Though national and international politics dominated the news even more than usual in 2018, there were many local stories equally important to the community of Rio Linda and Elverta. Here’s a look back at the most popular stories based on pageviews over the past year.
#10 Rio Linda Shopping Center Grand Opening Preview
After many years of being a derelict albatross anchoring M Street, the MarVal Plaza was finally sold to a businessman who intended to revitalize and refurbish the aged shopping center. Retail spaces filled quickly, bringing back old favorites like The Creamery and Papa’s Pizza.
Unfortunately, the year would see delays in construction and permitting for these eagerly anticipated businesses, including the Rio Linda Gym, but that didn’t prevent a grand re-opening of the shopping center from taking place during the summer.
It was a day full of events such as a massive car show with over 50 cars and motorcycles, over 60 vendor booths, a Kids Zone, and more, and proved that Rio Linda is ready to support more local businesses and services.
#9 Dos Coyotes Border Cafe coming to Natomas
Announced in February and just recently opened in December, the prospect of having a Dos Coyotes nearby in Natomas whetted our appetite.
#8 West Nile Virus Increases in Rio Linda/Elverta Area
As the summer started to heat up, the mosquitoes began to show up carrying West Nile Virus in our area.
#7 Twin Rivers Announces Free School Lunch for ALL TRUSD students 2018/2019
In July, Twin Rivers Unified School District announced that they would provide free school breakfast and lunch to all students in the 2018/2019 school year, through the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. All enrolled students in the Twin Rivers district, regardless of income level, were made eligible to receive a healthy school breakfast and school lunch at no charge each day.
#6 Elderly Man Found Dead on Rio Linda Bike Trail
In April, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department announced that 76 year old Richard Vaiza had suffered a fatal physical attack on the Sacramento Northern Bike Trail near Elkhorn Blvd.
#5 Mar Val Plaza has SOLD. What’s Next?
On March 1st, MarVal Plaza had finally sold to businessman Steve Tresner, who immediately got to work rehabilitating the aging shopping center. By mid-March, Workmen were already in the property giving it a refresh, some landscaping attention, and a new coat of paint.
#4 New Hospital Coming to North Natomas
It was announced that Vibra Healthcare planned to develop a new inpatient rehabilitation hospital in North Natomas. The hospital will be on a 6.23-acre lot at 10 Advantage Court near Interstate 5 and is expected to bring around 150 new jobs to the area.
#3 Homicide at 16th and E Streets in Rio Linda
On July 29th at approximately 2 a.m., the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department responded to the 1500 block of E Street in Rio Linda on a report of a shooting victim. Upon arrival, deputies the victim was found unconscious. Deputies attempted CPR but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim in the homicide, who sustained a single gunshot wound to the upper body, was identified as a 41-year-old male.
#2 Son Shoots Father Dead on Quadra Ave in Rio Linda
In the second shooting homicide within 72 hours in Rio Linda,
Wesley Heaton Scobee was arrested on suspicion of killing of his 70 year old father on Quadra Ave.
#1 Rio Linda Boulevard to CLOSE for Four Months July 2 to October 26
The Sacramento County Department of Transportation announced construction of the Rio Linda Boulevard Bridge Replacement over the North Channel of Dry Creek near Marysville Blvd.
For four months, the only way south out of Rio Linda was 16th street, Natomas Blvd, or Dry Creek Road, which created huge traffic headaches at Dry Creek and Elkhorn. Lengthy afternoon backups were seen at Dry Creek and E Streets.
