Reader wrote: It means we put in a store that elevates the quality of life in N. Natomas rather than risk bringing it down. There are already far too many neighborhoods in Sacramento that are in decline. Why should we risk one more?

Once again I will ask: what PROOF does anyone have that a GOODWILL store will degrade the quality of life in North Natomas? Does ANYONE have ANY evidence to support this ubiquitous argument? If so, PLEASE deliver it to me asap and I will be glad to post. Until then, this argument is merely–and I do mean merely–non sequitur !

I take no offense when asked what my perfect world is. In fact, I prefer not to use the word perfect as I know that no community or society can reach perfection. I do, however, take offense when people stereotype me as “white” for wanting to protect my property values and aim for a shopping center that offers customers a bit better than Goodwill. Make no mistake, I have long been involved in charitable causes that help those in need, but is it so wrong to want something better for the neighborhood that my husband and I worked so darn hard to move into?

Be specific. Trader Joes has already stated it was not in its current plans to open a store here in Natomas (why would they?) What’s your idea Reader, beyond wanting a Trader Joes?

My “preference” is to have a store that will stay open and not leave derelict spaces in our plazas. If this neighborhood has made it clear it cannot support Borders and Goodwill feels it’s a good business decision to move to this location and is willing to take a risk where other retailers are not, then I prefer that business lease that space. I thought it was a no-brainer.

Be offended all you want by my asking the question about your “perfect world.” I’ve found this entire line of thought regarding Goodwill offensive.

You are quick to make some erroneous judgmetnts about me. Simply because I do not want a Goodwill store in my neighborhood does not mean that I adovcate “white, middle-class, and homeowners” only in North Natomas. Do you know my ethnic background? Or the color of skin of the man I am married to? How about my personal, social, political, religious convictions that if I revealed here would prove you way off base? Oh, and please don’t call me “kiddo.” Thank you.

Lori, no one said this area was Rodeo Dr. or Brentwood, and personally, I don’t want to live in Granite Bay. But that does not mean that we cannot have a say in the direction this neighborhood takes and aim for something a bit more appealing.

Ms. Ashby, if you want to try to unseat Tretheway in 2010, you have my support!

This is not the exclusive Rodeo Dr and you do not live in Brentwood. Joe is right that this area is made up of MANY types of people – not just upwardly mobile HOA homeowners and not just inclusionary housing.

Our four high schools rate 3-7 with GreatSchools. Not so great.

Our high crime rate is having inroads made because of active participation by the people who live here and the interest of the police department in reducing crime. But, you live in high density urban neighborhoods. This is a CITY – where crime is part of the parcel. Crime is mostly crime of opportunity. Lock your doors, put your cars in the garage, and get an alarm.

It seems to me, and I know some will disagree, that I’m hearing that residents here think anything negative that is happening in the area is somehow exclusive to this area. The entire country is hurting. The rest of Sacramento is hurting. I’d say just pick up and move yourselves to Granite Bay if you want that world without socioeconomic diversity, but many of you can’t can you? Unless you walk away upside down from your homes. So, you have to learn to live in the world you have, not the world you want. And, that world can be made a better, more inclusive place.

Many of the most brilliant minds in the country didn’t see this economic freight train coming. The city is falling apart – but that can’t be laid entirely at the doorstep of the officials that as a group, we previously elected. Our city is suffering the pangs that many, many cities are suffering through right now. Where do you all think the money will come to bail Sacramento out of its deficit? Seems that any development aspires to be something but needs the follow through of interested retailers and people who actually SPEND THEIR MONEY to keep the retailer profitable. We couldn’t do that. So now Goodwill wants to come in and add to our tax base – bad, bad Goodwill. I’ll be interested to see what KJ can actually do. Because, I think right now, there just isn’t much to be done, other than raise taxes and cover those deficits. Or continue to deny tax rate appeals for homeowners.

And, maybe you can help change things by being involved. I love how you get out there, Joe, and volunteer with people who need people in their lives to make a difference. Such a positive contributor to MY community. Thank you. There are many people who do the same. I’m sorry, but I just get so tired of the whining. Like the city owes us something–did anyone get any of those promises in writing? Hell, yeah, get rid of politicians who in times like this do 6-figure studies on tree counts – they haven’t got their priorities straight.

The talk about inclusionary housing brings this to mind for me. Back in the mid-80s, when AIDS was rampant and people were afraid, many made the suggestion that they be sent to colonies where they could not expose others – where we wouldn’t have to look at them or be around them or even remember they were there – think Leper Colony. If you push out those living in this housing, where will you push them? Where do you want them to go exactly? Put them into neighborhoods that are already devastated by poverty? Or let them stay where they are and perhaps see by example that there are ways to a life different then multi-generational poverty, where education is important, and opportunity is just some sweat equity away. If even one child can see this and change his life’s trajectory, I’m for it.

And, don’t forget, much of inclusionary housing is made up of hard-working people, some holding multiple jobs who ust can’t make enough money to have their own home or even to rent at market rates. Or are disabled, or suffering through a major shift in their economics due to life events like divorce (that thing you of the traditional marriage set do so well). These are YOUR neighbors.

Putting the Goodwill where you don’t have to look at it, but will also make it difficult for those living in YOUR community to use it isn’t the answer.