ORANGEVALE-FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - Have you ever seen a need or issue in your community and don’t know where to start?  Whether it’s reporting potholes and fallen trees, getting help with state agencies or navigating permitting processes, 311 and the staff at your elected representatives’ offices can change overwhelmed and uncertain to efficiently and effectively resolved.

With Orangevale and Fair Oaks among the 67% of Sacramento County that is unincorporated, county offices and special districts serve as the primary local government. Knowing who to call and knowing you’ll find an advocate there empowers you to make a difference.

311: A Direct Line for Non-Emergency Issues

Sacramento County’s 311 system is a direct tool for addressing almost any non-emergency, generally property- related issue in unincorporated areas, from illegal dumping and potholes to verifying business licenses and garbage collection dates. Available as a phone line, website and mobile app, 311 allows residents to report concerns quickly and track progress on their requests. Customer service representatives are available all hours, seven days a week.

 “311 is a great tool that lets residents and the county work together,” said Vanessa McCarthy-Olmstead, chief of staff for Supervisor Rich Desmond. “It creates a record of the issue, is geo-tagged and allows residents to check for updates.”

While 311 is best for non-urgent concerns, county staff step in when issues require more than just a service request.

How County Supervisor Staff Can Assist

If an issue involves people rather than property, staff at your county supervisor’s office can help navigate complex situations related to public health, child support, Medi-Cal, adult protective services, and other state-mandated county services. They can also advocate for an issue that remains unresolved or help navigate land use and permitting questions.

“Often we work hand-in-hand with multiple agencies,” McCarthy-Olmstead said. “Our staff can help make the right connections, so people aren’t spinning their wheels.”

“If it deals with human issues and someone don’t know where to start, needs a follow up or are bringing an issue that impacts their community to the attention of their elected official, these are excellent reasons to contact your supervisor’s office,” McCarthy-Olmstead said.   

State-Level Assistance: Your Senator’s Office

Anyone having trouble with a state related agency, such as DMV, Caltrans, Employment Development (EDD) and licensing agencies, should contact their state senator’s office, said Rob Olmstead, Senator Roger Niello’s district coordinator.

“We have staff who can take a concern, digest it and figure out which agency to reach out to on behalf of the constituent,” Olmstead said. “We also have direct phone lines that the public doesn’t have access to, which helps us advocate more efficiently.”

Visitors are also welcome to come in person to their senator’s district offices. For Senator Niello, those are in Roseville and Rancho Cordova, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Staff can even come to those who are physically unable to visit.

Leveraging the Staff’s Connections

Elected representative’s office staff will help, according to Matt Hedges, chief of staff for Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez.

The goal, Hedges said, is simple: “We want people to feel welcomed, not overwhelmed.”

For city-related concerns, residents should start with their city manager’s office.

Local government is accessible.

Patsy McGavock is a volunteer community advocate “informing, empowering and engaging readers with their community.” Find your passion and get involved.