Last year’s elections showed city voters are almost divided over how we want municipal leaders to address local challenges.
Mayor Kevin McCarty and Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum both won tight races. They bring fresh perspectives to City Council, along with newly elected Councilmember Roger Dickinson.
Whether your candidate won or lost, we should all hope and pray the new council can tackle the problems facing our city.
Political lawn signs are a local tradition. But knowing the person next door disagrees with you politically doesn’t mean you can’t be good neighbors.
If anything, now is the perfect time to improve your neighborly relations.
Being a good neighbor is simple. It means being the sort of neighbor you want to have next door.
I’ve lived in two neighborhoods during my 35 years in Sacramento. For the first three decades, I moved just once—to a different house on the same street near McKinley Park.
When we arrived, most of our neighbors were elderly. They’d owned their homes for decades.
They were pleasant but not particularly welcoming. We tried to make acquaintances but never connected. It wasn’t until I had a baby and started meeting other young parents that I made neighborhood friends.
When a young couple moved in next door, they became change agents. The young man organized weekly Friday luncheons for neighborhood men. They visited restaurants and enjoyed fun and laughter. I got the scoop from my husband Jim on what was going on every Friday.
Almost four years ago, we moved to the new Sutter Park neighborhood—the opposite of where we spent three decades.
This time, my experience was different. Jim had dementia. I was more homebound and preoccupied.
But the new neighborhood was an equalizer. Everyone was new and ready to make friends.
When we moved in, we were only the third family amid empty lots. Over the next couple years, other homes were completed and neighbors arrived.
Now the empty lots on our court are filled. Neighbors can get to know one another.
My goal for 2025 is to help start the casual get-togethers that created bonds with my McKinley Park neighbors.
I know my neighbors’ names and occupations, but that’s about it. I hope to create a list of information to share as an informal Neighborhood Watch group.
Other parts of my neighborhood have active social events in the lovely public spaces built by developer Randy Sater of Stonebridge. I’m thrilled Randy moved in next door to me.
My partner Steve is a terrific social connector. He loves to meet people and learn their stories. Like Steve, I’ve learned lots about neighborliness over the years.
Little things are important. Be friendly, smile, nod and wave. If you see someone who might need help, jump in and offer.
Sometimes you don’t have to say a word. Nothing fosters good neighborhood relations better than keeping your property neat and tidy.
It’s helpful to recognize what your neighbors might be going through. Maybe something positive—a new baby, wedding or graduation. Or maybe an event not so happy—illness or injury. Send a text or leave a note. Say you are thinking of them.
Lending or borrowing between neighbors is a nice way to connect. My late husband Jim would loan anything to anybody. But he was never comfortable borrowing. That was my job.
I only had one stipulation when it came to lending tools. After two power washers we loaned came back broken, I insisted the gear never leave our garage again.
My new neighbors are terrific. I let them know via text when we’re traveling and share contact information.
The new year is a perfect time to improve relations with neighbors, especially those who just arrived and could use a special welcome.
Cecily Hastings can be reached at publisher@insidepublications.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @insidesacramento.
