Jacksonville Review – July 2026

SUMMER GREETINGS to one and all, as one of the busiest times of the year gets underway! As with every season, but especially now, we must prepare for fire season, lots of little fawns running around, and many more visitors who may not pay attention to our well- enforced speed limits, permanent, electronic, and portable signs around town!

Our committee, Citizens for a Safer Jacksonville, held a very productive third-year Town Hall Meeting in mid-May to give residents an opportunity to get their questions and concerns addressed. Our new Police Chief, Matt Hannum, attended and he explained his different style of running this Department, called Community Policing. While this concept is not new to police work, it is a refreshing new way of approaching our particular needs in this increasingly well-known and popular town.

We had a very nice turnout and very respectful, candid discussion with the attendees and Chief Hannum. We now have an almost fully-staffed force, whose enthusiasm and fondness for J’ville show in their professionalism. They are approachable and very responsive, and we are very fortunate to have them.

At the meeting, certain neighborhoods reported ongoing concerns about traffic and speeding issues which remain. The BEST answer to these concerns is to get YOUR neighbors involved and sign a petition with specific goals in mind and take this petition to a City Council meeting!

The more voices, the better. With a few City Council positions opening this fall, perhaps now is a time to get more involved and help make a difference.

And if you feel strongly about protecting our pedestrians, pets and wildlife, perhaps you would like to join our Committee, as we are always looking for dedicated individuals in this volunteer work. We began our work together three years ago, and we have made many improvements, and believe we have made a difference, but there is always more to be done.

Please contact me at 510-406-3954 or email at jvillesafety@gmail.com. Productive feedback is always welcome!