12/21/2023
Dear Beloved Community of 92311/Barstow,
PLEASE not let our history be a mystery . . .
I write to you with a profound sense of urgency, addressing a matter that touches my heart deeply, and I trust it resonates with each of you as well . . . the imperative need to confront personal biases, discrimination, and division within our cherished community. It is paramount that we acknowledge these issues while emphasizing the role of God, as I personally perceive it, and recognizing the transformative power of forgiveness as the driving forces behind positive change, growth, and unity within our community.
As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of our community, let us always bear in mind that change can either unite us or tear us apart. The path we choose is profoundly influenced by our faith and our capacity for forgiveness. Our belief in God serves as a reminder of His boundless love and the divine grace He bestows upon us. Through God's love and forgiveness, we find the strength to address our biases and promote healing and reconciliation.
In our pursuit of economic growth, prosperity, new home development, and enhanced amenities for our children, families, and recreational spaces, it is crucial that we do so with love, compassion, and unity as our guiding principles.
I vividly recall that in the 70s and early 80s, Barstow was still regarded as the "big city" in the high desert. However, starting in the early-80s and continuing to this day, many have questioned what has become of Barstow. It has transformed into the "smallest city" in the high desert, plagued by a multitude of infrastructure issues and lacking in essential amenities.
The lingering question remains: What led to this decline, and who bears responsibility for Barstow's challenges?
We, as a community, are aware that we have had individuals on the council who have contributed to the demise of Barstow and have primarily focused on personal gain. These types of individuals must be stopped and never elected or re-elected again if we want growth and change in Barstow as well as the surrounding communities.
The negative rhetoric and division perpetuated by a few individuals, often labeled as "haters," must not be allowed to overshadow the voices of the majority genuinely striving for positive change and unity. These "haters" are individuals grappling with their own inner struggles and insecurities. Truth be told, they are not sincerely interested in contributing to a better Barstow. Their consistent attempts to sow chaos and division among us clearly demonstrate their intent to hinder the positive change and growth that is happening in Barstow.
I implore the "positive leaders" and "positive individuals" in Barstow and beyond to take a stand against these "hater" social media sites and the individuals behind them, who often act anonymously and irresponsibly.
As a community, we find ourselves at a crossroads, with a choice between being guided by fear or faith in our decisions to move forward. It is up to us to determine whom or what we are willing to embrace or sacrifice in this process.
The time has arrived for 92311 to become the growth and economic force that many speculators and world-renowned experts have discussed for decades. The real question is, are you ready, and is this community ready?
Let us commit ourselves to this path of love, forgiveness, and unity under the watchful gaze of God. Together, we can create a harmonious and prosperous community that exemplifies His teachings of love, compassion, and forgiveness. With God's grace, we will ensure that discrimination and division no longer have a place here, and our community will flourish in an atmosphere of acceptance and inclusivity.
With faith and compassion,
Paul A. Courtney, Dr. BA
