Recent studies have shown Californians are lagging the rest of the country in neighborliness. The studies say Californians are less likely than other Americans to work with our neighbors to improve the community, to exchange favors with our neighbors or to belong to community groups. College View Estates must be the exception that proves the rule!
Many in our community are busy decorating and getting ready for the holidays in spite of the rain. As part of the holiday celebrations, College View Estates Association (CVEA) will have two events for children.
One will be on Dec. 8, 2-4 p.m. at which hot cocoa, marshmallows, small games and an art table will be provided at 5281 Manhasset Drive. Bring your own mug.
A second event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 21. For the third year, children of the neighborhood will judge College View Estates homes decorated for the holidays, followed by hot cocoa and cookies while the judges tabulate the results and announce the winners. Details will be coming soon. Additionally, we are waiting for our caroling group to announce its plans.
I am not sure what the correct description is today of people who do not have enough food to eat. We used to talk about starving people or hungry people and now we used words like food deprived, food insecurity, etc. When I graduated from college years ago, I can honestly say I never knew a student on campus who suffered from a lack of food. A healthy diet might have been another issue.
Today, we see hungry people whenever we leave our homes. During a conversation with Rachel Gregg, director of Government and Community Relations at SDSU, she mentioned the issue of hunger on campus. SDSU established a food pantry on campus in 2016. During the 2018-19 school year, 111,354 pounds of food were distributed serving 2,607 students. As a result of our discussion, I asked the CVEA board to consider making a donation to the pantry. The board voted a $200 donation for food, which was purchased. The university was happy to come and get the food.
Clearly, College View Estates works with our neighbors to improve the community and exchanges favors with our neighbors all through our community association. We are an exceptional place where neighbors care. May your holidays be merry and bright!
—Patrick Hanson is president of the College View Estates Association.
