Best in Sacramento journalism - Sept. 11 to Sept. 17
Each week, I curate the best stories in the Sacramento news scene. The stories are chosen based on a combination of originality, storytelling, difficulty, importance, depth, proximity and heart.
10. "Paper cuts" by Lovelle Harris (@luvharris) for the Sacramento News & Review
Paper cuts - Arts & Culture - Arts&Culture - September 15, 2011 - Sacramento News & ReviewThe trials of hustling for cheap paper. Meeting impossible, self-imposed deadlines. The ever-present risk of bleeding to death, thanks to a particularly vicious paper cut. The paper zine may be old school but it hasn't gone the way of the cassette Walkman, yet.9. "Where Northern CA counties spent their post 9/11 anti-terrorism money" by Suzanne Phan (@SuzannePhan) and California Watch for KXTV ABC Channel 10
Where Northern CA counties spent their post 9/11 anti-terrorism money | news10.netSACRAMENTO - Since the September 11 attacks, the U.S. government has poured billions of dollars into beefing up security and training local agencies. California received a large chunk of money for homeland security -- more than $3 billion worth of grants in the past decade.8. "Despite fines, illegal gold mining persists in El Dorado County" by Susanne Rust (@srustCW) for California Watch
Despite fines, illegal gold mining persists in El Dorado CountyDespite notices from the state and at least $100,000 in fines so far, a small team of outlaw miners is continuing to illegally excavate an abandoned gold mine near Placerville in El Dorado County. "Not only did they not adhere to the original violations cited against them," said Stephen Testa, executive officer of the State Mining and Geology Board, "but they have expanded their operations."7. "Head games" by Hugh Biggar for the Sacramento News & Review
Head games - Feature Story - Local Stories - September 15, 2011 - Sacramento News & ReviewIn a windowless room that smells of lunch meat and sweat, at the back of Luther Burbank High School in south Sacramento, several coaches break down game film. Thirty-eight young players listen from chairs and the floor, leaning on helmets and pads, as the coaches critique plays in the dark, barking out: "Put a helmet to the hit!"6. "Misplaced recording sets defendants free in Sacramento drug case" by Denny Walsh for The Sacramento Bee
Misplaced recording sets defendants free in Sacramento drug case - sacbee.comFew caught up in the criminal justice system have experienced a reversal of fortune like that of John Phillip Pruitt and Darryl Anthony Berg. Less than 2 1/2 years ago the cousins were facing methamphetamine distribution charges in Sacramento federal court, with one of them facing life in prison.5. "Grieving parents outraged over order to pay doctor's defense costs" by Andy Furillo (@andyfurillo) for The Sacramento Bee
Grieving parents outraged over order to pay doctor's defense costs - sacbee.comFirst, Richard and Batrice Mohr lost their daughter to a brain hemorrhage. Then they lost in court when a jury rejected their medical negligence lawsuit. Now, the lawyer who defended the doctor is demanding the Mohrs pay litigation costs his client incurred in the case. Sacramento Superior Court Judge Alan G.4. "Housing bust hit blacks, Latinos hardest" by Phillip Reese and Stephen Magagnini (@SteveMagagnini) for The Sacramento Bee
Housing bust hit blacks, Latinos hardest - sacbee.comTheir homes are gone, their credit is shot and their rent is often more expensive than a mortgage payment. The housing bust affected people of all races, but it hit the region's black and Latino populations hardest of all, causing minority homeownership rates to fall to their lowest level in decades, new Census 2010 data show.3. "Post-9/11 rescue effort transformed Sacramento-area firefighter" by Cynthia Hubert (@Cynthia_Hubert) for The Sacramento Bee
Post-9/11 rescue effort transformed Sacramento-area firefighter - sacbee.comIn the inky blackness beneath the rubble at ground zero a decade ago, fire captain Michael Bartley searched in vain for signs of life. For 10 days in lower Manhattan, he and other members of the Sacramento Urban Search and Rescue Team scoured the smoldering, trembling mountain of debris created by the worst terrorist attacks in American history.2. "The House Of Dream Chasers" by S.L. Price for Sports Illustrated
Twenty-five years ago TCU coach Gary Patterson was a - 09.12.11 - SI VaultSo, do you think I've changed?" Gary Patterson asks, almost shyly, the words coming from so far out of nowhere that I know he's been wondering awhile. This is a good sign: He wouldn't ask if he didn't care, and not caring anymore is a tip-off when you meet someone with whom you haven't spoken in decades-especially if he's grown rich and powerful and famous.1. "Teen Lovers' Deadly Pact" by Jim Avila (@JimAvilaABC) by for 20/20, with footage from KXTV ABC Channel 5 and an interview with Peter Hecht (@phecht_sacbee) of The Sacramento Bee
20/20 9/16: Teen Lovers' Deadly Pact Full Episode - 20/20 - ABCWatch full episodes of 20/20 online at ABC. Stream 20/20 9/16: Teen Lovers' Deadly Pact instantly.
Teen 'Romeo and Juliet' Suicide Pact Goes Awry After Mom's Murder - ABC NewsTylar Witt still brags about her mom. Joanne Witt's master's degree in mechanical engineering, her skill in the kitchen and her tomboy traits are all sources of pride for her teenage daughter. "She was a lot like a dad," Tylar said.
