It was a great pl
easure to host a Brews and Views discussion on: “California’s Budget Mess: What’s Next and How Do We Move California Forward.” at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company on the coastside last week.
75 coastsiders gathered over a beer and informal discussion of the situation facing our state, and had a good 90 minute debate on the path forward. Zabrae Valentine and Sunne McPeak did a masterful job engaging the group in how we got to where we are, the current budget situation, structural challenges, and solutions.
Sunne got the group engaged in a rich discussion of performance-based budgeting and focusing on outcomes. Zabrae explained the importance of citizen engagement in ensuring that action happens. The audience included local citizens and elected officials who were vocal in the importance of ensuring Sacramento works for everyone including the small community on the Half Moon Bay coast.
Perhaps it was the lubrication of the Mavericks Ale and Budgetary Alement, but several in the audience were heard to say they came away more encouraged about the possibility of solutions and the opportunity to engage personally.
Lenny Mendonca is a member of the California Forward Leadership Council and owner of Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
