In an historical context, the dustbin of history is filled with people and events that have lost their value, either through the passage of time, new information or irrelevance. Along with once important, but now discarded theories and ideologies, the dustbin may also contain concepts and plans that were once bright, shiny objects commanding attention, but now relegated to obscure footnotes, far from public attention or action.
As we enter a new year filled with anticipation, the increasingly rapid transfer of information is not only a boon to society, but a possible perilous deterrent to thoughtful and extensive analysis of current events, their genesis and impact. News cycles are so rapid that in many cases, hot topics of the moment are fleeting; by the next day, or even hour, they are past their prime, eclipsed by another cause célèbre.
At the national level, there have been so many controversies that it is unremarkable to wonder at the pace of change and political shenanigans that have transpired. On the local scene, we have seen our share of hot topics and vigorous debate although not always as flagrant as some of the national hullabaloo. Looking back over the past year, there are many issues that have changed the political landscape and others with potential for continued consideration if retrieved from our local dustbin.
The prime topics of discussion for the southeast Bay Area revolve around transportation, housing, climate change, education and economic considerations (i.e. cost of living). Intertwined within these topics is a question of quality of life. What is being done to preserve and promote the health and happiness of those living and working in our communities? We have seen the completion of some impressive civic projects, such as Newark Civic Center, Hayward Library, and Fremont’s Event Center. However, Fremont’s new city hall has yet to materialize. An example of a dustbin issue is the creation and implementation of the California Nursery property of Fremont into a historical park. Lost in the tangles of bureaucratic morass and other hot topics, this grand scheme has been dormant. Another grand recreational plan that has landed on a shelf of obscurity is the park envisioned at the terminus of Auto Mall Parkway. These ideas are not always permanently relegated to the dust bin, but need to be revived or at least considered on an annual basis.
To be fair, there are many projects including skate parks, dog parks, recreational facilities and other amenities to promote a good quality of life that have progressed and been completed. New civic facilities are in the works and so are streetscapes and mobility action plans. It may be a good exercise for each city council to take time during a work session or council meeting to BRIEFLY outline the projects initiated and completed or in progress. Although this is done in extensive and lengthy documents and reports such as a Capital Improvement Program (CIP), for most citizens there is too much detail involved and eyes glaze over when contemplating such a review.
A benefit of a macro review would be to involve a large group of residents in the process of cleaning out any debris remaining in the dustbin and making sure that our cycle of review is meaningful to as many as possible. Assessments of past actions, if balanced, can become a solid foundation for future growth and prosperity.
It is apparent that growth of industry and population in our area not only brings economic advantages, but adverse impacts as well. Exorbitant housing costs increase the woes of urban crowding – traffic, frustration, crime. With the influx of new workplace opportunities come challenges for our elected leaders. A timely outline of proposed projects will provide constituents with a clear and understandable guide to civic progress.
The beginning of a new year is an opportunity to peek into our dustbin and make sure it is clean for 2024.