MESA – July 18, 2023 – Newsletter

Yowza it is HOT!  Hope everyone is finding fun ways to stay cool during our HOT weather.  Here’s a quick recap of things happening in the neighborhood

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.  If you have any questions, feel free to email sacwalksafe@gmail.com.

CBS13 Report on District Attorney Nuisance Abatement Questionnaire:  To learn more about the questionnaire, and why the District Attorney is asking for Sacramento City residents to submit one if they have had an issue, please view yesterday’s CBS13 report on it here:  https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/sacramento-da-gathering-evidence-in-possible-homeless-lawsuit-against-city/

Scheduled Move of Encampment at 28th and C Tomorrow:  The city has notified those who are living in the encampment along 28th and C Street (adjacent to Stanford Park) that the camp will be removed Wednesday, July 19th.  DCR has visited the site repeatedly, and anyone who has chosen to move voluntarily has had assistance with their property and relocation today.  Wednesday at 8:30 am the county and city will be at the encampment providing intake and referrals.  Shelter sites at Miller Park are available, and the city has another 40 camps sites lined up if needed.

People cannot relocate their camp within 500 feet of the current location.  Police will be enforcing a 300 foot perimeter while they are out tomorrow.  Every person still living in the encampment today has refused to leave, and DCR was out contacting people today.  Those who refuse to leave tomorrow will be handled by DCR, SacPD and County personnel.

See Something – Say Something:  In the past these moves have brought a lot of trauma to the campers, and to our neighbors.  The city and county have an agreement to handle the homeless issue, and the city has assured citizens that they are handling this move sensitively and appropriately.  If you witness an issue, please email info@midtowneastsac.org.  Pictures or videos of issues with notes on location and time are helpful.  We want to be aware of what the city is doing, and how they are handling the people living at this site.

MESA in the News:  Recently MESA was made aware of a safety issue at Stanford Park.  This park is at 28th and B Streets, and is used by the local soccer league for youth practices.  Photos were supplied of the unsafe conditions in the bathrooms at the park, the only place children can relieve themselves during practice and games.  CBS13 interviewed MESA founding member Amy Gardner yesterday.  You can find the interview here:  https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/neighbors-of-sacramentos-stanford-park-say-homeless-encampment-drug-use-is-out-of-control/ The story was also covered by Zach Eaton of Fox40 News today, running on the 5 pm News tonight.  The story was also picked up the NY Post today, link here: https://nypost.com/2023/07/18/sacramento-covered-in-used-needles-as-homeless-population-grows/

July 25th City Council Meeting:  MESA will be sending along information about the July 25th council meeting, and how you can make your opinions heard.  This meeting will be covering at least two important issues:  1) authorizing staff and SacPD overtime and 2) empowering the City Manager to select shelter sites.  The agenda items and how to submit comments and/or attend the meeting will be sent along before the meeting.  Please plan to attend or send comments for the meeting.

Trash Dash July 30th at McKinley Park:  Save the Date! Sunday July 30th our intrepid and friendly trash dashers will be picking things up around McKinley Park, and Stanford Park.  Planning 10-noon as usual, but may start earlier if the heat is high.  Will send details along with next newsletter.

Keep Spreading the Word: Our distribution list just keeps growing. We are one subscriber away from 300!  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!