Midsummer 7 / Memo to the Save Kensington’s Future Faithful
Date: 06/05/2023
Subject: Midsummer Report
From: The Memo Desk
New readers to Local Issues might be asking, so what’s the story with these “Memos to the Faithful” anyway?
In June of 2016 the first memo was posted. The memo was in response to an influential political group in our serene hillside hamlet claiming to have 1200 votes and thus could determine a vote and/or an election. The idea one small group could impose its views on a community became the inspiration for the first memos.
The memos were also intended to bring some humor into the frequently harsh exchange of political opinions posted on Nextdoor. The basic format of the memos was a blend of club newsletters, corporate directives, religious tracts, get rich schemes and political broadsides flavored with a pinch of the Jim & Tammy Faye Bakker’s 700 Club vibe.
A typical memo would outline the authorized position the Faithful should echo on current political issues. Vernacular language was used to deflate the pompous language often found in many of the Faithful’s posts. Influenced by the originator’s upbringing, the memos occasionally would include a Gospel reference or two.
The first memo titled “Paul’s 1200 Club/Memo to the faithful” was met with mixed responses. Many of the responses indicated a low tolerance for the use of humor and satire when commenting on Kensington’s political high jinks. To rebut claims of shaming and personal attacks, a clarification was added to indicate the title was inspired by the Apostle Paul’s letters to the Corinthians. (All the memos can be found at: https://kensingtonca.org/humorous-tidbits/)
It is ironic that the group claiming control of 1200 votes which inspired the original memo seven years ago has regained political control in our quaint hillside village. Under the banner of “Save Kensington’s Future” they cobbled together a slate of candidates and with a well-financed campaign won majorities on the Kensington Police Protection & Community Services and Kensington Fire Protection District’s Boards. Mega bummer.
Still, miracles do happen. KPPCSD Board Directors Alexandra Aquino-Fike and Sarah Gough presented facts not fiction in their report looking at housing both the KPD and KFD in the PSB remodel. Their report concluded the scheme was unwise and would no longer be considered. Kudos to the Directors.
“Satire is traditionally the weapon of the powerless against the powerful.” (Molly Ivins)
Note: Satire alert; there may be an opportunity to save Kensington’s future from its past.