Why a Gadfly?

A Gadfly is any large variety of fly that bites and annoys livestock. The term is used to describe people who upset the status quo by posing provocative or irritating questions. In politics, a gadfly describes someone who persistently challenges those in positions of power, the status quo, or popular opinion. The word is often spoken pejorativley, referring to someone who complains just to complain.

For those demanding social justice, a gadfly's buzz signifies honorable work and civic duty. Its drone is the proverbial 'squeaky wheel' or 'bug in the ear' of the complacent, that makes us wake up and take notice. Welcome to the blog, and feel free to make noise.

The OC

Orange County is a tough place for home seekers and the homeless. The Kennedy Commission, a non-profit organization working towards housing solutions, offers some startling facts:

*Orange County is among the top ten least affordable metropolitan markets in the nation (National Low Income Housing Coalition, 2010)

*The hourly wage necessary to rent an average two-bedroom apartment in Orange County, without exceeding the HUD-recommended 30% of income on housing, is $30.65 (National Low Income Housing Coalition, 2010).

*55% of Orange County renters spend more than 30% of income on rent (U.S. Census, American Fact Finder, 2006-2008).

*An Orange County minimum wage worker would have to work 153 hours per week to rent a two-bedroom apartment (National Low Income Housing Coalition, 2010).

*There are approximately 35,065 persons in Orange County who have experienced a homeless episode. Of these, 24,545 are persons in families with children (County of Orange, Housing and Community Services Department 2007 Homeless Needs Assessment).

For more information, see http://www.kennedycommission.org/
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