Opinion: Douglas Sierra: Fighting for a stronger, more prosperous San Fernando Valley
The American dream is wilting. The San Fernando Valley I grew up in promised me that if I worked hard and saved my money, I could own a home, not worry about the safety of my kids, go on vacation now and again and retire with dignity. This was our American dream: the reason my parents left El Salvador to emigrate to this country 40 years ago.
That dream instead has unfolded into a grossly unaffordable cost of living, a rise in homelessness, a decrease in public safety, rampant dumping, disintegration of our roads and stagnant wages to boot. Unfortunately, our elected officials were asleep at the wheel while all of this happened. Local Valley politicians such as Raul Bocanegra and Richard Alarcon were all different versions of the same type of leader. Nury Martinez was just the latest iteration.
When I was out canvassing in my run for council, I encountered many instances where there were up to six people crammed into a one-bedroom apartment because this was the only way they could afford the rent. On another occasion, I became aware of a street pole that had been knocked over because of a car accident three weeks prior with no sight of assistance on its way. Often we now see entire sidewalks blocked with tents.
In my view, our great district can be restored not to what it once was, but instead to greater heights. In order to get there, we need leaders with varied life and professional experience. This is particularly true as we near a looming recession in the next 12 months. I believe the only way to recapture what was lost is to center the lives of the people who live here, in earnest. To understand their lives at every level.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sierra ski resorts plan to stay open into JulyThe slopes are open for summer, at least in Northern California.
Read more »
Cardiff native Sierra Enge excited to debut with Wave FC this seasonThe San Diego Wave FC will open its season this tonight at Snapdragon Stadium with a new addition that’s a familiar face here in San Diego.
Read more »
Paradise Valley father with ALS raises money for families fighting the same diseaseAn Arizona father of two diagnosed with ALS is refusing to give up, and he's now fighting for others battling the disease without financial resources.
Read more »
Leading SA: Fighting diabetes one day at a timeMarch 28 is Diabetes Alert Day, a one-day “wake-up call” that focuses on the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of understanding your risk. Dr. Carolina Solis-Herrera, Chief of the Endocrinology Division at UT Health San Antonio, joined Leading SA to discuss the issues across our community.
Read more »
How women are fighting back against the gender wage gapIn any business, there are barriers— some movable, some solid as a brick. Sometimes the trick is determining which is which.
Read more »