Measure P opponents miss the bigger issue

Many who oppose Measure P hark back to their own arrival in Chico, drawn by its smalltown allure, and wish to freeze it in time. But every new arrival has contributed to Chico's evolution. The real transformation, however, isn't in our town's streets and buildings; it's in the fabric of our community itself. Once, our daily lives were interwoven with acts of neighborliness, volunteering, and a robust involvement in local clubs and charitable organizations. This collective spirit is waning, not because Chico has changed, but because societal engagement has.

Blaming Measure P or similar development efforts for altering Chico's character misses the broader issue. Our town's essence isn't diminished by growth but by our declining civic participation. Opposing projects like Valley's Edge, which aims to create diverse and affordable housing, only intensifies our challenges, pushing us further from the community solidarity we yearn for.

Valley's Edge symbolizes a step towards rebuilding not just homes but our community ethos. It presents an opportunity to cultivate a more inclusive, vibrant Chico, reflective of all its residents' needs and aspirations. The critique often leveled at such developments, nostalgically yearning for a bygone era, overlooks the potential for progress in unity and shared purpose.

As Pogo wisely stated, “We have met the enemy, and he is us.” The adversary we face is not the evolution of our town through projects like Measure P, but our reluctance to adapt and contribute to the community's growth.

Please join me in supporting Measure P.

— Steven Depa, Chico