06/15/2026
Since the sword attack at Creekside, I’ve kept talking with residents — both at Creekside and nearby — about what they’re actually living with.
Saturday during a meeting, parents at Creekside picked up free Narcan and fentanyl test kits, worried their kids might find a needle or drug paraphernalia while playing outside. To them, it’s not political. It’s just keeping their kids safe.
I’ve heard similar stories from neighbors across the area: cameras going off at 3am, panhandling at front doors, “No Trespassing” signs torn down, fences put up at real cost just to feel safe. Some longtime homeowners have left entirely. Nearby officer involved shooting, parents hiding in basement as law enforcement persues criminals, fires started that threatened the resident of Idle Wheels and so much more.
One resident who’s lived here 20+ years says before 2015, this was a place where nobody locked their doors. That’s not the reality anymore. Having grown up here, I would agree.
This isn’t about blaming people experiencing homelessness. Many along the creek have been offered shelter and services — some accept, some don’t. Addiction and mental illness deserve compassion but so do the law abiding residents. The seniors at Idle Wheels, the parents with young children in the nearby Condos and residences are also suffering.
Families living near these areas deserve to have their experiences heard too.
To the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office: the increased enforcement is noticed and welcomed. Thank you for the work you’re doing. The laws are no longer written in a way that you can do much. We see that.
To HHSA: thank you for your ongoing outreach to many. Recently some have taken you up on services. We appreciate your support and also recognize where your hands are tied. We cannot require people to accept services.
I’ll keep listening, gathering real information, and pushing for policy that balances compassion with safety for everyone in this county. I am learning, writing and working toward further discussion on the state level who in an effort to humanize actively addicted individuals and those with mental health concerns, therefore de-prioritized the surrounding communities around them.
