Rules should be for Everyone

From the Email InBox:

Dear Grand Pa:

I am a Lion looking in a mirror and don't like what I see.

In Grand Terrace Laws, Rules and Ordinances are made and enforced on some and clearly don't apply to others who consider themselves to be exceptional and not bound to the same level of social regulations as the peons in the community. Try openly drinking in a city park or building any other time. I am ashamed of the Lion Club for feeling as though we are above the rules and laws of the City of Grand Terrace. We are not alone, but that does not make it right.

In years past and even recently clubs and organizations have used City Owned Facilities, and even City Government and Staff have had parties where alcohol was served and consumed. This is a violation of the City's own ordinances.

The Women's Club has their Christmas party at the Hilton so they can enjoy a glass of wine with their meal. However, the Lions Club and the Chamber of Commerce routinely violate the Alcohol Ban rules inside Government Buildings at City Hall or the Senior Center.

Recently the Lions used the Senior Center/Community Room a City Owned/Managed Facility for their Christmas Party. This party served alcohol and was noted by several of the Senior Villa Residents as being loud.

In addition the Senior Center Programs were adjusted so this Private Party could take place. The Lions can not have their Alcohol Drinking Party at their building because it is leased from the School District. So we took it to a City Owned / Operated Building where it is a violation of the City Ordinances and Senior Center Rules. I just went along with the group and now I feel bad about it.

I began to question what makes the Chamber of Commerce, City Management, or Lions Club exempt from the rules the rest of the citizens have to live by?

Can a Lion Roar (Party) without Alcohol? Can the Chamber of Commerce Commune (Party) without Alcohol? Can City Employees and Management enjoy a social event without Alcohol? If not our gatherings should not be in a City Owned or Managed Facility or School. Our gatherings should be held where it is legal to consume alcohol.

In addition if the Senior Citizens Center is to be a Community Room to be rented out for a party, the rates and availability should be made known to all the citizens of the community, not just a few select clubs. Sure most Lions are shall we say long in the tooth, and would not be considered Children which are banned from entering into the Senior Center unless they are an entertainment group from a school. However, we did not invite all Seniors or other Community Members to a party held in a Public Building. The Lion's Party eliminated a standing Senior Center Planned Activity.

Rules to live by aren't rules that have to be changed on a whim or for the benefit of a select few. It is time to rethink some of these Social Rules and Laws and how they are counter productive to the idea of Justice and Fairness, or just being a good neighbor.

As a Lion myself I will not attend another party like the past one and I am ashamed of the club for holding it. I apologize for the conduct of some of my fellow Lions and the disturbance we collectively caused to the Seniors and to the Residents at the Blue Mt. Villas.

Sign the email,
A Lion who is not so proud of the pride.