Every conversation with constituents begins or ends with frustrations over homelessness. That frustration is a major reason I ran for county supervisor. I knew something bold had to happen to help those in need and reduce the impacts to our businesses and neighborhoods.
Government has an obligation to provide safe sleeping areas, sanctioned camping sites, shelters or car camping areas. There is nothing compassionate about allowing someone with untreated mental illness or addiction to live in desperation, filth and squalor. It’s also unfair to residents and business owners who struggle with the impact of homeless encampments.
Three Chinese American World War II veterans from the Sacramento area will receive the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor awarded by Congress, Oct. 30 at Elks Lodge No. 6. The Chinese American Citizens Alliance Sacramento Lodge will host the event.
The veterans—William Shih Yin Ching, Kan-Chiu Chun and Suey C. Lee—are between 95 to 100 years old. There are almost 200 Chinese American World War II veterans living in the Sacramento region. It’s an honor that these three can accept their medals in person, along with eight widows and other family members.
When the war began in December 1941, approximately 20,000 Chinese Americans volunteered or were drafted. They participated in every theater and branch of armed forces.
I laughed when I heard several dozen people who live near the Sacramento River levee tried to hijack the Pocket Greenhaven Community Association. Why would anyone hijack a neighborhood group? The answer is unclear. But desperation over public access to the levee may play a role.
The Pocket Greenhaven Community Association is a comical target for hostile takeover. The group’s most impactful discussions involve where to string Christmas lights along Pocket canal fences.
Abandoned cars don’t hide well. They are filthy from sitting in the wind and sun.
Windows are covered with dust. Tires slump as the air slowly drains away. Cobwebs grow in wheel wells. Anyone walking past can tell, yes, no doubt, there’s an abandoned car.
Pocket and Land Park have never been known for attracting large numbers of abandoned cars, but this historical trend is shifting. In recent months, abandoned cars have been found on Havenside Drive, Greenhaven Drive and 43rd Avenue. A resident named Duwayne Brooks, who enjoys daily neighborhood walks of about 1½ miles near his Pocket home, tells me he has found more than 30 abandoned cars in recent weeks.
