Tummy’s Sub Shop, a cherished 50-year-old sandwich shop situated at 741 M St, Rio Linda. Photo courtesy of Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez

One of the most important parts of my job is spending time outside of County buildings and listening directly to the people who live and work in our communities.

In District 4, my office conducts weekly business walks, rotating through commercial neighborhoods across the district.

The goal is simple: stay connected to issues as they arise, not months later.

Recently, my staff spent time walking businesses in Rio Linda, North Highlands, Orangevale and Antelope. While some of the issues raised were specific to that community, the purpose of these walks is broader. We are intentionally moving through different parts of District 4 because every community has its own challenges, and we are eager to better understand what issues need solving in each area.

During these business walks, we spoke directly with business owners and employees about daily conditions, recurring concerns, and where the County can realistically help.

Several businesses raised concerns about lighting in shared parking areas. Employees described feeling unsafe after dark when taking out trash or closing for the night. This is a serious issue, and it deserves a thoughtful and honest response. In many cases, these parking areas are private property. County streetlights are intended to light public roads, not private lots, and additional lighting must be addressed by property owners. While this is not always the answer people want to hear, clarity about responsibility helps businesses know how to move forward.

Traffic safety was another common concern. Business owners described speeding, reckless driving, and late-night activity near their storefronts. In response, my office worked with County transportation staff to request a speed radar trailer in the area. A radar trailer is scheduled to be placed in Rio Linda in February, with other locations evaluated as staff continue walking businesses throughout the district. These tools help slow traffic and improve safety without disrupting local commerce.

Road conditions were also raised repeatedly. Business owners pointed to deteriorating pavement, potholes, and uneven surfaces affecting access and safety. Sacramento County maintains thousands of miles of roads, and repair needs far exceed available funding. That reality does not mean concerns are ignored. Locations identified during business walks are reviewed by transportation staff, considered for interim repairs when possible, and added to District 4’s list of longer-term priorities.

Some concerns may sound small but have real impacts. In Rio Linda, several business owners raised issues with roosters crowing throughout the day and night. Persistent noise affects sleep, concentration, and the ability to operate a business. While this concern is specific to certain rural areas, it reflects a broader issue of quality of life. In response, the county is working on a rooster ordinance to better address noise impacts while still respecting rural living.

During these business walks, Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez and her team spoke directly with business owners and employees about daily conditions, recurring concerns, and where the County can realistically help. Photo courtesy of Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez

Another serious issue raised was homelessness occurring on or near private property. Business owners described impacts including trash, blocked access, and safety concerns for employees and customers. At my request, the County recently updated its approach so that illegal camping on private property can now be addressed when it creates a nuisance or safety issue. My office is actively connecting affected businesses with the Sheriff’s Office so they understand how enforcement works and what steps they can take to get help. Services are always offered first, but businesses and neighborhoods deserve clear tools to address unsafe conditions.

I also want to be honest about something we hear often during these walks. Many business owners are skeptical that talking to the County will lead to results. That skepticism is understandable. Too often, people raise concerns and never hear back. That is not acceptable.

For me, business walks are not just about listening. They are about follow-through. Even when the answer is no, or not yet, people deserve a response. They deserve to understand the constraints and to know what steps are being taken next.

These weekly business walks will continue throughout District 4. Each community will raise different issues, and that is exactly the point. By being present consistently, my office can better identify patterns, respond more quickly, and tailor solutions to the needs of each area.

Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and they deserve a County government that shows up, listens carefully, and tells the truth.

If you are a business owner anywhere in District 4 and would like my office to visit your area, or if you want to share concerns directly with us, you can reach my office at 916-874-5491 or email [email protected].