Martin Luther King Day brings out the best in us. In addition to feeling an overwhelming sense of community and hope for the future while participating in the march from Oak Park to the Convention Center with 30,000 other Sacramentans, I also took part in two community service days.
Saturday morning was at Maple Neighborhood Center, where I found myself shoveling wheelbarrows of mulch from a very large pile into the nearby playground. It always feels good to support a wonderful organization like La Familia. Many volunteers were from The Mission Continues, a national organization that empowers veterans who are adjusting to life at home to find purpose through community impact.
Sunday, B’nai Israel congregation scheduled a service day at Bret Harte Elementary School. We were told to bring shovels and rakes. I spent a good chunk of time shoveling wheelbarrows of mulch from a very large pile to a nearby playground. In addition to members of B’nai Israel, I was excited to see a number of folks from the neighborhood who are on the Bret Harte Garden Committee. Like La Familia, I am happy to support Bret Harte and its wonderful principal, James Tucker. He is doing great things in the school and in the community and we should all support his efforts.
On another note, I’ve spent the last couple of weekends in the district talking to Curtis Park residents. One of the main complaints I heard was about low-level crime – bikes stolen, car break-ins and packages stolen from front porches. I have since spoken with the new police captain for the area, Alisa Buckley. Capt. Buckley has committed to increasing patrols and running a bait package sting operation in the neighborhood. I’d also like to help those who want to form neighborhood watches. If you are interested, please contact Azia Cherry in my council office: 916 808-7005, [email protected].
If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please get in touch.