"Out of Sight, Out of Mind."

Pinole:

Recently a group of Pinole citizens complained that they were unaware, and uninformed, of decisions being weighed by city council and staff which the group feels would have an effect on their health and safety, among other things, and on the aesthetic appeal of their community.
    In 2010 I made a similar complaint to the city council about the public being uninformed about the future of valley fire station 74.
    There's an old adage, "Out of Sight, Out of Mind". Most residents of Pinole are completely oblivious to city council meetings, the issues, the decisions made and the consequences of such on their own lives. It's not that all of these residents in Pinole have chosen to be oblivious, it is that these proceedings are "Out of Sight" to them because they are uninformed, and therefore "Out of Mind". When this happens, people tend to find out after the decisions are made, too late. The public should not have to seek out this information. It should be well disseminated to the public from conception.
    You see, if the public is unaware, it doesn't mean they are "uninterested parties". There must be a better way. A way to ensure residents are aware of the business that the council conducts for them. A way to promote community knowledge of and participation in the discussions. Public input and approval is essential to the process. We need a new delivery model for dissemenation of information to the public. Doing the minimum required by the Brown Act is insufficient. Televising the meetings on Pinole TV is a good thing, and it helps but it is not enough.
    if anyone has constructive ideas on this issue, then strike up a conversation with a friend, a neighbor or relative. If you want, share them on this post. You can also send your ideas to city hall or present them in person at city council meetings. Get involved!