Sacramento residents oppose jail expansion and demand investment in community resources

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss pressing issues surrounding the proposed expansion of the county jail. The meeting featured a series of public comments from residents and advocates who voiced strong opposition to the expansion, emphasizing the need for community-based solutions rather than increased incarceration.

The meeting began with Alexandria Wilson, an organizer with Decarcerate Sacramento, who highlighted the detrimental effects of homelessness and inadequate healthcare on the jail population. She argued that expanding the jail would not address the underlying issues of mental health and housing insecurity, but rather exacerbate them. Wilson called for investment in community mental health facilities and affordable housing instead of a new jail.

Trevor Jeltema, a licensed marriage and family therapist, echoed these sentiments, stating that the expansion would not reduce recidivism or crime rates. He urged the board to allocate funds towards preventive measures such as mental health care and housing, rather than expanding a facility that he deemed ineffective.

Adrianna Lucero, a resident and educator, expressed concern over the impact of federal funding cuts on vulnerable communities. She urged the supervisors to prioritize strategic investments that would protect residents and address systemic issues rather than resorting to incarceration.

Alana Marcucci Morris, a licensed clinical social worker, emphasized that true community safety stems from investments in healthcare and social services, not jails. She criticized the current system for failing to provide adequate mental health care and called for a focus on community well-being.

Christopher Camilo Carbajal, a program coordinator with Decarcerate Sacramento, pointed out that expanding the jail would not solve existing problems of medical neglect and human rights violations. He proposed that the funds earmarked for the jail could be better spent on affordable housing and community programs.

The meeting concluded with a strong consensus among public speakers advocating for the cancellation of the jail expansion project. They urged the Board of Supervisors to redirect resources towards community care and support systems that address the root causes of crime and incarceration.

Overall, the discussions highlighted a growing movement within Sacramento County advocating for a shift from punitive measures to restorative and preventive approaches that prioritize the health and safety of the community. The Board of Supervisors faces increasing pressure to reconsider their plans for jail expansion in light of these compelling arguments.