City Manager Derek Johnson’s “visionary initiatives” changed SLO for the better | Opinion
Changes for the better
“SLO’s top manager is leaving the city after 12 years. Here’s where he’s going,” (sanluisobispo.com, Feb. 23)
In my 35 years in San Luis Obispo, I’ve witnessed lots of change, particularly in recent years. I’m proud of our city for approving a sales tax increase, enabling transformative projects citywide. Kudos to the city council for their graceful leadership amid challenges, and to City Manager Derek Johnson for his visionary initiatives.
Johnson’s advocacy for the cultural arts core is evident in plans for the SLO Repertory Theatre and the SLO Museum of Art, and additions to the Children’s Museum and the History Center, all within walking distance of each other and of a parking structure.
Bicycle safety has also improved notably around town (Marsh Street, for example, has one less traffic lane, but safe bike lanes). The city has attracted and retained good firms providing good jobs, worked with downtown businesses through pandemic challenges and partnered with Cal Poly to foster entrepreneurship and business growth.
Maintaining a distinct urban boundary preserves nearby green spaces while fostering infill and mixed-use development. This approach has cultivated a vibrant cityscape with a strong focus on the arts, environmental sustainability, open space preservation, housing, water security and inclusive community care.
Steve McGrath
San Luis Obispo
Opinion
Hidden strength
“Senior women are more than just grandmas — and it’s time Hollywood, the media took notice,” (sanluisobispo.com, Feb. 21)
Linda Lewis Griffith’s piece on the status of senior women was right on. I am an irregular gym attendee and have had the discomfiting experience following a “grandma” on a weight machine, only to find that she was lifting double the weight I possibly could! Living in a 55-plus community has really opened my eyes to how active, vital and strong these women are.
You go, girls!
Michael Morin
Los Osos
Get a clue
“More rain is coming to SLO County — including a chance of flooding and strong winds,” (sanluisobispo.com, Feb. 15)
When I saw the side-by-side headlines on the front page of the Tribune’s Friday, February 15 edition, I had to chuckle. The headline on the left read: “More rain, chance of flooding coming to SLO County.” The headline on the right read: “More water cutbacks could be coming to SLO County.” Talk about covering all the bases.
On reflection, I became slightly depressed because it occurred to me that there was a real possibility the county organization in charge of water issues hasn’t a clue. I recommend that that organization get a two-sided sign that they can hang on their door. On one side, the sign can say: “Drought conditions, you need us.” On the reverse side, the sign can say: “Flooding conditions, you need us.”
Reed Coray
Los Osos
Solutions to housing crisis
“SLO County housing market closes 2023 with ‘sluggish’ sales — but experts hopeful for 2024,” (sanluisobispo.com, Jan. 30)
Federal disinvestments in housing have created problems for working people with modest wages, seniors, people with disabilities and individuals with serious mental illness or addiction.
By expanding project-based vouchers, housing capacity is expanded permanently. Vouchers guarantee an income-based subsidy for tenants in a unit over a long time period so developers can afford to build these units. This type of voucher has been used to excellent effect in adding housing to accommodate formerly homeless veterans, resulting in cutting the number of homeless vets in SLO County from 300 to less than 20.
Congress could also expand federal tax credit financing for low-income projects as well as support for adding workforce and farmworker housing. We must continue our commitment to end veteran homelessness and ensure ongoing support for the Medicaid waiver that supports CalAIM, which lets Medicaid health plans pay for various housing supports.
Susan Funk
Atascadero
Better lighting needed
“Flying out of SLO airport this Thanksgiving? Here are some tips to make the experience easy,” (sanluisobispo.com, Nov. 21)
When arriving at the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport last Sunday evening at about 8 p.m. after a five week trip out of the country, I tried to locate my vehicle in the general parking lot which my friend left for me the previous day. I had a general idea where it was parked, and, when using my key fob, I found it near the end of a row. I quickly walked between two cars to get to the next row in the total darkness, and tripped over an unseen cement ground bumper.
I took a hard fall on the asphalt, falling on my previously injured shoulder, forearm/elbow, hand and knee. Flat on my back, I checked for immediate injuries and blood. Fortunately, there was very little blood, but major pain. After taking a time out, I was able to get up.
At 77, I know that falling kills more old people than anything else. This could all have been avoided if there had been proper lighting. I urge the Airport Commission to review the lighting in the parking facility and make appropriate changes before others are injured.
Jeff Weidler
Paso Robles
Navalny’s message
“Navalny’s widow vows to continue his fight against the Kremlin and punish Putin for his death,” (sanluisobispo.com, Feb 19)
As American legislators remain ossified and inert, a courageous Russian, Alexei Navalny, has reminded the world of the cost of freedom. His simple message was that freedom is something to be fought for. Once gained, it must be protected.
Ironically, that message aligns with the newest democracy, Ukraine, but is being forgotten by the oldest one. Pax Americana may become a transient gift of history. Refugees recognize this and flock to America’s borders to experience freedom while it lasts, but freedom only lasts when branded firmly in our hearts by the fires of justice, equality and opportunity. For this to happen, legislation is sorely needed. Democracy cannot last if one or two individuals block the legislative process in defiance of the majority.
Ukrainians have a long way to go in establishing a functioning democracy. We could help them by providing a good example. Where is our own Navalny?
Dan Biezad
San Luis Obispo
