Recall talk in San Mateo

Dec 17, 2024
Dec 17, 2024 Updated Apr 14, 2025
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Editor,

Thank you Sue Lempert for noting in your Monday column, that recall talk being bandied around as a consequence of a disagreement about the future development of the Baywood neighborhood is out of line. Disagreements are inevitable. Democracy has a ways for dealing with that, including, writing opinion letters to the Daily Journal, talking with neighborhood groups, finding allied groups and, in the end, you don’t need to vote for those folks next time they run. In the meantime, there is a lot to be said for reaching out. Go have a coffee, try to listen to one another, who knows, even if you don’t find much common ground, you will have had a good cup of coffee.

(4) comments

Terence Y Dec 17, 2024 8:18am

Thanks for your letter, Ms. Jansen. In addition to your other options, if a recall has been provided as a tool in the toolbox, then it should be used as needed. As for the Baywood neighborhood issue, we can all see that the SMHA infringing on homeowners’ rights aren’t making an effort at democracy so if a recall is an option, I’d recommend the opposition go for it. Where do we sign?

anna kuhre Dec 17, 2024 9:01am

Linda, I believe the First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech regarding the discussion of recalls. All change begins with good people expressing their opinions. Respectfully my friend Sue Lempert cannot choose the topics people can talk about.

Providing Feedback Dec 17, 2024 9:17am

Well said Anna Kuhre!

LPSanMateoPark Dec 17, 2024 11:33am

Linda Jansen, it looks like you own the former Lawrence mansion in North Central and have spent years restoring it to its original condition. Kudos to you, the house looks majestic. Have you registered your property with the State, and have you conformed with all Department of Interior Standards? Registration will ensure that neither you, nor any future owner can change the exterior appearance of the home, forever.

Presumably your decision to restore your house was your own, and not imposed by the City or State. That is what the people in Baywood want, they want choice. An overwhelming majority have sent letters of objection to the historic nomination at the state level.

Lisa Diaz-Nash (Lisa) is very likable and many in the LRT group have sat down for a friendly coffee. My understanding of those meetings is that everyone asks Lisa the same thing: let residents have a say as to becoming a historic district.

Has Lisa listened? No, rather Lisa has blocked every attempt by the City Council to allow residents to have a say, while claiming she recused herself. Further, Lisa never disclosed her pro-historic bias during her campaign. What should we do with our representatives who refuse to listen to a majority of their constituents, and pursue their own personal agenda?

Perhaps Linda, your house is registered as historic. If so, you would have known that when you made the purchase. For the people who bought in Baywood, and for that matter all over the City, their houses were not historic when they bought them. A mayor (now councilmember) wanting to impose historic on people against their will, does not believe in democracy, and is not fit to serve.

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