Letter: Thank You for the Support, Inspiration on the Campaign Trail

Mechelle Lawrence Adams, San Juan Capistrano

Dear San Juan Capistrano:

I wanted to share with you my appreciation for so many in the community who supported my efforts to serve SJC as a council member in this election.

While we didn’t get the results I hoped for, I do believe we ran a strong campaign. I wanted to offer something different, something steeped in experience but also wrapped in care. And we did that. My signs were white in tribute to the idea of “hope and care” and I continue to hold those things close as values. It is with hope and care that I wish our newly elected officials the best as they go forward.

So as I close things out, please know that I and my close circle of volunteers visited all 2,600 homes in the district—and we met so many amazing, good people with struggles, challenges and a desire to be heard. I will cherish the memories of meeting so many of SJC’s good people. I hope to circle back to many to find ways to be more inclusive of them. I would have never met these people if it were not for the campaign.

In the coming days and weeks ahead, I am going to re-shift my focus to ensuring this Mission is fiercely protected and the historic downtown is better served by future public decisions. Know that I plan to be an activist for preservation and fight for what’s right and good for our historic community and its historic business district. Know that as I look for new opportunities to lead on behalf of local public interests that often get marginalized for other gains, I will not back down, and I won’t stop caring. I encourage you all to join me in being a collective voice as we press forward to serve and protect our historic and special community.

At our Thanksgiving table next week, my family will gather in prayer to say thank you to all who helped me, and all who inspired us along the way. I am grateful for the chance to give it a go and think it impacted me in a new and profound way. We will also say a prayer of thanks to our newly elected candidates for their generosity and willingness to serve a community that is so special.

Thank you, San Juan Capistrano.

Vaya Con Dios,
Mechelle Lawrence Adams