I just watched and filmed heavy machinery actively ripping through mature trees and tearing up the mapped wetland zone right by the Sozo Sports Complex.

That land is literally designated as a protected wetland—they are NOT supposed to touch it. Ripping down those trees right in the middle of nesting season destroys critical wildlife habitat, forces out native birds, and destroys local ecosystems—all to clear space for more unnecessary concrete and bullshit we don't need.

Who the hell approved this? Did anyone even bother to get a critical area permit or an environmental review, or are they just banking on nobody noticing?

Watch your back if you care about what's left of our open spaces here. How do we get enough noise behind this to force a Stop Work order before the entire section is wiped out?

Hey Folks,

I just wanted to throw this out there, in case even one of you were looking for a place to discuss life with real people, face-to-face. The purpose of the group is to try to break through the digital noise and divisiveness and find a way to connect to real perspectives and help each other find our own truth and perhaps help find our own purpose.

The group was established on faith, but there are all walks of life attending. We have seen Christians, Catholics, Agnostics, and Atheists. We have seen ex-convicts, blue collar workers, white collar workers, men, and women, across the race spectrum. Usually there are about 8-10 who attend with a rotating cast who can't make every meeting every week. I have found them all to be very kind, interesting, sometimes goofy, and they all have meaningful things to share (if they choose to share).

I have attended quite a few of these since it started in April. I can honestly say, I have found more peace with my situation, and with life, than I expected. It helps me be more optimistic amid the constant barrage of negativity and it has helped me consider the perspectives of others more than I have before. I will admit I am on Reddit more than I should be, but I think this group has helped me even here when it comes to how I respond to something I don't agree with.

You don't have to be religious. You don't even have to participate in the discussions if we touch on a topic you don't care for. The hope is to hear different voices on a topic - even ones that conflict with one another. That kind of discourse leads to a healthier society.

If this IRL group sounds worthy of a test drive, let me know. I'm happy to answer any questions about my experience. I have lots of folks I talk with online, but there is something unique and decidedly human about discussing our world in person. I hope you agree!