Born and Raised

  Dear City Council, Have you looked at the Chamber of Commerce's survey (link below) about the L&M hotel's transition to housing for the homeless via Project Homekey? It's outrageous. The survey presents a series of leading questions and attempts to reframe the city's efforts as a dangerous assault on neighborhoods, business and tourism. They are likely to refer to this survey during tomorrow's meeting (1/11/2022) as evidence of their position.  If you examine the survey I am certain you will see that the "data" it produces is invalid and should be discarded. Issuing surveys like this is an old political trick designed to feign interest while transmitting fears, in this case, of addressing homelessness downtown. It is not a survey; it is shameless propaganda. Thanks to the City Council and Reach for Home for having the vision and the moral clarity to embrace this valuable and effective program. I would have hoped that the Chamber would

 Dear City Council, I wish I could attend tonight's meeting. I am anxious to find out if I will get another term on the Parks and Rec Commission, and dearly hope I do. Regardless of the outcome though, I am grateful for your consideration and all the time you have put into the selection process. I am concerned about the city's contract with the Chamber of Commerce. I am all in favor of there being a contract, but I would like to see the City Council levee some influence on the direction of the Chamber as a result of it. Among your recently stated goals was the development of economic diversity. I take this to mean that we should do more to encourage businesses outside of wine/food/tourism. Our community hungers for this diversity downtown; for shopping options in-town that can save them a trip to Santa Rosa or elsewhere.  A few ways the Chamber could help is by showing some favor for diversity-building business in the aid and guidance they offer entrepreneurs. The