Rock-tober 31, 2018

This past summer, a particularly contentious issue permeated daily life in Long Beach where I grew up. Residents voted on a bond that, if approved, would fully renovate the high school campus. No one denied that a rehab was in order. Originally constructed in the 50's, many of the buildings were showing their age when I attended in the 80's nearly forty years ago. A modernizing renovation would provide new spaces for the band, choir, and theater groups, address security concerns, and provide ample meeting and dining space for the burgeoning student population. These are all good things, so what's the problem? The price tag was $20 million.

Opponents of the bond cited that taxes in Long Beach were already some of the highest on the coast, and this was only going to exacerbate that condition. Additionally, the school district was already in the midst of repaying $4.5 million on existing bonds. Moreover, while extensive, the renovation did not address all problems such as periodic flooding. Yet another concern was that maintenance and upkeep were not properly accounted for in the pricing scheme.

Many took to social media to express their views and debate the matter. From all the commentary I saw, everything remained cordial. Until it didn't. On a public forum, a classmate posted her opposing views on the bond, and the forum administrator summarily deleted her post. That kicked off a firestorm as other classmates, some on the opposite side of the debate, rallied to her defense. A common narrative was, "I don't agree with your views, but your voice still needs to be heard and your post should not have been deleted."

At that moment I was proud to call Long Beach my hometown. Respect for and a spirited defense of an opposing view - how did my former classmates get it right while a lot of the country is getting it wrong?

Maybe we paid attention in Civics class where we learned an informed electorate was critical to a functioning society. A number of my classmates with legitimate questions made concerted efforts to educate themselves. They did the research and attended public hearings and panel discussions.

Possibly we're just old school. We've determined that southern hospitality and cordiality are not myths, and sitting in anonymity behind a computer screen spewing vitriol at any perceived offense is a sad existence and false courage.

Perhaps we just did a better job of remembering the simple lessons of respect and kindness towards others learned at our mothers' knee.

You have my thanks for allowing me to intrude briefly into your lives these past 31 days with these daily dispatches. Composing them has been sometimes cathartic, sometimes comical, but always rewarding. Remember, simple lessons are always the best.

Rock-tober out.