Letter from the editor

While this is often the easiest and quickest way to get a sense for what’s happening, it never tells the true story. In fact, it portrays such a skewed view of the area that once I finally got here, I was completely blown away at how much different Yuba-Sutter and its people actually were.

During my time here I have had the incredible opportunity to get to know so many in the community – from city and county officials to educators and those working behind the scenes to make Yuba-Sutter a greater place for all.

I know we can’t capture everyone’s story in our daily newspaper or here in the Prospect, but I hope during my time as editor that I am able to shine a spotlight on the dedicated people that make this community the special place that it is.

Even though I’m considered an “outsider” by many of those who have stayed in the community for the majority of their life, I hope that my enthusiasm for trying to make the place we all live in better comes across not only in the stories we tell but also if you happen to meet me as I pop up from time to time at different events and local establishments.

While it’s impossible to capture everyone who makes Yuba-Sutter the kind and welcoming place I have come to know it to be, I hope this issue of Prospect gives you just a taste of what’s out there.

So often, we only see what things appear to be on the outside. Remember the old adage, “Never judge a book by its cover?” Well, that still applies. I understand we have our own set of problems and challenges here, but it’s nothing we can’t all overcome. And those sets of challenges should never discourage you from taking pride in this community.

Together, we can make it better and as cliche as it sounds, make a real difference.

For example, Marysville in its current state can be seen by some as decayed and lost forever.

However, for others, Marysville is nothing but a landscape that is just waiting to be transformed into a city that highlights its historic legacy and combines that with modern-day living.

And while you may think nobody cares or nobody is doing anything to achieve that goal, think again. The city and its leaders are very aware that change is needed and they’re working to change that.

The mayor wants to see a blight tax for vacant commercial buildings such as the Marysville Hotel and the State Theater building. This tax, if it ever makes it to the voting public, could drastically change the current perception and reality of Marysville.

“A carefully crafted tax on blighted and vacant commercial properties in Marysville is an appropriate answer to the question, ‘What are you going to do about X prominent commercial property?’” Marysville Mayor Chris Branscum said during a March city council meeting. “The purpose is to encourage the outcomes our city deserves and, quite frankly, needs. There’s only so much commercial property within our city limits. We cannot afford to let blighted and vacant properties lie fallow thereby not contributing to the enjoyment and welfare of our residents as well as our city’s financial well being.”

And it’s efforts such as this that are making a difference. Change will come to this area. We just need to believe in it and have the will to get it done.