Sacramento Daily Local Headlines: Natomas arrest, storm impacts, and a big Mardi Gras turnout
Sacramento, CA – March 1, 2026 – Arrest in a Natomas killing; storms bring closures, a Fix50 lane reduction, and a packed City of Trees Mardi Gras parade.
1) Arrest announced in South Natomas killing
Sacramento police say a 27-year-old man, Ray Howard, was arrested Friday, Feb. 27, in connection with a fatal shooting in the Natomas area.
Officers were originally called to the 1500 block of West El Camino Avenue (near Truxel Road) on Feb. 20, just before 9 p.m. Police said the victim was found with at least one gunshot wound and later died at the hospital. Howard was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on homicide and firearm-related charges.
2) City of Trees Mardi Gras parade draws thousands downtown
Sacramento’s City of Trees Parade and Mardi Gras Festival wrapped up Saturday night, Feb. 28, with crowds filling the route as bands, floats, and dance groups rolled from Capitol Mall toward Old Sacramento.
Organizers said the event continues to grow, with dozens of local groups and performers turning the downtown core into a family-friendly street party for the evening.
3) Storm-driven closures and travel impacts
Yolo Bypass: County Road 22 closure
A key cut-through for some Sacramento-area drivers is closed: Yolo County announced a closure on part of County Road 22 starting Saturday, Feb. 28, due to expected high water as the Sacramento River rises. The county said the Fremont Weir can spill into the Yolo Bypass to reduce downstream flooding risk as the river approaches Sacramento, and the bypass can remain flooded for days. Detours are expected to route traffic to Interstate 5.
Downtown: Fix50 weekend lane reduction
Separately, transportation officials scheduled a 55-hour lane reduction on eastbound US-50 in downtown Sacramento, beginning at 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, and scheduled to last until 5 a.m. Monday, March 2. Drivers should expect delays around the Interstate 5 interchange area.
4) Weather watch: thunderstorms and light rain
Forecasters say Sacramento Valley thunderstorms were possible this weekend, with light rain returning Sunday into Monday in parts of the region. Even modest downpours can create slick roads and ponding in low spots, so it’s a good day to slow down and leave extra braking distance.
Sources
- https://www.kcra.com/article/natomas-shooting-arrest-sacramento/70544297
- https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/city-of-trees-parade-mardi-gras-festival-parade-sacramento-2026/
- https://www.yolocounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/14144/4918
- https://ca.news.yahoo.com/fix50-55-hour-lane-closure-012713181.html
- https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-3/d3-news/d3-news-release-26-016
- https://www.weather.gov/sto/
