RIO LINDA, CA – Local business owners and community members gathered at Rio Java Coffee House on Tuesday, November 18, for the latest Rio Linda Business Watch meeting, a critical forum designed to tackle the twin issues of crime and blight in the region.
The meeting featured a strong turnout of county officials, including representatives from the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office, Code Enforcement, and the Board of Supervisors. The presence of these multiple agencies underscored the meeting’s central message: reducing crime requires a coordinated effort between business owners, residents, and county leadership.
PBID Discussion Highlights Community Investment
During the comprehensive discussion, attendees explored the concept of establishing a Property Based Improvement District (PBID) in the Rio Linda commercial area. A PBID is a funding mechanism where property owners within a defined boundary agree to pay a special assessment to fund services—such as enhanced security patrols, maintenance and cleanup programs (like illegal dumping removal), and marketing/promotion—that are supplemental to, and go beyond, the baseline services provided by the county. The general consensus was that a PBID could provide a sustainable and locally controlled source of revenue to address persistent issues like maintenance and security that fall outside of standard county budgets, ultimately increasing property values and making the area more attractive for future investment, but there is much more research and discussion that needs to be done.
The Rio Linda Neighborhood Association meeting in January will have an expert on hand to discuss PBIDs and their benefits.
Empowering Business Owners: The Letter of Agency
A major highlight of Tuesday’s discussion was the “Letter of Agency” program. For many business owners, dealing with after-hours trespassing is a persistent frustration. The Letter of Agency acts as a standing authorization, granting Sheriff’s deputies the legal authority to enter private property and enforce trespassing laws—including citing or arresting violators—even when the property owner is not physically present to make the request.
To streamline the process, the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office provided an on-site notary during the meeting, allowing business owners to sign and file their letters immediately. This proactive step is expected to give law enforcement the tools they need to address loitering and nuisance activity more effectively in the Rio Linda commercial districts.
Addressing Blight and Safety
Beyond immediate crime concerns, the group discussed the broader impact of blight on community safety. Representatives from Code Enforcement and the Board of Supervisors worked with the group to identify specific problem areas. The strategy focuses on the “broken windows” theory—that addressing visible signs of neglect, such as illegal dumping and code violations, creates an environment that is less hospitable to criminal activity.
Watch the Recap
For those who were unable to attend, a video recap of the meeting is available, capturing the key discussions and information shared by county representatives.
Rio Linda Business Watch meetings are held regularly to foster communication between the business community and local law enforcement. Stay tuned to Rio Linda Online for upcoming meeting dates and locations.
