One of Sacramento’s oldest neighborhoods- known as the South Oak Park/Fruitridge Pocket Area – has become the focus of renewed revitalization efforts to improve safety, remove blight and rubbish, and encourage sustainable neighborhoods building relationships with residents and businesses.
The boundaries of the neighborhood are between Martin L. King Blvd, and Stockton Blvd., from 14th Avenue to Fruitridge Road. Though the County’s safety and clean-up efforts have been ongoing through the years, focus has stepped up since First District Supervisor Phil Serna joined in the National Night Out celebration on August 5 and pledged that he would spend the next year improving the area.
“Part of my job – what I feel I’m obligated to do – is to give my constituents hope,” said Phil Serna, County Supervisor for the area. “Not only do we want to provide visible results of County services, we want to provide them the tools for continuing community improvement that will have a positive quality of life impact; we want to instill trust in the County, show them if they call us to pick up a loose dog or report squatters, we will respond and take their concerns seriously.”
Recently, multi-agency sweeps involving Probation, Sacramento Police, Sheriff and Code Enforcement staff have resulted in a number of arrests for the possession of drugs and firearms; and other probation violations. Code Enforcement also cited numerous properties for rubbish, fire hazards, abandoned vehicles and substandard housing issues.
On October 18, 2014 County efforts will continue with a massive neighborhood clean-up event involving Code Enforcement, and the Sheriff and Probation Departments. Probation will bring work crews to help with the clean-up and the Sheriff will help with traffic control and organization. Code Enforcement will coordinate volunteers, pick up large items from those who made appointments in advance, and clear vegetation growing onto the right of way.
It’s important to note that the clean-up project is free to residents of this neighborhood only and picture I.D. with current address will be checked before any items are accepted. Residents are reminded that this is not a pick-up service and items should not be placed on the street or sidewalk.
Clean ups for other neighborhoods will also be scheduled. “We try to schedule these events throughout the unincorporated area as often as resources allow,” said Code Enforcement Chief, Carl Simpson. “We’ve been to North Highlands, Arden Arcade, and in South Sacramento, and we’re assessing needs now for the 2015 schedule.”