Incivility has become normalized at the local level.
But these incidents don’t affect everyone equally.
A study of local elected officials in San Diego, Riverside,
and Imperial Counties gives us a clearer picture of who gets
harassed in Southern California and why.
Santa Ana has developed more affordable housing than any other
city in Orange County. In fact, it’s on track to exceed its
state-mandated housing goals for the second cycle in a row.
But its most ambitious development is slated to open over
the next decade.
Bullying in general can have far-reaching consequences. And
although there is no law that prohibits bullying at work,
bullying comes at a cost — an emotional cost for employees and a
financial cost for employers. When the bully is an elected
official, the stakes are even higher.
Being a council member is harder than it looks from the outside.
Councils that get the most done have a clear vision, shared
goals, and a collaborative relationship with the manager and
staff based on respect, trust, communication, and
accountability.
“Cities solve problems and get things done, but we can’t do that
effectively alone,” writes Cal Cities CEO Carolyn Coleman.
“Cities need the resources to deliver. So, as we ring in the New
Year, let’s remain united and speak with one voice in Washington
and Sacramento about what cities need.”
In 2022, West Sacramento became the sixth city in the state to
have an all-woman council. Voters didn’t set out intending to
make history. It just so happened that the candidates that best
represented their interests were all women.