Arden Arcade Residents Demand Action Against Negligent Landlords at County Meeting

In the heart of Sacramento County, a gathering of the Board of Supervisors unfolded, echoing the frustrations and urgent pleas of community members and county employees alike. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as residents and workers voiced their concerns over pressing issues, from neglected properties to inadequate wages and working conditions.

One resident, passionately representing the voices of Arden Arcade, called for action against negligent landlords. “We know what the problems are and who are creating them,” she asserted, urging Supervisor Desmond to move beyond mere letters to these absent property owners. Instead, she demanded fines and legal action, referencing Citrus Heights' successful lawsuit against Sunrise Mall as a model for Sacramento County to follow. Her plea highlighted a growing frustration among residents who feel overlooked by those in power.

The meeting also served as a platform for county employees, who shared their struggles with low wages and poor working conditions. Olivia Brown, a dedicated employee, expressed her disillusionment with management's priorities, stating, “We are poverty eradicators... yet many of us find ourselves in similar economic struggles to our customers.” Her words resonated with many, as she highlighted the long wait times and inadequate support faced by those seeking assistance from the Department of Human Assistance (DHA).

James Starr, chair of the UPE board, raised alarms about ongoing contract negotiations, criticizing the county's proposed salary increase of just 2.8%. He argued that this figure is insufficient to attract or retain employees in a challenging work environment. Furthermore, he expressed deep concern over proposed changes to health insurance that could strip away essential protections for workers.

Diana Green, a social worker with two decades of service, shared a harrowing experience of being threatened while on the job, calling attention to the dangers faced by employees in Adult Protective Services. Her request for equal recognition and support for her role, akin to that of Child Protective Services workers, underscored a sentiment of being undervalued and forgotten.

As the meeting progressed, the emotional weight of the testimonies became palpable. Employees and residents alike felt a disconnect between their needs and the responses from the Board. Michelle Moyer's observation of a supervisor's inattentiveness during the discussions encapsulated a broader feeling of neglect among those who dedicate their lives to serving the community.

The meeting concluded with a call for greater empathy and action from the Board of Supervisors. The voices of Arden Arcade residents and county employees echoed a unified message: they seek recognition, support, and tangible solutions to the challenges they face. As the community looks to its leaders for change, the urgency of their demands remains clear, leaving a lingering question: will the Board respond with the action that is so desperately needed?