Neighbors Coming Together for a Common Cause – To Save Neighborhoods
Today it is very easy to see that our world has become divided. Most of us can agree that at the heart of this are people who make it their goal to create this division. They aspire to confuse, to control, and to manipulate…the world and our neighborhoods.
Being the daughter of hardworking, blue-collar parents, I got to see firsthand that to earn the title of a good neighbor, you must act the part, which means taking an “active role” in serving within the community.
Even though my parents didn’t have a lot of time on their hands, they still did more than 90 percent of the community. Those two set the bar pretty high!
My Dad held down two jobs, as a baker and mechanic. He was also a steward on the Bakery and Confectionery Union. (My Dad’s experience taught me to question the role of unions, which is a story in itself.) My mother ran a day care service for children from our home. She also led the local Brownie and Girl Scout Troops. Both were very active in our church, Our Lady of Grace.
Despite their heavy workloads, they set an example and were role models in giving back to the community. They created a legacy that is with me today.
It’s because of my childhood experiences and lessons of life that I am attuned to people who are serving the community and those who are “using” the community. The most likely way to define this action is by using a word that I find repulsive: manipulate.
Manipulate: control or influence (a person or situation) cleverly, unfairly, or unscrupulously: “the masses were deceived and manipulated by a self-serving group.”
Sadly, to say, today politicians have gotten very good at being manipulative. They create themes and messages that give the impression that they are doing goodwill, when in fact, they are doing just the opposite.
To counter this “very negative and damaging effort of our politicians,” neighbors and communities have built coalitions to stop them.
This past month, over 800 people joined Neighbors for a Better San Diego to say, “No on SB 10,” which will destroy neighborhoods and quality of life for San Diegans. Those same people created signs and protested in their communities to spread the word and educate others about the damages caused by this bill, which was created in Sacramento and is being touted by our local politicians, including the mayor, who seems to have a vengeance against home ownership.
And he continues to use the same theme, he’s doing it to house people.
His plan and deception are failing this city and his constituents.
The homeless situation is getting worse. Affordable housing isn’t in the picture and never has been. And SB 10 does nothing to address these issues.
However, it will destroy neighborhoods by allowing developers to tear down single-family homes throughout the city of San Diego and build 10-unit apartment buildings, without parking and the infrastructure to support it. Again, no affordable housing is in the picture.
Instead, San Diegans are being displaced. Affordable housing in neighborhoods across the city is being destroyed by those (developers) who have the means (resources and backing of city officials) to do this.
Ultimately, SB 10 is designed to “silence” neighborhood voices. If this is approved, you will not be allowed to participate in decision-making discussions about the fate of your neighborhoods and communities. The damage will be done.
So, it’s time now to speak up and use whatever voice you have to stop the insanity, and manipulation at City Hall. Join those who are making a difference!
www.neighborsforabettersandiego.org.
Category: feature, Government, Historical, Homeless, Housing, Life Style, Local News
