Henry, Wow, that is quite a “quick comment”. I hope you will continue to write on this vital issue and explore the situation in much more depth. I agree with you that gentrification of an area is not a desired outcome if you care about economic equality, justice and humanity. Fighting the negative pressures of redevelopment/revitalization is one of my primary concerns and it motivates me to contribute my time and energy to the Oak Park community. To me, gentrification denotes the displacement of current residents as rents and property values increases.That is a very possible outcome for Oak Park. It is not the only outcome nor is it one we can accept. We all claim to value and love dive

A few basics should be mentioned first. It does not matter where UCD Med is as far as balancing populations. Also, look on a map and you will see that UCD and the Medical buildings running down Stockton Blvd. have an impact on several neighborhoods not only Oak Park or Elmhurst. UCD has been in District 5 since the start of redistricting. Oak Park has also always been in District 5. So, for 40 years UCD and Oak Park enjoyed the same representative on the City Council. There are benefits that come with being a Council member representing such a large economic and community asset and with the relationships that are formed. Otherwise, it would not have been prized so highly by the players.

A looter enters a vault to grab a valuable gold crown studded with beautiful diamonds and topped with a magnificent ruby. While loading the loot, he is surrounded by an overwhelming show of police. The police negotiator, captain and even many of his neighbors talk sense to the thief and assure him that he cannot get away with the theft. Just give it up. They will even let him go back to his home without charges. “Compromise” says the looter. “We must reach a reasonable compromise. I promise that I will sacrifice and leave the crown behind. Yes, I will suffer and only take the diamonds and ruby. Don’t feel you must thank me but you’re welcome.” Council member McCarty offers a compromise:

This is not an easy piece for me to write as I have long been active in democratic and gay politics and am loathe to criticize my heritage; my affiliation with the Democratic Party started with my grandparents and parents. In the 90s, I was privileged to serve on the board and as chair of the River City Democratic Club (RCDC) which was the precursor to Stonewall. RCDC worked on a grass roots level to help elect officials who were supportive of LGBT issues as we didn’t have many opportunities to support LGBT candidates. Fortunately that has changed. Also, RCDC recognized our natural alliance with other minorities and formed relationships with many groups to fight for equality and represen

In preparation for the Toy Give-Away by the Oak Park Neighborhood Association (OPNA), the community is invited to the Gift Wrapping and Pot Luck dinner on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009 from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services at 3333 3rd Avenue. All are invited to join the festivities, bring some food, maybe a gift and or wrapping and get into the season of sharing. Or just show up and eat some food, meet some new friends, and help with the wrapping. OPNA is collecting and will distribute gifts to Oak Park children for the 5th year. Each year, hundreds of children receive gifts and this year the number is likely to be even greater than previous years. The goal is t