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Bits and Pieces
By Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske | November 16, 2008
State of the County Luncheon Last Thursday, Supervisor Don Knabe gave his state of the county speech before a packed audience at the convention center. The luncheon was sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and Walmart. Knabe spoke of the problems facing the county –especially providing medical care,transportation and infrastructure without appropriate resources.
Homeless Veterans a touching community event over in Veterans Park (in 7th District) on Friday to talk about the growing problem of homeless veterans particularly those who are mentally ill. 4 vets stepped forward and told their stories and how if there had not been services available to get them off the streets they would still be homeless. All had some type of mental illness that they are now receiving help to deal with. After the presentations the community broke up in 6 groups and talked about what needs to be done. Top on everyone’s list was educating the community about the problem and the need for services. Thanks to the Homeless Coalition and CCEJ, the event will have an impact and needs to be repeated in other areas of the city.
Tree Planting on Clark and Spring took place on Saturday thanks to the Greens and a generous donation from BP and help from the City’s Department of Public Works and of course, dozens of volunteers who dug holes and planted the trees. Also thanks to It’s a Grind and Jet Blue who provided drinks and snacks for the volunteers. It was fun getting a chance to dig and plant a tree that you know will make a difference to the environment.
Ability First on Willow and Grand celebrated its Day of Caring with an army of volunteers from Verizon (thanks to Mike Murray) which came to the building and cleaned and painted and repaired all day last Saturday. It was a pleasure to join Senator Alan Lowenthal in acknowledging these volunteers and the wonderful work of Ability First.
Rally for Peace and Equality at City Hall on Saturday brought about 1,000 to hear speakers and to join in sending a message that amendments to the state constitution need to be done correctly by 2/3’s vote of the legislature and not by public fiat. I spoke against Prop 8 because I do not believe we should ever amend a constitution to take away equal protection from any group.
Community Hospital Condit Spririt Awards dinner was held at the Hyatt Regency to raise some serious money to continue the great work being done by this hospital. Supervisor Don Knabe (of course) was the auctioneer for some great items and also managed to raise an addition $33,000 by just asking people to sponsor programs and equipment at the hospital. Knabe’s field deputy, Connie Zbiel donated $10,000.
Post Script: while attending these events and just being around the city this past week I have been approached by numerous people who expressed their dissatisfaction about how council conducted last week’s hearing on the proposed senior citizen assisted living center and on the draft housing element plan. Too much walking around of council members who also don’t pay attention to those testifying and too much talking going on behind the council which the public also believes is disrespectful to the people and the process.
Topics: City Council, veterans, Prop 8, Community Hospital |
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