The Sacramento Brief

📰 News

• Natomas High School Shooting Update The victim has been identified as 16-year-old Dejon Sledge. A person of interest is now in custody following Friday’s deadly shooting on campus. Investigation remains ongoing.
• Chase Ends in Shooting on I-5 A police chase ended in a shooting along southbound Interstate 5 near Arena Boulevard. Lanes were temporarily shut down as deputies investigated. No additional details released.

🏙️ City Watch

• T&Y Market Named Small Business of the Year A North Sacramento staple is being recognized for over 30 years of impact and innovation. The award will be presented May 6 during Capital Region Small Business Week. 🔗 https://sacramentocityexpress.com/2026/04/10/north-sacramentos-ty-market-earns-city-small-business-of-the-year-honor/

🌤️ Weather

• Tuesday: Partly sunny, then clearing. High near 69.
• Tonight: Increasing clouds, cooler overnight.

📍 Events

• Fair Oaks Horticulture Center Workshops & Open Gardens 📅 Wednesday, April 15 | 9:00 AM – Noon 📍 11549 Fair Oaks Blvd, Fair Oaks Learn water-efficient gardening, fruit & vegetable growing, and get advice from Master Gardeners. 🔗 https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-master-gardeners-sacramento-county/fohc-workshops-and-open-gardens

🎧 Listen daily on Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and your smart speaker.

Just ask for The Sacramento Brief.

Description:

A student is dead following a shooting at Natomas High School, with the suspect still at large. Plus, the city moves forward with safety upgrades along Stockton Boulevard—and how you can weigh in. And a look at Photography Month Sacramento and a local talk on saving monarch butterflies.

📰 News

• Sacramento police are searching for a student suspected in a fatal shooting at Natomas High School.
• The victim, a juvenile from a nearby school, was killed as classes were being dismissed Friday afternoon.
• The suspect remains outstanding. No motive has been released.
• Natomas Unified has canceled events and increased campus security while offering counseling support.

🏙️ City Watch

• A community workshop is set for April 15 on the Stockton Boulevard Safety and Transit Enhancement Project (STEP).
• Focus: improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders along one of Sacramento’s busiest corridors.
• Public input will help shape future upgrades.

🔗 Read more:

https://sacramentocityexpress.com/2026/04/09/april-15-workshop-to-focus-on-safety-transit-changes-along-stockton-boulevard/

☀️ Weather

• Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 64
• Monday Night: Clear, low around 46

🎨 Events

Photography Month Sacramento (All April)

• A region-wide celebration of photography featuring exhibits, workshops, and community events.
• Locations include Crocker Art Museum, California Museum, and more.

🔗 Explore events:

https://www.photomonthsacramento.org/

Monarch Butterfly Talk – UC Davis Scientist Elizabeth Crone

• Learn about the 95% decline in western monarch populations—and how you can help.
• Includes Q&A and discussion.

🔗 Event info:

https://www.californiagroundbreakers.org/events/2026/4/12/sac-science/april/elizabeth-crone-on-butterflies

🎧 Listen daily on Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and your smart speaker—just ask for The Sacramento Brief.

Description:

A robbery series suspect is in custody following multiple incidents along Watt Avenue. Elk Grove Police arrest two in a mail theft case after video leads to a quick stop. Plus—Sacramento County expands youth behavioral health support, and a wet, stormy weekend is ahead.

Top Stories:

• Robbery series suspect arrested after three February incidents along Watt Ave
• Elk Grove PD arrests two in felony mail theft investigation after video tip
• Sacramento County awarded $2.95M for new youth Family Respite Center
• Showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds expected through the weekend

Events:

• Jazz concert: The Midnight Oils – Friday, 7PM https://centermusicalarts.com/events/
• Be My Neighbor Day (free family event) – Saturday, 10AM–2PM https://www.kvie.org/be-my-neighbor-day/
• Bonsai & Suiseki Show – Saturday & Sunday, McKinley Park http://www.abasbonsai.org

Keywords:

Sacramento news, Watt Avenue robbery, Elk Grove mail theft, Sacramento County mental health, Family Respite Center, Sacramento weather, weekend storms, Sacramento events, bonsai show, KVIE events

Description:

A deadly pedestrian crash shuts down Watt Avenue, a storage fire spreads in south Sacramento, and a major bridge closure begins this week in the Delta. Plus weather and what’s happening tonight.

Links:

• New Hope Road Bridge Closure: https://www.saccounty.gov/us/en/articles/2026-articles/new-hope-bridge-to-close-april-10-2026.html#gsc.tab=0

• Trivia Thursday: https://www.downtownsac.org/events/trivia-thursday/

Keywords:

Sacramento news, Watt Avenue crash, Arden Way accident, Sacramento fire, Stockton Blvd fire, New Hope Road Bridge closure, Sacramento traffic, Sacramento events, Midtown trivia, Sacramento weather

Episode Summary

A convicted felon is arrested with a loaded firearm in South Sacramento. A man is sentenced to 45 years to life in a violent sexual assault case. And Sacramento County breaks ground on a major new behavioral health campus serving Medi-Cal and uninsured residents.

Top Stories

• Felon Arrested with Loaded Gun – South Sacramento

A traffic stop near Power Inn Road and Elder Creek Road led to the arrest of 36-year-old Dante Powell. Deputies recovered a loaded, unregistered handgun with an illegal high-capacity magazine.

https://x.com/sacsheriff/status/2041654549140885764?s=46&t=PhCR2qG_2J0JHQypV0KFew

• 45-to-Life Sentence in Sexual Assault Case

Kenny Chacon has been sentenced after being convicted of multiple violent sexual assault charges involving a weapon. DNA evidence and a rapid law enforcement response helped secure the conviction.

https://www.sacda.org/2026/04/defendant-sentenced-for-sexual-assault-3/

• New Behavioral Health Campus Breaks Ground

Sacramento County and WellSpace Health begin construction on a 13-acre wellness campus in South Sacramento. Phase one includes a 32-bed residential mental health facility. Opening expected in 2027.

https://www.saccounty.gov/us/en/articles/2026-articles/sacramentos-first-integrated-healthcare-campus-for-medi-cal-and-.html#gsc.tab=0

Events

• Art Reception: “Fighting Demons” – West Sacramento

Free community art show featuring Shaunte Neely, exploring mental health and healing through visual art.

Friday, April 10 | 6–8 PM

Gallery 1075, West Sacramento Community Center

https://www.cityofwestsacramento.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/9693/318?fsiteid=1#!/

Keywords

Sacramento news, South Sacramento arrest, Power Inn Road, Dante Powell, Sacramento Sheriff, gun arrest Sacramento, Kenny Chacon sentencing, Sacramento DA, sexual assault case Sacramento, Elder Parole California, WellSpace Health, Sacramento County behavioral health, mental health campus Sacramento, Medi-Cal services Sacramento, West Sacramento events, Gallery 1075, Shaunte Neely art show, Sacramento events April 2026

Description:

A freeway shooting scare in West Sacramento ends with a suspect in custody. A Sacramento County man is sentenced to life in a child abuse torture case. Plus, Arts, Culture & Creativity Month kicks off across the city, local events, and your Tuesday forecast.

Stories:

• I-80 shooting near West Sacramento split; suspect arrested on Jefferson Blvd, victim unharmed
• Miqueas Romero-Soto sentenced to 7 years to life in child abuse and torture case
• Sacramento launches Arts, Culture & Creativity Month with citywide events
• Mentor Artist Speaker Series featuring Larry G. Meeks in North Natomas
• Behind-the-scenes access at Museum of Medical History (Tuesdays in April)
• “Fighting Demons” art reception at Gallery 1075 in West Sacramento

Links:

• https://www.sacda.org/2026/04/defendant-sentenced-for-child-abuse-torture/
• https://www.eventbrite.com/e/d1-birds-and-benches-mentor-artist-presentation-larry-g-meeks-tickets-1981261648926
• https://form.jotform.com/260765319922059
• https://www.cityofwestsacramento.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/9693/318?fsiteid=1#!/
• https://elections.saccounty.gov/content/vre/us/en/media-room/news-releases/primary-election-update---filing-period-for-write-in-candidates-.html#gsc.tab=0

Description:

A Sacramento County traffic stop leads to a major weapons and drug bust. Front Street Animal Shelter waives dog adoption fees amid overcrowding. Plus—free tax prep resources before the April 15 deadline and a unique Sacramento ecology lecture event.

Links:

• Sacramento Sheriff incident: https://x.com/sacsheriff/status/2040551351500030024?s=20
• Front Street adoption promo: https://sacramentocityexpress.com/2026/04/03/front-street-waives-dog-adoption-fees-through-april-12/
• Free Tax Prep (United Way): https://www.yourlocalunitedway.org/our-work/financial-security/free-tax-preparation/
• Michelle Fullner event: https://tickets.cklectures.com/events/cklectures/2115860

Episode Title: Sacramento Brief | April 3, 2026

Description:

Opening arguments set in Sacramento’s deadliest mass shooting case, a Rio Linda shooting investigation, and a sentencing in an Elk Grove homicide. Plus, holiday food safety tips, Highway 50 overnight closures, weekend weather, and local events.

Show Notes:

• K Street Mass Shooting Trial

Opening arguments expected April 21 for Mtula Payton and Dandrae Martin in Sacramento’s 2022 mass shooting that left 6 dead and 12 injured.

• Rio Linda Shooting Investigation

Victim hospitalized after being shot in the leg near 2nd Street and Collins Lane. Investigation ongoing.

• Elk Grove Homicide Sentencing

Aaron Spencer sentenced to 26 years to life for the murder of Eric Roberts.

https://www.sacda.org/2026/04/defendant-sentenced-for-stabbing-murder-of-unhoused-man/

• Downtown Bicycle Theft Arrest

Suspect arrested after Sacramento Police tracked stolen bike using Public Safety Camera Network.

• Food Safety Alert (Easter/Passover)

Safe handling reminders for eggs, meats, and leftovers to prevent foodborne illness.

https://www.saccounty.gov/us/en/articles/2026-articles/pass-the-eggs-not-the-pathogens.html#gsc.tab=0

• Highway 50 Night Closures

Eastbound US-50 to northbound Business 80 connector closed nightly 11 p.m.–5 a.m. through April 7.

https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-3/d3-projects/d3-us-50-hov-lane-0h08u

• Weather

Sunny today, high near 76. Weekend warming into the 80s.

• Events

Creative Vibes Art Camp (final day): Sierra 2 Center, Sacramento

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/101for101years/event/creativevibesartcampcopy/

Fair Oaks Eggstravaganza: April 4, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Fair Oaks Park

Keywords:

Sacramento news, K Street shooting trial, Sacramento mass shooting 2022, Rio Linda shooting, Elk Grove homicide, Sacramento crime news, Sacramento police, Sacramento sheriff, Highway 50 closure, Sacramento traffic, Sacramento weather, Sacramento events, Fair Oaks Eggstravaganza, Sacramento County food safety, Easter food safety tips, Passover safety, Sacramento Brief podcast

Sacramento Brief – April 2, 2026

South Sacramento Standoff Ends in Arrest

A five-hour standoff in South Sacramento ended with the arrest of 36-year-old Andrew Reed following a reported domestic violence incident involving a firearm. Deputies say a 4-year-old child was inside the home during the incident. Reed now faces multiple felony charges including domestic violence, child endangerment, and weapons violations. Bail is set at $1 million, with a court date set for April 3.

Source: https://x.com/sacsheriff

Abandoned Marconi Avenue Property Secured

Sacramento County deputies and code enforcement cleared and secured a vandalized, abandoned property along Marconi Avenue that had become a neighborhood nuisance. Officials say the site had been attracting illegal activity and repeated complaints from nearby residents.

Source: https://x.com/sacsheriff/status/2039496237704257842?s=20

Sacramento County Renews StormReady Status Through 2030

Sacramento County’s Office of Emergency Services has renewed its StormReady designation through 2030, recognizing strong emergency preparedness systems including continuous monitoring, public alert systems, and coordinated severe weather response. The County also continues to serve as a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador.

Source: https://www.saccounty.gov/us/en/articles/2026-articles/sacramento-county-strengthens-weather-preparedness.html#gsc.tab=0

Weather – Sacramento

Sunny with a high near 64. Light winds becoming northwest.

Clear overnight with a low around 45.

Events – A’s Home Opener Watch Party

Drake’s: The Barn in West Sacramento will host a free watch party for the A’s home opener on April 3 starting at 4 PM. The event features live DJs, food, drinks, and the game on the big screen as the A’s face the Houston Astros at Sutter Health Park.

Event Info: https://events.drinkdrakes.com/event/athletics-home-opener-2026/

Keywords: Sacramento news April 2 2026, South Sacramento standoff, Andrew Reed arrest Sacramento, domestic violence Sacramento County, Marconi Avenue cleanup Sacramento, Sacramento code enforcement, StormReady Sacramento County, Sacramento emergency preparedness, Sacramento weather forecast, Sacramento events April 2026, A’s home opener watch party, Drakes The Barn West Sacramento, Sutter Health Park events

Elk Grove Hidden Camera Arrest, Broadway Safety Plans, Rain Returns

Description:

A suspect is arrested in a disturbing hidden camera case at Elk Grove parks, Sacramento police make arrests after a late-night foot pursuit, and the city invites community input on major Broadway safety improvements. Plus, rain returns to the region and local events happening today and tomorrow.

Show Notes:

🚨 Elk Grove Hidden Camera Investigation

• Arrest made in hidden camera case at Elk Grove Regional Park and Jan Rau Park
• Suspect identified as 37-year-old Sacramento man
• Cameras also linked to Kloss Park and Zimbelman Park
• Faces multiple felony charges including illegal recording and eavesdropping
• Police believe there may be additional victims
• More info: https://elkgrove.gov/news/elk-grove-pd-arrest-suspect-hidden-camera-investigation-community-parks

🚓 South Land Park Arrests

• Two suspects arrested after foot pursuit in 7000 block of South Land Park Drive
• Incident involved attempted tire theft from a vehicle

🏙️ City Watch – Broadway Safety Workshop

• Community meeting set for April 9 (5:30–7 PM) at American Legion High School
• Focus on Oak Park Broadway corridor improvements
• Includes lane reductions, bike lanes, pedestrian upgrades, and traffic safety measures
• Vision Zero project aimed at reducing serious crashes
• Project info: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/public-works/engineering/projects/envision-broadway-in-oak-park-complete-street-project

🌧️ Sacramento Weather

• Rain expected late morning through early afternoon
• High near 64, gusty winds up to 20 mph
• Continued rain overnight, low around 46

📍 Events

American River Cleanup

• April 1, 1–3 PM
• Guy West Bridge
• Free volunteer event, supplies provided
• Details: https://www.peakadventures.org/adventure-trips?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D196314968

The Sac Buzz & The Space Between – Comedy Show

• April 2, doors at 7:45 PM, show at 8 PM
• Sacramento Comedy Spot
• Improv comedy based on real news headlines
• Tickets: https://saccomedyspot.com/calendar/

Keywords:

Sacramento news, Elk Grove police, hidden cameras park arrest, Sacramento crime, South Land Park arrest, Oak Park Broadway project, Vision Zero Sacramento, Sacramento weather rain, Sacramento events April 2026, American River cleanup, Sacramento Comedy Spot, local news podcast Sacramento