Posts by Deborah Quam
OPINION: Master Plan or Misstep? Oakmont’s Path Forward in an Established Community
Oakmont Village, like many established communities, is facing a crossroad. With the Central Area Complex projects sparking debates and the long-range planning efforts underway, the concept of a Master Plan has become a focal point. As our General Manager, Christel Antone, said recently, “Developing a Master Plan is hard.” But what does that really mean…
Read MoreTransparency Crisis: The Unanswered Questions Behind Oakmont’s Central Area Designs
Recently, the Oakmont community was invited to participate in a questionnaire survey to provide feedback on three proposed design concepts for the Central Area. The survey was a significant opportunity for residents to voice their opinions and shape the future of our community. However, despite the completion of this survey, there appears to be a…
Read MoreBalancing Ambition and Reality: Oakmont Village’s Financial Future at a Crossroads
The Oakmont Village Association (OVA) Reserve Study and the proposed Central Area Complex building projects have converged to create a defining moment for our community. At the heart of this crossroads lies the challenge of balancing ambition with financial reality, ensuring that Oakmont Village remains vibrant and sustainable for generations to come. The Current Financial…
Read MoreTriple Threat: Rising Fire Insurance Rates, OVA Dues Escalation and PG&E Costs Squeeze Oakmont Village Residents
Rising fire insurance rates, escalating OVA dues, and increasing energy costs leave us wondering how we can take action to positively impact our personal and our community’s future. Oakmont Village is renowned for its close-knit neighborhoods and robust mutual support network, which play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and resilience among…
Read MoreStrategies for Increasing Oakmont Community Engagement
Editor’s Note: The following message was sent by the author as an Email to the OVA Board, Treasurer and General Manager. It is a response to the issue raised in Tuesday’s Board meeting by director Matt Oliver. Dear OVA General Manager, Treasurer and Members of the Board: Re: Question of Concern Expressed by Board Members…
Read MoreFreezing Out Dissent in a Community Election
Political figures at the community level often frame criticism of their voting record and policies as “personal attacks” for important strategic reasons. This strategy can serve as a diversionary tactic. It shifts the focus from the objective and substantive issues that interest the community, such as a candidate’s on-the-record statements, voting record or policy positions,…
Read More