woman
Woman killed in brutal pit bull attack
Russia
Photo: Brian Hrenko (owner)
Stockton, CA – According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office a woman was killed Thursday night after being attacked by a pit bull.
Deputies arrived just after 8 p.m. to the 400 block of North Lillian Avenue to find 38-year-old Claudia Gallardo dead, in a blood splattered front yard with multiple wounds from the vicious attack.
Sgt. Tom Rees with the San Joaquin Sheriff’s Office said, “there’s a lot of blood,” and the dog was a “big, nasty pit bull.”
Neighbors were able to lock the dog in the backyard of the home where the woman was found. San Joaquin County Animal Services took custody of the dog named Russia.
According to neighbors the pit bull has attacked other animals and people in the past, even jumping fences to get to other animals. The owner of the pit bull, Brian Hrenko, reportedly owns multiple dogs.
Hrenko claims Gallardo jumped his fence looking for work, she was a house cleaner. The owner told reporters, “It makes me sad, real sad, but, I don’t know who it is, so I really don’t know how to feel.”
Neighbor Rita Vasquez spoke to reporters, telling reporters that her late husband was attacked by the dog. After her husband contacted the Sheriff’s Office he was told there was little they could do about it.
Neighbors say that Russia has been terrorizing the neighborhood for months, and they refuse to let their children play in their own backyard for fear the dog will jumper their fence and attack the children.
The woman has not been identified and the dog owner has been detained for questioning.
Suspects arrested in shooting death of woman
Sacramento Sheriff’s homicide detectives arrested a second man in connection with the shooting death of 30-year-old Deandra Horton at an apartment complex in Foothill Farms area last week.
Detectives arrested 23-year-old Marquon DeAnthony Green-Vasquez Wednesday on the charge of murder.
Shoreem Bryant was arrested on Saturday in connection to the case and remains in custody.
Several hours after the incident Green-Vasquez admitted himself to a Walnut Creek hospital and was treated for a gunshot wound, alerting detectives to his situation and eventually his arrest.
Detectives are still investigating the incident, but believe that Horton was an unintended victim.
The Sacramento Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau is asking anyone with any information regarding this incident call them at (916) 874-5115. Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com, by texting to 274637 (CRIMES) and entering the keyword SSD, or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).
Woman shot and killed in Sacramento
KCRA is reporting that a woman was killed and a man injured after being shot at an apartment complex in the Foothill Farms area of Sacramento County on Friday.
According to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s office, the shooting occurred just before 2 p.m. in the 5800 block of Hamilton Street near near Walerga and Roseville roads.
When officers arrived they discovered 30-year-old Deandra Horton outside one of the units. The male was confined to a wheelchair when he was shot, he was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
There may have been a third victim, according to witnesses who saw someone being loaded into a vehicle and quickly leaving the scene.
CBS13 reports one witness saying he “hit the floor,” when he heard a bullet hit his wall.
On Saturday night Shoreem Bryan, 29, was taken into custody at a home in Sacramento County. He is being held on charges of accessory to murder and a violation of his parole.
Woman killed walking bike across RT tracks
At around 6:30 this morning a 47-year-old woman walking a bicycle across the tracks along Folsom Boulevard, between the Sunrise and Hazel stations, was struck and killed by a Sacramento Regional Transit light rail train.
According to witnesses at the scene, the crossing arms were down at Mercantile Drive with bells ringing to indicate an approaching train, which is when the woman walked in front of the oncoming train.
UPDATE: The woman has been identified as 47-year-old Lorie Christine Muma of Sacramento.
Regional Transit put a bus-bridge in place from Hazel Avenue to Sunrise Boulevard to get passengers around the closed section of track.
This marks the third death involving Sacramento Regional Transit light rail trains this year.
Embrace Your Funkiness
Morris Day – Click for more images
That’s what fans did at Thunder Valley Casino Resort Friday evening, when it turned into one funkalicious night as old school favorites Morris Day and the Time, S.O.S., Kurtis Blow, and Midnight Star tore it up for over three hours playing to an overflowing and extremely energetic crowd.
As Midnight Star took the stage and started playing “Electricity,” the crowd jumped to their feet and started dancing. There were very few occasions during the three hour show when the audience wasn’t standing.
Last time I saw Midnight Star I felt they were a little flat, but not tonight. They definitely brought their A-game as they continued with “Wet My Whistle” and “Midas Touch.”
Midnight Star – Click for more images
Band members consisted of Belinda Lipscomb (vocals), Melvin Gentry (guitar/vocals), Bo Watson (keyboard/vocals) and Bill Simmons (keyboards), Kenneth Gant (bass), and Bobby Lovelace (drums).
As they infuse pure energy into the crowd after ending their set with “No Parking (On the Dance Floor),” many in the crowd headed to the amphitheater bars, or remained standing and dancing to the music in between sets.
Kurtis Blow, The first rapper to ever be signed by a major label, came out blasting “If I Ruled the World” as he fully engaged the audience by saying ‘Say Yo!’ and then pointing the mic to the audience as they all screamed in unison ‘Yo’.
Kurtis Blow – Click for more images
Blow (ha! I said blow.) just wouldn’t shut up as he kept shouting out to the audience as only a true rapper can. In between songs he would continue rapping about being in Sacramento and giving a shout out to the audience. Some of the audience members started mingling more than paying attention to Blow, as a number of people headed to the bar, or bathroom, probably both.
Sounds Of Success (better known as S.O.S.) got everyone’s attention as they started up “Just the Way You Like It” and continued with “The Finest,” as fans were back on their feet dancing and singing. The crowd was on their feet bouncing to the music for the remainder of their set.
Founding member and lead singer Mary Davis was on fire as she blasted through their hits and finished with a flourish with the song that catapulted SOS to stardom back in 1980, “Take Your Time (Do It Right).” Fellow members included original member Abdul Ra’oof (vocals/trumpet), with Celia Georgie (background vocals), Sultan Muhammad (saxophone), Reginald Ward (guitar), Ben Smith (keyboards), Allen Smith (keyboards), and Crystal Martin (drums).
Mary Davis with SOS – Click for more images
After a brief set change, Prince Classmate and protégé, Morris Day made his way on stage with his personal assistant in tow. As only Day can do, he was continually checking himself in the mirror as he strutted around the stage.
Starting off with “Get It Up” Day had the crowd singing through most of his songs as he worked the crowd with his signature moves, classic sound and his stylish attire.
Decked out in a yellow paisley patterned suit the 53 year old Day continued with “Cool” as his assistant followed him around mimicking his moves as he spelled out the chorus C.O.O.L.
For the fans that still had their butts glued to their seats, band members would shout out for everyone to get on their feet and wave their hands in the air. The band member names I did catch were Ricky “Freeze” Smith (bass), Torrell “Tori” Ruffin (lead guitar), and Jellybean Johnson (drums).
Morris Day and The Time
Part way through his set Day explained that he was still cool regardless of sweating. He said it was condensation which cooled him down, meaning that he was still cool. It was at this point he headed off stage to cool down. When Day came back out he flawlessly sang “Gigalos Get Lonely Too,” which had many in the crowd dancing with their significant other.
Towards the end of his performance Day had a large number of fans up onstage to strut their stuff. You could see the excitement in many of their faces as they attempted to groove with the likes of Day.
While a few people left the show early, the amphitheater was still packed as Day completed the night with “Jungle Love,” leaving people dancing in the aisles and wanting more.
This was one of the more high-energy shows at Thunder Valley Casino Resorts Summer Concert Series.
That was One Sorry Concert at PBP!
LMFAO - Click for more images
Matthew Koma - Click for more images
LMFAO brought their Sorry for Party Rocking Tour to Power Balance Pavilion on Wednesday, playing to 7,000 adoring fans, most dressed in neon green and yellow, with some donning an afro wig (shoot – can I say afro?).
Before LMFAO came out to party rock, there were several starters on tap. Leading off the charge was Matthew Koma, who didn’t do it for me. Let’s just say by the time he was done, I was in a coma (that’s a joke. I really wasn’t in a coma). Apparently he’s an American Idol fan, as he add some Phil Phillip type mannerisms during parts of his performance.
Eva Simons - Click for more images
Up to bat next was the very sexy Eva Simons who kicked some major butt. The Rhianna look-alike was energetic, sounded great, and looked even better! She sang several songs including her hit “Take Over Control” and her latest release “I Don’t Like You.” Expect to see bigger and better thing for Simons.
DJ Sidney Sampson brought his mixing skills as he weaved some great dance beats together, bringing much of the audience to their feet.
FM - Click for more images
If anyone’s seen Far East Movement (aka FM) before, you’ll understand what I mean when I say, they jumped up on stage. This crew has some wicked high energy and some real catchy tunes such as “Like a G6″ and “Round Round.”
With DJ Virman providing much of the tunes and Kev Nish providing lead vocals, FM energized the crowd in preparation for LMFAO as they bounce, hopped, skipped, and jumped on every inch of the stage. This included J-Splif and Prohgress who provided backup vocals and some entertaining moves.
In preparation for LMFAO’s appearance, several young ladies came out and threw flashing styrofoam glow-sticks to the audience. As I sat back and watched the audience you could see a sea of lime green as fans prepared themselves to party rock.
RedFoo - Click for more images
Prior to LMFAO making their appearance, a man dressed in the wildest glowing outfit sang ”Rocking the Beat” as the Quest dance crew did their thing. Berry Gordy’s son RedFoo and grandson SkyBlu (RedFoo is SkyBlu’s uncle) arrived on stage during “Rock the Beat” at the top of a two tiered stage, making for quite an entrance.
Dressed in their signature attire they started with “Sorry For Party Rocking” right out of the chute, causing the crowd to go absolutely crazy. As they were flying around the stage several members of their crew started throwing out beach balls, inflatable zebra’s, and palm trees.
There were several costume changes throughout the show, most notable was during “Put That A$$ to Work,” when several members of the crew came out in the most outrageous workout clothes imaginable. And yes, they were neon, bright, and way too revealing.
If you don’t like their music, don’t let that stop you from going to see a live performance. These two know how-to keep an audience totally engaged and completely entertained. It’s nothing but pure fun with a whole lotta neon – let’s not forget about the inflatable toys.
Midnight Star Shines on Thunder Valley
Janice Marie Johnson & David Cochrane with A Taste of Honey - Click for more images
Eighties musicmaker’s Midnight Star and seventies A Taste of Honey packed Pano Hall at Thunder Valley Casino and Resort Friday night, keeping the audience on their feet for most of the show.
A late start didn’t dampen the crowd’s enthusiasm as Grammy Award-winning A Taste of Honey, featuring original band member Janice Marie Johnson, stormed the stage. Johnson was decked out in a pink sequin dress and high heels and sporting her bass guitar.
As soon as the band kicked into gear, the audience was on their feet, as the band played all their hits like “I’m Talking About You” and “Disco Dancin’.”
After a quick wardrobe change into an orange kimono, Johnson sang her hit song “Sukiyaki” as the audience settled back in their seats.
The audience catapulted out of their seats as Johnson finished the set with their biggest hit, “Boogie Oogie Oogie.”
Prior to the show, Johnson was backstage meeting some of her fans. I’ve attended a number of meet-and-greets, and Johnson was one of the most down to earth artists I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. She asked everyone their name, repeating it back to ensure she got it right. She would give them a hug and then start asking them questions while they were getting their picture taken. Class act all the way!
(Updated: I’d like to thank the anonymous caller who was kind enough to take time out to inform me that I was incorrect when I stated Kenneth Gant was a longstanding member. The fact is he was an original member of Midnight star).
After a longer than expected break to change out equipment, the audience was back up on their feet as original Midnight Star members Belinda
Melvin Gentry of Midnight Star - Click for more images
Lipscomb (vocals), Melvin Gentry (guitar/vocals), Bo Watson (keyboard/vocals), Bill Simmons (keyboards), and Kenneth Gant (bass) took the stage with longtime bandmate Bobby Lovelace (drums).
Pumping out their signature R&B electro-funk sound, they had the crowd singing and cheering to “Electricity,” leading into a brief version of “Headlines,” “Wet My Whistle” and “Midas Touch.”
I thoroughly enjoy bands like Midnight Star that take the time to choreograph their moves for each song. It adds a completely different dynamic to the performance, and it just plain looks good. Obviously the crowd agreed, because as soon as the band started moving in sync with each other, the audience responded with a round of applause.
After ending their set with “Freak-A-Zoid” and “No Parking (On the Dance Floor),” it was obvious the crowd was quite satisfied with the night’s performances by both bands.
Final analysis: The headliner of the show should have been A Taste of Honey because of their recognizable hits and extraordinary energy onstage. I don’t mean to take anything away from Midnight Star and their wonderful sound and choreography ““ they were superb and worked the crowd, but at the end of the day I would have liked to have heard more from A Taste of Honey.
