What's this? A third fire set by arsonists to the Casa Grande High School field house! What's happening to our community? This structure was originally built several years ago to honor former CGHS baseball coach Bob Leslie. This community-based project was a wonderful example of our community spirit and support for an outstanding personality. Following this first fire, this same "sense of community" restored the earlier damage. It was rebuilt, a second time, after yet another fire; only to be torched a third time, last week.

As the Press Democrat's editorial of June 23 stated, how can people be "so angry and so alienated from society that they would resort to repeatedly destroying a structure that has both practical and symbolic significance?" Even though it might be only a small number of individuals that committed these acts, it is a warning sign that we might be entering a period where our sense of community-togetherness is diminishing. Another "sign" (no pun intended) of a distorted sense of identity as a caring community - second to none, is the growing concern about graffiti appearing all across town. The photographs that have been posted on the PETALUMA INVOLVED NEIGHBORS (PINS) website are nothing to boast about; and it has been going on for some time.

On the other hand, I must admit that when fire destroyed Tomasini's Rex Ace Hardware and Country Store last Saturday night, three citizens took it upon themselves to swing into action and attempt to suppress the flames with fire extinguishers. They "gave it everything" they had; "it just wasn't enough." That spontaneous display of courage in the face of danger was definitely good enough to be considered "a good deed" for the benefit of the larger community.

Perhaps it is time to return to the old fashion "barn-raising" days of building a stronger community, whereby concerned citizens come together voluntarily and collectively mobilize the resources necessary to resolve the issue or problem. This type of collaborative endeavor empowers the participants and strengthens their sense of community at the same time. Petalumans have done this quite often in the past, and can certainly do it again. Can't we?

On Our Radar Screen

Although some of my reflections are "downers," how about changing course with your help. The readers of this blog, as well as all the other Argus-Courier sponsored blogs, are invited to send back "comments" that report on activities that exemplify community building and enhancement behavior by its citizens. You know, anecdotes and stories that reveal the strong sense of community that has been part of our river town for years and years. Enough said. Stay tuned.