Seen today: one of the craftiest law enforcement vehicles ever on I-80 at Truxel, a dark blue late model Nissan Maxima, with grill and rear window flashers, pulling over another vehicle.

Now, when I think non-descript police vehicle, I think Crown Vic. But a Nissan Maxima? That’s brilliant. I’m not sure whether the car was police or CHP, but it was totally bizarre to see a common suburban four-door import change before one’s eyes into an enforcer. It was like watching real live Transformers.

All I know is that when the cops start using Camrys, the criminals will have nowhere to hide.
Afterthought: Is the plural of Camry, “Camries”?

From today’s Bee story detailing the October 4 murder of a college student in San Diego, in which the primary suspects — inlcuding the son of Fabian Nunez — are from the Sacramento area:

A woman who was hosting the men at her apartment told police the four were drinking and showing off their knives. They talked about wanting to show people “how we do it in Sac-Town,” according to the warrant.

I, for one, was unaware that knifing people while intoxicated was how we did it in Sac-town. I thought we had cornered the market instead on vehicular property crimes.

Actually, how do I say that this whole episode is sickening? Oh, like this: This whole episode is sickening.

A bevy of local organizations is convening a “Sanframento” conference to discuss issues that concern the blurry econotransport* line between our conveniently located and charming town with the bay area.

No joke.

Along with UC Davis, this Thursday’s event will is being spearheaded by regional planning agencies and transportation authorities.

Note to sac-eats: Be sure to clear your schedule so you can weigh in with your SMEP! scheme. (As a former employee of a regional planning agency, I can say with great authority that yours would not be the most out-there idea presented in such a forum.)

*my own hybrid word of “economy” and “transportation”

Today’s Bee reports that Haagen Dazs is donating $100,000 to UC Davis to help find out why honey bees are disappearing at alarming rates. (OK, so I grew up watching Leonard Nimoy’s In Search Of and being frightened about the impending killer bees, and now the nice bees are vanishing? What gives? I want to keep bees.)

What products or companies would you suggest as possible sponsors or tie-ins to other issues plaguing our region, and why can’t I think of how to work Mayor McCheese into any of this?

From KCRA.com:

A man who lost control of his vehicle and was later treated for injuries may have buckled in a pack of beer, but not himself, according to a police report…Officers said Gritsyuk appeared to be unrestrained by a seat belt, but that a 12-pack of beer in his car was secure.

Odds that this guy owns a “Everyone has to believe in something….” bumper sticker?

Do we believe the weather prognosticators that these incoming storms will be of Biblical proportions?

I, for one, am not taking chances.

I’m about to go top off my gas tank so I won’t have to stand outside at a gas station at any point in the next few days. I’m also about to go take down the Christmas lights now so they’re not knocked off by Mother Nature and so they’re not up for several more days (I realize some will say we’re OK ’til Epiphany for leaving them up.)

What are your storm plans?

It’s raining!

I’m speculating that we can all look forward to team coverage on “Rain Watch ‘07: Holiday Edition” since we haven’t had nearly enough of this wet stuff in some time.

Who are the most rookie reporters who will have to report from Blue Canyon today and tonight?

‘Tis the season for giving thanks for what we’ve got.  ‘Tis also the season for reminding ourselves that others don’t got nearly as much as we got. So the inevitable question arises in this season of bounty, “What can I do to help share that bounty with others?”  I’m so glad you asked.

Sacramento is rife with opportunity for donations of time, money, food, or all three.  While some high profile Thanksgiving Day events like Run to Feed the Hungry are chock full of volunteers for “day of” activities, help is still needed for set-up and registration.  If you’ve got some free time and want to help with the race, click here to help out.

Other opportunities can be found throughout the city, through a variety of organizations.  One of the best resources for finding volunteer opportunities is Hands On Sacramento, a volunteer coordination organization.  Hands On can match you, or even your whole family, with a one-time or ongoing volunteer opportunity that fits your interests and skills.  If you’re outside of Sacramento, check the Governor’s official volunteer site, CaliforniaVolunteers.org.   It’s a great resource for volunteering throughout the state, especially during emergency situations like the recent fires. Continue reading “Thanks for Giving” »

As I run, bike, and drive around the greater 95864-95825-95821 ‘hoods, I see countless houses that have no resemblance at all to the original neighborhood homes. While a number of remodels have been completed beautifully that complement the vibe of the neighborhood, there are some which I’m sure make the collective neighbors’ skin crawl.

I’m talking mostly about “architectural fusion” elements that combine too many features that flagrantly do not go together.  Construction on some of these homes has been shoddy — I honestly saw a drooping balcony on one house in Arden Oaks.

Now I’m not saying every neighborhood should dictate exactly how a homeowner remodels his or her house, or telling people what color they can and can’t paint their house, but there seems to be a lack of common sense, eye for design, and courtesy to others who have to live next door to some of these abodes.

Please feel free to be specific about what you’ve seen recently — anyone in the Arden Park neighborhood can probably share their sentiments about one particular recent remodel.

Mmmm, Red Bull.