Sacramento High School Drug Free Zone

Neighborhood Association(s) Formation

Aug 26, 2001

By Janelle Sonoda

In response to an earlier article (in the hard copy, Oak Park neighborhood newsletter), I wish to remind fellow residents that there are many options to consider. The Oak Park Drug Free Zones can continue to exist as is without having to divide themselves up along neighborhood association boundaries but... The most important issue is how to do this so think about this important concern for our future. I believe life is change and about change. Therefore, to resist change is to resist life so change is good to consider.

Did you know that on the City's Neighborhood map Oak Park is shown as North, Central and South? We are a very large area and this was convenient to refer to when considering issues and solutions. This is one option as it already is on the map. Another is following the present Neighborhood Response Team (NRT) Zones 2 and 3, dividing Oak Park at 8th Avenue. From the introduction, there is always the 5 Drug Free Zones keeping the status quo or with the option of renaming themselves. Of course, there can be even more than 5 areas as more residents get involved over the future years, too. That is the delightful future.

A nice consideration is that no matter what happens that the boundaries not be rigid, that a group be concerned 2 blocks into the neighboring areas rather than neglect a problem due to "this is my side and that problem is on your side of the street." Of course, I hope that we all continue to remember who we are, all Oak Park neighbors working together for the safe and healthy streets where everyone, especially the kids, can live and grow.

Change is risking the familiar, upsetting the status quo, threatening with the unknown but I believe we are on continuing evolving into a better place to live no matter what the outcome. Please consider and give some serious thought on this matter as this is your time to be part of the change, sharing in deciding your
future.