Letters to the Editor - 3/19/2006

By: Readers of the North County Times and The Californian | Saturday, March 18, 2006 7:51 PM PST ∞

Drug testing -- good intentions, bad policy


I commend Kenneth Noonan, superintendent of Oceanside Unified School District, for his desire to reduce adolescent drug abuse ("Drug testing succeeds in O'side," March 7). However, despite his fervent defense of that district's 9-year-old drug-testing program, Mr. Noonan does not provide any evidence -- or even make the claim -- that the program has in fact reduced drug abuse among students there.

Why, after nine years of testing, does Mr. Noonan not offer any data suggesting that drug testing has reduced adolescent drug use in Oceanside schools? One must assume that he either does not have it, or that the data are not supportive of his claims.

Instead, Mr Noonan rehashes the same unconvincing, anecdotal arguments that we continue to hear from the Vista Unified school board, which recently voted unanimously (without consulting parents) to implement student drug testing.

Despite nine years' experience with drug testing, Mr. Noonan apparently has nothing to add to the current North County debate on student drug testing.

School administrators, teachers and parents should find this worrying.

MARGARET DOOLEY

Drug Policy Alliance

Escondido

Oceanside's morality arbiter


Just when I thought that Oceanside City Hall could not become more embarrassing, it has. After Mayor Jim Wood installed himself as ultimate dictator we now have a morality arbiter in the name of Esther Sanchez.

After finding this blatant pornography in the Oceanside Magazine (am I allowed to use the words "Hooters Restaurant"?), I tore the page out.

But Ms. Sanchez has not gone far enough to satisfy my moral superiority.

There appears an ad for a casino. Personally, I find gambling offensive so request that it be removed immediately. Then, upon further perusal, I located an ad for different denominations of churches that are available in Oceanside. This is highly offensive. Many of these religions have belief systems different from mine. Please remove immediately. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter of the utmost importance.

JOSEPH KRAATZ

Oceanside

Ad shows spirit of American feminism


The humiliating and cowardly response of world media to Islamic extremists bent on suppressing innocent cartoons marked a low moment in journalistic history. However, a new low in journalistic cowardice will have been achieved if Oceanside Magazine knuckles under to Councilwoman Esther Sanchez and refuses to print the Hooters ad in future publications.

The ad is an innocent and delightful celebration of joyous feminine youth and beauty and captures the spirit of American feminism at its finest. Oceanside Magazine editor Michelle Skaggs Lawrence, City Manager Steve Jepsen and Hooters franchise owner Fred Glick, together with the elegant young ladies and the photographers, are to be congratulated for this work of artistic beauty, clearly the finest and classiest ad in Oceanside Magazine.

This delightful and innocent ad, so filled with the vibrant American spirit, deserves a prominent space in future issues of Oceanside Magazine and in all family-oriented publications.

I detest restaurants with a passion and go to great lengths to avoid restaurant food. However, I shall eat at Hooters to show my support for American feminism and an independent press.

MEL WINESTOCK

Oceanside

Shopping carts a problem in Poway


I agree with Mr. Harry Fagan and his letter of March 7, "What to do with excess city funds." Here in Poway we are starting to have the same problems with carts. We have shopping carts everywhere, which seem to end up at apartment complexes and up and down main roads. I have contacted the companies and let them know about their carts all up and down roads. They, the stores, also continue to leave them scattered all around the parking lots, even after hours.

I guess that if the company owners don't live in the areas of their stores they don't give a hoot. Fines should be levied against the person in possession of the carts outside of the cart's property. With that said, the owners need to show more responsibility and police the carts or be fined also.

Our sheriff deputies have enough to do without having to do another task that the average citizen can take care of. It is called having pride in your community.

HOWARD BRENNER JR.

Poway

Thank you, Esther Sanchez


Thank you, thank you, Oceanside Councilwoman Esther Sanchez, for speaking out against the Hooters Restaurant advertisement in the Oceanside Magazine. Thank you, thank you, North County Times for printing the article and for putting it on the front page of the newspaper. I emphatically agree with Esther Sanchez on this issue.

PAULINE FRANCES MORSE

Oceanside

Tri-City medical board bond issue


Oceanside, Vista, Carlsbad property owners -- beware! Remember Proposition 13? This was a great salvation for property owners. It saved every property owner in the state thousands of dollars. Especially those who worked hard all their lives to acquire a home. Prop. 13 tax relief rescued the older or less-monied folks from having their homes repossessed because of unpaid taxes.

Now there is a private enterprise attempting to discriminate against a specific group of property owners by burdening us with a property tax for which we fought so hard for a relief initiative. For this small group of people, Art Gonzalez and his board of directors, to attempt to attack the budget of a few property owners is unjust, shortsighted, an easy fix for them and highly discriminatory.

We property owners are not the only patients who use the Tri-City hospital services. The greater numbers of people are non-property owners, but it will be only the property owners who will foot the so-called improvement costs, not to mention the board's hidden agenda.

As a suggestion, let Tri-City put forth an initiative wherein they have a ballot for funds from sales tax. If this were done, then everyone would be paying an equal share.

Please, fellow property owners, don't go for this folderol. Vote no on the Tri-City 40-year bond!

JAMES CROSTINI

Oceanside

Keep Escondido's skyline strong


Growing up for a city does not necessarily mean or require adding more height to buildings. It also does not mean replacing mom-and-pop-style businesses with chain stores or anything else. An interesting skyline is not always made up of tall buildings. Preferring existing style is not retro or stuck in the present or past.

Time for a gut check and participation in what our city view is to become -- slick, sleek facades, or strong and deep with character.

Let's find ways of keeping our downtown vibrant and community-oriented without increasing the skyline height or bringing in interests who are not active, local participants in our community. There are many locations and businesses that would be well-served by low-interest improvement loans, or business guidance, rather than replacement.

AL WILLINGHAM

Escondido

Strong advocates of business


I have lived in Escondido for over 40 years and have seen lots of changes. While this city is older than most in the county and has issues relative to that, I am glad to see our City Council working to improve our quality of life and revitalizing our older neighborhoods and commercial centers. Thank you to Councilwoman Marie Waldron for her leadership efforts to fight illegal immigration in our city. And to Councilman Sam Abed for his interest in fighting graffiti. These council members have been strong advocates of business and job creation.

Escondido will see more positive change in the future thanks to our council members Marie Waldron and Sam Abed.

STEWART "STEW" GAGE

Escondido

Join in fight against unjust charges


Carole Shanahan's letter to the editor published on March 10 states that Vista's sewer tax is a regressive tax. I would go a bit further than that and say it is a rip-off for the way it is configured.

Back in April 2002, and again in May 2003, I requested reduction from the Vista sanitation engineer and the mayor and City Council of Vista in the amount of taxes that I would be forced to pay since I was a property owner in the city of Vista.

I based my request for reduction on the fact that I felt that I was being overcharged for the amount of taxes that I would have to pay for the amount of wastewater that would be disposed through my property to the sewer system. I was, of course, turned down on my request. So you see, Carole, there are others like you and me who believe we are being shafted by the city of Vista. I will join with you, along with many others, to fight these unjust charges.

DON COLLINS

Vista

High Tech High works well for Escondido


Escondido has a unique opportunity to bring High Tech High, a charter school organization well-known to residents of San Diego, to North County.

High Tech High schools are academically rigorous and strive to educate without tracking students. These schools are small and focus on personalized learning so all students are called to the same high standards. One of the goals of HTH is to have a diverse student body.

The diverse racial and socioeconomic makeup of Escondido makes it a perfect fit.

HTH is interested in locating its schools close to Escondido's urban core. This would allow students to walk or use public transportation.

Because of HTH's strong academic reputation, its presence would greatly aid in the city's efforts for revitalization. Escondido families are clearly interested in small public school options, as evidenced by the long waiting lists each year for Charter High School, our only existing charter high school.

We hope that the Escondido City Council sees the long-term benefits of luring HTH to our city and is willing to work out a price or lease arrangement for the land that fits into the budget of a nonprofit academic institution.

TIFFANY SPENCER

Chairwoman Friends of High Tech High

Escondido

Ad offends Esther, but not the money


Democratic Councilwoman Esther Sanchez of Oceanside displayed typical liberal hypocrisy in the North County Times March 8 article, "Hooters ad in magazine riles councilwoman." Reading her description of the ad, I thought it was going to be at least somewhat offensive. I then turned to the page where the article continued and showed the ad. If that's what she finds offensive, she had better start a campaign to close down the city's beaches.

The reason I say she is a hypocrite is because while she finds Hooters offensive, she is more than willing to accept the taxes that Hooters earns the city of Oceanside. Not only that, but wasn't Sanchez offering up Oceanside real estate to lure the Chargers from Qualcomm? Yes, she was. If Sanchez thinks Hooters' ads are offensive, has she watched an NFL cheerleader routine lately?

Sanchez may want to explore other things that need attention in Oceanside. Has she visited the neighborhoods along Interstate 5 near Mission Avenue? How about the neighborhoods near the back gate of Camp Pendleton? Maybe she should visit Coast Highway in downtown Oceanside. Oceanside has far more important issues than a Hooters ad that is making the city money.

DANIEL PRINZING

Encinitas

Unclear on economics


It is interesting that the sign-carrying students in the picture in the March 10 North County Times front-page article decry any fee rate hike to cover any university system increases. Maybe one of the first courses they should take is Economics 101. Maybe they have, and therein lies the problem. Makes one wonder just what is taught in these schools of higher education.

MARK ALLEN RUHM

Escondido

North County -- the best of all seasons


On the front page of the North County Times on March 12 there was an article about the fascinating rain, hail and snow storms that had pelted North County.

I read of the depths of the snow, inches of rain and their effect on businesses and road conditions.

At the end of the article I chuckled as I read the warning for beachgoers to avoid swimming in the ocean for three days.

TERRI COOK

Vista

Looking for the same rights


As a property owner on South Myers, I would appreciate it if the City Council would take the appropriate action to change the zoning in my south-beach area so as to allow me to move ahead with the development of my 55-year-old piece of property.

All I am asking is to be allowed to enjoy the same development standard as property owners next door on the same street, on the same side of the street to the south. I would like to enjoy the same pursuit of happiness as my neighbors to the south and my neighbors to the north, all 369 acres to the north. This taking of my property rights is no longer acceptable. Give me the same rights as my neighbors!

RALPH VEGERANO

Oceanside

Don't negate good hospital has done


Re: the March 11 story, "Prosecutor says hospital worker admitted ‘countless' molestations." In the interest of full disclosure I am identifying myself as a trustee of Children's Hospital.

My entire family is both horrified and deeply saddened by this heinous crime, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families as they struggle to cope with this unspeakable tragedy. I am writing this letter, however, as the grandmother of a 4-year-old who, since the age of 4 months, has been an inpatient and outpatient at Children's over 30 times.

I am asking, no, begging, the San Diego community not to negate, because of this abhorrent situation, all the wonderful care so many of our children have received. As you can imagine with over 30 admissions we have worked with many staff members in a variety of departments. When a 4-year-old gets excited because she's going to the hospital and will see all her friends, even if it means getting a needle, you know they're doing something right. We continue to support and appreciate this wonderful facility and hope the community will do the same.

MARY CROWLEY and FAMILY

Carlsbad

Let's outsource everything


I think everything in the world should be outsourced to everyone else in the world, leveling the playing field with no borders. The idea of us versus them is ludicrous; we are all in this together. The sooner we all start thinking about what is the best thing to do for everyone, the better off we will all be. Outsourcing should eventually make everyone equal in their abilities, in the long run, like 1,000 years, if not 100.

The standard of living of everyone in the world should be the same as everyone else. This is not to say that an integral part of the standard of living issue has to be the ever-increasing personal debt, brought on by the keeping-up-with-the-Joneses mentality that Madison Avenue pedals and a large portion of the world buys into.

With how small the world has become it is irrational to try to control it in the same manner as was done in the past. Let's try to get the world to decide how affairs should be handled to the betterment of all -- no more unilateralist or bought coalitions, like with the destruction of Iraq, etc.

Idealism, sure, good sense in the long run. Outsourcing is the key to bringing the world together; start with business and end with cultural tolerance/harmony. Once we all get used to doing business together, perhaps we can then live together.

BOYD CONKLIN

Escondido

Busby is a smart choice


I became involved in Francine Busby's campaign back in 2004. By this time, I've attended 25 to 30 events with Francine present. I am increasingly impressed each time I see her. Once in the halls of Congress, Francine will be a leader we can be proud of. And she will be tough enough and knowledgeable enough to hold her own with her congressional fellows.

More than 7,000 of us have contributed over $1 million to Francine's people's campaign. We are supporting her, and this includes a number of Republicans, because we believe that she is ready to take on the big jobs in Washington. We are comfortable with her worldview. She is a moderate on the major issues of the day, as are most of us. She is a fiercely loyal American without feeling the need to wrap herself in the flag. She is spiritual without bellowing out her religious beliefs at a public forum. This will be a nice change.

Don't forget to vote on April 11. Voting absentee is a smart way to do it.

A request for absentee ballot will come with the registrar of voters packet you will soon receive. It's about time the residents in the 50th Congressional District are represented by an able, honest politician who is in office to serve the electorate and the country, and not to use the high office for personal gain and to promote an ultra-rightest agenda the majority of the district and the nation doesn't adhere to or want.

CAROL LAW

Encinitas

We can reclaim the American way


If there is one thing I've learned from business, it's to focus improvement effort on a few key things instead of trying to improve everything. As we enter another election cycle, candidates will invariably address every potential issue. My vote, however, will go to the candidates that focus on three key issues. First, we must get out of Iraq. We got into this war for all of the wrong reasons. Iraq is a lose-lose situation, so we need to admit our mistake and get out as fast as we can while minimizing the damage. Second, the way we elect our representatives is a joke. The voice of the people has been replaced by the voice of the wealthy. Good politicians do stupid things just to get enough money to get elected.

We need public financing of elections so our elected officials can get on with the business of governing instead of raising money. Third, it's a disgrace that the richest nation in the world can't make affordable health care available to all of its citizens. Yes, we have great technology and physicians, but less and less people benefit from them. We must find a way to provide affordable health care to everyone.

If we just accomplished these three things within the next two years, we would be well on our way to reclaiming the American way. Are you listening, candidates?

PETE BABICH

Poway

Busby will bring integrity back to 50th District


Francine Busby is the only candidate who had the courage to run against "Duke" Cunningham in the last election. She has a huge grass-roots effort supporting her, and has raised money from small contributions. Some of the others running are wealthy enough to jump into this election and pay for those expensive ads with their own money. They also supported Cunningham in the past election. I along with many others are unpaid volunteers because we believe she is a smart, honest, hardworking person who will bring integrity back to our 50th District.

FRANCES CAPPELLETTI

Escondido

For a better community and nation


Term limits should become a top priority. Many elected and appointed officials become beltline bandits nearing retirement and their huge pensions. Their re-election rate is over 96 percent as they pad budgets with pork to assure passage. We can't afford them.

The president should add 10,000 INS agents, not the few he has hired so far. Make Tom Tancredo head of immigration enforcement and back his ideas with enthusiasm. Don't let hardheads (Bush's included) thwart good ideas. If need be, legalize the Minutemen until the ICE team learns their job, or else we'll have open borders and a billion population by 2100, and a very poor quality of life.

Check U.S. immigration laws to close loopholes and harden lax executive enforcement. Deport all illegal alien felons in prison. Review all fed welfare-type rolls for fraud cases.

Let each U.S. citizen grow to their greatest potential, not strangled by judicial rulings or foreign laws. Get the oil-for-food Kofi Annan and the U.N. out of the U.S.A. and the U.S. out of the U.N. The U.N. is now alien to U.S. concepts of personal freedom and justice.

WILLIAM CHAMBERS

San Marcos

Power corrupts absolutely


They say power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. The Bush presidency, with rubber-stamp approval from both Republican houses, has been able to mislead the country into war, spy on its citizens, participate in torture and award no-bid contracts. There have been no serious investigations.

The absolute power of three-branch control allows Bush to waste and mismanage our country's people and resources. They continue to steal from our children by ballooning the national debt.

We have a chance to elect someone who is not a Cunningham look-alike. Elect Francine Busby to replace Cunningham and help restore the stability we need so badly. She is a competent moderate who will add balance to a very unbalanced federal government.

GORDON ARCHIBALD

Carlsbad

Free enterprise and privatization


Some writers feel that free enterprise is the answer. What will we do when this country finally privatizes everything that can possibly be put under private control? Who will then determine what price levels can be set for basic necessities such as food, water, housing, etc.? When are they going to figure out how to charge for the air we breathe? What will happen to those who can no longer afford to pay the price for these items? In some Third World nations fresh water is a commodity that many cannot afford to buy.

They are forced to drink from runoff in the gutters. Do we want that to happen here? We are rapidly becoming a Third World country ourselves.

The big corporations argue that our choice will be to have them or the government as our suppliers, and that under the government we will not have a right to question them. Since the anti-monopoly laws have been discarded, more companies are combining into mega-corporations and destroying the competition that was supposed to be the basis of maintaining competitive prices.

"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former," Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

MIMI ROHWER

San Marcos

British vs. Arab port operation


The Bush administration says we should not slight the United Arab Emirates government, our ally in terrorism, by saying that a British company can operate the six U.S. ports, but an Arab company cannot.

The individuals who manage the operation of a port can control the flow of materials and are in a strong position to bypass or nullify security procedures.

I would be willing to slight someone rather than increase our risk of a terrorist attack. Keep in mind that most all of the terrorists in the world are Muslims or Arabs, and polls show that most of them favor terrorist acts and the killing of Americans. A port operations manager with a threatened family will find a way to go along with any terrorist demands. We don't want another 9/11 tragedy just so someone can make a profit.

HERBERT PAIRITZ

Carlsbad

Epitome of liberal baloney


I seldom read, and never believe, the fulminations of Chris Pulse (Letters, March 12).

I wonder if Pulse has ever been to Iran or any other part of the Muslim world. Well, I was and my view and the view of many other Americans about the Shah of Iran is certainly a lot different than his. I'll stipulate the Shah was no Prince Charming. He could be brutal at times, and put many an Iranian into his infamous prisons.

But during the three years I was there, Iran was a vibrant, growing country that was growing into a constitutional monarchy in the manner of Great Britain. The Shah modernized the armed forces, the national oil industry and every other facet of Iranian life. The people, particularly the women, supported the Shah until the Ayatollah Khomeini started his hate campaign.

Under the guise of Islam, the clerics ran a reign of terror, which continues to this day. It is the bedrock of the same religious fanaticism the Shah fought to keep out of the government. Let Pulse go live anywhere in the Muslim world. See how long he lives criticizing them. With all our faults, this is the greatest nation on God's green earth, which allows even those like Pulse their say.

WILLIAM FICERE

U.S. Marine Corps

(retired)

Escondido

Extra letters pages appreciated


After my recent remarks, which you kindly published on March 5 regarding an ad for Infinity automobiles on the Letters page, thank you for publishing the extra page of letters on March 7. It's greatly appreciated.

HOWARD LANGHANS

Oceanside

A better idea for the money


I am writing with an opinion I would like to express. Not too long ago I heard about a golf course that was being built that cost $35 million. First, I think SoCal has enough golf courses. Second, I think that money could be put toward a better cause. I am a sophomore at Carlsbad High and I think our school is finished with. It is old and is constantly being repaired. Now why not take that $35 million and build a new school on that huge lot?

That is my opinion.

JEREMY KING

Carlsbad High School

Powerlink will increase fire risk


SDG&E can say that the Sunrise Powerlink will not increase the risk of wildfire ("Wires would ‘knife' backcountry," March 12), but I haven't forgotten that my property burned in 2002 in the Pines fire -- a wildfire that started with the collision of an aircraft with an SDG&E line.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power recently protested Fort Irwin's plans to expand its training-flight program, claiming that the increase in risk of collision with the utility's transmission lines was unacceptable. Here, meanwhile, SDG&E proposes to build a high-voltage transmission line directly across an established low-altitude military training route.

The fires of October 2003 demonstrated that fires that start in San Diego's backcountry can easily sweep into the suburbs. The danger is still extreme. A swath of highly flammable vegetation -- one that hasn't burned in recorded history -- runs from Santa Ysabel and Mesa Grande through the northern portions of Ramona to the heart of North County suburbia. This route is precisely where SDG&E will likely place the Sunrise Powerlink. Those county residents who complacently believe that the Powerlink is simply a NIMBY issue and not of broad regional concern should be prepared after the next big fire to accept the explanation that "accidents happen."

JARED ALDERN

Ranchita

Girl Scouts learn a hard lesson


The 6-year-old girls stood out in front of a local grocery store excited mostly about being together. Their task was to sell Girl Scout cookies to earn money for their troop. In turn, the money they earn will allow them to go on field trips, go to camp and help with various activities.

Most people found them adorable and either stated nicely that they were not interested or they graciously purchased cookies.

That's why it was so surprising to me when one particular woman replied to the girls in a crankier than normal tone, "The Girl Scouts need to come up with a better fundraising effort than selling items that are full of sugar! What is that teaching the girls?" Astounded at her attitude, I could not come up with any response.

After pondering her question, I came up with plenty of responses. Selling Girl Scout cookies teaches the girls how to address and respond to adults in social situations. It teaches them mathematics when figuring costs and change due back to the customer. It teaches them to take turns and share with their other Girl Scout troop members.

The possibilities are too numerous to list in this forum. Most importantly, though, it teaches them how to deal with people no matter what kind of mood they're in. That skill they'll need for the rest of their lives.

LORI ASARO

Escondido

Bait and switch on abortion statistics


Tom Teepen may be consistent, but he sure can't claim to be original ("Abortion foes increase abortions," March 12). The new mantra of the pro-abortion lobby was revealed in an Op-Ed piece by William Saletin in The New York Times on Jan. 22. James Fitzpatrick does a fine job of exposing the ploy in his article, "Bait and Switch."

For an interesting and informative read go to Google and enter "james fitzpatrick, bait and switch" in the search field. Regardless of how stupid Teepen thinks the American public may be, it is an incontrovertible fact that there were fewer abortions before Roe than there were after. Facts, Mr. Teepen.

JOHN MAYR

Escondido

Arabs guarding ports make us safer?


As surprised as I was that we were selling our ports to the Arabs, I was even more shocked to learn the British owned them. In this post-1776 world, how the heck did that happen?! Aren't they the same people we fought two wars against? Aren't they the same people who tried to kill our president, along with our Founding Fathers? The same ones who burned our capital and sacked Baltimore? And didn't they attack New Orleans long before Katrina ever even thought of it?

If I'd have known our ports were being guarded by a bunch of funny-talking, tea-slurping, kidney-pie-eating bobbies I'd have been chucking tea in the harbor so fast they would have had to re-invade India. I know they were our allies in two wars, but that's two wars for and two wars against. Call me paranoid, but I'm going to wait for the tie-breaker before I'll trust them or their hockey-lovin' cousins up north.

Didn't anyone notice that Mohammed Atta, Richard Reid and the rest of the terrorists all had one thing in common? That's right -- they all spoke English! Don't you think it's strange they play "God Bless America" when one of their athletes wins a gold medal? Who are they trying to con? Besides, I feel safer with the Arabs guarding our ports -- you can see more from the top of a camel than just standing on the ground.

DAVE CRAIG

Vista

Thank your mother


Just suppose that your mother had decided to have an abortion when she was pregnant with you! Would you want her to have the right to choose or would you prefer to have your God-given right to live?

Remember to thank mom. She loved you enough to carry you to term.

JACK FULTON

Escondido

Time for voters to just say no to spending


Kevin Jeffries, a high school graduate who had the means for higher education but chose the path of least resistance, gains support as a candidate for the California Legislature from school board trustees and a superintendent.

Poor Murrieta school board member Ken Dickson. Treasurer of the local Lincoln Club and member of Bob Kowell's far-right Republican Assembly didn't get support there either. No wonder he decided to drop out. Now the only way to save face is to claim he decided to focus his energy on passing a bond measure that most conservative Republicans abhor.

Bonds, bonds and more bonds! The governor wants one. Joan Sparkman wants one. Murrieta trustees want three! They didn't manage the last two bonds, and instead of living within their means, they entered into an agreement for one of the most expensive commercial properties left in Murrieta for their third high school site. Now parents are expected to trust them with more bond money to build it.

Maybe it's time for the voters to just say no. Maybe it's time for teachers to push for a voucher system that would open opportunity for them to start their own private schools. Imagine taking the control away from administrators and elected trustees and putting it in the hands of teachers.

When education is not a high priority for a statesmen's qualifications, you have to question just what Superintendent Dave Long, Joan Sparkman, Paul Diffley and others do value for their endorsement.

NANCY KNIGHT

Murrieta

'Community of partners' is quite large


So, Cindy Schuck (Letters, March 15) is "curious about (Murrieta Mayor Kelly Seyarto's) 'community of partners'?" Ms. Schuck has "a problem" believing only one partner, developer Alexander Communities, reportedly donated $7,500 to the Murrieta Valley High School Crimson Cadets to cover a fundraising shortfall for their trip to Boston. Further, Schuck wants to know "who they are and where did they come from?"

A simple review of the donors list to the city's library construction fund would readily identify just who some of these other partners are. I hope she isn't offended when she discovers that several of these partners are residents and community members who have individually donated tens of thousands and, in some cases, hundreds of thousands of dollars. They too, are developers!

Of particular interest to me is which individuals, community groups and civic leaders are absent from the donors list. Moreover, Murrieta's City Council is made up of five individuals; why has Mayor Seyarto been singled out by Ms. Schuck and criticized for his efforts, devotion and leadership?

And yes, "our townspeople" will have an opportunity to "come together if asked" to donate, when the Murrieta Valley Unified School District places a bond initiative on the ballot to fund a construction shortfall. I hope she accepts my sincere appreciation of her anticipated participation in donating her valuable time and hard-earned money to these worthy causes.

KASSEN KLEIN

Murrieta

Cuba should not be playing in tournament


The much anticipated World Baseball Classic is finally here. The games, however, did not start without controversy. With the United States' tough stand on Cuba, allowing the Cuban team to play was difficult, but after much negotiating between the White House and the Baseball Commission, Cuba was allowed to participate. But Cuban players are not playing for their country, they are playing for Fidel Castro.

While the Baseball Commission used all their power so that these players could play, they are turning the other cheek to the total control that is exerted over the Cuban players by their government. The Cuba team came with more military guards than players. The players are under total control of these military guards who surround them every moment and everywhere except when they are on the field playing. They guard the dugout and walk players to and from every location.

Players cannot be in the hotel lobby or sit at the bar after the game. They are not allowed to speak to anyone. They cannot speak to the media, walk the streets, enjoy the sights; they are not allowed to be unsupervised by Cuban military police at any time.

Why isn't the Baseball Commission denouncing the obvious enslavement of the Cuban players? Could it be that the all-powerful dollar is more important than the human rights of the players whose right to play they fought for? It is a sad day for baseball when the Baseball Commission endorses and promotes human slaves for entertainment.

MARIA REGUEIRO

Temecula

Protection of Wine Country remains vital


The serenity of the Wine Country is indeed an important issue (Letters, March 12). Because the Wine Country is such a valuable economic and cultural asset to the Temecula Valley, I agree that we must take care to protect it or risk losing its unique ambience. Currently, the issue of most concern to me is the rapid downsizing of properties, even ones within the Citrus/Vineyard Policy Area, the Valle de Los Caballos Policy Area and the adjacent neighborhoods that are meant to be a buffer between the city of Temecula and the Wine Country. Many individual lots have been allowed to go to 2- to 2.5-acre minimum densities.

And now we face a major subdivision (of an 88-acre citrus grove on Pauba Road between Anza Road and De Portola) into 37 2-acre properties. All of us should express our concern to the Riverside County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. The next chance will be at a Planning Commission hearing for item TR32982 on March 22 at 9 a.m. at the Riverside County Permit Assistance Center in Murrieta. All are encouraged to come voice opposition to the erosion of the Wine Country and the loss of its unique rural atmosphere.

We all worked hard to develop a long-range plan for the area that would preserve the Wine Country ---- downsizing it is not the way to accommodate growth. Instead, this will irrevocably alter ---- indeed destroy ---- the area.

LORRAINE HARRINGTON

Temecula

Duke should get same care as McDougal


Regarding your front page story of disgraced, venal Republican ex-Congressman "Duke" Cunningham's medical evaluation transfer ("Cunningham out of state," March 14). I certainly hope he is afforded all the medical care and concern as was shown to President Clinton's former business associate Jim McDougal.

As some may recall, McDougal died in prison. A neighboring inmate alleged McDougal died calling for medical treatment, which apparently never arrived.

We wouldn't want to show favoritism to our prison inmates would we?

EDMUND BENTIVENGO

Lake Elsinore

Meadowview solution is sidewalks, lights


The Meadowview roads are so narrow that to pass a parked car requires swerving into the road center. Sunday evening a man died on Via Norte in such an accident. Luckily a horse, jogger or walker pushing a baby stroller wasn't in the road, as they often are. Sidewalks and lights cannot be installed in many areas without severe damage to the properties,. as the lots are irregular with little to, in some cases, no tangible easement area. At some locations, slopes would have to be cut into and walls constructed.

Other locations, where homes are below the road, require tall retaining walls. Yes, all Meadowview properties would see decreased value from frontal damage and/or 10,000 additional cars per day, but the safety issue alone should end any discussion on this matter. All homes have driveways entering the roads, many with blind curves on either side of the driveway.

As it is now great care must be taken to pull out of the driveways without being struck by oncoming traffic. The Meadowview "beltway" of Via Norte/Del Rey Road is not like those of new tracts where large amounts of traffic can be safely accommodated. If the roads are opened, head-on collisions will be common as cars swerve around curves, parked cars, horses and pedestrians. When someone is killed or injured from added traffic, I hope the people will file suit against anyone responsible for this reckless travesty. Meadowview wants what everyone wants: safe streets.

PATRICK BURTT

Temecula

Web Comments:


Marina Towers discussion proves contentious

- NCTimes.com; March 16 by Chris Tribbey, staff writer; The Oceanside City Council voted 3-2 Wednesday to sell the land under the Marina Towers to condo owners.

Amanda: "Outrageous giveaway! What can the majority be thinking? Are we so small-town that we don't realize 68 condos are worth $900K on the open market now? This is a $61M give-away of public land. Today it's $61M. In 30 years that figure will likely be 10 times higher."

LegalLabNerd: "There is always a way to circumvent transfer fees! This deal for the city is a gross land grab. Mr. Galuppo should be ashamed of himself for preaching for affordable housing out of one side of his mouth and selling out low-income seniors in the towers out of the other!"

Veritas: "There were no facts presented, nor alternatives suggested, nor speakers that could have swayed the council from giving away this most valuable land. Shame, shame."

Coastal Lady: "This outrageous and sleazy land deal and attempt to circumvent the Coastal Commission will cost the city many dollars in legal fees. For the city to ignore the facts, reports and advice from hired professionals that this land giveaway is not in the best interest of the city is incompetent leadership. For the council majority to say we are in too deep to turn back now is like refusing to stop the car before knowingly driving over a cliff. Instead of protecting our public land and resources, the council majority bowed to nonresident investors and told the citizens of Oceanside to take a hike. Sad day in Oceanside."

Jack: "I was startled when Jack Feller proclaimed he was not ‘Green like her' and pointed to Shari Mackin, who was dressed in green, I thought for St. Patrick's Day. Then I almost immediately considered that Shari Mackin may indeed be a Green as I know one of her main supporters is a very nice but very liberal woman who surfs and is probably into the Green politics."

Old Timer: "What is wrong with you people? The city has no business owning the ground under that building. And what was all that baloney about it being parkland? The map I saw on TV at the council meeting showed the land was given to the city by a private company. The parkland is the parking lot, which is not changing, so what was all the fuss? The city did the right thing. The city shouldn't own the land under anyone's home. "

Bronco: "Didn't Esther Sanchez say that the city should never be a landlord? OK then, sell the pier to Ruby's, sell the landing to the Harbor Pelican and McDonald's, sell the land under Monterrey Bay Cannery, sell the land to everyone who leases their business on O'side land. Oh, and how about El Corazon? I have been a Sanchez supporter, but no more. She has crossed the line! Not only did she act like an angry schoolgirl at the meeting, she was an embarrassment to the city and its citizens."

Liberal Woman Surfer: "Hey Jack, I know plenty of surfers who would laugh at your comment that because you're a surfer, you must be into green politics. Most surfers I know are really into the blue - ocean that is. Just because one happens to believe in preserving parks, beaches and city assets for its citizens and future generations does not make one a green or liberal. Each issue has its own merit. My love of the coast, beach and ocean was passed on to me by my parents. Surfing is just an extension of my appreciation for my parents' gift. Only a surfer knows the feeling. And you obviously do not know me. "