VOP: Habitat For Humanity by Dan O'Neil - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

AUGUST
S M T W T F S
26 27 28 29 30 31 01
02 03 04 05 06 07 08
09 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31 01 02 03 04 05
View Events
Submit Events
directory

VOP: Habitat For Humanity

By Dan O'Neil, Community Writer
July 27, 2016 at 12:59pm. Views: 52

Dear Editor, I fear I'll be vilified for this, but I must comment on the City Council's most-recent "donation" of two city-owned lots to Habitat for Humanity. While Habitat for Humanity may be a worthwhile charity, why is the city council “donating” city property to this, or any, charity? But government entities cannot "donate" anything. All they can do is give away that which belongs to all of us, and I say they are abrogating their fiduciary responsibility to us, their constituents. If they felt this was such a worthwhile cause, why didn't they pool their own funds, buy the lots from the city, and donate these personally? Or had a charity auction, with the proceeds going to the city, but requiring that the lots be donated to Habitat for Humanity? A reasonable price for two buildable lots in Grand Terrace might be $200,000. That could pay for a needed second police officer to patrol our city for a year or two. Or it could have supplemented the city budget, paying for deferred maintenance or paying down city debt. In this time of fiscal austerity, thanks to earlier councils spending Redevelopment funds as though they were General funds, I'm astounded that they are giving away city property as if it were theirs to give. I imagine they feel a warm glow at night about how generous they are. I could be very generous too, were I giving away other people's property! I have nothing against the families Habitat for Humanity is helping, I wish them well and I hope they thrive in their new homes. But government entities giving away public property to private entities, no matter how worthy, is wrong. Yours Truly, Dan O'Neil

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By William Cortez, Community Writer

August 6, 2026 at 12:37pm. Views: 483

A diverse team of physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals collaborates in a modern hospital, reflecting the teamwork and dedication behind high-quality patient care and clinical excellence.

Photo Courtesy of: Dr.G (Dr. Luis S González)

By Dr.G (Dr. Luis S González), Community Writer

July 29, 2026 at 11:12am. Views: 567

Dr.G, Council Member; and Usman Malik, Co-owner of AM Market

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

August 5, 2026 at 09:01am. Views: 542

San Bernardino urban forest, tree planting, San Bernardino parks, environmental sustainability, urban canopy, shade trees, community beautification, Inland Empire environment

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Miles Thornton, Community Writer

August 4, 2026 at 08:25am. Views: 436

Bottle caps filled with miniature photos become unique magnets that turn memories into functional décor.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Celia North, Community Writer

August 4, 2026 at 08:25am. Views: 413

Light-filtered shade cloth illustrates how simple coverage can shield plants from intense summer sun and heat.

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

August 5, 2026 at 09:02am. Views: 445

Grand Terrace High School Senior quarterback Jaden Montano prepares to lead the Titans into the 2026 football season. Montano is this week's Athlete Spotlight, recognized for his leadership, dedication, and success both on the field and in the classroom.

Photo Courtesy of: Carl M. Dameron

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

August 5, 2026 at 09:02am. Views: 588

 “Brandy's story exemplifies what's possible when we look beyond the immediate crisis and focus on what truly matters, keeping families together," said Mercedes Pacheco, director of social services for the Salvation Army. 

Photo Courtesy of: the JW Vines Medical Society

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

August 5, 2026 at 09:02am. Views: 546

The 2026 Elma Vines Summer Health Academy summer interns (L to R): Sibonginkosi “Charity” Ncube, Kindall Walsh, Nyla Criego, Kamie Taylor (Program Director), Saafir Moore-Muhammad, Thaila Jenkins and Jessica Ojukwu.

Photo Courtesy of: AI Generated by ChaGPT

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

August 4, 2026 at 08:25am. Views: 430

street improvement scene with paving crews working in a San Bernardino neighborhood beneath the mountains

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

August 4, 2026 at 08:25am. Views: 471

Students arrive ready to begin a new school year as San Bernardino schools prepare to welcome thousands of learners back to campus.

Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

August 5, 2026 at 09:02am. Views: 617

The couple exchanges wedding vows during a uniquely themed ceremony, with the ARC Josie Gonzalez as the officiant leading the service inside a rustic chapel featuring Halloween-inspired décor that reflects the couple's shared love of the season.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

August 5, 2026 at 09:02am. Views: 514

Children laugh and explore a modern playground while parents watch nearby, highlighting the important role community parks play in keeping families active throughout the summer.

--> -->