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I had the opportunity to join and provide my public comment at the start of this evening’s Special Meeting (on August 4,
2022). After my comment, another community member suggested that newer residents of Arcata, like me, should not
have a voice in shaping the Gateway Area Plan. I wanted to provide my response in writing to this comment in order to
have it in the public record:
I just reached my two‐year anniversary of living in Humboldt County. Thankfully, during my time here, I have mostly received a warm welcome from both new and old residents. Originally, my partner and I moved here to be closer to his family (who happen to be long‐time residents) and help provide childcare for them during the pandemic. Now, we hope
to buy a home and start our own family here. If we can afford to stay in Arcata, we want our future to be in this city. The type of hostility that was directed at me during the Arcata Planning Commission was antithetical to the welcoming, inclusive environment that I know you as Commissioners hope to facilitate. I happen to be a determined and well‐
informed member of the public who will keep showing up to meetings to share my perspective, despite the hostility. However, it feels important to call out this behavior as inappropriate. I know that newer residents, Cal Poly students, and other local stakeholders are listening to these meetings may be intimidated to share their opinions when this type
of rhetoric goes unchallenged. I hope that in your future meetings, the Commission reiterates its commitment to hearing from all Arcatans, regardless
of their tenure in this city. Also, as you consider the creation of a Citizen’s Oversight Commission or similar body, I urge you to ensure that a diversity of voices are present in that space – including renters, students, working parents, and residents who are facing
housing insecurity. These voices make up a large proportion of our city, yet rarely get heard in the Planning Commission public comment periods.
Thank you for your dedicated public service and for taking these steps to uphold Arcata’s values of being an inclusive,
equitable place to call home.
With gratitude,
Lulu