Comments for Five Syllable City http://ljc.hostcentric.com/blog Colamarino on Atascadero Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:22:41 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 Comment on Early Campaign Reflections by leda shetler http://ljc.hostcentric.com/blog/?p=29#comment-591 leda shetler Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:29:58 +0000 http://ljc.hostcentric.com/blog/?p=29#comment-591 Hi Len: By introduction, I worked with Patty Andersson for several months. I was born and raised in Atascadero, and returned there to live after 52 years. I have recently moved back to Sunnyvale, mainly for financial reasons. I met your wife Katrin at few times, and please tell her hello for me. I am impressed by your proposals, and if I still lived there I would vote for you. I would like to address the issue of the Printery. It too is a historical place, so over-looked by so many. It broke my heart to see the broken windows and the run-down appearance. Did you know it was, at one time a private school, and it even has a pool, now filled in. When I was growing up we didn't have a Catholic church, and the Masons were generous enough to let us have Mass there, quite a twist, don't you think? I would like to ask that you look into preserving this special place. It holds so many memories for me and the people I grew up with. My graduation all night party (class of '55) was held there. Please, don't let anybody tear it down. Thanks for your attention, and look after Patty for me, she is a special lady. Sincerely, Leda Hi Len: By introduction, I worked with Patty Andersson for several months. I was born and raised in Atascadero, and returned there to live after 52 years. I have recently moved back to Sunnyvale, mainly for financial reasons. I met your wife Katrin at few times, and please tell her hello for me. I am impressed by your proposals, and if I still lived there I would vote for you. I would like to address the issue of the Printery. It too is a historical place, so over-looked by so many. It broke my heart to see the broken windows and the run-down appearance. Did you know it was, at one time a private school, and it even has a pool, now filled in. When I was growing up we didn’t have a Catholic church, and the Masons were generous enough to let us have Mass there, quite a twist, don’t you think? I would like to ask that you look into preserving this special place. It holds so many memories for me and the people I grew up with. My graduation all night party (class of ‘55) was held there. Please, don’t let anybody tear it down.

Thanks for your attention, and look after Patty for me, she is a special lady.

Sincerely,
Leda

]]> Comment on Early Campaign Reflections by Lark Ireland http://ljc.hostcentric.com/blog/?p=29#comment-590 Lark Ireland Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:27:07 +0000 http://ljc.hostcentric.com/blog/?p=29#comment-590 Len - Your leadership and guidance is exactly what our town so desperately needs. Your qualities of enthusiasm, intelligence and honesty will certainly "UpGrade Atascadero" and clean up the City Council. Your statement that this is the "time to raise our standards to the level our possibilities" says it all. I support your vision. All the best, Lark Len - Your leadership and guidance is exactly what our town so desperately needs. Your qualities of enthusiasm, intelligence and honesty will certainly “UpGrade Atascadero” and clean up the City Council. Your statement that this is the “time to raise our standards to the level our possibilities” says it all. I support your vision. All the best, Lark

]]> Comment on A Major Museum in the Old City Hall by Len Colamarino http://ljc.hostcentric.com/blog/?p=24#comment-581 Len Colamarino Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:18:20 +0000 http://ljc.hostcentric.com/blog/?p=24#comment-581 A comment to this posting was sent in asking me, just out of curiosity, what I think about Wal-Mart. That does not really have anything to do with the subject of this posting. Also, the individual who submitted the comment did not give his or her full name. So I am not going to publish the comment. Nevertheless, here is my response to the inquiry. I consider it unfortunate that there is so much focus on Wal-Mart in our community. It is distracting us from the larger problems which Atascadero is facing. However the voters decide on the Shield Initiative, that decision will govern how I will deal with the Wal-Mart issue when it comes before the City Council. The voters’ will, as expressed in the Shield Initiative vote, should prevail. My campaign is not driven by Wal-Mart. I am not recommending how to vote on the Initiative. The voters have already gotten enough divisive influence on Wal-Mart, and have pretty much made up their minds on the subject. They are not in need of leadership from me on the matter. My main concern is that the voters’ decision on the Shield Initiative should resolve the matter with finality, so that after the vote we will turn our community’s undivided attention to the many other pressing issues facing Atascadero. I am not passionate about Wal-Mart, because it is not a make or break matter in relation to my vision for Atascadero. With or without Wal-Mart, my prescriptions for Atascadero do not change. Either way, the scope of the challenge will be formidable and, either way, the objective will be the same: to build up a multi-dimensional retail sector where every Atascaderan's shopping needs are served locally, so that we do not have to go chasing around the county to find what we want, and we do not have to spend so much of our money elsewhere. A comment to this posting was sent in asking me, just out of curiosity, what I think about Wal-Mart. That does not really have anything to do with the subject of this posting. Also, the individual who submitted the comment did not give his or her full name. So I am not going to publish the comment. Nevertheless, here is my response to the inquiry.

I consider it unfortunate that there is so much focus on Wal-Mart in our community. It is distracting us from the larger problems which Atascadero is facing.

However the voters decide on the Shield Initiative, that decision will govern how I will deal with the Wal-Mart issue when it comes before the City Council. The voters’ will, as expressed in the Shield Initiative vote, should prevail.

My campaign is not driven by Wal-Mart. I am not recommending how to vote on the Initiative. The voters have already gotten enough divisive influence on Wal-Mart, and have pretty much made up their minds on the subject. They are not in need of leadership from me on the matter. My main concern is that the voters’ decision on the Shield Initiative should resolve the matter with finality, so that after the vote we will turn our community’s undivided attention to the many other pressing issues facing Atascadero.

I am not passionate about Wal-Mart, because it is not a make or break matter in relation to my vision for Atascadero. With or without Wal-Mart, my prescriptions for Atascadero do not change. Either way, the scope of the challenge will be formidable and, either way, the objective will be the same: to build up a multi-dimensional retail sector where every Atascaderan’s shopping needs are served locally, so that we do not have to go chasing around the county to find what we want, and we do not have to spend so much of our money elsewhere.

]]> Comment on Announcement of Candidacy by Pamela Nargie http://ljc.hostcentric.com/blog/?p=28#comment-544 Pamela Nargie Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:30:09 +0000 http://ljc.hostcentric.com/blog/?p=28#comment-544 I'll support you!! Count me for $500.00 It's the least I can do to support what is in my opinion the best hope in 40 years of living in SLO county and currently my neighbor to the south of my town of Templeton. P I’ll support you!! Count me for $500.00 It’s the least I can do to support what is in my opinion the best hope in 40 years of living in SLO county and currently my neighbor to the south of my town of Templeton.

P

]]> Comment on Pursuing Closure by Len Colamarino http://ljc.hostcentric.com/blog/?p=27#comment-490 Len Colamarino Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:39:16 +0000 http://ljc.hostcentric.com/blog/?p=27#comment-490 Not every issue should be referred by the City Council to the voters for resolution, but this is one that should be. When members of the Council were campaigning a couple of years ago, the need for the Wal-Mart issue to be decided by a voter referendum was not so apparent. Whatever the situation was then, though, the divisions have deepened and the passions have intensified to the point that we have to try to capture the therapeutic benefits to be gained from having the voters settle the Wal-Mart controversy by their own direct vote on the matter. One thing seems sure: enactment of the Shield Initiative by a 3-2 vote of the City Council would not do much to quell the controversy, and would almost certainly provoke renewed fighting by those claiming that the Council vote does not reflect the will of the people. In contrast, the fairness and finality of a decision by the voters would be difficult for either side to question. As to the eleven initiatives on the state ballot that you referred to, there were no notable cathartic effects from the initiatives because they did not arise from deeply divisive, vehement, public debates involving the entire populace, in the way that the Wal-Mart controversy has arisen in Atascadero. Not every issue should be referred by the City Council to the voters for resolution, but this is one that should be. When members of the Council were campaigning a couple of years ago, the need for the Wal-Mart issue to be decided by a voter referendum was not so apparent. Whatever the situation was then, though, the divisions have deepened and the passions have intensified to the point that we have to try to capture the therapeutic benefits to be gained from having the voters settle the Wal-Mart controversy by their own direct vote on the matter. One thing seems sure: enactment of the Shield Initiative by a 3-2 vote of the City Council would not do much to quell the controversy, and would almost certainly provoke renewed fighting by those claiming that the Council vote does not reflect the will of the people. In contrast, the fairness and finality of a decision by the voters would be difficult for either side to question. As to the eleven initiatives on the state ballot that you referred to, there were no notable cathartic effects from the initiatives because they did not arise from deeply divisive, vehement, public debates involving the entire populace, in the way that the Wal-Mart controversy has arisen in Atascadero.

]]> Comment on Pursuing Closure by Dan O'Grady http://ljc.hostcentric.com/blog/?p=27#comment-486 Dan O'Grady Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:32:00 +0000 http://ljc.hostcentric.com/blog/?p=27#comment-486 The key issue for Atascadero isn't Wal-Mart or creek setbacks or drive-thru invasions or assisting Colony Square, it's quality governance. Punting controversial issues to the public instead of making the difficult decisions inherent in governance undermines the integrity of the governing body. The failure of the city council to follow through on an ordinance in accordance with the city's settlement of a lawsuit compromised its integrity. What is the affect on the perceived integrity of individual city council members who campaigned and were elected based on clear positions on various issues such as Wal-Mart if they abdicate those positions and run for cover in the face of opposition? Why should the public bother to participate in the election of city council members if important issues will be put on the ballot anyway? I sure would not support a candidate whose inclination is to bailout and let the public decide controversial issues. Cathartic? Hardly. Sounds like a rationalization to me. And besides, if one initiative is so cathartic, then the eleven initiatives on the State ballot so far this fall should exorcise a lot of political demons, and we will all feel so much better about our State government. The key issue for Atascadero isn’t Wal-Mart or creek setbacks or drive-thru invasions or assisting Colony Square, it’s quality governance. Punting controversial issues to the public instead of making the difficult decisions inherent in governance undermines the integrity of the governing body. The failure of the city council to follow through on an ordinance in accordance with the city’s settlement of a lawsuit compromised its integrity. What is the affect on the perceived integrity of individual city council members who campaigned and were elected based on clear positions on various issues such as Wal-Mart if they abdicate those positions and run for cover in the face of opposition? Why should the public bother to participate in the election of city council members if important issues will be put on the ballot anyway? I sure would not support a candidate whose inclination is to bailout and let the public decide controversial issues. Cathartic? Hardly. Sounds like a rationalization to me. And besides, if one initiative is so cathartic, then the eleven initiatives on the State ballot so far this fall should exorcise a lot of political demons, and we will all feel so much better about our State government.

]]> Comment on COFFEE DRIVE-THRU by Len Colamarino http://ljc.hostcentric.com/blog/?p=17#comment-47 Len Colamarino Mon, 12 May 2008 15:52:40 +0000 http://ljc.hostcentric.com/blog/?p=17#comment-47 The fact that, as you say, "Atascadero does not have that much established 'character,'" is the very problem represented by COFFEE DRIVE-THRU. As long as projects such as this keep getting approved, Atascadero will continue to have no "character." There is a need to look more closely at these projects, especially when they are in the most prominent areas of the city, and to consider more carefully the impact that the projects have in terms of our community's "character," or lack thereof. There was nothing "mean" about talking about this project in a matter-of-fact, open discussion of the situation. Nothing personal was said, and no suggestion was made that anyone should not patronize the business. Reasonable, open discussion of our community's business cannot, and should not, be censored. Such censorship--self-imposed or otherwise--just produces a situation in which everyone is tiptoeing around, whispering behind each other's backs, and our community suffers because good business judgment is subordinated to political correctness. The fact that, as you say, “Atascadero does not have that much established ‘character,’” is the very problem represented by COFFEE DRIVE-THRU. As long as projects such as this keep getting approved, Atascadero will continue to have no “character.” There is a need to look more closely at these projects, especially when they are in the most prominent areas of the city, and to consider more carefully the impact that the projects have in terms of our community’s “character,” or lack thereof.

There was nothing “mean” about talking about this project in a matter-of-fact, open discussion of the situation. Nothing personal was said, and no suggestion was made that anyone should not patronize the business. Reasonable, open discussion of our community’s business cannot, and should not, be censored. Such censorship–self-imposed or otherwise–just produces a situation in which everyone is tiptoeing around, whispering behind each other’s backs, and our community suffers because good business judgment is subordinated to political correctness.

]]> Comment on A Sold Soul in Need of Redemption by Len Colamarino http://ljc.hostcentric.com/blog/?p=21#comment-46 Len Colamarino Mon, 12 May 2008 15:28:43 +0000 http://ljc.hostcentric.com/blog/?p=21#comment-46 The word "modern" should not scare you, Thelma. It refers not so much to the style of the architecture as to the planning principles and building standards to be used in laying out the new part of downtown. Since you raised the subject of style, though, I would suggest that the new buildings have the same architectural style as the old City Hall and the Printery, the dominant historic structures of the historic downtown bequeathed us by E.G. Lewis. The word “modern” should not scare you, Thelma. It refers not so much to the style of the architecture as to the planning principles and building standards to be used in laying out the new part of downtown. Since you raised the subject of style, though, I would suggest that the new buildings have the same architectural style as the old City Hall and the Printery, the dominant historic structures of the historic downtown bequeathed us by E.G. Lewis.

]]> Comment on A Major Museum in the Old City Hall by Len Colamarino http://ljc.hostcentric.com/blog/?p=24#comment-45 Len Colamarino Mon, 12 May 2008 15:19:13 +0000 http://ljc.hostcentric.com/blog/?p=24#comment-45 Thelma, you seem to be thinking that Atascadero is just another North County cow town, like Templeton and Santa Margarita. With its history as a Utopian community, Atascadero long ago transcended the routine Old West influences of its environs. Especially in its downtown area, E.G. Lewis gave Atascadero design refinements that distinguished it from just another place amid the ranchlands of the area. As to your suggestion to devote Atascadero's historic City Hall to a collection of local artifacts, it would be unfortunate to have to settle for such a small-time use for this majestic building. The City Hall's refined architecture, its grand scale, the elegance of its surrounding sculptures, the building's commanding position overlooking the artistically designed Sunken Gardens, would seem to make Atascadero's historic City Hall the perfect venue for a world-class art collection. Its location astride Highway 101 would also insure it access to a large population appreciative of the finer things. On that point, I think that you are also selling Atascadero short, Thelma, in implying that its citizenry would not appreciate a major art collection. As reflected in the Open Studios Tour sponsored by Arts Obispo each fall, Atascadero includes more fine artists among its residents than any other city in San Luis Obispo County. Atascadero also has a large number of residents who support the arts throughout the County, as the rolls of donors of non-profit institutions in the area confirm. In addition, Atascadero's demographics reveal the presence of a population more well-off than that of almost every other city in the area. And Atascadero's central location would make the museum accessible to appreciative individuals throughout the area. In short, the pertinent facts indicate that the Atascadero of today would be a good fit for the kind of world class art collection for which the historic City Hall would be the perfect showcase. Thelma, you seem to be thinking that Atascadero is just another North County cow town, like Templeton and Santa Margarita. With its history as a Utopian community, Atascadero long ago transcended the routine Old West influences of its environs. Especially in its downtown area, E.G. Lewis gave Atascadero design refinements that distinguished it from just another place amid the ranchlands of the area. As to your suggestion to devote Atascadero’s historic City Hall to a collection of local artifacts, it would be unfortunate to have to settle for such a small-time use for this majestic building. The City Hall’s refined architecture, its grand scale, the elegance of its surrounding sculptures, the building’s commanding position overlooking the artistically designed Sunken Gardens, would seem to make Atascadero’s historic City Hall the perfect venue for a world-class art collection. Its location astride Highway 101 would also insure it access to a large population appreciative of the finer things. On that point, I think that you are also selling Atascadero short, Thelma, in implying that its citizenry would not appreciate a major art collection. As reflected in the Open Studios Tour sponsored by Arts Obispo each fall, Atascadero includes more fine artists among its residents than any other city in San Luis Obispo County. Atascadero also has a large number of residents who support the arts throughout the County, as the rolls of donors of non-profit institutions in the area confirm. In addition, Atascadero’s demographics reveal the presence of a population more well-off than that of almost every other city in the area. And Atascadero’s central location would make the museum accessible to appreciative individuals throughout the area. In short, the pertinent facts indicate that the Atascadero of today would be a good fit for the kind of world class art collection for which the historic City Hall would be the perfect showcase.

]]> Comment on A Sold Soul in Need of Redemption by Thelma Moore http://ljc.hostcentric.com/blog/?p=21#comment-41 Thelma Moore Sun, 11 May 2008 22:42:50 +0000 http://ljc.hostcentric.com/blog/?p=21#comment-41 I agree with you, except for: "relocating the Junior High School and using that strategically positioned site for the development of an addition to the downtown area that would extend eastward from the City Administration Building. On that site, an idyllic modern downtown development can be imagined." Modern? Think again. This town needs to adopt a style. Early 20th Century Craftsman would look good, and be in keeping with the original times of the Colony formation. I agree with you, except for:

“relocating the Junior High School and using that strategically positioned site for the development of an addition to the downtown area that would extend eastward from the City Administration Building. On that site, an idyllic modern downtown development can be imagined.”

Modern? Think again. This town needs to adopt a style. Early 20th Century Craftsman would look good, and be in keeping with the original times of the Colony formation.

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