Local Rant

Why, when draconian financial cuts are necessary in the state of California, are we considering (and paying consultants to consider) multi million-dollar projects for soccer fields in Pasadena and library expansion in Altadena?

Sweet little children came to my door to promote a property tax increase, a measure which failed by the way, saying “Please vote yes so we can have school books and pencils,” and so, ok, I voted yes. Yet, when things are so bad that kids go shilling, we’ve got $21 million to expand our pretty little library (a place which is darned empty in the book aisles, I might add). Or now they say with fiscal responsibility, that tag can be cut in half – so it’s give or take $11 million. And then how many millions for the athletic fields and parking lots at Haha?

If this money was allocated a few years ago -- to plant structures on open space, build underground parking lots, and the like, when we were all drinking champagne from chandeliers -- can we bring it back to the table and count up what's left? At least before the consultants gulp it down?

I’m no wizard with a budget, but I do know the difference between salad days and soup kitchens. And before the powers-that-be start excavating the current library, they might want to check in with at least three of the homeless men camped outside.