Take Back Eureka's first get together was very successful. I spoke later to two of the main organizers, Michelle Costantine and Cornelius Loewenstein, both local business owners as well as a few of the attendees, after the event.
"This movement is grassroots and should stay grassroots," said Loewenstein.
"We need to make City Council accountable," said Costantine. "They need pushback."
The organizers realize some ideas and solutions can be implemented at the City level but others need to be addressed at the County and State level. Costantine said that City and County officials need to advocate for local citizens and their concerns at the state level.
At the very first meeting, the organizers expected to hear many stories. Costantine said the morning session was "mixed" with both stories and solutions. "There are so many stories; we tried to keep the stories to a minimum."
The next step is an action plan and communicating concerns to City, County and State officials. Costantine is already doing that with Prop 47 and writing to Assemblymembers and Senators about the impact on local businesses and citizens.
A concern expressed both to Costantine as well as me was that some business owners are reluctant to be on record or photographed due to financial and social backlash.
The organizers thanked EPD Interim Chief Steve Watson, Captain Patrick O'Neill and Old Town Officer Cory Crinch for attending.
City of Eureka's Community Development Services Director Rob Holmlund and Homeless Services Program Manager Lynette Mullen also attended the morning meeting.
No Eureka City Council members were at the morning meeting from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
All agreed that the event was "well received, positive and a great first step."
"It was truly a love fest of concerned citizens, all inclusive, not exclusive," said Loewenstein.
Approximately 25 people attended the morning session.
There was another meeting this evening at Old Town Coffee and Chocolates from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and had more people.
The group plans to meet regularly and besides concerns, be a support group for business owners and community members.
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http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2017/09/take-back-eureka-businesses-citizens.html?m=1
Anyone Remember the Guardian Angels from the 80's? We need a group similar to them that can fallow the trouble makers around and non-violently observe them. Hawking them and refusing to relent until they leave town. It's hard to do wrong with an angel on your shoulder.
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