Growing Awareness, Part Three
The last two entries have focused on the reasons why folks should be aware of infill development trends in our city, and my take on what might be gained and what might be lost as a result of such development.
For those that want to do more than simply think and ponder this issue, here are some ways to get involved:
1. Vote. Research the issues and then cast your vote for ballot measures and candidates that you think will make a positive difference to our city. You might even consider running for office yourself, or applying to join a city committee or task force.
2. Attend or even speak up at city council meetings or various city planning meetings.
3. Write letters, send emails, or make phone calls to elected officials and voice to them your concerns. These people are in office to represent and make city-wide decisions on behalf of the community, and the community is us.
4. Write letters to the Enterprise Record, News and Review, and the Beat to make your opinion known to the community.
5. Become active in a neighborhood association to be a part of a larger voice. Here are the local Chico neighborhood associations and groups that I can find, with links to their websites:
Chico Avenues Neighborhood Association (CANA)
Barber Neighborhood Association
North Park Neighborhood Association
The Esplanade League (Political Action Committee)
South Bidwell Park Neighborhood Association
South Campus Neighborhood Association
South Chico Neighborhood Association
PO Box 3582
Chico, CA 95927
Vallombrosa Avenue Neighborhood Association
2096 Vallombrosa Ave
Chico, CA 95926
6. Talk to people who are developers or builders. Open a dialog. If you think that they are doing their job in a sustainable manner, tell them so.
7. And finally (and perhaps most importantly), take a moment to appreciate the open spaces that remain in Chico, and to help others to do the same.