MESA – Aug 18, 2023 – Newsletter

It’s back to school time!  Now’s also a great time to enjoy our beautiful neighborhood and continue to improve it.

Call to Action—Make Our Voices Heard:  MESA encourages all of us to voice our opinions and to advocate for safety in our community.  Please read the following editorial letter from a MESA member.  MESA encourages you to take action and contact the local officials listed in the letter.

District Attorney Neighborhood Nuisance Abatement Questionnaire:  District Attorney Thien Ho’s office is asking Sacramento City residents to complete a questionnaire if you have been affected by a homeless encampment.  Please find the form here, and fill out one per encampment that you have been affected by.

Having Trouble Coping with Safety Concerns?  District Attorney Ho’s survey has discovered many people suffering from PTSD due to unsafe conditions near where they live or work.  If you have been having anxiety, depression or similar feelings, talk to your doctor about it.  The safety concerns in our neighborhood are considerable, and letting someone know how you are being negatively affected is important, including your healthcare provider.  If you haven’t filled out the questionnaire, and have been having these types of feelings, make sure you complete the questionnaire.  All impacts from the lack of safety in our neighborhood are valid comments to be included in the survey.

Pop Up Art Gallery at Old Marshall School:  Join your neighbors for a one day event at the Old Marshall School (27th and G St) on Saturday, August 26th from 2 – 6 pm. There will be local artists, vendors, food and drink. The art gallery will be in two classrooms of the school, so you can get a peak inside. Hosted by Reynen and Bardis Homes (info@rbhomes.com).

City Council Meeting August 22nd—General Plan & Climate Action and Adaptation Plan:  This coming Tuesday, join Civic Thread for a Pizza Party Pep Rally and then attend the council meeting to advocate for Safe Routes to School.  Click here for the flyer!

ADA Class Action Lawsuit Against City and County of Sacramento for Blocking Mobility Disabled from Using Public Sidewalks:  Attorney Louis Demas, on behalf of five mobility disabled Sacramentans, filed a lawsuit in federal court against the City and County for an injunction requiring removal of homeless tent encampments obstructions on public streets that block access for the disabled to use the sidewalks.  The City and County responded by filing motions to dismiss the lawsuit to avoid being accountable for the requirements of the American Disability Act. Last Thursday (8/10/23) the motions were heard in front of Chief U.S. District Judge Mueller who signaled the the lawsuit would not be dismissed and she issued an order setting the matter for further proceedings. A further detailed order will follow on the motions.

Attorney Demas is continuing to work on the plaintiffs’ behalf while waiting for the order from the judge. Private mediation of the lawsuit has been scheduled before a retired Sacramento Superior Court Judge. The costs for private mediation will be split among the parties but is substantial. Attorney Demas, is representing the plaintiffs on a pro bono basis so they will not have to pay attorneys fees.  If you are able to help with expenses, please send a tax deductible donation to Friends of East Sacramento. Click here for more information.

Hope For Sacramento Beyond Homeless Screening:  Last Saturday, Hope for Sacramento hosted a movie screening at the Land Park Amphitheater.  Thank you to everyone who came out.  It was a beautiful night, and we had an engaging and thoughtful question and answer session before the sun went down.  As the Canada Geese took flight from the pond, our movie started playing.  The movie was very well received, and many new people expressed interest in helping the group raise awareness of the Haven for Hope model that is successfully operating in San Antonio, TX.  Not able to attend the screening but interested in learning more?  You can view the movie from your favorite digital device by visiting https://www.beyondhomeless.org/documentary/.  Interested in getting involved in establishing a campus model shelter here in Sacramento?  Visit https://hopeforsacramento.org/ to learn about the organization and find out how you can help.

McKinley Park Trash Dash August 27th:  Come out for our monthly Trash Dash at McKinley Park. This is a very family friendly event, and also a great opportunity for any local students to get community service credits. We’ll have Parks donated trash grabbers and garbage bags, and a dumpster to fill up. Come out, meet some new friends and make our park shiny. Our group will be out there from 10 am until noon, meeting up by the duck pond. For more information on this event please visit the Facebook page here: https://fb.me/e/1leaBEsY6

Something Not Right? Call it In: We have all seen unsafe conditions in our neighborhood. If you see a situation unfolding that could cause harm to anyone, call 911. If you need to report something to our police force, but it isn’t an emergency situation, please call the SacPD non-emergency number at 916-808-5471. See a fire burning where it shouldn’t? Call Sac Metro Fire’s number at 916-228-3035. If you are having other issues, contact 311. Report issues to 311, but if you know it is an emergency, don’t hesitate—call 911. Do you love social media? Follow SacPD on Nextdoor, Facebook and Twitter. @SacPolice @SPD_Field Ops

SacPD Military Equipment Use Survey:  SacPD has been holding a series of meetings to discuss their annual report on military equipment use.  If you weren’t able to attend, you can use this link to provide input on the use of equipment that has been defined as military by the state legislature:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDeh30FU3cxy48JISQtucRfY-y_scR78KNOX0cvr8pZqDGyA/viewform  East Command Captain Moore also sent along a copy of the draft summary to provide context.

Keep Spreading the Word: Our distribution list just keeps growing. We are over 300 subscribers strong now!  We love sharing what’s going on in the neighborhood. Please encourage friends and families to join our mailing list. And remember, if you ever want to unsubscribe, we understand. Just hit the link at the bottom of this email and it will be taken care of.  See you around the neighborhood!