Op-Ed
Diverse Viewpoints from Sacramento
Not Humane
The homelessness problem keeps getting worse.
A survey released June 26 found Sacramento County’s homeless count jumped 19 percent the past two years, to an estimated 5,570. A study released three weeks earlier found Los Angeles County’s homeless population rose 12 percent in the past year, to almost 59,000—despite massive new spending to combat the crisis.
California is home to almost 25 percent of the nation’s homeless population, yet makes up only 12 percent of the total population.
Homeless Numbers Jump
Homeless Numbers Jump BUT MAYOR SEES HOPE IN CITY’S RESPONSE TO CRISIS By Darrell Steinberg July 2019 This past week we received some sobering but hopeful news about homelessness in our city and county. The results from the latest count of Sacramento’s homeless...
From Beauty to Blight
The American River Parkway can expect more attention this summer with the park’s Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail moving toward possible designation as part of the U.S. Bicycle Route System.
National recognition would be exciting news for parkway fans. But there’s a risk—cyclists unfamiliar with the trail will encounter dozens of homeless campsites. Sadly, the American River Parkway can be a dangerous place, especially between Discovery Park and Cal Expo.
Let’s Be Responsible
I’m proud of my Sacramento City Council colleague Jeff Harris for articulating his concerns about Mayor Darrell Steinberg’s proposed additions to our city budget.
The mayor wants to take out loans against sales tax income from Measure U. It’s a bonding scheme that could put city assets at risk and possibly bankrupt Sacramento if the economy stalls.
By contrast, the budget proposed by City Manager Howard Chan is responsible and comprehensive. Our city’s solvency and long-term sustainability must always be our paramount goal.
No Free Money
Last year, when the Sacramento City Council voted to put Measure U on the November ballot, I dissented. The reason was simple.
I knew the city needed additional funds to deliver the parks, roads, public safety and other services residents expect. I appreciated how the permanent 1-cent sales tax would generate about $95 million each year.
But I knew some of the money produced by Measure U would have to pay the city’s current bills and future obligations. To say otherwise—to keep voters in the dark about our commitments to CalPERS pensions—was disingenuous.
