The Pauline Espinoza Community Hall
At Citizen Comment, one of the speakers made some cryptic remarks about how the committee had met a LOT, and done quite a lot of community outreach, and much deliberation, and finally the consensus was “The Pauline Espinoza Community Hall” to replace the rec center.
When it came up for discussion, Mayor Hughson promptly offered an amendment: “The Paulina Espinoza Rec Hall”, instead of Community Hall. Mayor Hughson’s concern was that the old timers would be confused, basically. That it’s been the Rec Hall since time immemorial, and the old timers would get flustered and miss their 50th reunion.
(I would not say I’m an old timer – more of a medium-timer – but what I hear it called is The Lion’s Club, more than anything else.)
Max Baker lit into Mayor Hughson for suggesting this, and this was the second time I got frustrated with Max and his lack of nuance. I don’t like Mayor Hughson’s amendment either! But Max: don’t play an ace when a two will do. Don’t burst on the scene with guns blazing when you can win a vote with reason and clarity. Save your ace for those occasions when you need to bring the anger.
Alyssa Garza speaks eloquently about why “community” is a better choice, and why Pauline Espinoza’s legacy matters. Saul Gonzalez likes it. Jude Prather likes it. So the Mayor’s amendment is not going to go anywhere.
My favorite moment of the night was at 1:47, when Saul Gonzalez said, “I like it the way it is, Community Hall.”
Mayor Hughson says, “But that’s not the way it is, we haven’t voted on that yet.”
And Saul responds, “I’m just being prophetic, seeing ahead.” I loved that. Be your prophetic self, Saul! He’s so gentle about these things.
Mark Gleason is very worried about the cost of replacing the way-finding signs. (“Way-finding signs” is such an awkward, silly phrase and it always makes me laugh.) Anyway, Mark-worrying about cost-replacing the way-finding signs, and also main–building-large-sign-fitting on the Pauline Espinoza Community Center.
Staff is going to mock up a few sign designs and bring them in. Mayor Hughson puts in a bid for a sign that says “(Formerly the Rec Center)” as a parenthetical. This seems absurdly clunky to me. Can’t we just explain it when publicizing the events that are held there?
“Dear Old-Timer,
Your 50th High School Reunion will be held at the Pauline Espinoza Community Hall, (formerly known as the Rec Center). Ask Siri if you need help.”
Seems fine to me.
The San Marxist 