Statistics on Avalon's registered voters: 504 people, or 41 percent of the 1,231 registered voters are over 70. Who knew we lived in a retirement community? Maybe that's why there's so little turnout at council meetings, and even less public comment. While well-run in many ways, Avalon needs to embrace a forward-thinking approach to the environment by encouraging xeriscaping, protecting native trees, enforcing setbacks and height restrictions. Lots of big-box houses cheek by jowl makes for more ratables, but less character. It feels like a city at the beach. Time for a new voice.