Allen Warren endorsed by 2011 Teacher of the Year

Allen Warren has been endorsed by Dr. Kadhir Rajagopal, a teacher at Grant High School and 2011 California Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Rajagopal's endorsement was posted on Warren's Facebook page:

"Allen Warren is all about making Grant High School a model school for the country and transforming the Heights. As an education activist, I endorse Allen Warren as City Councilman, but more importantly, as a real agent of change."

"Iv Liberty" pointed out the endorsement while commenting on another article.

Iceland taking old skates

Iceland Ice Arena is willing to take pairs of used skates.

The rink is in need of more rental skates and is willing to take used pairs that children have outgrown or have been replaced. The rink will use the donated skates as rentals or to raise money for new rental skates.

Donations are tax deductible and the rink will give a receipt. 

Sandy Sheedy will not run for reelection

Councilmember Sandy Sheedy announced today that she will not run for reelection in 2012.

In an email to the community and interview with the Bee's Ryan Lillis, Sheedy indicates she wishes to spend more time with family and has enjoyed serving the community.

This makes it a four-way race between Rob Kerth, Kim Mack, Allen Warren, and Sondra Betancourt.

SPOA endorses Kim Mack for City Council

Lost in the coverage of the Strong Mayor proposal was the Sacramento Police Officers Association's endorsement of Kim Mack for City Council.

Mack is running for the District 2 Council seat.

Photo from: facebook.com/kimmackcitycouncil

Robber rock 'n rolls all night robbing stores

The Sacramento Police Department is asking for the community's help in identifying a suspect wanted for robbery.

On January 19, 2012, at approximately 8:45 p.m., police responded to the 4200 block of Norwood Avenue regarding a business robbery. The suspect was wearing a white clown mask similar to the "KISS" rock band. The suspect climbed over the counter and fired two shots within close proximity of store employees. The masked robber then took money from the register and fled on foot. 

Later that same evening, at approximately 9:28 p.m., the suspect entered a liquor store in the 2900 block of Del Paso Boulevard wearing the same mask and clothing. He fired a single shot inside the store, robbing the employees at gunpoint.

The suspect then fled to an awaiting blue or black four-door sedan. As a witness attempted to write down the license plate, the suspect fired a shot in their direction.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Police arrest wife for murder in abduction case

The Sacramento Police Department has arrested Shajia Ayobi, 45-years-old, for the murder of her husband Ghulam Ayobi, an Afghan Veteran.

The case stems from an incident taking place in the 12am hour of Sunday, December 18, 2011. The couple was abducted by two men waiting in their vehicle in Natomas' Gateway West neighborhood. They traveled east on Interstate 80 until it is believed a scuffle broke out, leading to the shooting of Ghulam.

Officers responded to the call of a male shot on eastbound Interstate 80 at Norwood Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found Shajia (uninjured) and Ghulam who had been shot in the upper body; the suspects had fled the vehicle. He was transported to the hospital where he was declared deceased.

On January 19, 2012, Detectives from the Sacramento Police Department re-interviewed the victim’s wife, Shajia Ayobi regarding her involvement in the murder of her husband. Based on further investigation and incriminating statements, Shajia Ayobi was arrested and booked into the Sacramento County Jail for the murder of her husband.

At this time, investigators have yet to establish a motive. 

The investigation is still ongoing and further details of this case are not being released at this time.

The Sacramento Police Department urges anyone with information pertaining to this crime to contact Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357) or text in a tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information.  Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. 

Two homeless men found deceased in tent

According to the Sacramento Police Department, two male individuals (ages 44 and 38) and a dog were found deceased inside their tent down by the river just east of the Hwy 160 bridge. 

The cause of death appears to be carbon monoxide poisoning from a camp stove they had inside the tent.

It appears the men were homeless.

MLK March in the North Area

The annual MLK March returns tomorrow, January 17, 2012.

Like last year, the north area's march will begin at Grant High School and proceed down Marysville Blvd., Del Paso Blvd., and Highway 160 into downtown to meet marchers from the south area at the Sacramento Convention Center. 

Opening ceremonies at Grant take place at 8:00am. The march is slated to leave Grant at 8:30am. 

Visit www.mlk365.org for more information.