2 For Flood Safety
Johns, Maviglio have their priorities straight
By Jeff Harris
November 2024
The American River Flood Control District has worked to prevent levee failure for almost a century. The district maintains 40 miles of levees along the American River and protects residents in East Sacramento, Sierra Oaks and nearby neighborhoods from floods.
District staffers mow levee slopes to reduce fire danger. They repair encroachments and respond to levee weak spots during storms. It’s essential work. An assessment on your property taxes pays the bills.
Many local levees have become encampments for unhoused people who impede maintenance. Campers damage levees with trenches for tent platforms and stairways cut into the slope.
These encroachments cause erosion and create the potential for catastrophic levee failure.
Given its responsibilities, the flood district needs trustees who understand flood risk and can ensure fees stay affordable. Repairing damage done by homeless encampments is expensive.
Voters get to elect American River flood district trustees. This month, two positions are open.
It’s a “down ballot” election, with many residents unaware of the candidates. But the outcome matters.
Our neighborhoods need board members who support the flood district’s mission—levee integrity and flood prevention.
During my two terms on City Council, I worked closely with the flood district. Two candidates stand out.
Steve Johns has been an American River flood district trustee for seven years. He lives in River Park, where high-water erosion nearly caused a levee disaster in 1997.
Johns saw the river almost overtop the levee. River Park and East Sac were at risk. He understands the flood district’s mission and is determined to support it.
Steve Maviglio has done many tours of regional levees and has seen encroachments by campers. Maviglio understands the importance of levee maintenance and the need to wisely spend taxpayer dollars while keeping neighborhoods safe from floods.
Two opponents, Tamika L’Ecluse and Rae Vander Werf, are flood district trustees seeking re-election.
Unfortunately, they have misplaced priorities.
Three years ago, as chair of the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, I led the effort to remove homeless campers from the Commerce Circle area near Costco.
Damage done to levees around Commerce Circle was rampant and dangerous to residents, local businesses and people living in tents.
I went to the American River flood district board and complained the agency wasn’t repairing levee damage caused by campers.
L’Ecluse and Vander Werf had a different opinion—one that surprised me.
They said the needs of homeless people were their main concern. Flood safety came second.
They are wrong. Homelessness and levee integrity are separate issues. Flood safety is paramount—the flood district’s only reason for existing.
Homelessness on streets and parkways is the responsibility of the City Council and Board of Supervisors, not flood district trustees.
L’Ecluse and Vander Werf brought their political concerns to a board that has no authority to manage those political problems. They failed in their duties as board members.
As you review your November ballot, look for the names Steve Johns (Division 4) and Steve Maviglio (Division 5).
A vote for them for American River Flood Control District trustee is a vote for candidates who have their priorities straight.
Jeff Harris represented District 3 on City Council from 2014 to 2022. He can be reached at cadence@mycci.net. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @insidesacramento.
