Alhambra - The Gateway City

The April 28th (2008) City Council Meeting at City Hall in Alhambra was an opportunity for community members to voice their concerns over a number of issues impacting the community. The meeting kicked off with about 60 members of the Asian Youth Center and Friends of Clean Air sharing with the Council various statistics and commentary about the negative health effects of secondhand smoke and arguing for a ban on smoking in Alhambra city parks. There were also a number of other issues discussed including the relocation of a neighborhood church, the installation of new stop signs, work on the Alhambra Public Library and how city funds are allocated for work in the city. All of these issues impact all who reside and work in Alhambra.

By attending City Council meetings you get a front row seat to see how decisions are made, ordinances put into place and how you as a resident of Alhambra can be a part of the process. It’s clear the Council is genuinely interested in hearing from the public on a variety of matters. However, there were few members of the faith community there to weigh in on these topics of concern. We can make an impact in our city by getting involved in these meetings, as citizens raise issues and the City Council responds to the challenges facing our city. City Council meetings are on alternating Monday nights from 7-9 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. They are open to the public and you may address the Council directly by submitting a blue card during the open session of the meeting. You will be called on and you have five minutes to present your remarks.

I encourage you to attend one of these meetings. It really opened my eyes to many things going on in our city that we can be praying for and getting involved with. It’s also a reminder of how our democratic political process needs the input of all of its citizens, especially those committed to seeing God's Shalom come to our city.

By Dawn Miller
DawnM@kingdomcauses.org