The Marinade Whets but Does Not Sate the Appetite
I was happy to hear District 6 City Council Candidate Dylan Boldt speaking up to dispel the myths surrounding rent stabilization. (Something his opponent, Robert Bulatao, also enthusiastically supports.) Because of inflation and the high cost of living here in the Bay Area, rents are going up as much as 10% year over year. Meanwhile, most people's salaries are stagnant and they're already paying more than 1/3 of their income for rent as is! I think those skeptics, like Lee, should take a look at the broad-based movement from the Big Tent - San Leandro and the work we're doing on housing reform.
As for Ed Hernandez, apparently, he's lying again. This time about our crime stats and economic development. Crime is a problem, but fearmongering about a "27-year high" doesn't even match what SLPD has reported, which is that crime is actually down in 2024 compared to 2023. How is he supposed to be a credible leader on improving public safety when he doesn't know what the actual crime rate is? As for economic development, Ed was on the council when the failed deal to develop the Marina was created. Ed was on council when residents clamored for new businesses. He couldn't deliver then, but expects us to believe he can deliver now?
I do think it's interesting that Ed, Lee, and Lee's co-host, Steven Tavares, now support election reform! That's something myself and many community organizers in San Leandro have been advocating to do for years. I wish they had supported those changes before now, but better late than never! (Unrelated: Back in 2021 Tavares declared me his new enemy, which was a weird thing for a journalist. But maybe he got over it?)
The city has long been in violation of the California Voting Rights Act by not having actual district elections. It makes the cost of running for elected office insanely prohibitive for working folks, meaning most elected officials are independently wealthy or owned by special interests. More importantly, it means that some districts are underserved and underrepresented, where the people of Broadmoor and Estudillo Estate get more support and sway than those in Mission Bay or the Manor.
Overall, it was a good season for Lee's podcast and it's a welcome addition to the critical conversations happening in our community. Even when Lee and Tavares get it wrong - and wow they sure do sometimes - our city needs as many forums to listen and learn about what's going on as possible. If we want to build a better San Leandro, I can't think of a better way to start than by sitting down to have a meal and actually talk with each other.
Take note and take care.
As for Ed Hernandez, apparently, he's lying again. This time about our crime stats and economic development. Crime is a problem, but fearmongering about a "27-year high" doesn't even match what SLPD has reported, which is that crime is actually down in 2024 compared to 2023. How is he supposed to be a credible leader on improving public safety when he doesn't know what the actual crime rate is? As for economic development, Ed was on the council when the failed deal to develop the Marina was created. Ed was on council when residents clamored for new businesses. He couldn't deliver then, but expects us to believe he can deliver now?
I do think it's interesting that Ed, Lee, and Lee's co-host, Steven Tavares, now support election reform! That's something myself and many community organizers in San Leandro have been advocating to do for years. I wish they had supported those changes before now, but better late than never! (Unrelated: Back in 2021 Tavares declared me his new enemy, which was a weird thing for a journalist. But maybe he got over it?)
The city has long been in violation of the California Voting Rights Act by not having actual district elections. It makes the cost of running for elected office insanely prohibitive for working folks, meaning most elected officials are independently wealthy or owned by special interests. More importantly, it means that some districts are underserved and underrepresented, where the people of Broadmoor and Estudillo Estate get more support and sway than those in Mission Bay or the Manor.
Overall, it was a good season for Lee's podcast and it's a welcome addition to the critical conversations happening in our community. Even when Lee and Tavares get it wrong - and wow they sure do sometimes - our city needs as many forums to listen and learn about what's going on as possible. If we want to build a better San Leandro, I can't think of a better way to start than by sitting down to have a meal and actually talk with each other.
Take note and take care.
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