President’s Message
Well, I’ve got a year under my belt as BWNA President and thought it might be good time to do a little reflecting. Even though our bylaws don’t require it, I guess you could call it the “State of the Neighborhood” address. I don’t expect too many folks to stand and applaud 33 times while reading this article; but if you feel so moved–go for it–and count it as progress towards your 10,000 steps per day goal.
This past year, a tremendous amount of the BWNA Board’s energy has gone toward supporting the efforts of United Neighborhoods for Reform and the quest to change how the city views single family housing demolitions and their impact on neighborhoods across the city. Activities—doing research, developing and giving testimony, communicating the message to various groups, facilitating meetings and coordinating the group’s strategy—have absorbed hundreds or maybe even thousands of volunteer hours for many members of our BWNA Board. While not 100% of neighborhood feedback we have received was in support of these efforts, it was so overwhelming that I feel this was a good example of “doing the neighborhood’s business.” This energy expenditure will continue, as this type of change takes persistence and continuing pressure to get any bureaucratic movement.
Another issue that generated considerable dialog was the establishment of a medical marijuana dispensary on Fremont. There were a few neighbors who were passionately opposed to it and I imagine they were disappointed when the Board did not take a stronger stance on this issue. We did contact other adjacent neighborhoods that had had medical marijuana dispensaries for a period of time and received mixed opinions. Some of them caused no issues, while a few that got negative critique perhaps had closed due to poor business management. Ultimately, the Board took a wait-and-see approach, deciding to take a more active stance in the future if problems arose.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the “Alameda Stair Cleanup” work gathering with a call-out to the local Boy Scout Troop 107 and other neighborhood helpers. Though not a direct BWNA Board endeavor, I wanted to also remind everyone of the efforts of the Beaumont Wilshire Volunteer Group during its fledgling first year. The hope is to gather a few more volunteers and continue to broaden this group’s visibility and positive impacts within the Beaumont Wilshire boundaries (see box, page 3).
Of course, just coordinating and hosting the annual gatherings of April’s Taste of Beaumont and August’s National Night Out Picnic absorb quite a few hours of the Board members’ time. While there has been some discussion about adding another event for neighborhood-wide involvement such as a family friendly, bike road rally, time and effort has been a hurdle. Similarly, the Board has discussed a Spring Cleanup event, but with the Cully event taking up to 100 volunteers, ours would have to be on a much smaller scale.
This does raise a question, however, one that I’ve contemplated a bit. How does the Board ensure we are focusing and spending our limited time on issues that really are important to the neighborhood? The Board members field phone calls and emails from residents who have concerns or seek more information on issues that have piqued their interest. These, along with questions raised at BWNA general meetings, have been our primary links to uncovering what may be on the minds of a significant portion our neighbors. Many of these are brought up at BWNA Board of Directors meetings or canvassed via email. In general, majority opinion governs whether or not to spend more time and effort on an issue. At Taste of Beaumont, I initiated a neighborhood survey as another means for folks to guide the direction and focus of the Board during the upcoming year and beyond. I have posted the survey on the bwna.us site and you can give me your direct feedback via email to president@bwna.us.
So, while the “State of the Neighborhood” is “strong” (i.e., low crime, active business district, pleasant park amenities) it takes constant vigilance and engagement by all to maintain. So, lend us your thoughts—along with an occasional helping hand—and we all will benefit.