Next CNA Meeting, Wednesday, Nov. 18

Don't forget this Wednesday evening is the monthly Creekside meeting.

We will send out details on Tuesday, but please try to attend as we will be discussing security and possible ways to work together to bring security to all of Creekside.

This effort is headed up by Creekside neighborhood watch captain, Sean Avalos.

Hope you will make some time to join us and share your thoughts, concerns, interests, etc. We want your input and will need lots of participation to make it work.

Angelique, President
www.creeksideneighbors.blogspot.com

Natomas Police and Community Resource Center Looking for Donations

If you have time and a little extra to donate to the Natomas Police and Community Resource Center, they need donations of the following items....

Bottled waters
Soda
Microwave popcorn
Copy Paper
Cookies
Snacks
Bathroom supplies
Candies of any kind, individually wrapped.

These items are for volunteers and police officers who use the center daily.

It is located in the Safeway shopping center next door to the UPS Store and two doors down from Its A Grind.

Remember the center is for everyone who needs help with police reports, neighborhood watch, code enforcement or has questions about City services.

Feel free to stop by anytime and thank you for supporting the center with your donations.

Sacramento City Code Enforcement

Keeping our neighborhood clean and pleasing to the eye is very important to many Creekside residents. Recently, we have had multiple vehicles that are parked on Creekside streets for long periods of time.  Besides looking horrible from collecting dust and cobwebs, taking up space on our already narrow streets and being a magnet for crimes, these vehicles parked for long periods of time are also violating Code Enforcement.  To clean up Creekside streets, residents requested the assistance of the City.  Here are some facts provided by Code Enforcement.

"Community members are on the right track in reporting all violations.

It is important to remain diligent in reporting all crimes or violations in your community. This will not only assist in lowering crime levels, but will help to alleviate blighted conditions and hopefully in turn maintain/increase property value levels.

As far as the individual/vehicle owner being held accountable; let me explain the on-street enforcement process.

Code officers will normally respond to reported vehicles within 1-3 days. At the time of inspection the officer will:
  A. Determine the registration date/stolen (too many months out of registration may be immediately towed).
  B. Check the condition of the vehicle (missing major components may be immediately towed).
  C. Check the location/surrounding circumstances (is it leaking fluid or parked causing a hazardous situation).

All of these, and more conditions will assist in the officers' determination. Most of the time the vehicle will be marked, and the officer will return in 3 days to re-check. If the vehicle remains in the same location, it may be towed. When vehicles are towed, the owners are directly held accountable for recovery costs."

Thank you to:

Officer Sarah Novo

Business Compliance Division
Sacramento Code Enforcement Dept.
915 I St. Sacramento, Ca. 95814
(916) 808-8087
snovo@cityofsacramento.org

Join the Creekside Neighborhood Association Yahoo Group

Contact Angelique Ashby at ashbyangelique@yahoo.com to get updates on Creekside happenings.

H. Allen Hight Health Fair

Heron School PTSA Candy Collection

Do you enjoy the fun of Trick-or-Treating but don’t want your kids eating all that candy?  

Heron School PTSA is coordinating a candy collection to turn into 

Children's Choice Pediatric Dental Care as part of their 4th annual Candy Buy Back program.

 

If you would like to participate, simply bring in any unwanted candy to the Heron School front office next Monday or Tuesday (Nov 2 & 3) and drop it off in the bin (any amount is appreciated).  We will collect all the candy and turn it into Children's Choice Pediatric Dental Care on Tuesday afternoon for cash, with the proceeds to benefit Heron School..

 

If you have any questions, please contact Heron School PTSA at HeronSchoolPTSA@yahoo.com.  Thank you for supporting Heron School and have a safe and fun Halloween.

Hight Fall Festival

Come Join Us for the Festivities !!

Friday, October 30th, 5:00pm-8:30pm

Free Admission! Fun for the Whole Family!

Game Tickets = 25 cents

*Class Game Booths w/ prizes!

*Cake Walk, Face Painting & more! 

*Food by El Pollo Loco & Papa John’s

*Snack Bar Provided by PTA

 

Costumes Optional, All children need adult supervision, All Proceeds will benefit classes & school programs, Open to the Community! Invite Your Friends & Family!

Brought to you by: H. Allen Hight PTA

For more information

contact HAH PTA @ 567-5708 or www.HAllenHightPTA.com

Volunteers Needed for the Creekside Community Fair

As you know, the Fair is coming up on Sunday, October 25^th, 2009 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Kokomo Park.  There will be 4 volunteer shifts: Setup (11 a.m. - 1 p.m.); 1^st Shift (1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.); 2^nd Shift (2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.); and Takedown (4 p.m. - 6 p.m.). If you are interested in volunteering, please email Michelle at Lewis at michelle.kille@lewisop.com or call her directly at (916) 363-2617 ext. 244.

Hight Yo-Go Fundraiser

Heron School Black and White Gala

It’s not too late to get your tickets to the Heron School PTSA’s 1st Annual Flyer’s Black & White Gala and Auction.  It is this Saturday, October 17^thfrom 6:00-9:30PM at Oshima Sushi at 2071 Natomas Crossing Drive. Pre-sale tickets are $35 and are available either at Oshima Sushi or at the Heron School front office at 5151 Banfield Drive.  Tickets will also be available the night of the event for $40.

The food will include appetizers such as Gyoza (potstickers), Chicken Skewers, and Spring Rolls, and for dinner there will be an assortment of fresh and cooked sushi, teriyaki chicken, beef & vegetables, yakisoba, and steamed rice all served buffet style.

There will also be a live auction featuring items donated by the teachers and staff of Heron School, themed gift baskets, as well as fabulous door prizes.  All proceeds to benefit Heron School.  This is an adult’s only event; so get a babysitter and enjoy a night out with friends.  We hope to see you there.

 

See the the attached flyer for more information.  Any questions can be directed to HeronSchoolPTSA@yahoo.com.

Meet and Greet District One City Council Member Candidates

Join the Creekside Board for a field trip instead of our regular monthly meeting.

NATOMAS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION PRESENTS

 

District One

City Councilmember Candidates

 

Do you know who is running for District One City Council?  Join your neighbors and other community members to meet and greet the candidates:

 

Angelique Ashby; President, Creekside Neighborhood Assoc.,

Co-Founder, Natomas Crime and Safety Team

John Dahilig; Navy Veteran Hospital Corpsman

Lisa Kaplan; Natomas Unified School District

Board Member

Ray Tretheway; Incumbent

 

 

 

When? Wednesday, October 21, 2009

6 to 8 PM

Where? Natomas Community Center

2921 Truxel Road

Inderkum Homecoming Friday, October 23

Fireworks, Class Floats, the crowning of Homecoming Royalty, Club performances, & more will round out the night.  Each feeder school to the campus is invited to have a performance for the Between-Games show (PTAs have been contacted), and everyone is invited to come out for dinner, community and a night of memories. JV plays at 5:30pm and Varsity is at 7:30pm.

Creekside Community Fair

Save the date for the annual Creekside Community Fair 

on Sunday, Oct. 25 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. 

at Kokomo Park.  

Inderkum Safe and Sober Committee Needs You

Tuesday, October 27 at 6:30pm Round Table on Arena

We’re looking to partner with students, families, and the community.  
www.tinyurl.com/IHS-Safe-N-Sober

Inderkum Fall Harvest Festival

Wednesday, Oct. 28 – Starting at 5:30pm in the Atrium

Drama and Leadership students will be hosting a haunted house, plus food and game booths by I.H.S. ASB clubs.  Our Booster Clubs, PTSA, and each feeder school to our campus is invited to have a booth as well.  Contact Scott Pitts, Activities Director at spitts@natomas.k12.ca.us. 

Playgroup at Kokomo Park

Creekside moms would like to invite anyone interested, including dads, to their Thursday playgroups at Kokomo Park in Creekside. Contact Casey at kcsnbzyw4@sbcglobal.net.

Neighborhood Watch

For the last couple of years, Creekside has had an "unofficial" Neighborhood Watch on North Platte. "Unofficial" because we don't have enough participants and the official window decals and street signs. The best way to prevent crime from happening is to know your neighbors so that you are aware of individuals that don't belong in Creekside. An official Neighborhood Watch for all of Creekside would be great to prevent increasing crime in these challenging economic times. We need Creekside residents to help. There is a greater strength in numbers. Join us at the next Neighborhood Association meeting. Let's make Creekside's Neighborhood Watch official.

Next Meeting

Join us at the next Creekside Neighborhood Association meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 7:00 p.m. at the Homecoming Apartments Clubhouse.  Come to help us plan for the Community Yard Sale and the Community Fair.

Community Yard Sale

Participate in the Creekside Community Yard Sale on Saturday, September 19.  Contact maricelfeser@hotmail.com for more info.

Inderkum Fall Baseball Clinic/Tryouts

Inderkum Fall Baseball Clinic/Tryouts

for 6th to 9th Graders

at the Inderkum High School Varsity Baseball Field

on Saturday, August 29, 2009

from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

the cost is FREE

Inderkum is looking to form two more teams to compete in their JV League.  This is an opportunity to train and compete with high school players in a structured league.  These players will be coached by varisty players and the Inderkum coaching staff.

August 19 Meeting Update

The meeting took place at the Resource Center.  We had a great turn out by many neighbors and City representatives.  On the Agenda was the Sept. 19 Community Yard Sale and the Oct. 25 Creekside Community Fair.  Check the blog for more details and how to participate. 

CNA Meeting

This Wednesday is the usual date for the Creekside Neighborhood Association monthly meeting.

 

Instead of meeting at Homecoming Apartments, we are planning a field trip to the Natomas Police & Community Resource Center (next door to Hollywood Video & The UPS Store - in the Safeway shopping center).

 

We will still meet at 7pm and the meeting will last an hour. We will tour the Natomas Police & Community Resource Center and talk about the various services available to the community.

 

At this meeting we will also discuss the upcoming Creekside Fair - scheduled for October 25th in Kokomo Park (Save the Date).

 

Please join us at the Resource Center at 7p.m. on Wednesday, August 19.

Next Meeting

The next Creekside Neighborhood Association meeting will be on Wednesday, August 19 at 7:00 p.m. at the Homecoming Apartments Clubhouse.  Keep checking back for the Agenda.  We hope to see you there.

Fire Station 18 Open House

A local Fire Station in Natomas is having an Open House on Saturday, July 25 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.  Stop by 746 North Market Blvd. between the giant Coke cup and Northgate to meet the crews, tour the station and talk to them about what they do.

July 15 CNA Meeting Canceled

The CNA Board took a break this month and canceled the meeting. We hope to see you at the next meeting on Wednesday, August 19 at 7 p.m. at the Homecoming Apartments Clubhouse.

Change in Trash/Recycling Pick-up Days

Dear neighbor:

Effective Monday, July 20th, trash and recycling collection days may change for some residents. To find out if your pick-up day has changed, please follow the link below:

http://www.cityofsa cramento. org/utilities/ solid-waste- recycling/ residential/

Thank you,

Janine Martindale
Neighborhood Resources Coordinator
Neighborhood Services Department
*Please note new address*
915 I Street, 3rd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Office (916) 808-8193
Fax (916) 808-5959

4th of July Festivities - A Great Creekside Event

(The balloon arch going very smoothly.)

(Slowly placing the arch over Naponee Ct.)

(Due to the high winds and the weight of the balloons,
some balloons had to be popped to prevent the arch from breaking.)

The Creekside Neighborhood Association Board, along with a local reporter and some friends and family started to build the balloon arch at 4:30 p.m. By 6:00 p.m., even with strong winds and threats of the arch ribbon breaking, the arch was extended over Naponee Court, the meeting place for the festivities.

(All set for the parade.)

Many neighbors came at 6:00 p.m. to decorate their bicycles and scooters for the parade. By 6:45, Officer Farren from the Sacramento Police Department was there to lead our 1st annual parade from Naponee Court. It headed east on North Platte, turned around in Mankato Court, and went back westward to Naponee Court. Many neighbors came out to cheer on the parade participants.

(On the parade route.)

(Officer Farren hung out for a little while to show
the police car to a very captive audience.)

By 7:00 p.m., our 3rd annual block party began with good smelling barbeques, lots of delicious food, children having a great time chasing each other from one end of the court to the other, neighbors building new friendships and old friends strengthening their existing ones.

We ended the night with a lot of fireworks, some small and loud, others large and colorful.

Our block party is a wonderful tradition that has grown over the last 3 years. Next year we will be adding more fun activities.

Thank you to those who organized the event. Thank you to those who joined us to make it a success.

A Balloon of Thanks to Lewis Communities

Thank you to Lewis Communities for donating 50 flyers, 600 balloons, string and 2 helium tanks for Creekside's 4th of July Festivities. The kids and the adults loved the balloons and the balloon arch. We appreciate everything you do for Creekside.

3rd Annual 4th of July Block Party

3rd Annual Creekside
4th of July Block Party

You are invited to celebrate the 4th of July
with the Creekside Neighborhood Association
and your Creekside neighbors.

Join us for the whole event that starts at 6:00 p.m. or
stop by for just some of the events.

6:00 p.m. - Meet at the balloon arch on Naponee Court with your bikes, scooters, skateboards and decorations

6:00 to 6:30 p.m. - Decorate your rides for the parade

6:30 to 7:00 p.m. - Parade will go east on North Platte, turn around on Mankato Court, west on North Platte, then back onto Naponee Court where there will be Otter Pops for the kids.

If you are on the parade route, decorate your homes and
come out and cheer for the parade participants.

7:00 to 8:00 p.m. - No host picnic on Naponee Court

Bring your own picnic including drinks, plates, utensils
and chairs.
Barbeque grills will be available.
Bring an appetizer, a side or a dessert to share.

Dusk/8:00 p.m. - Start sparklers

Dark - Start Fireworks

Bring fireworks to share.

If you are interested in helping with the plans, contact Maricel at maricelfeser@hotmail.com.

See you on Naponee Court on the 4th of July!

Traffic Safety in Creekside

Now that the weather is nice, Creekside children are playing outside. Please remember to drive slowly through our narrow streets. Watch out for children at play. It is everybody's responsibility to keep them safe.

Be a Considerate Neighbor

With our houses in close proximity to each other, and windows open in the warm nights, remember to show more consideration to neighbors by:

• Keeping the noise level to a minimum especially late at night
• Turning down music in your vehicles when driving through the neighborhood
  
• Be aware of your dogs that bark all day and all night when left alone

Remember to clean-up after your pets when walking around the neighborhood. A Dog Park will soon open in the Regional Park between Creekside and Inderkum.

Slow down and help keep neighbors safe.

Next Meeting

Join us in Creekside tomorrow night (Wednesday, June 17th) at 7:30 p.m. at the Homecoming Apartments main office, upstairs in the community room (on Kokomo Dr. behind Safeway - the building with the white pillars).

We would love to have as many of you as possible. We only have one agenda item and then an open forum for discussion and talking with neighbors.

Our agenda item is finishing details and arrangements for the 3rd Annual Creekside 4th of July Block Party....

This should be a lot of fun and the more families we have participating both in planning and in attending the more fun it will be!

Join us tomorrow to plan and mark your calendars for the 4th to help us celebrate.

Helicopter over Creekside

At 11:20 p.m. on June 21, the Sacramento Police Department sent out the helicopter looking for a missing 35 year old woman and an infant. The person was later found.

Next Association Meeting

The next Creekside Neighborhood Association Meeting will be on Wednesday, July 15 at 7:00 p.m. at the Homecoming Apartments Clubhouse. The Agenda will be posted before the meeting.

Good News for Natomas

Thanks to the hard work of community leaders the North Natomas Finance Plan went forward today and was supported by about a dozen speakers - no one opposed - and the City Council voted unanimously to support the plan.

The community worked with developers and with the highest City officials (Mayor Johnson and Manager Kerridge) to compromise and balance a budget on tangible dollars - addressing a complete solution to the previously fatally flawed NNFP.

Mayor Johnson thanked us for our hard work.

As a result of these efforts we will get our fire station on the west side of I-5. Its build out will be expedited.

We worked hard to protect the revenue sources intended to stabilize our community - we found other funding to complete the North Natomas library and we found money for a community center and the top transportation project in our region - an over-cross at El Centro.

In the future we will also be able to build a police sub-station and other transportation related projects.

This advancement was a great success for Natomas and while the NNFP is still not perfect it is much improved from where it was back in October.

Definitely cause for celebration as we right the ship and move our region closer to its potential.

Good job,

Angelique Ashby, JD

President, Creekside Neighborhood Association

Co Founder, Natomas Crime & Safety Leadership Team

Creekside Walk About

Four Board members of the Association met some neighbors in the North Platte and Winamac area in the evening of May 27. They passed out fliers on how to get involved in the Association. Here is the info from the flier:

You are invited to join the

Creekside Neighborhood Association.

We meet every 3rd Wednesday of the month
at 7 p.m.
at the Homecoming Apartments Clubhouse.

You can join our Yahoo Group
by contacting ashbyangelique@yahoo.com
or check out the blog at www.creeksideneighbors.blogspot.com.

Join us at the June 16 Meeting to help plan the
3rd Annual 4th of July Block Party on Naponee Court.


The Creekside Neighborhood Association is responsible for:

• Co-hosting the Creekside Faire in the Fall
• Hosting the Kokomo Park Weekly Play Group, Creek Week, the Annual Easter Egg Hunt, the Annual 4th of July Block Party and Parade
• Assisting the City of Sacramento with traffic controlling measures such as suggesting the stop signs at East Commerce and Ottumwa, the stop signs at Kokomo and New Market, the “Not A Through Street” sign in Naponee Court, the speed lumps to be placed on Kokomo across the park and the speed tables to be placed on North Park across H. Allen Hight School
• Acquiring a pedestrian and bike path from Creekside to Inderkum High School
• Suggesting to Safeway locking mechanisms on carts to prevent them from being left in our neighborhood
• Working with the City of Sacramento to keep Kokomo Park clean, safe and graffiti free and the Linear Park, along Broadwater, maintained
• Working with Code Enforcement to clean-up overgrown lawns and vehicles parked for long-terms on our narrow street
• A neighborhood watch program
  

We are a Neighborhood Association, not a Homeowners Association.
There are no fees to join, just your presence and input are appreciated.

****Remember to slow down when driving thru the neighborhood.****
Warm weather brings kids outside.
Keep our kids safe.

Neighborhood Walk About

Instead of the CNA monthly meeting, we have scheduled a Creekside Neighborhood Walk About on May 27. The CNA Board's plan is to reach out to neighbors to make them aware of the Neighborhood Association, how we as neighbors communicate, community resources and upcoming Creekside events.

Welcome New Stop Signs

The intersection at New Market and Kokomo is now a four-way stop. Take caution when crossing this intersection as some people may not notice the new signs.

Thank you to Creekside Residents who headed the effort on calming the traffic in Creekside.

Creekside is Getting Lumps, Tables and Stops

Thank you to several Creekside residents who have worked with the City in the last 9 months or so to improve traffic safety in Creekside.

Creekside is getting -
1) Speed Lumps (bumps with cut outs for emergency vehicles) on Kokomo Dr. (by the park and Homecoming Apartments)

2) Speed Tables (kinda like bumps but flat on top) on North Park in front of H. Allen Hight

3) A STOP sign at the intersection of Kokomo and New Market (behind Safeway)

Thank you to Creekside residents who turned in ballots in a timely manner. The ballots have all been received and we are ready to move forward. All three projects should be installed and completed by the end of the summer.

Message from a Creekside Dad

Hello fellow Creekside residents,

I have been living in the Creekside Natomas community for nearly 7 years now. It is my honor to share wonderful news to everyone in our community. My daughter, Ashley, was selected to be a National American Miss California Finalist. This is a great opportunity for her to show her talent. Her life long goal is to become an original artist and actress. Ashley is working on getting sponsorship to help her with the sponsorship fee for the event. She got three businesses to be her sponsors. I have coupon cards with the savings of over $100 from Mt. Mike Pizza which is one of Ashley's sponsors. Each coupon card is $10.00 each and it will proceed toward Ashley's sponsorship fee. If you are interested in Mt. Mike Pizza coupon card, please let me know. My email address is: davidcrum23@yahoo.com. It is wonderful to see someone like my little girl to be a representative not only from Sacramento but from our Natomas Creekside community as well.

David Crum

Neighbor in Creekside Natomas

*Edits made by CNA Blog Editor*

City of Sacramento Curfew Law by Capt. Hahn

The City of Sacramento has a curfew law that makes it a misdemeanor for
any minor to remain in any public place or any establishment within the
city during curfew hours - which is any time after 10:00 pm. There are
some exceptions to this ordinance such as if the minor is with their
parent or attending an official school function, religious function, or
organized dance or sporting event that is supervised by adults.

The Sacramento Police Department will conduct random Curfew Sweeps over
the next several months in an attempt to ensure that young people are
complying with this City Ordinance.

If you would like more information about Sacramento’s Curfew
Ordinance, you can go to www.cityofsacramento.org and select “City

Codes”. The Curfew Ordinance is 9.40.020 of the Sacramento City Code.
It is the hope of the Sacramento Police Department that minors will be
engaged in positive and productive things late at night as opposed to
being violation of the Curfew Ordinance.

Kops-N-Kids Summer Camp

April 6, 2009

Kops-N-Kids summer camp registration opens

By Niesha Lofing

Registration begins today for a summer camp program that teams Sacramento youth with area law enforcement.

The 23rd annual Kops-N-Kids camp provides children ages 9 through 13 with a week of sports, cheer and dance sessions with members of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

The camp also features gang resistance, drug awareness and violence prevention materials and activities, the organization's Web site states.

Cost of the camp is $25 per camper for the week. The fee was lowered last year, down from $35, in light of the economic downturn, states a news release by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, a participating agency.

The number of hot meals served each day was increased last year, an action that will continue this year. Campers also receive T-shirts, gear bags and prizes throughout the week.

Scholarships are available for students who have participated in the national Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) program.

Carmichael Elks Lodge, Maloof Entertainment, the Sacramento River Cats, Elk Grove Subway, Noah's Bagels, Wells Fargo Bank, the Target Corp., the Coca Cola Bottling Company and other businesses are helping support the camp program.

Free busing is available from certain locations in the San Juan, Rio Linda, Twin Rivers, Elk Grove and Sacramento City Unified school districts.

The camp is being held at Rosemont High School, 9584 Kiefer Boulevard, Sacramento.

For information about the camp, go to www.kopsnkids.com.

No Meeting on Wednesday, May 20

The meeting for Wednesday, May 20 has been canceled and rescheduled as a Creekside Walk About for May 27. Details in the following post.

Message from Inderkum High School PTSA

The IHS PTSA would like to welcome all those interested in joining our organization next year to attend our May 14, 2009 meeting (at 6:30 p.m. in the IHS attendance center - entrance is located near the N. Natomas library wing of the school).

In addition to our regular agenda, we will be conducting elections of next year's officers to make a smooth transition for the 2009-2010 school year!

Tips for Burglary Prevention by Sac PD

This time of year the city of Sacramento sees a general increase in property related crimes. This year is no exception. The Police Department is seeking your assistance in reducing this increasing problem in your neighborhoods. The most important thing you can do is to call the police if you happen to see any suspicious activity. We also want you to make your residence uninviting for the potential burglar. This can be accomplished by the following:

• Develop rapport with your neighbors. Start a Neighborhood Watch
• Have plenty of lighting around the perimeter of your residence, as well as all entries into the home.
• Install a burglar alarm that rings inside/outside your residence.
• Install screws in the track above the sliding door frame.
• Have solid doors with strong locks and strike plates at all entrances.
• Install door viewers with wide-angle lenses.
• Use deadbolt locks that extend at least one inch from the edge of the door.
• Lock your doors when you are away and when you are home. Dont leave your garage doors open when you are not in them.
• Close and lock all your windows when you are away even for just a few minutes.
• Keep a radio or TV on during the day to give the appearance that someone is home.
• If someone knocks on your door and you dont want to open it, make lots of noise so it is apparent someone is home. If it appears no one is home they may enter the back yard and attempt to get in.

Just remember to look for clues that someone may be casing your neighborhood. A stranger at your door asking for someone you dont know may be checking to see if someone is home. Many burglars simply gain entry through unlocked doors and windows so please close and lock all doors and windows when you are away!

Keep your hedges and trees trimmed away from your house. Provide a good line of site for your neighbors to observe your property to see what is going on. Tall hedges and overgrown trees provide cover for someone to break in to your home unnoticed.

If youre gone for an extended period of time dont make it obvious. Use timers on lights inside and outside the home. Stop the mail and the newspaper. Have a family member or friend keep an eye on your residence while you are away.

Keep your valuables in an unlikely place. Most burglars go directly to the bedroom, and especially to the dressers and night stands.

For more detailed information please review crime prevention tips on www.sacpd.org.

Remember that a crime can only be committed if three elements are present:

1. An offender who is intent on committing the crime;
2. A victim who is seen by the offender as vulnerable;
3. An environment that brings them together in the same area.

Also, most criminals dont want to be seen or observed. Keep your eyes and ears open to anything suspicious or unfamiliar and call the police. We are here to work with you to make Sacramento the best place to live and work.

H. Allen Hight Safety with Helmets Night

H. Allen Hight Elementary School will be hosting a Safety with Helmets Night on Tuesday May 12th from 5 to 7pm.

This fun-filled event will support students riding safely.
Students and parents are asked to come with their bicycles and helmets.
Every helmet will be checked to see if it is damaged and if it fits properly.
No students will leave without a helmet – if theirs will not work they will receive a new helmet for free.

Free food, prizes and information will be provided.


*****Message from Vanita Davis-Morris, H.Allen Hight Elementary Parent Volunteer*****

Hello All,

Over the past couple of months I have been working on getting a Helmet Safety Night for the elementary school. At this time I am still short volunteers. If any of you can find the time to assist on this evening, I would appreciate it. Please let me know as soon as possible. The event is May 12, 2009 from 5p.m. - 7p.m. at H. Allen Hight Elementary. This is and has been a great need in our community. We will be promoting the safety of wearing a helmet during bicycling, skateboarding, scooters and what are the proper guidelines for all while riding throughout the community.

Food will be provided by Rubios.

If you have a helmet, bring it with you. We will be checking for damaged helmets, as well as for helmets that are too big or too small and replacing them. (While supplies last)..

If you are able to help please email me as soon as possible or call me.

Thank you,

Vanita Davis-Morris

NJN Cheer Coordinator

*H.Allen Hight Elementary*

Parent Volunteer

oneluv.davismorris@gmail.com

(916)969-4067

(818)621-2711

**Edits made by CNA Blog Editor**

The Natomas Police and Community Resource Center Needs Donations and Volunteers

The Natomas Police & Community Resource Center has been serving the community for almost 4 months now and the volunteers are doing an outstanding job. They are serving hundreds of neighbors each month and hosting many community meetings, trainings and office hours.

The Center is also frequented by lots of Sacramento Police Officers who stop in to use the facilities, grab a snack, fax or copy something, use the phones or computers or eat their lunch.

This community has done a tremendous job staffing the Center with volunteers and all the goods and supplies needed to keep the place going.

There are a few needs right now and if any of you have the ability to help out it would be greatly appreciated.

Here is the list:

black ink cartridges (hp d2530, d2545 & d2560)

scotch tape

staples (standard size)

treats for the officers and volunteers (cookies, popcorn, brownies, fruit, etc.)

water

soda

And we can always use more volunteers. If you are interested please let me know ashbyangelique@yahoo.com.

Thank you all for your commitment to improving public safety in Natomas through community partnerships and volunteerism.

Angelique Ashby, JD

President - Creekside Neighborhood Association

Co Founder - Natomas Crime & Safety Leadership Team

April 15 Meeting Update by Angelique Ashby

The April meeting went very well earlier this week and Creekside has lots to look forward to (and many fun opportunities to get involved).

We talked about our upcoming Creek Week clean up event - happening on Sunday April 26th at 1pm. We will be meeting at Sean and Casey's house (2921 North Platte).

Sean has spoken with the Creek Week folks and he has bags and tools. I am bringing plastic gloves and Lewis Communities is providing water and cookies. We also invited the church that meets at Hight and the PTA of Hight as well. This event is open to everyone.

We will have some more wildflower/poppy seeds to be spread as we go too (this was fun last year and we have lots of colorful flowers now)...

Next month's meeting (May) will be canceled because we plan to walk to the community and invite new neighbors to join us.

The goal is to have as many Creekside neighbors as possible on the Yahoo Group and at the same time to invite more families to get involved in our growing and expanding neighborhood efforts.

In the next few weeks we will need to talk about walking teams and materials to take with us as we go door to door to invite new members.

We also discussed our upcoming 4th of July celebration. We talked about expanding it to start a little earlier in the afternoon with a bike parade for the kids and maybe some games, like water balloon toss or three legged races, etc...

It would be best to have a small committee that addresses the details of this fun event - as a post meeting task I contacted the folks who live on the Ct. or who have helped in the past. Maricel & John will spearhead the day's events and I will help.

We are looking for a couple more neighbors to help us plan!

Lastly, we talked about crime and safety issues, Officer Wetterer was in attendance and educated us on some safety concerns. Probably the most important ones were not to leave valuables (including garage door openers) in your cars outside of the garage overnight. While car thefts and break ins are down in the City - they are up in Natomas.

Also, if a stranger knocks on your door - do not ignore it. YOU DO NOT have to open the door - but you NEED to say something to let them know you are home. It can be "We aren't available right now" or "We aren't answering the door right now". But it is important not to just ignore them because many home invasions have started with an unanswered knock on the door and when the suspect believes you are not home he jumps the fence and breaks in through the back.

This does not mean every stranger is a home invader but it does mean that you need to let every stranger know you are home when they knock on the door.

Keep an eye out for your neighbors - if you see someone going over a fence or around the back of a neighbors home call the police.

And lastly we all need to keep our eyes open for suspicious activity in the park and around our homes. It was a rough week for Creekside with crime. If you see crimes in progress call 911. If you see suspicious activity call the police non-emergency number 264-5471.

Always get the license plate numbers of suspicious cars and never hesitate to call if you feel you should.

Thanks to everyone who attended this month's meeting... Hope to see you all at the Creek Week clean up event on the 26th!

Angelique Ashby, JD

President

Creekside Neighborhood Association

www.creeksideneighbors.blogspot.com

Creek Week Cleanup Day

Creekside Cleanup Day
will be
Sunday, April 26
at 1 p.m.
Meet at 2921 North Platte

Meet up with neighbors (everyone is invited) to help clean the creek area along Broadwater and the Regional Park in Creekside.

Bags, gloves and refreshments will be provided. Closed toe shoes, long pants and sunscreen are recommended.

Last year participants dropped wildflower and California Poppy seeds which have resulted in hillsides flushed with both.

This event is an official Creek Week collaboration and the neighborhood organizer is Sean Avalos. He will have other information for anyone interested in knowing more about other regional efforts or celebrations.

If you would like to speak with Sean, please feel free to email him at ucd9699@sbcglobal.net. You can also contact Angelique Ashby at ashbyangelique@yahoo.com.

Relay for Life

Creekside, along with Homecoming residents, is organizing a team for the event on April 25 to April 26. Contact Elena at momdemax@aol.com for more information.

Festival of Cultures at H. Allen Hight

Next Creekside Neighborhood Association Meeting

Wednesday, April 15
7:00 p.m.
Homecoming Apartments Clubhouse

Agenda
1. Crime Concerns
2. Creek Week Event
3. 4th of July Block Party

Message from The Crossing Church

"I want to invite you to an Easter celebration this Sunday at The Crossing Church. We meet at Hight Learning Center right in the Creekside Community on Sundays at 9 & 10:30 a.m. This week along with exploring the joy of Easter we will have good music and a person expressing her view of Easter through art. In addition, we will hold an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids immediately following each service with thousands of eggs."

I hope to see you Sunday.

Kyle Johnson

www.thecrossingchurch.info

Alleghany Properties Upcoming Projects

Alleghany Properties has developed the hotels and restaurants south of Del Paso Rd. between I-5 and East Commerce and is planning on developing the land south of Arena to the north of San Juan. The future project will include Lowe's, medical offices and a hospital.

Hospital Concept Site Plan

“Responding to the communities needs, Alleghany has introduced a 1,400,000 square foot hospital/medical office complex into its existing regional retail application. This intensified development plan maintains a similar amount of office space to that which was originally approved on the Natomas Crossing land, while also accommodating the proposed regional retail project. Additionally, Alleghany is proposing to form a CFD to generate funds for youth programs and police protection for the North Natomas Community.” - Greg Guardino, Senior Vice President of Alleghany Properties

Sacramento Fire Department Open Houses

North Natomas' Station 30 will have an Open House.
1901 Club Center Drive
Satruday, April 11, 2009
2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Visit with the crews, tour the station, learn more about what they do.
Ask to see a demonstration of the thermal imaging camera.

First Annual North Platte Easter Egg Hunt a Success

Thank you to Sean and Casey, Autumn and the Creekside Playgroup for organizing the First Annual North Platte (and neighbors) Easter Egg Hunt. Ten houses participated by hiding eggs in their front yards for about 25 children to come and hunt. It was really fun for the kids and a nice get to know your neighbor event. Thank you to Safeway for donating donuts and to It's A Grind for donating the coffee. Plans for the 2nd Annual North Platte Easter Egg Hunt 2010 are underway!

Update from March 18 Meeting by Angelique

Last night was a great meeting with a ton of information.

There is a committee forming to address traffic concerns related to Hight.

If you would like to join that committee and work with the school district and the city to improve the traffic safety issues please let me know.

Captain Hahn gave us some crime updates and wants to remind everyone that when a stranger knocks on your front door..... Do not ignore them!

You do not have to open the door but somehow you need to let them know you are home.

You can tell them through the door that you are not interested or you can pretend someone else is home and talk to them, say something like, no I am not expecting anyone.

Just don't ignore them because a recent trend has folks knocking to see if anyone is home and if no one answers they go around to a back or side door and break in.

This trend is one that suggests if you are home and you let them know that you are home you won't become their next victim.

Not every stranger is a home invader but it doesn't hurt to let folks know you are home.

If you see someone in your neighborhood knocking on doors and then going around to the back of the house please report that to the police immediately.

Captain Hahn also let us know that Natomas is leading the City in crime reduction!

He credits a connected community, involved and engaged officers and neighbors who care and watch out for one another.

He did not say it but we all know it doesn't hurt that we have a great captain too.

Lastly we had a presentation from Allegahny properties. They are develoung the land on the west side of East Commerce between Del Paso and down past Arena to Natomas Crossing.

The project is in various stages but in the long term includes big stores like Lowes and lots of dining spots, like an Uno's grill.

They also have a long term plan to build a large hospital site.

It is an exciting project and most importantly this developer is looking at creative ways to help address some of this communities biggest challenges.

They shared with us a new idea that would allow the retailers that come into their new spaces to pay into a CFD, Community Facilities District to help pay for things like area specific crime and safety efforts.

This is a tremendous gesture and great news for the future as this project builds out.

This is another sign that some community partners are thinking of creative solutions to help bridge the gaps in service for this region. In the long run these efforts will make the difference for Natomas.

Support Our Neighborhood School

Big Spoon
Family Dine Out Event!

Friday, March 20
11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

2281 Del Paso Rd.
Sacramento, 95835

30 to 40% will be donated
to H. Allen Hight Elementary

Contact the H. Allen Hight Elementary PTA
at 567-5708 or e-mail
HAllenHightPTA@gmail.com.

Next Meeting March 18

Join us on
Wednesday, March 18
at 7 p.m.
at the
Homecoming Apartments Clubhouse (upstairs)

Agenda

I. Sacramento Police Department report - Officer Wetterer
II. Presentation from Alleghany on a major Natomas project
III. Discussion of H. Allen Hight (traffic/middle school)
IV. Comments/Discussion

Vote for Speed Lumps

As you probably know, we have more than our share of unsafe driving conditions here in Creekside along Kokomo Drive and North Park Drive. The Creekside Neighborhood Association has lobbied the City of Sacramento for speed lumps to help improve safety conditions in our neighborhood.

If you live in one of the targeted areas, you have an opportunity to help. You should have received a ballot from the City for Sacramento within the last week requesting your input on the proposed speed lumps.

The Creekside Neighborhood Association would like you to vote YES and submit your ballot ASAP. We’re hoping that these additional safety measures will improve traffic conditions in our community. (BTW, speed lumps are approved by our local fire department and emergency response teams over speed humps/bumps, as speed lumps are designed with cut-outs that reduce response time of emergency vehicles on residential streets.)

If you have any questions, feel free to contact, Angelique Ashby (ashbyangelique@yahoo.com) or Elena Quintero (momdemax@aol.com).

Airport (DNA) Light Rail Extension Project.

We would like to remind you about this week's Public Open House to discuss the "Green Line to the River District" project (formerly known as MOS-1) and Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The open house is scheduled for this Wednesday, March 11, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Sacramento Valley Station (Amtrak Depot, west end) at 5th and H streets in downtown Sacramento .

The "Green Line to the River District" will create approximately one mile of new light rail track on 7th Street , running from H Street to Richards Boulevard . It will connect with existing light rail tracks downtown and operate as an independent 2.2-mile line from Richards Boulevard to the existing station at 13th Street between Q and R streets.

The Open House will include a presentation on the project and Draft EIR at 6:00 p.m. Verbal comments will be documented by a court reporter, and attendees may also submit written comments.

For more information:

· Visit www.sacrt.com/dna

· Call the project info line at 916-930-1192

To be added to the project mailing list, please contact dna@thehoytco.com.

To access the Draft EIR:

· Online at www.sacrt.com/dna (see "What's New")

· Request a CD from Don Smith at 916-556-0506 or dsmith@sacrt.com

· Review copies of the Draft EIR at several repositories located throughout Sacramento (visit www.sacrt.com/dna for locations)

How to submit comments on the Draft EIR:

· Submit written or verbal comments at the Public Open House (see details below)

· Submit written comments by e-mail to dsmith@sacrt.com

· Submit written comments by mail to:

Sacramento Regional Transit District

Attn: Don Smith, Senior Planner

P.O. Box 2110

Sacramento, CA 95812-2110

All comments on the Draft EIR are welcome during the 45-day public review period. Comments must be received by Friday, March 27, 2009, at 5:00 p.m.

All comments submitted during the Draft EIR's 45-day review period will be addressed in the Final EIR. The scheduled date for the Final EIR to be certified is April 13, 2009.

Once again, thank you for your participation in the DNA project.

Shayna Mayen
Deputy Project Manager
HDR | The Hoyt Company
1325 J Street | Suite 1300
Sacramento , CA 95814-2928
Phone: 916.448.2440 | Fax: 916.471.5801 | shayna.mayen@hdrinc.com
www.hdrinc.com

Please note our new address!