The Sacramento Brief

The Sacramento Brief – March 31, 2026

[NEWS] Retail Theft Crew Arrested in Rancho Cordova

Three suspects were arrested after Rancho Cordova police tracked a retail theft crew linked to multiple Northern California cities, including Sacramento, Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, and Davis.

Authorities located a white rental van with Arizona plates outside a department store and detained all three individuals. One suspect was on probation for prior theft-related offenses.

A search of the vehicle uncovered stolen merchandise from stores across the Sacramento region. All three were booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on multiple charges.

[CITY WATCH] Sacramento Neighborhood Cleanup Rebate Program

Sacramento residents can receive up to $800 for community cleanup efforts through the City’s Recycling and Solid Waste Division.

Eligible groups include HOAs, nonprofits, and community organizations. Funds cover supplies, disposal, and limited refreshments.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and must be submitted at least 30 days in advance.

🔗 https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/public-works/recycling-solid-waste/Neighborhoodcleanuprebate

[HOLIDAY] Farmworkers Day – California State Holiday

Today is Farmworkers Day, a California state holiday.

State, county, and city offices may be closed.

Federal offices, including the Postal Service and banks, remain open.

[WEATHER] Sacramento Forecast – March 31, 2026

• Tuesday: 50% chance of rain after noon, mostly cloudy, high near 68
• Tuesday Night: 50% chance of rain before 11 p.m., low around 53
• Light winds, minimal accumulation expected

[EVENTS] Sacramento Community Events

New to Sacramento Social Night – Kupros Craft House

Meet new people over food, drinks, and board games. Attendees encouraged to spend ~$20 to support the venue.

Sacramento Arts Center – “Celebrating 40” Exhibit

March 31 – April 25, 2026

A special 40th anniversary showcase featuring artwork, archives, and historical pieces.

Sac Arts Photography Group Exhibit

April 1 – April 30, 2026

A non-juried photography exhibition highlighting local photographers of all levels.

🔗 https://www.sacfinearts.org/call-to-artists#!event-list

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🎙️ The Sacramento Brief — March 30, 2026

Your daily update on Sacramento news, city developments, weather, and local events.

📰 NEWS

Three Injured in South Sacramento Shooting

Three men were hospitalized following a shooting Sunday afternoon on the 5800 block of Dewey Boulevard. Investigators say the incident stemmed from an argument. All victims are in stable condition. The investigation remains ongoing.

Deadly Hit-and-Run Under Investigation on Florin Road

A woman was killed Friday night in a hit-and-run crash in the 1500 block of Florin Road. The suspect vehicle fled the scene. Sacramento Police Major Collision Investigation Unit is handling the case. The victim’s identity is pending notification of next-of-kin.

🏙️ CITY WATCH

SMF Welcomes New Local Restaurants in Terminal A

Sacramento International Airport continues its expansion with the opening of three local favorites:

• Magpie Café
• Centro Cocina Mexicana
• New Helvetia Brewing Co.

The additions are part of a broader effort to highlight Sacramento’s local food scene and elevate the traveler experience.

🌤️ WEATHER (Sacramento)

Monday: Partly sunny, high near 82°F

Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, low around 58°F

🎟️ EVENTS

Taste of Design — Sacramento Architecture Foundation

📍 Good Neighbor, 1701 R Street

🗓️ March 31, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Explore how design shapes Sacramento’s food and beverage scene through conversations with local creators.

🎟️ Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sac-afs-taste-of-design-3-tickets-198477699

Women’s History Month — California Museum (Final Day)

📍 1020 O Street, Sacramento

🗓️ March 31, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Enjoy Buy One, Get One admission and explore the Women Inspire exhibit featuring over 250 influential California women.

🎟️ Info & Tickets: https://californiamuseum.org/visit/special-offers-promotions/womens-hist

🔊 LISTEN & FOLLOW

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🎙️ THE SACRAMENTO BRIEF — MARCH 26, 2026

Sacramento News Today | Oak Park Shooting | Fireworks Law Update | River Cats Opening Night | Sacramento Events

📰 SACRAMENTO NEWS TODAY

• Oak Park Shooting Sacramento (March 26, 2026) Sacramento Police are investigating a shooting in Oak Park near the 3300 block of 9th Avenue. Four victims, including a young child, were injured and transported to a hospital in stable condition. Active investigation ongoing.
• Sacramento Homicide Arrest – Waterwheel Drive Shooting 44-year-old Laron Fort has been arrested in connection with a fatal Sacramento shooting on March 15, 2026, in the 1500 block of Waterwheel Drive. Sacramento Police, SWAT, and specialized units assisted in the arrest. Fort is booked into Sacramento County Main Jail on homicide-related charges.

🏛️ SACRAMENTO COUNTY NEWS | CITY WATCH

• New Sacramento Fireworks Law 2026 (Illegal Fireworks Crackdown) Sacramento County Board of Supervisors approved stricter penalties for illegal fireworks. Fines now apply per firework used. “Safe and sane” fireworks are only legal June 28–July 4 (9 AM–10 PM). Enforcement increases ahead of summer 2026. Report illegal fireworks: (916) 874-5115
• Sacramento Nonprofit Grants 2026 – $80,000 Funding Opportunity Sacramento County and Sacramento Region Community Foundation launch a 20-month grant program supporting nonprofits focused on homelessness and food insecurity. ✔ $80,000 per organization ✔ Leadership training + capacity building ✔ Applications due April 8, 2026 🔗 https://www.sacregcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Sacramento-Countywide-Nonprofit-Partnership-Initiative.pdf

🌤️ SACRAMENTO WEATHER TODAY

• Thursday weather Sacramento: Mostly sunny, high near 79°F
• Wind: North-northwest 6–13 mph, gusts up to 22 mph
• Thursday night: Mostly cloudy, low around 54°F

Trend: Cooler temperatures and rain expected in Sacramento early next week.

🎟️ THINGS TO DO IN SACRAMENTO THIS WEEKEND

• Sacramento River Cats Opening Night 2026 📍 Sutter Health Park, West Sacramento 🗓️ March 27, 2026 | 6:45 PM 🎟️ Tickets: $17–$65 🎁 Giveaway: Dinger Building Blocks (first 2,500 fans) 🔗 https://www.milb.com/sacramento/tickets/promotions?affiliateId=hp-promo
• The Jury Experience Sacramento – Interactive Theater Event 📍 Guild Theater Sacramento 🗓️ March 27, 2026 | 6:00–7:15 PM 🎟️ Tickets: $45 🔗 https://eventvesta.com/events/128892/t/tickets

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🔔 ABOUT THE SHOW

The Sacramento Brief delivers fast, daily Sacramento news updates covering breaking news, crime, city policy, weather, and local events—hosted by Carol.

🎙️ THE SACRAMENTO BRIEF — MARCH 25, 2026

[NEWS]

Man Convicted in Sacramento Murder After Years on the Run

A Sacramento County jury has convicted Arturo Hernandez of second-degree murder in the killing of Anthony Freas.

Prosecutors say Hernandez entered his estranged wife’s apartment and fatally stabbed the victim while he slept, then fled to Mexico for five years before extradition.

He faces 16 years to life in prison. Sentencing is set for April 17.

Sacramento Man Convicted of 22 Counts of Child Sexual Assault

Bobbie Owen has been found guilty of 22 counts of child sexual assault involving a victim who was 11 when the abuse began.

The abuse continued for years and was reported decades later.

Owen faces up to 39 years and 4 months in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for May 8.

[CITY WATCH]

County Renames March 31 Holiday

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors has voted to rename Cesar Chavez Day as Sacramento County Farm Workers Appreciation Day.

Officials say the change highlights the critical role farm workers play in the region.

🔗 https://www.saccounty.gov/us/en/articles/2026-articles/county-renames-march-31-holiday-.html#gsc.tab=0

[WEATHER]

Wednesday Forecast

• Mostly sunny

• High: 84

• Light southwest winds

Tonight

• Partly cloudy

• Low: 52

[EVENTS]

Museum Market Mixer

📍 California State Railroad Museum

🗓 March 26 | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

🎟 $10 donation entry

Local vendors, vintage finds, art, music, and wine.

🔗 https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/47780142/museum-market-mixer-sacramento-california-state-railroad-museum

De Colores: California’s Migrant Farm Workers (Virtual Panel)

🗓 March 26 | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

A deep dive into the diverse communities shaping California’s agricultural workforce.

🔗 https://libraryca.libcal.com/event/16412990

Dad Night

📍 Center for Fathers and Families

📍 920 Del Paso Blvd, Sacramento

🗓 March 26 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

An evening of connection, conversation, and community support for fathers.

🔗 https://www.cffsacramento.org

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

🎙️ Sacramento Brief — Tuesday, March 24, 2026

NEWS

• Victim identified in Auburn Blvd shooting
  • 18-year-old Arianna Arissara Hissom of Aptos identified by Sacramento County Coroner
  • Shooting occurred March 15 near 4400 block of Auburn Blvd after a large gathering
  • Victims were entering a rideshare when multiple shots were fired into the vehicle
  • Female victim pronounced dead at scene; male transported to hospital
  • Over 60 interviews conducted; no suspects identified at this time

CITY WATCH

• Overnight road closures — Fruitridge Rd & South Watt Ave
  • Nightly closures: 7:00 PM – 6:00 AM (starting March 23, up to 5 nights)
  • Intersection fully closed to traffic; business access maintained via driveways
  • Detours: Florin Perkins Rd and Hedge Ave
  • Part of South Watt Avenue Improvement Project (lane expansion + bike/pedestrian upgrades)
  • 🔗 Detour map & project details: https://www.saccounty.gov/us/en/articles/2026-articles/overnight-closures-coming-for-fruitridge-rd-at-south-watt-ave.html#gsc.tab=0

WEATHER

• Tuesday: Sunny, high near 88°F, light southwest wind
• Tonight: Mostly clear, low around 53°F

EVENTS

• Céline Cousteau — Live Talk
  • 📍 Sacramento
  • 📅 Wednesday, March 25
  • ⏰ 7:30 PM
  • 🎟️ $74–$129
  • Environmental activist and filmmaker discussing human connection and upcoming Amazon expedition

• Women Rule Trivia Night (Fundraiser)
  • 📍 Local event (see link for details)
  • 📅 Wednesday, March 25
  • ⏰ 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
  • 🎟️ $5 entry + donation encouraged
  • Benefiting Chicks in Crisis (support for teen moms & families)
  • Bring: diapers, blankets, toys, or gift cards
  • Teams up to 6 — solo players welcome
  • 🔗 Event details & registration: https://trivia-for-a-great-cause-women-rule.eventbrite.com/

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

🎧 Sacramento Brief – March 24, 2026

NEWS

• Operation Buyer’s Remorse Targets Human Trafficking

Sacramento Police and the Regional Human Trafficking Task Force conducted enforcement operations along the Stockton Boulevard corridor during Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

→ 16 operational days

→ 9 traffickers identified

→ 220 proactive stops

→ 121 arrests

→ 41 victims recovered and connected to services

Efforts included multiple law enforcement agencies and advocacy partners. Ongoing enforcement, outreach, and prevention strategies remain in place.

• Double Death Investigation on Edison Avenue

Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a domestic violence call Friday night in North Sacramento.

→ Adult male and female found deceased inside a residence

→ Both pronounced dead at the scene

→ Three juveniles located unharmed

Homicide detectives and CSI are actively investigating. More details pending.

• Suspect Arrested in Rosemont Homicide

A suspect is now in custody following the March 17 shooting on South Watt Avenue.

→ 29-year-old Ricardo Hernandez arrested

→ Altercation escalated to shooting outside apartment complex

→ 28-year-old victim later died at hospital

Hernandez faces murder and firearm charges and is being held without bail.

CITY WATCH

• Cesar Chavez Plaza Renaming Under Consideration

Mayor Kevin McCarty is forming a City Council subcommittee to consider renaming the plaza following new allegations against Cesar Chavez.

The move follows claims by Dolores Huerta and a recent investigative report detailing additional allegations.

City officials say the process will include community input.

WEATHER

• Sunny, high near 84

• Light winds

• Clear overnight, low around 52

EVENTS

• Sacramento Science on Tap – Weather Edition

A live discussion on California’s extreme weather patterns, featuring ABC10 meteorologist Rob Carlmark.

Topics include atmospheric rivers, El Niño vs. La Niña, and climate trends.

📍 ENLIGHTENMENT Salon, 2221 10th St

🕡 Tuesday, March 24 | 6:30–7:30 PM

🎟️ $10 (includes snacks and beverages)

🔗 https://enlightenment-mar-24-sac-science-on-weather.eventbrite.com/

Sacramento Brief — March 20, 2026

Oak Park Homicide Raises Questions About Mental Health Diversion

• New details in March 12 Oak Park killing
• Suspect Willie King was enrolled in pretrial mental health diversion
• Recently received a satisfactory progress report before arrest
• DA Thien Ho says case highlights risks of diversion for potentially violent defendants
• King now facing homicide, firearm, and pursuit charges after SWAT standoff

Rancho Cordova House Party Shooting — Guilty Verdict

• Amyis Coogler convicted of second-degree murder
• Victim: 20-year-old Corey Shearer (2022 shooting)
• Evidence included witness accounts, surveillance, and DNA-linked firearm
• Sentencing set for April 10
• Faces up to 40 years to life

South Sacramento Shooting — First-Degree Murder Conviction

• Peter Phan found guilty in killing of Andy Van
• Victim shot through car window after being chased
• Incident tied to prior dispute
• Faces life without parole
• Sentencing scheduled for June 12

City Watch — National Day of Play

• Sacramento County encouraging outdoor activity
• Event at Sailor Bar (American River Parkway)
• Features: new benches & picnic tables, nature tour, scavenger hunt
• Focus on community, accessibility, and outdoor connection

Weather

• Friday: Sunny, high near 90
• Friday Night: Clear, low around 60

Weekend Events

Friday — Court Queens Author Talk

• Featuring Sacramento native Jordan Robinson
• Women’s basketball history and cultural impact
• Guild Theater, 6 PM

Saturday — Storytellers Festival

• Sacramento Valley Storytellers Guild event
• Live performances + storytelling workshop
• Oak Park Community Center, 1–5 PM

Sunday — Giants Exhibition Game

• San Francisco Giants vs. Sacramento affiliate
• Sutter Health Park, 5 PM
• Tickets: $34–$92

Sacramento Brief – March 19, 2026

In today’s episode:

• A Citrus Heights home catches fire twice within 12 hours on Twin Oaks Avenue. Firefighters responded Tuesday night to an attic fire, then returned early Wednesday morning to find flames on the main floor. No injuries were reported. The home was under renovation. Investigators are working to determine the cause of both fires. Metro Fire reminds residents to test smoke alarms monthly.
• Sacramento Police are investigating a homicide on Waterwheel Drive. Officers responded just after 2:00 a.m. Sunday and located an adult male with a gunshot wound. The victim later died at the hospital. Detectives are actively investigating. No suspect information has been released. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Sacramento Police or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers. Anonymous tips may be eligible for a reward.

Weather:

• Thursday: Sunny, high near 91
• Thursday Night: Clear, low around 58

Events:

• California Hall of Fame Ceremony Streaming live at 7:00 p.m. Hosted by Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom Honoring inductees including Jamie Lee Curtis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Lewis, and Terry McMillan Watch live: https://californiamuseum.org/Watch
• Third Thursdays – Old Sacramento Waterfront 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Free monthly event featuring local artists, workshops, live demonstrations, shopping, and interactive experiences throughout Old Sacramento Event info: https://www.oldsacramento.com/seasonal-activity/third-thursdays/

Stay informed. Stay connected.

New episodes of The Sacramento Brief drop daily.

Sacramento Brief – March 18, 2026

Top Stories

• A 28-year-old man has died following a shooting Tuesday morning in Sacramento County
• Deputies responded around 9:45 a.m. to the 4000 block of South Watt Avenue
• Witnesses reported hearing two gunshots and seeing a victim struck
• The victim later died at the hospital
• Evidence found near Monte Bello Apartment complex and along South Watt Avenue
• No suspect in custody; investigation ongoing
• Public advised to avoid South Watt Avenue and Jackson Road area
• A parent was arrested at the Natomas Unified School District Education Center amid the ongoing teachers strike
• District says the individual entered unlawfully and refused to leave
• Police say the building was closed and the woman entered through a back door
• After nearly an hour of refusing to exit, she was arrested for trespassing
• Child present during incident was separated but reported safe
• Video shows protest supporters shouting “shame” during arrest

City Watch

• Sacramento County celebrates its first CARE Court graduation
• Lorenzo Leon becomes the county’s first graduate of the program
• CARE Court connects individuals with severe mental illness to treatment, housing, and support
• Program aims to create long-term stability through court-ordered care plans
• Officials and family members gathered to recognize the milestone achievement

Weather

• Dense fog expected between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m.
• Sunny skies with a high near 90
• Clear overnight with a low around 57

Events

• “Meet Mary Pleasant” – live historical performance at Celebration Arts Theatre
• Wednesday, March 18 | 7:00 p.m.
• Presented by Sacramento History Museum
• Interactive portrayal of civil rights pioneer Mary Ellen Pleasant
• Tickets available online
  • https://sachistorymuseum.org/events/chautauqua-evening-meet-mary-pleasant/
• Sac Comic-Con 2026 (March 21–22)
• VIP Meet & Greet with John Romita Jr. (limited availability)
• Includes sketches, signed prints, and exclusive access
• Special guest appearance by Thunder Rosa
  • https://www.sac-con.com