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Bike Trail, safety

Body found in Folsom, possibly linked to manhunt

The body of a man possibly suspected of a homicide in Mariposa County was found Sunday just after noon along a trail near Lake Natoma following a three-hour manhunt.

The man’s cause of death and identity were not immediately released.

Sgt. Jason Browning, of the Folsom Police Department, said State Park rangers were notified by employees of Sudwerk Riverside Restaurant around 9 a.m. of an unattended white Ford Ranger in the parking lot.

A license plate check revealed that the truck was a suspect vehicle in a Mariposa County homicide.

“Suspecting that the driver of the truck could be armed, the recreation area (Negro Bar) was cleared,” Browning said.

California State Parks rangers, Folsom Police officers and deputies from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department began a full-scale search for the suspect, a white male approximately 21 years old.

SWAT and canine officers were called in to assist with the search.

Just after noon, the man was found in an “off trail wild land area.” He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The command center, set up in the Sudwerk’s parking lot, got the attention of several passersby in the area.

Lisa Thompson, of Folsom, was on her way to the grocery store when she stopped to see what the commotion was all about.

“It’s not every day you see SWAT and all the media out here,” she said. “ I thought it was a drowning. To hear it was a murder suspect is concerning.”

She said she was relieved to hear the suspect was no longer on the run.

Scott Pill, of Fair Oaks was riding his bike along the Negro Bar trails when he and other bicyclists were stopped by officials.

More at AuburnJournal.com >>>

safety, Water

Increased Fees at Folsom Lake and Auburn State Recreation Areas

Parking and boating fees at Folsom Lake and Auburn state recreation areas are increasing.

The fee bumps, which start July 1, are to help maintain the heavily used recreation areas at a time of dire budget reductions and park closures. Changes include a $2 increase to launch power boats.

Among the increases at Folsom:

• Folsom Lake or Lake Natoma power boat launch fee: Current fee $8. New fee, $10.

• Willow Creek day use parking: Current fee, $5. New fee, $10.

• Rattlesnake Bar, Granite Bay, Beals Point, Folsom Point, Brown’s Ravine, Peninsula day use parking: Current fee $10. New fee, $12.

• Beals Point developed campground peak days: Current fee, $30 a night. New fee, $33 a night.

Among the increases at Auburn:

• Lower Lake Clementine power boat launch fee: Current fee, $8. New fee, $10.

• Yankee Jims, Grizzly Bear, Confluence, Long Point Trail parking areas: Current fee: nothing. New fee: $10.

 

Bike Trail, safety

Back-seat Driver: For better bicycling manners, discussion beats spitting

There is a cyclist on the American River Parkway trail who some say spits at other cyclists if he doesn’t like the way they are riding.

How is it that we are not surprised?

Summer is high season for parkway use. One of the sad bike trail realities is, the more crowded it gets, the angrier some get, and the worse some behavior becomes.

Sacramento County Chief Ranger Stan Lumsden likens it to the ugly side of driving on streets and highways. “I guess it would be called trail rage.”

Three weeks ago, several members of a cycling club, including a former cop, reportedly had a trailside “discussion” with the spitter.

His contention, according to their report: Too many cyclists ride poorly and discourteously, and he lets them know it.

More at SacBee.com >>>

Rafting

Auburn American River Raft Route Takes Travelers Past Nude Beach

It’s a whitewater jaw-dropper – families rafting on the American River floating right past naked men and women.

It’s happening along a stretch of the north fork of the river just outside of Auburn.

Nudists have been going to the spot for many years, but this year a raft full of kids could be passing by.

“That’s not appropriate for children to see,” one concerned parent said.

But the brand new river-rafting spot doesn’t come with an R rating.

“The potential mix between the family rafting trip and the nude beach is obviously going to create some tension,” said Scott Scheau with Mother Lode River Center.

For nearly 30 years the location has gone unexposed. Nudists have hiked the steep trail down to the beach to bare it all.

Bike Trail, Fire, Rafting, safety, Water

Proposed fire cuts could cut out rescue teams

Sacramento Fire Department’s special operations could be cut out of the 2012-2013 fiscal city budget; affecting several programs whose focus is rescue and public protection.

The water boat rescue program; heavy and confined space rescue; high angle and low angle; and trench rescue teams would be completely eliminated from the department. Three out of four hazmat teams would also disappear.

The SFD’s union said fire fighters respond to almost 80,000 calls each year. Only 500 of those calls are for hazmat, but fire fighters said those are the critical calls.

“You’re talking about vapor releases and liquid toxins that can kill on impact,” said Todd Filburn of Fire Fighters Local 522.

On the American River, families were enjoying the shallow end of the water, but were cautious of the swift and cold currents.

“You have to do your part to be safe, because the time rescuers can get to you, it’s too late,” said father Barry Cookson, who was tying inner tubes together and anchoring the line to a cement brick.

“That way the kids just float in a circle and you don’t lose anyone, because you will lose someone in the river.”

More at News10.net >>>

safety

Two suicide jumpers leap from Foresthill Bridge

A second person made a fatal jump late Wednesday off the Foresthill Bridge, near Auburn, authorities said Thursday.

The Placer County Sheriff’s Office released the names of both fatalities after contacting family members.

The initial jumper was identified as Jacob Charles Fetsch, 26, of Dobbins. He had parked his car and was seen jumping off the northeast railing of the span at about 3:45 p.m. Wednesday.

The second death took place at 5:50 p.m. A woman, identified as Valerie Gail Garcia, 35, of Auburn, was spotted jumping off the bridge, just as emergency personnel who had taken out the Fetsch body, were leaving the canyon.

More at AuburnJournal.com >>>

Rafting, safety, Water

Newly opened river stretch blends natural, manmade thrills

The historic Mountain Quarries Railroad Bridge serves as a reminder of the rich history of the Auburn area shortly after the rafts hit the water just past the confluence of the North fork and the Middle fork of the American River.

After a few tame rapids and miles of beautiful scenery, the Auburn Dam site and the man-made rapids alongside the Placer County Water Agency pump house are a nod to what those in the rafting business hope is a bright future for the area.

Eight whitewater rafting companies were granted permits to a new route on the Middle Fork in mid-May and commercial trips will likely take place with regularity throughout the summer months.

Norm Schoenhoff has owned Whitewater Excitement since its inception in 1979. The majority of the company’s business takes place on the South Fork of the American River, starting in Lotus. But he believes the quick trip down the Middle Fork could be a great option for folks looking for a relaxing float on weeknights or a quick weekend trip.

“There are really only a few rapids – nothing over Class II, maybe Class III,” Schoenhoff said. “It would be a good family trip or a good trip for kids.”

Guides have the option of starting near the Highway 49 Bridge, or heading up the Quarry Trail via van and putting in on the Middle Fork. The water moves along at a leisurely pace, allowing boaters to take in the remarkable landscape and wildlife. The peaceful river winds through the steep canyon just below Auburn and gives even longtime Auburn residents a unique perspective of the area.

More at AuburnJournal.com >>>

Bike Trail, Fire, safety, Water

Grass Fires Break Out In Sacramento Overnight

 

Despite the cooler temperatures overnight a couple of grass fires broke out overnight in Sacramento keeping fire fighters busy.

One fire started around 2:00 Monday morning near the levy at the end of 10th Street near the American River.

The blaze burned nearly half an acre before crews got it under control.

Officials say the fire was likely started in a homeless camp.

More at cbslocal.com >>>

Bike Trail, Rafting, safety, Wildlife

Rattlesnake season puts pets at risk in Sacramento area

Less than a day after a baby rattlesnake struck him, Bowser – a mixed Labrador and heeler puppy – pranced to his car, waited for his swelling to go down and relished tummy rubs from his owner, Nick Delgado.

Bowser is one of the luckier animals bitten by rattlesnakes in Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado and Amador counties recently. Some didn’t survive their bites.

Delgado and Jessica Cobian said they were walking Tuesday near the American River in Rancho Cordova when Bowser, who was on a leash in front of them, lunged forward and sniffed the ground. When the nearly 1-year-old dog perked his head up, a 10-inch-long baby rattlesnake bit his snout.

More at ModBee.com >>>