No Waiting

Tuesday, April 29, 2008 | Too often the genesis for development within the city of Chula Vista has been identified by way of waiting for the chance appearance of a “suitor.” However, there is no good reason for us—i.e. the city of Chula Vista, or for that matter any of us throughout San Diego County—to just wait for a suitor or chance cards to show. The culture should be to seek out, or preserve as the case may be, that which comports with the character of our city or area, thereby also comporting with our character as individuals. This means that character, or identity, must first be defined. The General Plan Protection Initiative, or Prop. E, is about defining the identity of Chula Vista. It has been said that “there needs to be a there there.” The initiative should be considered in the light of whether it would protect the character and identity of Chula Vista(ns), already defined by all concerned Chula Vistans, through many meetings involving much civil discourse and exchange of ideas, manifested in the agreement reached and articulated in the general plan. The residents of any area, including Chula Vista, naturally define their own character, be it by statement, or silence. Does the initiative provide the guaranteed opportunity for residents to ensure they say what their identity is, and not surrogates in this time of crisis in trust concerning our political and corporate culture? Is wealth, solely in terms of money, our only consideration, as it has been allowed to be the defining characteristic in other areas of this county and country? I think this is also about the opportunity to conserve and develop Chula Vista as a model of wholesome and happy excellence. If you will: “Carpe diem”: make use of the opportunity.

Feel free to email Todd Glanz with comments.