And it all culminated with the approval to demolish the historic Palo Alto Bowl. Or an easier way to say it might be ... laying out the welcome mat for annother rich special interest to use their money to surpass public opinion.
Nevermind that the alley is the best form of recreation for many disabled people. Nevermind that many of these same people are unable to travel to, say, Homestead Lanes in Cupertino. Nevermind that this demolition goes against the discrimination ares of both the Americans With Disabilites Act and the United States Code; just as swimming pools are required to meet ADA standards, Palo Alto Bowl should be kept open. As the best type of recreation for the group already discriminated against the most. "By far."
In zoning most of their city for housing, council should have realized what they were doing. In a fair world, the public would have been consulted. In a fair world, disabled people would have a voice; a place in government decision-making. And in a fair world, dollar signs wouldn't block a government from being one that is actually for the people.
And El Camino wouldn't be littered with eyesores. And the "new" Lytton Plaza wouldn't be so awful-looking. And finally, the Walgreen's building on University (which replaced the awesome century-old structure that burned down) would not be the ugliest building I have ever had the displeasure of stepping into. It really is, yes.
I am so tired of this; of not seeing any real progress. I am tired of the reality of discrimination by backseat special interests; I am tired of the public's continued distrust of Palo Alto Council; I am just ... tired.
Everybody reading this message: to contact Barry Swenson Builder, go here (the "Administration" page has direct e-mails for the president, etc)...
Web Link
For Palo Alto City Council contact info, go here...
Web Link
The decision to run for government is a willingness to rise above the rest; to carefully listen to all sides of an issue and then make a decision that would best benefit the city and its residents. I for one could never be part of a group that discriminates, whether that discrimination be outright or otherwise.
