The late Judge Richard Eaton once resided in the home I purchased and in which I have lived in for the past 35 years. My home is the second oldest house in Redding’s oldest subdivision, Wildwood Park.
This downtown neighborhood is modest but comfortable and is located conveniently close to the Cascade Theatre, Safeway, South City Park, Library, Redding City Hall, many restaurants and other businesses, and my employer; all within easy walking distance. Also easily accessible by bicycle are Caldwell Park, Turtle Bay, Sundial Bridge, Lema Ranch, Churn Creek Greenway, Turtle Bay East, and Redding’s extensive trail system.
Many neighbors have lived here even longer than I have. We all take pleasure in the friendliness, camaraderie and mutual regard for each other that our neighborhood offers. My wife and I love it here and are always eager to welcome newcomers, whether owners or renters, to our Neighborhood Watch group.
However, in recent years our neighborhood has experienced an increased number of non-residents who have been careless and inconsiderate in leaving large amounts of trash on the streets, vacant lots and in and around the creek. Cans, food containers, discarded articles of clothing, bottles, human excrement/used toilet paper, shopping carts, syringes, broken glass, plastic, cardboard, and various other items are routinely found and removed.
Illegal camping occurs regularly on public and private property, with makeshift campsites often left with trash, garbage and filth. Residents, many of whom are compassionate and donate to various programs to assist those less fortunate, are nonetheless weary of the increase in property crime and of spending hours cleaning up after those who cannot seem to find their way to the numerous waste receptacles nearby.
Occasionally I find it a useful exercise to endeavor to see a familiar place as though viewing it for the first time. On a recent Friday evening we walked from home through the downtown, admiring the splendid surroundings with which our town is blessed. As we approached the Cascade Theatre where Kansas was to perform in less than an hour, we both were appalled at the amount of trash on the sidewalk and under the corner sitting-benches on this “demonstration block” – and we wondered what impression this would have on concert attendees.
As we continued our stroll, still more refuse was visible, and after sitting down with a pint at Carnegie’s, we witnessed still more trash, an abandoned shopping cart overflowing with junk, a shirtless tattooed male smoking while muttering to himself, and others loitering while apparently awaiting darkness. We tried to imagine the thoughts of a visitor, or a business owner considering relocation.
Brent Weaver is well aware of these issues, and as a native of Redding, as well as a husband, father, and a successful business owner, he understands that creating a clean and safe environment for businesses and residents benefits the entire community.
He is knowledgeable about the “broken windows” theory, which suggests that when neighborhoods do not address trash, broken windows, graffiti and illegal behaviors, the area deteriorates even more rapidly, and more crime occurs as a vicious cycle is created. The message sent says “we don’t care about our town, and neither should you.”
Brent Weaver DOES care passionately about the citizens of Redding, and about our city’s future. His exemplary record, broad vision, and ability to work amicably with others are the indispensable factors that make him exceptionally qualified to inspire and to lead. We need more than ever a City Council that can collaborate to address current and future problems in a civil manner.
We strongly support Brent Weaver for City Council, and encourage others to do so as well. He deserves our votes.
Richard Christoph lives in Redding
