginning with the dog escaping a home, chasing and attacking a cat inside its owner's home, and ending with a 74-year-old man shooting and killing the dog after it attacked and bit him.
Story here "All I saw was a face full of teeth.
The city of Lodi, though, had a different approach to public safety - releasing the name of the owners of the dead dog - something the city of Elk Grove refuses to do despite a California Public Records request by the Citizen.
Follow-Up Story here Animal Control finds owner of pit bull...
This response was posted on Elk Grove Online, a local forum where Elk Grove Police PIO Christopher Trim posts information and answers to requests from other users. His screenname is "EGPD PIO"
----------
Good Afternoon,
Animal Control Officers returned the dog to the owner because under the current vicious animal code 8.04.260, the dog did not meet the criteria required to be considered a vicious animal. Here is a link to the Elk Grove municipal code regarding animals (49 page document)
http://www.elkgrovecity.org/documents/agendas/attachments/municipal-code/mc_title_08.pdf.
Here is the definition of a vicious animal according to the municipal code. I hope this helps to clear things up.
8.04.260 VICIOUS ANIMAL.
"Vicious animal" means any animal including a dog (except a dog assisting a peace officer engaged in law enforcement duties) which has, on one or more occasions, committed any one or more of the following acts:
(1) Without provocation inflicted severe injury on or killed a human being.
(2) In an unprovoked manner killed another domestic animal, as defined in section 8.04.140 of this Title, excluding rabbit or fowl, at a place other than upon the private property where the attacking animal is maintained.
(3) Physically attacked, mauled, or physically injured by biting any person, without provocation, at a place other than upon the private property where the animal is maintained.
(4) Physically attacked, mauled, or physically injured by biting any person, without provocation, when the owner thereof knows or should reasonably know that the animal poses a threat to public safety and has made no substantial effort to prevent the attack or when the owner has purposefully encouraged or commanded the animal to attack, maul, or physically injure any person.
(5) Physically attacked, mauled or physically injured by biting any guide dog for the blind, service dog for the disabled or signal (hearing) dog for the deaf, without provocation, at a place other than upon the private property where the attacking animal is maintained.
(6) Physically attacked, mauled or physically injured by biting any guide dog for the blind, service dog for the disabled or signal (hearing) dog for the deaf, without provocation, when the owner of the attacking animal knows or should know that the animal poses a threat to public safety and has made no substantial effort to prevent the attack or when the owner has purposefully encouraged or commanded the animal to attack, maul or physically injure any guide dog for the blind, service dog for the disabled or signal (hearing) dog for the deaf.
(7) Any animal previously determined to be and currently listed as a dangerous animal which, after its owner or keeper has been notified of this determination, continues the behavior described in Section 8.04.265.
For purposes of this section, provocation does not include the acts of a person attempting to prevent an animal from physically attacking, mauling, or physically injuring by biting another person or animal. (SCC 1180 § 1, 2001; SCC 0892 § 10, 1992; SCC 0815 § 2, 1990.)
Officer Christopher Trim
Public Information Officer
Elk Grove Police Department
(916) 478-8008"
------------
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Pit Bull shooting update....
Citizen Reporter Cameron Macdonald is working on a story about the Wednesday morning, Aug. 20, pit bull rampage and subsequent shooting to death of one of the dogs.
According to preliminary police reports from the Elk Grove Police Department, the large dogs menaced some people, attacked someone's pet, and then approached police - one officer shot and killed one of the dogs. The other canine was later caught.
Police spokesperson Christopher Trim said the owner of the dogs was cited, but refused to release the owner's name.
Thursday evening, Macdonald, acting in his reporting/journalistic duties and at request of Editor Jeff Forward and on behalf of the Elk Grove Citizen, submitted a California public records request to City Clerk Susan Blackston in an attempt to obtain the name of the owner or person responsible for the two dogs.
On Friday, City Attorney Susan Cochran informed Editor Jeff Forward that the city would not be releasing the name of the owner of the two pit bulls.
Cochran also said that the information was not required to be disclosed to the press or public citizens under her reading and interpretation of the the California Public Records Act, section 6254 (f). Cochran said an official city letter would be sent to the Citizen offices next week informing of the non-disclosure.
The Citizen news team is following up on this story next week and will have updates in print editions, online at egcitizen.com.
Jeff Forward
According to preliminary police reports from the Elk Grove Police Department, the large dogs menaced some people, attacked someone's pet, and then approached police - one officer shot and killed one of the dogs. The other canine was later caught.
Police spokesperson Christopher Trim said the owner of the dogs was cited, but refused to release the owner's name.
Thursday evening, Macdonald, acting in his reporting/journalistic duties and at request of Editor Jeff Forward and on behalf of the Elk Grove Citizen, submitted a California public records request to City Clerk Susan Blackston in an attempt to obtain the name of the owner or person responsible for the two dogs.
On Friday, City Attorney Susan Cochran informed Editor Jeff Forward that the city would not be releasing the name of the owner of the two pit bulls.
Cochran also said that the information was not required to be disclosed to the press or public citizens under her reading and interpretation of the the California Public Records Act, section 6254 (f). Cochran said an official city letter would be sent to the Citizen offices next week informing of the non-disclosure.
The Citizen news team is following up on this story next week and will have updates in print editions, online at egcitizen.com.
Jeff Forward
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Quick Opinion -Does Elk Grove have one more gold rush in it?
Opinion By Jeff Forward
Citizen Editor
As plans for the city of Elk Grove’s sphere of influence expansion bid move forward, things are also staying busy on another aspect of the area’s future: the El Dorado –Interstate-5 connector highway.
Tuesday night, Aug. 19, dozens of area residents, city leaders, and many candidates for upcoming local elections listened to Tom Zlotkowski – the executive director of the JPA handling the connector plans - talk about the proposed connector highway.
This highway – which could have more than 30 red light intersections - would likely run through the middle of Sheldon and down across the south area of the city and on to I-5 at the Hood Franklin exit.
The folks in Sheldon are not happy, and have proposed an alternative route for the connector through farmland to the south. Now, the farmers, ranchers, and residents of Wilton are frustrated by another foray into their cherished rural residential community.
The new concerns only compound Wilton resident’s fears of development fueled by the city’s expansion plans, which currently stop at the Cosumnes River.
But, one must brush aside momentarily all the controversy over the connector highway and Elk Grove expansion plans to see the real big picture.
It’s a familiar tune, one Elk Grove has seen before – lots of land; land ripe for development of all sorts.
It’s another gold rush.
We can all remember the last gold rush in Elk Grove. Homes were being built faster than they could sell; the housing market was at its peak; and the city coffers were filled with enough money to give officials huge raises in salaries and benefits.
Now, as we muddle through some economic hard times, city leaders have seen another gold rush in the not-so-distant future.
As plans for the city’s expansion bid and connector highway plod along, I imagine some astute planner, elected official, or city administrator has looked at the really big picture: money.
Yes, these city expansion and connector plans – if they develop as currently envisioned -would allow the city of Elk Grove to add an extremely lucrative, lesser-developed corridor of land to the city’s boundaries.
Imagine; there could possibly be 30 red light intersections on the connector – with the accompanying businesses (gas stations, fast food eateries, hotels) and mini-malls, which would undoubtedly sprout up around them.
Adding to that potential commercial development (and tax revenue) is the open land that would run southeast from Grant Line Road into the flood plains of the Cosumnes River and across vast swaths of prime agriculture and ranching land.
City leaders and planning officials say there are no plans for development in the flood plain, but local residents have heard that before.
One only needs to look back at the city’s record of eminent domain lawsuits as well as their rezoning of various parcels of land to fit the needs of what once-was America’s fastest growing city.
This is a situation that’s been played out in communities across the state and nation. City leaders want to be seen as visionaries, and for their part, those in Elk Grove have seen a vision.
That vision – based on their actions and plans for the southeast section of Sacramento County – is not one of making the city a better place to live.
No, it’s designed to max out the financial potential of the city of Elk Grove by gobbling up what is left of a respected, rural community – which, for anyone who cares, has its own sense of vibrancy and relevance and environmental uniqueness.
Of course, none of these plans are set in stone, and they may fall flat as the future unfolds. All the projects are currently facing difficulties ranging from pesky citizen activists to the all-important question of how these things will be financed.
In the end, meetings like the one Tuesday night will determine how the city’s future unfolds. The fact that it was so well attended by people of all levels in the community was promising and welcome.
If there is one thing citizens of every community can do, it is to flex their power as a unified body to foster awareness and change at the local level.
One has to be involved to do that, and anyone who has a vested interest in the future of this community – and the ones to the southeast of it – needs to stay informed and be active in the planning.
We’ve all seen the downside of rampant, unchecked growth in our community. Now, the future really is in the hands of the citizens. If citizens don’t want to see a repeat of the past, then they need to get involved.
Tuesday was a good beginning.
Citizen Editor
As plans for the city of Elk Grove’s sphere of influence expansion bid move forward, things are also staying busy on another aspect of the area’s future: the El Dorado –Interstate-5 connector highway.
Tuesday night, Aug. 19, dozens of area residents, city leaders, and many candidates for upcoming local elections listened to Tom Zlotkowski – the executive director of the JPA handling the connector plans - talk about the proposed connector highway.
This highway – which could have more than 30 red light intersections - would likely run through the middle of Sheldon and down across the south area of the city and on to I-5 at the Hood Franklin exit.
The folks in Sheldon are not happy, and have proposed an alternative route for the connector through farmland to the south. Now, the farmers, ranchers, and residents of Wilton are frustrated by another foray into their cherished rural residential community.
The new concerns only compound Wilton resident’s fears of development fueled by the city’s expansion plans, which currently stop at the Cosumnes River.
But, one must brush aside momentarily all the controversy over the connector highway and Elk Grove expansion plans to see the real big picture.
It’s a familiar tune, one Elk Grove has seen before – lots of land; land ripe for development of all sorts.
It’s another gold rush.
We can all remember the last gold rush in Elk Grove. Homes were being built faster than they could sell; the housing market was at its peak; and the city coffers were filled with enough money to give officials huge raises in salaries and benefits.
Now, as we muddle through some economic hard times, city leaders have seen another gold rush in the not-so-distant future.
As plans for the city’s expansion bid and connector highway plod along, I imagine some astute planner, elected official, or city administrator has looked at the really big picture: money.
Yes, these city expansion and connector plans – if they develop as currently envisioned -would allow the city of Elk Grove to add an extremely lucrative, lesser-developed corridor of land to the city’s boundaries.
Imagine; there could possibly be 30 red light intersections on the connector – with the accompanying businesses (gas stations, fast food eateries, hotels) and mini-malls, which would undoubtedly sprout up around them.
Adding to that potential commercial development (and tax revenue) is the open land that would run southeast from Grant Line Road into the flood plains of the Cosumnes River and across vast swaths of prime agriculture and ranching land.
City leaders and planning officials say there are no plans for development in the flood plain, but local residents have heard that before.
One only needs to look back at the city’s record of eminent domain lawsuits as well as their rezoning of various parcels of land to fit the needs of what once-was America’s fastest growing city.
This is a situation that’s been played out in communities across the state and nation. City leaders want to be seen as visionaries, and for their part, those in Elk Grove have seen a vision.
That vision – based on their actions and plans for the southeast section of Sacramento County – is not one of making the city a better place to live.
No, it’s designed to max out the financial potential of the city of Elk Grove by gobbling up what is left of a respected, rural community – which, for anyone who cares, has its own sense of vibrancy and relevance and environmental uniqueness.
Of course, none of these plans are set in stone, and they may fall flat as the future unfolds. All the projects are currently facing difficulties ranging from pesky citizen activists to the all-important question of how these things will be financed.
In the end, meetings like the one Tuesday night will determine how the city’s future unfolds. The fact that it was so well attended by people of all levels in the community was promising and welcome.
If there is one thing citizens of every community can do, it is to flex their power as a unified body to foster awareness and change at the local level.
One has to be involved to do that, and anyone who has a vested interest in the future of this community – and the ones to the southeast of it – needs to stay informed and be active in the planning.
We’ve all seen the downside of rampant, unchecked growth in our community. Now, the future really is in the hands of the citizens. If citizens don’t want to see a repeat of the past, then they need to get involved.
Tuesday was a good beginning.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Jamie has new column; Ortiz goes blog wild...
Jamie Gonzales has a new Jamie's Journal entry which will be in Friday's Citizen and Reporter Gamaliel Ortiz has gone blogwild on his politics blog, City Beat. Check it out.
Interesting Connector meeting last night...
The city of Elk Grove and community activists joined together Tuesday night and held an important update/public information meeting about the connector highway which will likely link El Dorado County to I-5 near Hood/Franklin. Three of the four alternatives currently being examined involve going down Grantline Road and through the rural community of Sheldon.
The meeting was well attended, as four Elk Grove City Council members and also four members of the Elk Grove Planning Commission were at city hall for the presentation by Tom Zlotkowski, Pat Hume, and Don Nottoli. Numerous candidates for city council as well as the Cosumnes Community Services District were in attendance, as was a good number of Sheldon and Wilton residents. Keri Wood was there taking photos and we'll have a good story for Friday's Citizen.
JF
The meeting was well attended, as four Elk Grove City Council members and also four members of the Elk Grove Planning Commission were at city hall for the presentation by Tom Zlotkowski, Pat Hume, and Don Nottoli. Numerous candidates for city council as well as the Cosumnes Community Services District were in attendance, as was a good number of Sheldon and Wilton residents. Keri Wood was there taking photos and we'll have a good story for Friday's Citizen.
JF
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