As a taxpayer, I often hesitate to endorse or even contribute to homeless activities. There are SO many lofty titled charities receiving funds, grants, tax dollars and so little improvement is seen.
These charities seem to have such little record keeping of just where all these tax dollars go. as an example : TIRES, REPAIR seem to have little to do with homeless support.
When April Ramirez was running for office, i had little expectations that she would offer worthwhile representation, but she has become a resounding advocate of asking the tough questions that need answers and transparency for residents.
I wish as much money that is given away for homelessness, art endeavors, etc was spent on tax payers needs.
I wish someone would vette these charities to make sure they are actually registered and in good standing with government regulations as some appear not to be.
1. If an organization is using vehicles to drive around the Morongo Basin doing homeless support, delivering food, taking people to medical appointments, transporting people to shelters etc….isn’t it reasonable that the vehicles being used might need maintenance, repairs and tires? Especially given road conditions here? I can't speak to the specifics of that claim, but in general vehicle expenses are valid for homelessness work.
2. Regarding Councilmember Ramirez, of course calling out waste is important. However, doesn’t the way it’s done matter? When does publicly accusing nonprofit organizations such as CVHC and ARCH, often with selective use of the facts or a lack of factual basis, constitute public shaming and not responsible governance?
I spoke to this at Council in public comment in August. There are ways to handle accusations to ensure they are properly addressed. Is publicly airing accusations as though they are facts, prior to investigation, as a committee member, from the City Council dais or on Facebook, really effective governance?
Sometimes it’s important to also look at context and motives when considering the actions of public officials….some of the work being done is needed, and sometimes it appears to be more about the public officials than the public good IMO (Speaking as an ex-City official.)
As a taxpayer, I often hesitate to endorse or even contribute to homeless activities. There are SO many lofty titled charities receiving funds, grants, tax dollars and so little improvement is seen.
These charities seem to have such little record keeping of just where all these tax dollars go. as an example : TIRES, REPAIR seem to have little to do with homeless support.
When April Ramirez was running for office, i had little expectations that she would offer worthwhile representation, but she has become a resounding advocate of asking the tough questions that need answers and transparency for residents.
I wish as much money that is given away for homelessness, art endeavors, etc was spent on tax payers needs.
I wish someone would vette these charities to make sure they are actually registered and in good standing with government regulations as some appear not to be.
Hi Clyde,
Thanks as always for your comments!
1. If an organization is using vehicles to drive around the Morongo Basin doing homeless support, delivering food, taking people to medical appointments, transporting people to shelters etc….isn’t it reasonable that the vehicles being used might need maintenance, repairs and tires? Especially given road conditions here? I can't speak to the specifics of that claim, but in general vehicle expenses are valid for homelessness work.
2. Regarding Councilmember Ramirez, of course calling out waste is important. However, doesn’t the way it’s done matter? When does publicly accusing nonprofit organizations such as CVHC and ARCH, often with selective use of the facts or a lack of factual basis, constitute public shaming and not responsible governance?
I spoke to this at Council in public comment in August. There are ways to handle accusations to ensure they are properly addressed. Is publicly airing accusations as though they are facts, prior to investigation, as a committee member, from the City Council dais or on Facebook, really effective governance?
Sometimes it’s important to also look at context and motives when considering the actions of public officials….some of the work being done is needed, and sometimes it appears to be more about the public officials than the public good IMO (Speaking as an ex-City official.)
I just came across this great article explaining this topic, very well....
https://nwri.org/what-are-community-land-trusts-and-land-banks/ This I believe is the plan for the basin and there is a very long running agenda, which is not "conspiracy"