City, County and Neighborhood News
Local News
Judge Not
Since 1975, when the city announced plans for the Sacramento River Parkway and bike trail, various people said they would sue to stop it. For 48 years, there were no lawsuits. There was also no parkway.
As the levee parkway and bike path finally head toward completion in the next two years, it’s fair to wonder whether litigation can slow or derail a project that’s already a half-century behind schedule.
Anyone can threaten to sue. As a young reporter at The Bee, I thought I had a scoop when a soccer team owner told me he was going to sue the government for messing with his players’ visas.
Pocket Life February 2023
Find out what is happening in Pocket during the month of February!
Levee Work
You may have noticed construction crews along the American River levee near the Officer Tara O’Sullivan Memorial Bridge on H Street.
The repairs are part of a multi-year effort by the Army Corps of Engineers to restore nearly 11 miles of levees on the American River. Over time, erosion can wear away the riverbank. The repairs will strengthen our levees and help protect Sacramento against catastrophic floods.
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.
Hostile Takeover
Here’s my entry for the most ridiculous local political takeover of 2022.
Several months ago, a group of homeowners along the Sacramento River levee seized control of the Pocket Greenhaven Community Association. They figured by co-opting the association, they could influence, delay or even prevent the city from finishing the river parkway and bike trail.
They were wrong. The takeover merely squandered the association’s good work and reputation.
Giving Shelter
Sacramento County’s homeless problem is complex, especially when it comes to providing services and housing. For people experiencing homelessness, we want them to regain health, income and housing stability.
But that requires cooperation from those who need help. Unfortunately, not everyone will accept services.
I know because I’ve talked to dozens of unhoused people, along with providers who try to connect them with shelter and help.
The reasons vary: lifestyle preference, bad experiences in communal housing, opposition to rules, not wanting to give up pets or belongings, addiction and insistence they are “OK.”