Folsom Local News » Folsom

Five In Hospital After Vehicle Crashes Into Bowling Alley

Alan — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 07:42:30 +0000

At 12:30 a.m. this morning, the Folsom Police and Fire Departments responded to the Folsom Lake Bowl after it was reported a vehicle had crashed through a wrought iron fenced patio, where patrons of the bar were sitting.

When officers and fire personnel arrived on scene, they found five people with varying degrees of injuries, though none were considered critical.

The Folsom Lake Bowl is a bowling alley, bar, and casino located at 511 East Bidwell Street in Folsom. The patio of the business is an extension of the bar area and is commonly used by patrons to smoke tobacco.

Tera Lee Nicholson (41) of Folsom was arrested at the scene. She was booked into the Sacramento County Jail for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Causing Major Injury (23153 CVC).

The nature of the patrons’ injuries were not disclosed.

Help Folsom Zoo Win $10,000 Grant, Just Vote

Alan — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:10:18 +0000

The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is one of only three organizations competing to win a $10,000 IKEA grant. The organization that receives the highest number of text votes by Jan. 20 wins the contest.

Zoo staff would use the funds for a makeover of the Zoo’s log cabin classroom.

“We’re asking residents and Zoo lovers to text LIFE76 to 62345 once each day through Jan. 20,” says Zoo Manager Jocelyn Smeltzer. “Spread the word to your friends, co-workers, classmates and family through email, texting, blogging, Facebook, Twitter and Yelp!”

The IKEA Life Improvement Challenge gives IKEA co-workers an opportunity to improve the lives of others through the planning, proposal and execution of a community project. Every IKEA store receives a $10,000 allowance for a community project.

“Co-workers from the IKEA store in West Sacramento submitted a proposal to makeover the zoo’s log cabin classroom, and to provide new, interactive signage on Zoo Sanctuary pathways,” said Smeltzer. “We’re excited that our project is one of three selected to complete to win the $10,000 prize. Now we need the community to support the Zoo by voting.”

The log cabin makeover would enhance the ability to educate children and would include a kitchenette and much needed storage. The new interpretive signage would include hand-sculpted, colorful ceramic imprints of the animals.

Visit the Friends of the Folsom Zoo.

Double Fatal Collision: Intersection of Folsom Boulevard and Parkshore Drive

judythpiazza — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:34:37 +0000

This morning during the investigation into the double fatal collision that occurred last night at 6:46 p.m., Michael Sharp (21) of Folsom was arrested for two counts of Vehicular Manslaughter while Intoxicated (191.5(a) PC) and Drug Impaired Driving Causing Serious Injury or Death (23153 CVC).

Due to Sharp’s injuries, he was unable to be booked into the Sacramento County Jail. No photograph of Sharp will be available.

Investigation concluded Sharp was the driver of the SUV that crossed the center line and struck the victim’s sedan. Investigation and evidence obtained at the scene supported Sharp’s arrest.

The Folsom Police Department will not release then type of suspected intoxicant until results of the toxicological tests have been completed by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.

Transient Threatens To Damage Sutter Street Business

Alan — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:51:28 +0000

A transient man, hiding under a Sutter Street business, like a troll under a bridge, caused Folsom police to evacuate Christmas Shoppers on Sutter Street.

The man, 50 year-old James Saporito, had set up camp under a Sutter Street business. He was banging on the floor and yelling at customers from underneath the building.

At 11:30 am, the business owner called the Folsom Police Department for help.

Folsom police officers arrived a short time later, and asked Saporito to come out. He told the police he had propane, gasoline, and dynamite. Later, he said he also has firearms.

Saporito eventually surrendered to police around an hour and a half later, just after 1:00 pm., when a Sacramento Sheriff’s Department K-9 team made their way underneath the building.

Police then investigated the area under the building, and found there was no damage. Neither police nor Saporito, were injured.

Police said they found an empty propane cooker amongst Saporito’s belongings, but he didn’t have the means to carry out his threats.

Police charged Saporito with making terroristic threats and booked him into the Sacramento County Jail.

Boy Pinned Under Vehicle On East Bidwell, In Motorized Scooter Accident

Alan — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 08:00:57 +0000

Friday morning at 8:30 am the Folsom Police Department began receiving emergency calls regarding a vehicle that collided with a motorized scooter at the intersection of East Bidwell Street and Glenn Drive. When officers arrived, they found a middle school aged juvenile, wearing a helmet, pinned under the vehicle. Due to the nature of the accident, the juvenile’s injuries were initially treated as life threatening.
Emergency personnel from the Folsom Fire Department’s Station 35 were able to extract the juvenile, who was transported via ground ambulance to an area hospital. His injuries were significantly upgraded, which Fire and Police personnel attributed to the fact he was wearing a safety helmet. The cause of this collision is still under investigation. His exact age, name, and condition will not be released.
The California Highway Patrol website, shows the California Vehicle Code (406(a) VC) requires the operator of a motorized scooter to be at least 16 years of age, possess a Class C Driver’s License or Driver’s Permit, and they must wear a bicycle helmet. The operation of motorized scooters are limited to bicycle paths, trails, or bikeways. On a roadway with speeds greater than 25 miles per hour, the driver must operate the scooter in a Class II bike lane. Just as with a vehicle, a motorized scooter must be driven as close to the right curb as safe, except to pass or turn left.

More information regarding motorized scooters, bicycles, and skateboards ca be found at the CHP website.

Kerry Howell Elected Folsom Mayor, Miklos Vice Mayor

Alan — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 01:54:24 +0000

The Folsom City Council elected Kerri Howell as mayor and Steve Miklos as vice mayor during the Dec. 13 Council meeting. They will serve one year terms, effective immediately.

“I am looking forward to continuing to serve Folsom in a slightly different capacity and to working toward a healthy and prosperous year in Folsom,” said Howell.

Howell was elected to the Folsom City Council in 1998 and served as vice mayor in 2002 and 2006. A 26-year Folsom resident, she also served on the Planning Commission from 1994 to 1998.

She is a past chair and a current City representative on the Sacramento Transportation Authority. She also chairs the Folsom-Sacramento-El Dorado County Rail JPA, is a member of the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District Board, the Sacramento Area Sewer District Board, Folsom Lake College Foundation Board, and is an active member of the Folsom Rotary Annes.

Howell has represented the City Council on the Folsom Library Foundation, the Sacramento Groundwater Authority, the Sacramento Placerville Transportation Corridor JPA and the Regional Water Authority.

A civil engineer with a degree from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, Howell is president of Atlantic Consultants, Inc., a firm specializing in civil and corrosion engineering.

Miklos has served on the Folsom City Council since 1994, including eight terms as mayor and three previous terms as vice mayor.

He is a director and former chair of the Sacramento Area Council of Governments and president of the Association of California Cities Aligned with Public Safety. He has also served as chair of the Local Agency Formation Commission, the Sacramento Transportation Authority, the Folsom El Dorado County JPA and the Elk Grove/El Dorado County Connector JPA.

Vice Mayor Miklos is a licensed California Real Estate Broker who started Bentley Mortgage and Real Estate Services in Folsom in 1987. He is a retired paramedic/firefighter.

Strong Winds Fanning Flames in California

Alan — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 02:03:19 +0000

CAL FIRE says strong winds caused them to increase staffing and fire equipment throughout the state.

High winds and low humidity over much of the state may continue for the next few days. Winds in some areas are expected to have gusts in excess of 60 mph. This weather event will significantly increase the wildfire threat in wind prone areas including the Sierras, the East Bay Hills, the Central Coast, and throughout Southern California

“The recent devastating wildland fire in Reno, Nevada is a reminder that fires can burn during the winter months even when temperatures are low. With the strong winds forecasted the fire danger will increase in many areas and we will have extra firefighters on duty so that we can respond to any new wildfires that may ignite.”
- Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director

Many communities and watershed areas may be affected by fast moving wildfires. The increased staffing includes the county fire departments of Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Kern and Orange, who CAL FIRE contracts with for fire protection of State Responsibility Areas.

Residents are encouraged to exercise extreme caution when in or near the wildland or open areas to prevent a fire. It is important that everyone monitor the weather and be on the lookout for fires. If fires occur in the area be prepared to follow all instructions of fire and law enforcement officials if an evacuation is ordered. Winds of the forecast velocity can cause conditions to change rapidly and the public is encouraged to review “Ready, Set, Go” procedures at www.ReadyForWildfire.org. Each person and family should insure that they are “Set” for a potential emergency situation and prepared to activate the “Go” (evacuation) portion in a calm and safe manner.

Tuolumne County:

Mountain Fire

Northeast of Sonora near Bald Mountain Rd.

* 50 acres, 0% containment

* Structures Threatened

Ridgewood Fire

Near Phoenix Lake area

* 2-3 acres, 0% containment

Calaveras County:

Dutch Creek Fire

1.5 miles from Blue Mountain

* Unknown acreage, 0% containment

Blue Mountain Fire

Blue Mountain Lookout Rd., southeast of West Point

* Timber fire

* 100 acres – 0% contained

East Fire

10 miles east of West Point

* 100 acres, 0% contained

El Dorado County

Sciaroni Fire

Sciaroni Rd in the Grizzly Flat area

*80 acres

Kirk Fire (previously Stinson Fire)

Stinson Rd in the Omo Ranch area

*5 acres, 90% contained

Creek Fire

Off Park Creek Rd and Old Carson Rd in Pollock Pines.

*2 acres – 80% contained

Onyx Fire

Sly Park and Onyx Rd area

*3-5 acres – 80% contained

Groovy Fire

Off Hwy 50 and Plum Creek Rd.

*44 acres – 60% contained

Grizzly Fire

Grizzly Flat Rd. and Sweeny Rd.

*Spot fire – 100% contained

Boondock Fire

Near Slug Gulch in the Fairplay area.

100% contained

One additional fire in Amador County which is a Federal incident on the El Dorado National Forest.

Nevada County

Chalk Fire

10 miles east of Nevada City

* 20 acres, 100% contained

Daylight Saving: Change Your Clocks, Smoke Alarm Batteries

Alan — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 22:33:35 +0000

This Sunday, remember to roll back your clocks as daylight saving comes to an end on November 6, 2012. CAL FIRE and our Folsom fire department remind you to replace the batteries in all smoke alarms as well as carbon monoxide (CO) alarm when you change your clocks.

“We recommend changing the batteries in your smoke alarms twice a year. While you are spending a couple minutes to change the time on all your clocks, it’s so easy just to add an extra minute to ensure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarm all have fresh, new batteries as well.”
- Acting State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover, CAL FIRE

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths occurred in homes without working smoke alarms. Working smoke alarms increase the change of surviving a home fire by 50 percent.

For decades, firefighters have used the time change as a reminder for residents to change their smoke alarm batteries. This year, officials are adding carbon monoxide alarms to their message following a new state law requiring all single-family homes have a carbon monoxide alarm.

CAL FIRE has the following tips on smoke alarms:

Test smoke alarms once a month.

Replace batteries in all smoke alarms and CO alarms twice a year.

Don’t “borrow” or remove batteries from smoke & CO alarms even temporarily.

Regularly vacuum or dust smoke & CO alarms to keep them working properly.

Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.

Don’t paint over smoke or CO alarms.

Practice family fire drills so everyone knows what to do if the smoke alarm goes off.

Shoulder Tap Operation Leads To 5 Arrests in Minor Decoy Sting

Alan — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:36:13 +0000

In its continued effort to ensure minors and merchants are following the law as it relates to alcohol use and sales, the Folsom Police Special Investigation Unit conducted a Minor Decoy/Shoulder Tap Operation on Friday October 21, 2011.

A minor decoy is any person, under the age of 21, who assists police with identifying and apprehending suspects who violate laws associated to alcohol ordinances. The Folsom Police Department Special Investigation Unit, in coordination with the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC), carefully selects individuals older than 18 years of age with no criminal history and no suspected alcohol violations associated with their character.

The following is a summary of Friday’s operation:

Lucas Leiva (19), an employee of Vic’s IGA Market (9580 Oak Avenue Parkway) was arrested for selling beer to a minor decoy.

Wen Feng (45), the owner of the Lucky Dragon Restaurant (9580 Oak Ave Parkway), was arrested for selling alcohol to a minor decoy.

Steven Thomas Williams (26) was arrested for purchasing alcohol for a minor decoy from Save Mart Liquor and Food (8839 Madison Ave).

Steven Garcia (47) was arrested for purchasing alcohol for a minor decoy from Discount Food and Liquor (700 E. Bidwell St). He was additionally charged with possession of narcotic paraphernalia and possession of an open container of alcohol.

Randall Weston (22) was arrested for purchasing alcohol for a minor decoy from 5 Star Liquor (332 E. Bidwell Street).

Through the assistance of grant funding by ABC, Folsom Police Department is afforded the opportunity to conduct such investigations, and thereby continue its efforts in the prevention of tragedies related to youth and alcohol.

Follow the Folsom Police Department on @FolsomPolice, at www.nixle.com

Animal cruelty case reveals impact of deregulation and budget cuts

tom — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:14:07 +0000

A total of 56 horses have been relocated to The Grace Foundation of Northern California’s facilities after what rescue workers described as “the most disturbing animal cruelty case [they have] ever encountered”.

Upon arrival at the “Whispering Pines” stables just outside the small town of Susanville, CA, Grace Foundation staff discovered the ground littered with the decomposing remains of twenty-five horses, along with a dog found hanging from a tree and mass burial mounds indicating that dozens more horses are likely to have perished during months of starvation and neglect. The conditions were so bad the surviving 56 horses were forced to literally step over the corpses of their fallen herd-mates in their desperate attempts to forage for food.

The owner, Dwight Bennett, maintains the horses didn’t die from neglect and lack of food and water, but from poisoning — a claim openly disputed by The Grace Foundation based on the physical findings and anecdotal reports. Dr. Mike Russell, the veterinarian who examined the surviving horses, is equally skeptical about this claim. In his site evaluation, Dr. Russell found, “Given the lack of feed, water, poor body condition and emaciated condition of the most intact carcass, starvation is the highest on my list of causes.”

The reader can find Mr. Bennett’s full defense and explanation in a heated response to negative reviews of the Whispering Pines Stables on Yahoo! Local: http://bit.ly/tsiSjY

The story of the Whispering Pines rescues has received significant regional media attention and in the wake of the Ohio exotic animal tragedy (also involving 56 animals), more and more people have been asking a simple question with significant political ramifications…why are these horrific events taking place? More importantly, what can be done to prevent these kinds of senseless occurrences?

Though numerous factors are at play, The Grace Foundation believes deregulation and austere budget cuts have created an environment ripe for these kinds of abuses. “This isn’t about pointing fingers,” said Beth DeCaprio, founder of The Grace Foundation. “It’s about taking the steps to prevent these tragedies from ever occurring.”

Though DeCaprio expresses a desire to see those kinds of reforms enacted and justice fulfilled, her main concern at the moment is bringing the Whispering Pines horses back to health — a daunting challenge under the best of circumstances, made even more difficult by recent blood test results revealing that at least 18 mares are pregnant with another dozen potentially in foal.

As a 501(c)3 non-profit, The Grace Foundation is supported almost entirely by donors, volunteers, and their innovative programs and partnerships that bring together at risk and special needs children with rescued horses in mutually beneficial therapeutic programs. But with escalating hay prices, a stagnant economy, horse owners continuing to lose jobs, homes, and nest eggs, and budget busting austerity measures, non-profit rescues are more vulnerable now than ever.

In her most candid moments, DeCaprio acknowledges the near impossibility of the present situation. “It’s no secret that times are tough right now, and if it weren’t for the support of amazingly generous and good-hearted people, we wouldn’t be able to continue.”

Conservative estimates put the price of boarding the “Susanville Seventy” (the 56 original rescues + expected foals) at over $150,000 for the next year alone — a particularly troublesome fact considering The Grace Foundation is expected to shoulder these costs on its own while the horses remain locked in legal limbo after Mr. Bennett claimed them as assets in a pending bankruptcy case. It remains unclear how Mr. Bennett would care for the horses given that his only stated income when filing for bankruptcy came from a foster child who has since been removed from his guardianship.

Even with all these obstacles, DeCaprio remains optimistic. “Times are definitely tough on everyone right now, especially with the cuts to the county budget, and I’m not going to pretend that raising the money to care for these horses will be easy. It won’t be. But one of the greatest and most unexpected rewards of this job is witnessing the pure goodness and generosity of spirit in others.”

DeCaprio points to a recent donation of $7 from a seven-year-old girl as an example of that generosity. “It was her allowance money,” explained DeCaprio. “Her parents give her a dollar a day for her chores and in the card she wrote that instead of spending it on herself, she wanted it to go to ‘help save a life’.” Following the lead of their daughter, the young girl’s parents made their own, separate donation. “As a rescue, we expect to see the bad in humanity, and in cases like the Susanville 70, there’s been more than enough bad to get you down about the world. Then I think about that young girl and those seven one dollar bills she earned doing chores, and I’m both humbled by that generosity and inspired to live up to it.”

Following the above example, the Grace Foundation has begun a “Pay it Forward” fundraising campaign asking for donations of $7 or more to become a member of the “Susanville 70″ team and the effort to make sure these horses will live out peaceful and fulfilling lives. For more information about the case, The Grace Foundation, and how you can help, please visit www.thegracefoundation.com