I recently read a commentary by Londie Padelsky (“Cart without a horse,” Nov. 16). In it she talks about the sheer hypocritical approach of the SLO City Council on housing and building development. First, I want to thank her for her honesty. As a SLOcal, I’ve lived here since birth and now I can’t stand to live here anymore. I’ve recently been affected by gentrification and mental health issues, in big ways: having a girlfriend commit suicide, a best friend and his girlfriend move because they can’t afford it anymore. Tupac said it best: I see no changes. Friends I’ve known are dying in county jail almost every day. The pressure is inexplicable, the disrespectful attitude to anyone average or involved in the struggle is appallingly blatant, and every day no hope comes.
How long do privilege and blessings last? What’s the point of the happiest town in the world if it’s exclusive?
My mom was on the board at the Housing Authority of San Luis Obispo. After a minor mental breakdown, she’s living in senior housing near the Amtrak station, and it’s absolutely shit and run-down squalor. Friends on Section 8 tell me it’s not worth it, because no low-income housing exists, no jobs pay enough, and a tiny house is a pipe dream from some far-off distant hipster fantasy.
This is my hometown, my birthright. I’m not leaving. I work here because I want to. The cogs of agenda are always turning, however, and instinctively, I know it’s best to “get out of Dodge.”
Keep doing what you’re doing.
Joseph Steinmann
SLO
This article appears in Nov 30 – Dec 10, 2017.
Like OMG, what a brilliant, hard hitting recitation of multiple truths. I am a fifth generation native of northern San Luis Obispo County. I thank God I retired from the feds at least before the shit hit the fan. If you trip in this county, there is no hand up. If you fall flat on your face, you are down for the count. The only thing these power hungry bastards
understand is sue them in civil court. Because while you are down they will put their boot on your face to try to make sure you won’t get up again. But get up. Rise up. Strip them of their anonymity in the media, and ask for a jury trial. I have gotten up. Iam rising up in 2018 and i am coming for them. Thank you Mr.Joseph Steinmann, Shredder, and New Times for the inspiration. Happy holidays. Respectfully, Paula Fisk, Northern San Luis Obispo County, 805 769-6001