Little To Show
Sacramento is at a breaking point with 2,000 homeless fires and 55,000 nuisance complaints. The city’s unsheltered crisis is out of control, despite millions of taxpayer dollars poured into so-called “navigation” solutions.
After years of mismanagement, the city faces a perpetual struggle against illegal encampments. We have a budget deficit and lack of trust in local government. It’s time for accountability.
Under the leadership of former Mayor Darrell Steinberg, the city mismanaged $88 million in homeless funds. Only 13% went toward permanent housing. Residents are left with the consequences.
Dream Rebuilt
The local Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration committee invited area students to write essays about King’s inspiration. This year’s $500 winner is Alia Hamdani from McClatchy High School.
Protection, Not Devastation
Living in a city with two major rivers has risks. Half a million Sacramentans don’t want their homes flooded or lives put in danger.
Here’s the catch. We also cherish the river parkway. The lower American River is designated “wild and scenic” for a reason. The forested waterway is a year-round playground for hikers, bikers, boaters and birdwatchers.
Time Out
For more than a year, American River Parkway supporters have called for a redesign of erosion- control plans by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The Army Corps intends to bulldoze through fragile river parkway landscape, destroy riparian habitat, replace shoreline with rock and rubble, and threaten countless wildlife to protect the city from floods. The project, called Contract 3B, runs from the Howe Avenue bridge to east of Watt Avenue.
But when a draft environmental impact report generated negative comments from the public and agencies—as many as 1,900 letters—the Army Corps postponed its work until 2026.
Essential Work
Over the past two years, I’ve talked to many residents about flood-control improvements taking place along the American River. The overwhelming sentiment has been one of appreciation for the federal funds and resources flowing into our region to bolster public safety. However, some residents argue that the work may not be entirely necessary. I disagree.
As a resident, a member of the County Board of Supervisors and member of the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, I consistently support flood-control projects that are essential for our community.
While we enjoyed a recent period without a significant storm event along the American River, the threat of flooding is always present. A catastrophic event can strike at any moment, putting our homes and lives at risk. We shouldn’t gamble that it won’t happen.
