Show Some Respect

Show Some Respect

There’s a new vibe at the County Board of Supervisors. Call it more civilized.

Rich Desmond became board chair in January, replacing Don Nottoli, who retired after 28 years in office. The newcomer is Pat Hume, a former Elk Grove City Council member. He won election to replace Nottoli.

Desmond’s accession, Hume’s arrival and Nottoli’s departure mean changes in style, philosophy and office space.

Locked Out?

Locked Out?

Sacramento County’s jail system is in trouble with the federal court. The Board of Supervisors is trying to figure out what to do.

In 2020, the county settled a lawsuit obligating it to remedy unconstitutional jail conditions. Among the required improvements are better mental health services and medical care, suicide prevention, out-of-cell time and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The court monitors progress with inspections every six months. Each report has found the county not in compliance due to staffing challenges and physical facility limitations.

Show Time

Show Time

Show Time Circus comes to county board meetings By Howard Schmidt December 2022 Their testimony is performance art, complete with profanities and songs that rhyme. They fill the Board of Supervisors chambers at 700 H St. with f-bombs and wild accusations, somehow...
No Contest

No Contest

Rich Desmond faced a competitive campaign in 2020 to represent the suburban unincorporated area on the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors. He won.

Responsibility for essentials such as schools, parks, water, electricity, fire protection and flood control falls to elected officials from special districts. Many of these posts are up for election this November. But voters won’t see many names on the ballot.

There’s no interest—and no competition.

The Arden Park Recreation and Park District has five members on its board of directors. All incumbents are up for election. Each is running. But don’t look for them on your ballot. All are unopposed. They win automatically.

Camped Out

Camped Out

What happens when camping is banned on the American River Parkway? Sacramento County will soon find out.

Homeless advocates predict people will die. Parkway environmentalists say the natural waterways will continue to be harmed if campers remain. Average citizens express fear for their safety unless campers are removed.

Now that the Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved the parkway camping ban, don’t expect anything drastic to occur right away.

Pot Has A Shot

Pot Has A Shot

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors gave cannabis fans hope that commercial marijuana operations could become legal in the unincorporated area. Currently, the county prohibits commercial cultivation and sales, but that could change if voters approve a cannabis tax in November.

Or maybe not.

By a narrow vote, the board agreed to ask voters to establish a special tax on gross receipts from cannabis businesses. The money would fund county homeless services, including along the American River Parkway. County staff estimates the tax could generate $5.1 million to $7.7 million annually.