Your Man Around Town! - December 21, 2016

You may say I'm a dreamer

But I'm not the only one
I hope some day you'll join us
And the world will be as one 

– John Lennon

Take a seat, close your eyes (ok, not literally, as I want you to read this), and indulge me for a minute.

The Dream. The year is 2021. Foster City is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Leo Ryan Park is bustling with people enjoying the many activities. Summer Concerts. Movies under the Stars. Sidewalk cafes with people having coffee, others enjoying ice cream. Open-air restaurants that serve a good steak or pasta like “mama made,” all the while enjoying a view of the Lagoon. Our man-made “lake” that is at the center of our City.

Now add in a BRAND NEW recreation/community center on the Peninsula, offering classes in cooking, pottery making, ballroom dancing, or filmmaking. The list of potential programs is endless. Maybe your game is bocce, chess or horseshoes! Come join a team and enjoy a little sportsmanship while playing with your Foster City family/friends.

I may be a dreamer, but folks – you can help make this dream a reality! I encourage you to get involved by voicing your opinion. After all, this is your City too!

The Holidays are Here. Last week, Foster City celebrated the tree lighting at Leo Ryan Park. Thank you to the Rotary Club for the hot apple cider and cookies – both were delicious (trust me, I may have had more than one!). I couldn’t be prouder as a resident and current City Councilmember that our Parks & Recreation Department, under leadership of Jennifer Liu and her staff, for once again putting together an evening of fun for all who attended. From the movie, Frosty the Snow Man to a visit with Santa, it was a great way to kick-off the holiday season.

The Chance to Make a Difference. As one of your five elected Councilmembers, I pride myself on listening to you for your valued feedback. Whether you call me, stop me around town, or reach out via social media, your thoughtful input is appreciated. However, there are some people who post comments on Facebook and Nextdoor complaining about how our City has changed – more traffic, high-rise buildings, not enough restaurants, and list goes on. 

Friends, Foster City is everyone’s city, from those who have lived here since the 60’s to our newest residents who just arrived. Every two years we elect representatives who have a common objective – keeping Foster City safe. I serve at the pleasure of all of you, and help create policy with my colleagues that allow us to move the City forward, while respecting the past. If you want change, join the Council and make a difference. Or contact any one of us directly. We are here for you, and look forward to jointly creating positive change and growth.

I am once again excited for the New Year. Our Council will meet January 21st to discuss and set our policy calendar. There are many issues I will continue to champion.

The Giving Spirit. I leave you with this thought: The holidays are a special time of year, where we make special memories as we gather with family and loved ones. It is also a time to reflect back on those loved ones we’ve lost. Do your part by treating everyone as you would want to be treated. Not just at this time of year, but every day.

 
Warmest wishes for a happy holiday season,