Yes, the Community Voice is a good place to discuss the General Plan Update; but, an even better place, is the June 5 City Council meeting, starting at 7:00 p.m. A 3rd General Plan Update public workshop will be held to review Part II of the Economic Report describing the City's Fiscal capacity and Public Infrastructure Analysis. The City Council will also be asked to approve the New Land Use Designations presented at the previous meeting. More information at: www.cityoflapalma.org/generalplan

At last Monday evening's General Plan meeting, there were several opinions offered by members of the Development Committee and the public that were passionate and well considered. The planning team offered a proposed plan for next several decades that brought forth strong reactions. It seems that the main contentions are two-fold. One, La Palma needs to do something to support sustainment (economic survival) of the city, and, two, the citizens do not want to lose the character of the community through and increased population density. I believe that the plan needs to be revised to encourage revenue generation without creating heavy population densities, otherwise the public will not support the plan. The towncenter segment needs to be scaled back to offer something more reflective of the city's character to draw local and outside visitors and not include residences.

In talking with my neighbors in my district, at least 85% agree that they do not want more rental properties. It is the city's responsibility to listen to their citizens. I do not believe that the "consultants" hired understand this city. They sound like they want La Palma to follow their own cookie cutter mold. This city is very affordable to those who are responsible with their finances and careers. If you can't afford it, then you need to plan your finances more effectively. The citizens should not have to pay the price for lowered expectations. The city needs to find another way to increase revenue, perhaps through cuts in city jobs and temporary tax increases until the economy improves.

We have enough rental properties in La Palma. This is not a rental property type of city. I am not a business person, but I am assuming that you can't legislate a minimum rental price to keep up our city's culture. Living in certain locales is not a right. It is a privilege. The housing here is very affordable considering our city services. I can't afford Palos Verdes on my salary, but I don't feel entitled to it either (not saying this is your case). I may not agree on some of the reasons one would want to rent, but I know there are some valid ones.

On October 16th the city council will hold hearings on this issue....come and express your thoughts.

Yes, I will be there. Thanks.