We live in a charming small city, but our City Council seems stuck in neutral, unable to move forward with dispatch on several issues. Here are three examples:
- Pickleball. Despite clear need and strong support from people for courts, no action. The effort with the school district fell apart, leading one council member to say, “Maybe council members and school board members should negotiate an agreement without staff.” Why not try, given that staff can be a hindrance, not a help.
- Garbage. We are the only body in Los Angeles County that has three companies collecting garbage. The consequence is more pollution, more congestion, more noise and less safe streets. At least the mayor saw this firsthand by riding along in a garbage truck. One company would suffice and could be chosen through competitive bidding, as done elsewhere. It’s time for action.
- Dog park. The community wants and needs a dog park, though the Mayor’s Discovery Park is too small and other community needs can be met there, as demonstrated at a hearing two weeks ago. So, how about using some of the abundant land, north of Armstrong’s Nursery, that is part of Southern California Edison. The land, much of it already fenced, would require negotiating a Hold Harmless Agreement with Edison. It is worth the effort. Again, it should be led by council members, not staff who seem biased against dog parks.
The central point of this letter is to urge residents to speak up and seek action from a seemingly sleepy City Council. It’s time for movement. Let’s wake up.
Michael R. Peevey
La Cañada Flintridge
First published in the March 16 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
