President’s Message
As I write this, daylight savings has gone into effect. The first day of spring has sprung and yet there are snow flurries out my window. When you read this, I hope spring is really here in all its beautiful glory.
Spring blooms signal to me it’s time to come out of our homes and come together. Soon we’ll be gathering for vacations, graduations, weddings, block parties, picnics, and many other outdoor activities, including gardening, biking, hiking, running, and walking.
Our neighborhood is special. It provides many opportunities for us to gather, meet, and create community. Beaumont-Wilshire is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in our city. Everything we need is close by: the grocery store or farmers market, post office, coffee shops, and bakeries, restaurants, wine bars, or neighborhood pubs. We have two parks within walking distance: Wilshire and Grant. We also benefit from the outdoor pool at Grant High School.
Community events are also a great way to gather and connect with neighbors. In recent years, the pandemic has kept us from gathering in large groups, but I am happy to announce we are striving to bring back community events. We have confirmed a Movies in the Park event for Thursday, Aug. 10, at Wilshire Park. Another annual community event, sponsored by the Beaumont Business Association, is Fremont Fest, scheduled for Aug. 5. On a smaller scale, find a link on page 8 for information about how to organize a block party.
Engagement in your neighborhood association is also a way to come together. On March 9, I attended a forum at which over 100 neighborhood association representatives from throughout the city gathered. Discussions centered on neighborhood interests, concerns, and needs. Also joining us was City Commissioner Dan Ryan, and Michael Montoya, the former interim director of the Office of Community & Civic Life, the department under which the neighborhood coalitions fall. Hearing common themes of interest in public safety, livability, better communication, engagement, and support from the city was encouraging.
I wish you many happy gatherings.