I live in the unincorporated County of Sacramento near the City’s District 2 peninsula. The peninsula east of Watt avenue contains the eastern portion of Del Paso Regional Park and a remnant stub of former parkland east of Auburn blvd. My neighborhood, Evergreen Estates, as well as the Heritage Oaks Hospital, is right next to that end piece of city land along the Arcade Creek. I had no idea how close to the city boundary I lived, until I started needing help from city 311 and city police- and found how unresponsive the city is in our area. City PD is miles away and unavailable. DCR is of no help. If I need help on the County side of the jurisdictional line through County 311 or the County Sheriff I get a good response. But when something happens just steps away into the City border, we are miles away from city police, park rangers, fire department. City’s Del Paso park east of Watt is not a safe place to go. The city doesn’t have sufficient park patrol or security like nearby county parks do- which is required to see the positive effects of actually enforcing park violations. Instead- there’s ongoing crime in the city park ranging from illegal dumping- to drug dealing, prostitution, and unsavory activities that should not be mentioned in polite company. A city park ordinance prohibiting trespassing in the natural habitat was created to prevent such activities—but since the Mayor’s homeless center was created in the park, the ordinance is no longer being enforced! As a woman, I feel vulnerable and unsafe using this park. I do not go there alone. I wish the trails were safe to enjoy for biking and jogging, but I must be sure to be accompanied by someone when I go to feel comfortable. When I drove a complete circle around the park one weekend I was shocked at how scary the situation is near the golf course on the west end of the park to Roseville Road and Longview Drive. We don’t want this situation creeping over into the east end of the park- but the Homeless Center in the Science Center is attracting people who want to set up camp and increasing issues with drug dealing and crime in our area. What are we waiting for to happen before it is realized that this is not the right place for a homeless center? The city’s own measure o prohibits shelter space in city parks! A nurse in the neighborhood was recently followed home to her doorstep and threatened. This incident was a direct result of the city’s decision to put the center in the park.

 (See more about that incident here)

In addition to safety concerns, the park is extremely run down, and the city, having $120 million in deferred maintenance can’t prioritize the necessary ongoing financial investment for the maintenance needed to keep the fixed assets up to the same standards of nearby county parks. The city has a history of procuring money from grants to make capital investments- but then because the maintenance is not done- the fixed assets deteriorate and become blighted again. This is accelerated when the lawless element come in and make this their “playground”. (It’s a matter of public record as far as what I mean by that.) I understand why the city prioritizes city park dollars in the parks where their residents live- they should be making the parks their residents use nice. But we are the ones who surround and the vast majority who use this park, and the Mayor and city council are not responsible for or accountable to our unincorporated community. Perhaps that is the crux of this issue; they know that and are taking advantage of the fact. 

 A well-maintained, safe park with rules enforced and green space is an important part of what makes a community enjoyable. But it’s time for a change in administration for this park- because it’s certainly not making life better in our community. Let’s look at solutions. Thank you.

Juliette Porro
Evergreen Estates NW