Why Doesn’t the Council Listen to Us?
At this week’s Council meeting we heard an appeal from residents of the Pacific Hacienda complex who objected to the Planning Commission’s approval of a multi-family project to be built right next door to where they live. And to be clear, in this case “right next door” means “right next
Dreaming Bigger Would’ve Been Much Better
The Council last night approved on a 4-1 vote (I opposed) establishing a temporary/experimental bike loop near the downtown core. I’m not opposed to giving people a chance to ride their bikes. In fact, I had just voted to approve the Pedestrian/Bicycle Master Plan (with the caveat it be quickly
Outdoor Dining Comes to Laurel Street
Last night the Council unanimously approved re-configuring parts of Laurel Street into a pedestrian mall. Restauranteurs and shop owners will be allowed to use parts of the public right of way in front of their businesses. The details vary depending upon which section of Laurel Street you’re talking about. Some
$14,000,000 to Protect Pensions
The City Council tonight approved — by a 4 to 1 vote (I opposed) — pre-paying an additional $7,000,000 towards the city’s pension obligations. A pre-payment means investing money in the California Public Employee Retirement System (CALPERS) above and beyond what the city is required to contribute. This latest prepayment
Hurray for Pride Month!
Last year the city established a new tradition: officially celebrating June as Pride Month. Pride Month means different things to different people, ranging from a statement of “we support each other in our lifestyle choices and want everyone treated respectfully, and equally before the law” to darker opinions. Me, I’m
Covid-19: Latest County Regulations
I sat in on the 5/29/2020 conference video call hosted by the County on Covid-19. A bit over 30 minutes of the hour-long session was a report by Dr. Scott Morrow, the County’s health officer who has been taking the lead on formulating the County’s emergency health regulations. Regulations Relaxed