Assemblyman Josh Hoover and Sen. Roger Niello appeared together at a community meeting held on Sept. 3 at Bella Vista High School.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - A crowd of more than 200 gathered at Bella Vista High School on Tuesday Sept. 3 for a community meeting featuring Assemblyman Josh Hoover and Sen. Roger Niello. The event provided citizens with an opportunity to hear firsthand updates from the Capitol and ask questions regarding their concerns.

Hoover and Niello offered a range of legislative updates, focusing on issues such as homelessness and crime. Hoover emphasized recent legislative efforts aimed at improving oversight of homelessness spending.

“AB 2903 was passed, which requires state-run homelessness programs to report cost and outcome data annually to the California Interagency Council on Homelessness,” Hoover said. “This transparency is crucial, especially after recent audits revealed a lack of systematic tracking.”

Hoover also highlighted his support for legislation protecting vulnerable children from sex trafficking. Senate Bill 1414, he noted, aims to increase penalties for purchasing children under 16 for sex from a misdemeanor to a felony.

Niello addressed the shift in legislative focus toward public safety.

“We are seeing a significant change in how crime is approached in the legislature,” Niello said. “Many new bills have been proposed and passed to enhance public safety.”

The meeting featured a Q&A session where attendees voiced concerns and sought clarification on various topics.

When asked about AB 1840, a home purchase assistance program, Hoover and Niello responded to concerns about aid for non-citizens.

“This program is intended to help California residents with down-payment assistance,” Hoover said. “I do not support expanding this to non-citizens.”

Niello agreed, “I would like the author of that bill to explain to people that apply and don’t ger the assistance when a non-citizen does.”

Equal access to education also drew attention as frustrations were brought up by attendees over educational disparities affecting unvaccinated students and concerns over Zoom schools. Hoover acknowledged the issue, citing the long-term harm caused by prolonged school closures during the pandemic and Niello emphasized the importance of local politics, advocating for school districts making decisions.

“I will continue to fight for quality education for all students,” Hoover affirmed.

Business owners raised concerns about difficulty accessing grant money. Niello directed them to Go Biz, the state agency handling business grants, while Hoover acknowledged the state's budget challenges.

“We need to better manage our finances to support small businesses,” Hoover said.

Residents also expressed frustration with the poor condition of local roads and the lack of investment in street maintenance. They emphasized how the neglect of street upkeep negatively impacts property values and diminishes the pride they take in their homes.

In response, Hoover agreed, noting that California's roads are ranked 46th in quality, despite the state’s high gas taxes.

“Funds meant for road maintenance are often redirected to other priorities,” Hoover explained. “We should not be taking money from our roads; our community deserves better.”

Niello added that the state’s broad approach to transportation funding often undermines the ability to allocate resources effectively.

“The policies compromise our ability to focus funds where they’re needed most,” Niello said.

In response to questions about homelessness enforcement, the Sheriff’s Department emphasized the importance of promoting transitory movements rather than allowing large, stationary encampments in efforts to reduce criminal activity. The department also highlighted the role of the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), which focuses on connecting homeless individuals with essential resources and support.

When asked about the implications of the governor's plan to return state workers to the office, including potential costs related to utilities, traffic, pollution, and employee expenses, opinions differed.

“Working from home can be more cost-effective for both the state and employees,” Hoover said. “It also helps keep spending within our local economy.”

 In contrast, Niello emphasized the importance of in-person collaboration.

“While remote work has its benefits, face-to-face interactions are crucial for developing efficient and cohesive work groups,” Niello Said.

When questioned about the alarming increase in hit-and-run incidents and the high number of fatalities, Niello expressed his strong concern. He attributed the rise in reckless driving and speeding to the habits formed during the COVID-19 pandemic when streets were less congested.

“We need to increase the consequences for speeding,” Niello asserted, highlighting that improving traffic safety remains a critical priority for him.