Latest news with #AllisonSmith
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Man found dead after apparent hit-and-run in downtown Sacramento, police say
A man died in an apparent hit-and-run crash in downtown Sacramento early Sunday morning. Just before 2:30 a.m. Sunday, officers responded to the 500 block of J Street for a report of a male adult who was down in the roadway, according to police spokesperson Officer Allison Smith. Fire personnel pronounced the man dead at the scene, Smith said. Police believe he was struck by a vehicle, which fled the scene prior to police arrival. The Sacramento County Coroner's Office has not yet identified the man. Police are investigating the incident and are asking for witnesses to call 916-808-5471.
CBS News
27-05-2025
- CBS News
Here's why the Sacramento police boat patrol may soon be gone
Memorial Day Weekend is the traditional start of boating season, with many people taking advantage of the warmer weather to take their boats out for the first time. But soon, a key tool on the water to keep the rivers safe could be stuck on dry land. So far this weekend, the Sacramento Police Department's boat patrol has pulled over more than a dozen boaters and handed out six tickets. But that ability to patrol these waterways may be coming to an end due to the city's $44 million budget deficit. Hundreds of boats and jet skis hit the water this Memorial Day Weekend. For decades, Sacramento police boats have been patrolling the Sacramento and American rivers, enforcing laws and trying to keep the waterways safe. "They respond out to boating collisions, boating while under the influence," said Allison Smith with Sacramento police. "They're making those proactive stops as well as responding to things." The boat patrol team also helps clear abandoned vessels sinking in the river, "so they don't become hazards for swimmers or boaters," Smith said. The city says it can save $293,000 a year by cutting the boat patrol's two full-time employees. Many boaters like having officers on the water, looking for unsafe activity. "There's a lot of knuckleheads drinking and boating," boater Mark Letner said. "They need to be kept in check. The police are a good thing." Police Chief Kathy Lester says cutting the boat patrol could leave portions of the river unprotected. "Everything from Meadowview, Pocket all the way up through the American River and out to the county line, and I don't foresee the sheriff's department coming into the city to patrol those areas," she said. A budget crisis is now leaving Sacramento PD's boat sailing into uncertain waters just as the season begins. The city says if the boat patrol is cut, those officers won't be laid off. They will just be reassigned to fill other currently vacant positions. City leaders will resume budget talks next week, and any cuts would begin taking effect July 1.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Sacramento Police hosting Community Academy Day
( — The Sacramento Police Department is hosting a Community Academy Day on May 17, which allows the community to learn about the agency and meet different members of the department, according to officials with the City of Sacramento. Video Above: Antelope High senior earns admission to prestigious MIT for fall semester The event takes place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is open to all community members, but does require registration. To register, email the Sacramento Police Department's Recruiting Team at police_recruiting@ Registration closes on May 12. 'This event offers an in depth look at how the police department operates daily to serve the City of Sacramento,' said Public Information Officer, Allison Smith. 'The police department is unique in that it runs 24/7, 365 days a year—and it takes the dedication of sworn and professional staff at every level to make that possible'. Guests will be able to meet the police chief, meet members of various specialized units, see their equipment and take part in interactive scenarios, officials said. The city stated that the event is perfect for those who are interested in learning how the department operates or those looking for career opportunities. City of Sacramento to give away mulch 'Change remains constant in the city, and the police department is no exception,' Smith said. 'Attendees will gain valuable insight into how the department is evolving to better serve the community. Anyone with questions can call Sacramento police at (916) 808-0880. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New harm reduction vending machine provides free health resources 24/7
DES MOINES, Iowa — A new harm reduction vending machine in Des Moines is providing free health resources 24/7 to Polk County residents. The Family Planning Council of Iowa and the Polk County Health Department unveiled the vending machine outside the Polk County Health Department on Monday. It dispenses Narcan to reverse opioid overdoses, emergency contraceptives, birth control, condoms, lube, harm reduction kits, gun locks, and more. End of the line: Ames school bus drivers to be laid off in May Anyone can access the vending machine every day at any hour for free, and no ID or registration is required. 'We want to make it easy for the community to access essential resources, not requiring someone to schedule an appointment or ask a store clerk to unlock a case,' said Allison Smith, Executive Director of the Family Planning Council of Iowa. The Polk County Health Department already provides free emergency contraceptives inside of the bathroom of their department. However, the building has to be open in order for residents to access these supplies. The vending machine now ensures easier access. 'We know that stigma, financial barriers, and accessibility challenges often prevent people from getting the resources they need,' said Juliann Van Liew, Polk County Health Department Director. 'This vending machine is a harm reduction strategy that meets people where they are, providing free and judgment-free access to critical health and safety tools.' It will be regularly stocked and monitored to ensure it continues to meet community needs. The Polk County Health Department is located at 1907 Carpenter Avenue in Des Moines. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Will citing cyclists and pedestrians really make Sacramento streets safer?
In March, the Sacramento Police Department secured a $400,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to 'reduce the number of persons killed and injured in crashes.' Now, they say they are going to spend $33,660 of that money to issue citations to cyclists and pedestrians. According to Sacramento Police Department Public Information Officer Allison Smith, the department isn't trying to discourage biking, walking or scooter use. Instead, she says the department sees the citations as an opportunity to educate people about the laws and how to travel more safely. Opinion But what are the main causes of deaths and injuries on our streets? Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates and other local organizations believe that the main contributors to crashes are street design and unsafe driving — not the behavior of cyclists and pedestrians. John Pucher and Ralph Buehler at the National Institutes of Health looked at data from cities that have improved bicycle infrastructure. The data showed that as bikeway networks expanded, bicycle trips increased; but crashes, fatalities and injuries decreased, anywhere from 43% to 79%. Infrastructure changes included reducing speed limits, implementing traffic calming and separating bike lanes from traffic lanes, particularly on busy roads. The results of studies on driver vs. cyclist fault differ, but according to UC Berkeley's Safe Transportation Research and Education Center, unsafe speed by cars was the most common crash factor (17.5%) in bicycle crashes, followed by improper turning (17.1%) and automobile right of way (15.8%). Distracted driving also contributed to crashes. Some of these causes could be addressed through infrastructure changes. On March 25, the Sacramento City Council unanimously voted to implement a $4.6 million 'quick-build' infrastructure program called the Vision Zero Transportation Safety Team. The team will design and implement targeted, low-cost and safety-enhancing features on dangerous roads within months. (In the past, safety improvements have often taken years). This was a major win for safer streets in Sacramento. A quick-build project can address an issue quickly, be evaluated for effectiveness and then be made permanent if successful. If it is not successful, it can be easily deconstructed. Infrastructure improvements make cycling, walking and driving safer for everyone, reaching more people. Issuing a citation just addresses an issue for one person. Under the 'Freedom to Walk Act' (Assembly Bill 2147, passed in 2022), almost every violation for pedestrians was decriminalized, provided the violation wasn't causing any immediate danger. That means that Sac PD's citations will likely be focused on bicyclists who will be cited for violations like not stopping before making a right turn at a stop sign, or running a stop sign when there's no cross traffic — actions that aren't endangering anyone. Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester should provide more information about what alleged violations her police officers can cite for and make it stick. Although the grant has been approved by the Sacramento City Council, Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates recommends that the council advise our police not to carry out the cyclist and pedestrian citation portion of the project. Instead, the money should be spent on improving infrastructure and educating and citing dangerous drivers. We should not be punishing or discouraging cyclists and pedestrians from opting to walk or bike who, by not using cars, are contributing to a cleaner, safer, more sustainable environment in our community. Patricia Chadwick is communications manager for Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates. She has been car-free since 2016 and uses her bicycle and public transportation for almost all travel.
