Staying in place won't work

Joe Perring, Stonegate project manager and advocate, said it all in his comments reported by the North County Times July 13: Stonegate isn't excited about the "Stay in Place" program as a fire protection plan for their project. He's right on! It's a faulty plan at best.

Our officials seem to be assuming that we will have hours' notice for a fire and more than enough time to load ourselves, our children and our animals in a vehicle and then sit in the traffic gridlock that will result before we can get out of harm's way.

Chances of a fire starting right on Merriam Mountain are extremely high, given the overdevelopment that is being allowed (cough, cough) and approvals granted in spite of zoning restrictions to the contrary. A fire of this nature will spread so fast, no one will get out. They know this, and that appears to be the impetus behind their recommendation for SIP, but it's a lie! SIP is really a plan to save dwellings, not lives. People and animals will perish. My question: Who among the many that have put their stamp of approval on the Stonegate project will be responsible for those deaths?

JO ANN FAGERQUIST

San Marcos

Chadwick's recall effort

Even if I wasn't a supporter of Esther Sanchez, it is distressing that Lawson Chadwick wants Oceanside citizens to pay an extra $400,000 for a recall that even he doesn't really believe in: "I wouldn't be involved in the recall if I was still the sitting chair of the police and fire commission" ("Activist files petition to recall Oceanside councilwoman," July 14).

That sort of petulance should have been left at the doorway of his kindergarten. This is a country that was founded on democracy. In that spirit, let the current election stand and the City Council members serve. The voters of Oceanside will determine who stays and who goes at the appropriate time.

ENID LAYDEN

Oceanside

Better late than never

I know this is a little late, but as a political consultant in Oceanside, I have to say to Ms. Patricia Beatty that she is dead wrong in her April 4 letter to the editor that Costco has never allowed petitioning to go on at their stores. All she needs to do is go to news10.net/storyfull.asp?id=6895 and see that not only did Costco allow petitioning to go on at all their California locations, but they even had their own employees petitioning at tables in the store and were walking throughout the store asking customers to sign the petition.

Although Randy Osbourne and I don't always see eye to eye, it's Ms. Beatty who needs to check her facts before she goes whining to the media.

EDWARD COLE

Oceanside

Does homosexual pride exist?

Re: Frank Straw's July 3 letter. Straw states that the names he was called in school ññ fairy, homo, queer, faggot ññ are words used in lieu of homosexuality. Not quite! The above are derogatory, malicious terms and are not used in the same context as gay, or sexual orientation (camouflage). They do not try to conceal; rather, they give a negative connotation. These words are similar to the negative/malicious connotations for Jews, Chinese, Italian, etc. But, the Jews, Chinese, Italian do not change terminology in describing themselves.

Straw says that he uses "gay" because it makes him feel better and gives him a sense of pride. Does the word "homosexuality" not make him proud? Does it define too characteristically, or is it not ambiguous and indistinct enough, as is gay? But wait, being gay is being homosexual. As long as one can camouflage who he is he can now feel proud?

FRANK LANCELOTTI

Oceanside

Immigration and the welfare state

All this debate on illegal immigration is a complete waste of time.

There is one, and only one, cure for this invasion of America, and that is to completely dismantle the welfare state. You want it, you pay for it, period! No free education, food, housing or medical for citizens or illegals. Watch how quick America's so-called indigents grab those jobs Americans won't do.

They did it during the Great Depression, and we were a better country for it. During that era illegitimacy and the crime rate were much lower, families were intact and citizens were kinder to one another. Creeping socialism promoted through bloated government and funded by the productive is the root cause of all our problems today. In other words, the real enemy is our own government. We have but two choices: Either work to change the leviathan state or learn to speak Spanish. Otherwise, we're all just wasting our breath.

SANDEE ENRIQUEZ

Fallbrook

Sanchez doesn't deserve to be recalled

Although I voted for Esther Sanchez, I have not always been happy with her performance on Oceanside City Council. Still, I was disturbed to read of Lawson Chadwick's plan to circulate petitions to have her recalled in a special election at the city's expense (estimated at $375,000 to $400,000).

Has Ms. Sanchez broken any laws? No. Has she done anything dangerous? No. So what did she do that was so terrible? The NCT article quotes Mr. Chadwick saying that he wouldn't be involved in the recall if he was still the chairman of the Police and Fire Commission. In other words, he is attempting to play out a childish vendetta at your expense.

Oceanside voters, I implore you not to sign any petition to recall Esther Sanchez. If you are dissatisfied with her, you can remove her the old-fashioned way, by voting her out of office or even running for City Council yourself. As for Lawson Chadwick, let him find a way to keep his name in the news on his own dime.

CAROL KISSIN

Oceanside

An unselfish leader

Nearly four years ago, Mr. Ron Newman campaigned for a seat on Escondido's City Council. He sought the position because he believed he could contribute his wisdom and help create improvements for both the people and the city. At the time, he told the voters that he possessed little knowledge of the inner working procedures at City Hall, that he wasn't a career politician, so he owed no one any favors, and that he believed he could represent them without bias or favoritism.

Councilman Ron Newman has, since taking office, become the people's and the city's finest voice of wisdom. He has remained true and unyielding in his efforts, while constantly challenging his differently motivated fellow council members to make more responsible decisions on numerous important issues.

He has served and continues to serve without looking for any future recognition or favoritism ññ actions that are extremely rare among elected officials.

Councilman Newman is genuinely a man who came from the people to speak and serve all the people. He has done so with both honor and dignity. Without question, I believe that this very unselfish leader will leave office as he entered it ññ true to himself and true to everyone else.

RICHARD MATTHEWS

Escondido

More voices for Brown Field

I agree with Gerald Gordon Boyd's letter of June 23, "What about Brown Field?" About four years ago I wrote to Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham making this very same suggestion.

I did not know at that time to whom I should have more correctly written.

With the potential military voters in San Diego County, Miramar as an airport for civilian airlines will probably be defeated.

Brown Field will then possibly have a chance!

MARIE PROULX

Oceanside

Sleight of hand

The Siegel Brothers want to build a shopping center with an anonymous big box as anchor ("New plans for Oceanside drive-in property," July 13).

Previously, the brothers considered a shopping center on the same Valley Drive-In property, with Wal-Mart as anchor, making one suspicious of the 132,000-square-foot big box mentioned by the Siegel developers, Thomas Enterprises.

As evidence of Wal-Mart's sleight-of-hand, we have our third Wal-Mart at the Quarry Center. The original anchor for this center was Home Depot. However, when it became too late to organize opposition, Home Depot mysteriously became Wal-Mart. Coincidence? I think not.

Perhaps the City Council is attempting to clear the deck while distracting us with its recent approval of higher airport fees.

Think about it. Coincidence? I think not.

JULIE ANN DIAZ

Oceanside

Draining a bucket that has a hole in it

I am indeed perplexed at a puzzle that I see evolving daily. We are in a building frenzy with apartments and condos springing up at an alarming rate. The morning of July 14 in the North County Times I noticed a plea from officials asking us to conserve electricity. It's been hot this past week, and our hottest months are ahead.

With all the building going on, I'm assuming that these dwelling places are going to house families, perhaps more than one per unit as has been reported. Will they not need to use energy also? Most of them are being built in such close proximity that they will have to be entirely dependent on air conditioners to endure heat like we are experiencing. Now, if we are being cautioned to conserve our use of cooling facilities, where will they obtain that additional energy? Seems to me that we are draining a bucket that already has a huge hole in it.

Why is the City Council allowing all of this to go on in a town that is already bursting at the seams? Was Escondido ever planned to be such a huge city? Our roads are giving way, our plumbing throughout the city is breaking down, to say nothing of the horrific traffic and our overworked police department. Is Marie Waldron the only one minding the store?

CHARLINE LACOE

Escondido

New in the sore loser department

From the sore loser department we have Sr. Lopez Obrador, who, in true liberal fashion, demands the ballots be recounted ññ and recounted again ññ until he gets his way.

Where have we seen this before? Hmm, let me think. Oh yeah, the 2000 American election. Do I sense a pattern among liberals? Now from the common-sense department: If indeed Sr. Lopez Obrador's accusations of fraud were true, wouldn't the margin have been larger? I mean, who engineers an election to have a razor-thin result?

My guess is, Sr. Lopez Obrador wants his promises of hitting the rich and giving handouts to the poor to encourage the recounters (who are likely not rich) to count the "right" way.

WILLIAM GILLESPIE

Poway

Airport idea has merit

Kudos to Katherine Valluzzi (Letters, June 30). The idea for a new airport has been kicked around for years. Her suggestion makes more sense than all the other options put together, and should be headlined, broadcasted and promoted throughout the county. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the logic, feasibility and economic advantages of expanding Lindbergh Field, as she suggested. If there is a good reason against it, it should be explained by the authorities and experts.

The public deserves to know if this is a possibility that has been considered, along with Camp Pendleton, El Centro and Boulevard, which have been eliminated.

HENRY SANFORD

San Marcos

Can you believe it?

President (open borders) Bush sends his groveling envoy, Karl Rove, to a meeting of the National Council of La Raza in L.A. to pander to Latinos in the name of the White House and the American people. This is a low watermark for a sitting president and the American people he was elected to represent.

Make no mistake about it. La Raza ññ which translated means "The Race" and whose motto is, "Everything for the race, nothing for those outside the race" ññ is itself a racist organization.

Under the pretext of seeking to advance Latinos, they seek to mainstream and advance their racist and nationalistic ideology by clever means via the hordes of invading Mexican illegals.

President Bush repeatedly tells the American people we're fighting the terrorists in Iraq so we don't have to fight them here in our country. Because Bush has obstructed all efforts to secure our borders, any fool can see that with upward of 15,000 illegals a day pouring in from Mexico, we're in deep trouble and are going to be attacked again.

Guess pandering to La Raza is more important than protecting the American people from illegal aliens and attack.

SUSIE HAWKES

Rancho Bernardo

Embryonic stem cells a dead end

This past Monday, the U.S. Senate began a long and emotional debate over whether to expand federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.

Advocates of embryonic stem cell research consistently dramatize the alleged benefits of destroying human embryos for scientific research. The problem is, embryonic stem cell research has only led to dead-ends so far. Up to this point, there has not been a single disease cured because of embryonic stem cell research.

By contrast, research based on adult stem cell research -- which leads to no destruction of human life and poses no ethical dilemma -- has led to numerous cures and scientific breakthroughs.

During the floor debate, pro-life Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kansas, presented a relevant quote from C.S. Lewis, highlighting why we must work to preserve the sanctity of human life in this particular arena: "If man chooses to treat himself as raw material, raw material he will be."

RAUL BOZA

Murrieta

Reopen parks in Wildomar

Wildomar parks can reopen. More parks can be built. The ballots are mailed and the residents will decide if it is important to help provide the children with a healthy outlet for all their energy and the place to get together for family reunions. Park districts offer a variety of activities for the community. The assessment is a guarantee that we will maintain the parks once they are opened or built.

If you are still not sure, please visit www.wildomarparks.com and read everything. You may call (951) 222-3716 and receive a return call to answer any questions.

The Wildomar Parks Formation Committee members have sacrificed their time for over six years. The committee can do no more. The residents need to understand the opportunity to have parks will not be back if the assessment is not approved.

For the residents who want parks, you can extend a helping hand by encouraging others to send back their ballot and vote yes.

GERRY STEVENSON

Wildomar

Supporters of quarry don't live in Temecula

For the past few months I have been cutting out articles from your newspaper pertaining to the proposed rock quarry southwest of Temecula. I probably don't have all the articles and letters submitted to the paper, but a fair amount of them.

The first writing that I kept is dated May 15, 2006, and the last one is dated July 15, 2006. In this time, I have collected 29 items from your paper about the quarry.

Twenty-one of these -- one letter was mine -- were opposed to this dust bowl to be operated in our backyard and eight were for it. It is noteworthy that among those eight pieces, four were letters from Rick Kellogg, who lives in Wildomar. One was by Karie Strawn (spokeswoman for Granite Construction). Another was by Fred Crowe of Lake Elsinore.

As you can see, people who won't be impacted by the noise, lights and the inevitable particles being carried by the daily wind blowing from that direction that we here in the Temecula Valley will have to breathe day in and day out, have no problem with the quarry.

This area is one of the worst places to put an operation of this kind, especially being next to the sensitive Santa Margarita Ecological Preserve.

ERIKA HORNISCH

Temecula

Pig rescue effort a big success

In November 2004, Tammie and Lance Sandon became involved in the rescue of animals. Living on less than an acre were cats, roosters, geese, ducks, goats and potbellied pigs. There were more than 300 pigs, and breeding was out of control.

They halted the breeding and had 300 pigs spayed and neutered. The Sandons promised themselves that they'd find each pig a safe and loving home. My husband and I helped with property checks to make sure the pigs had safe, permanent homes. The Sandons wanted to be guaranteed that these pigs were not to become food. If homes could not be found, these pigs were going to lose their lives.

In June 2005, 98 pigs and 22 roosters went to three Washington state animal sanctuaries. One of these sanctuaries, Pigs Peace, just adopted 13 more. A large horse trailer with straw, two kiddie pools with huge chunks of ice and grapes saw them on their way. It was a 25-hour trip. And 15 went to a sanctuary in Solvang, and soon more are going to Best Friends Animal Society in Utah.

All told, 240 pigs have been placed in sanctuaries or have been adopted privately. The Sandons have invested their time and money to rescue these animals, and they are not through. Their dedication to rescuing unwanted animals is legendary.

If you are interested in adopting some of these potbellied pigs and roosters, or making a donation, call (951) 695-0315 or e-mail LMSandon@msn.com.

GARNET SHERMAN

Murrieta

Kids, Wildomar deserve parks

I am for a yes vote on parks in Wildomar. Some people think we are already paying for parks -- we are not! We have an opportunity now to get parks for Wildomar.

We need to vote yes and get parks for this community.

I am an 18-year resident of Wildomar, and my kids are now 19 and 22. We moved here for the rural living. We have horses and love the lifestyle we had. I think we can have it all. I live across the street from the new Wildomar Little League fields, and I hear the kids playing daily, having so much fun on that little piece of land.

Think of what parks mean to these kids. I do not think that $45 a year -- a few cents a day -- is too much to ask. I say vote yes on parks.

KATHRYN SABETZADEH

Wildomar

Web Comments:

Leaders need to face immigration truth

Readers respond to our July 21 community forum commentary by Escondido resident Gary Walker who says that the illegal alien issue is nothing more than a transparent attempt to market lawlessness by shifting the legal argument from that of safety, security and the rule of law to the false flag of jobs, children and families.

Pleasant surprise

pat: "I agree with Gary Walker and am frankly surprised that the NCT even carried this editorial."

Narrow view

Not that naive: "You had me until the last paragraph. I won't support a single issue candidate. Marie Waldron isn't that bright and she comes across as a harpy. Mindless hysteria we don't need. There must be someone out there who can take on this very real problem without embarrassing the entire city. Perhaps I'm watching more closely than you are. The people have many interests, inclusive of but not exclusive to illegal immigration."

Better late than never

UnSure Smile: "Don't be so stung by Gary's example of Marie Waldron's stand. Whether you like her or not, 'carding' potential renters to establish legality of being here should have ALWAYS been done. To say 'it is the police/immigration's job to round up illegals' is unfair. We need to help as citizens to protect our country. Every little contribution helps to keep those that belong here safe and secure, and those who do not out. It is late, but it is never too late to start defending our country."

It's something, at least

to Not that Naive: "Check out the polls on KFMB's web site. Illegal immigration is the most important issue to almost 80% of the people. More important than the war in Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. Marie's plan may not be the best, but at least she is TRYING to remedy some of the problems we face. That is more than most of our elected officials are doing, either in Escondido or our State or at the Federal level. We have laws. All we really need to do is enforce them."

Vista eyes revising adult business regulations

Readers respond to our July 21 story about Vista officials contemplating changes to the city code that would expand the definition of adult-oriented businesses to include merchants who regularly sell or distribute sex novelties and paraphernalia.

We're all adults

BLM: "And the problem of a tax paying business located in an allowable zone away from easy access to kids and church goers that supports the idea of love and sex is what again? If the city council wants to engage in a controversial effort to save us from ourselves, how about shutting down some fast food outlets that offer high fat/high sugar products that beyond a doubt are harmful to our population?"

No love for Vista

Harry: "I really don't think a local outlet for whips, tacky undies and gag gifts are going to do much to promote an ambiance of love and affection in Vista. I support the city council for trying to maintain some standard. Do you realize that the City of Vista doesn't have a book store?"

All in good fun

Pete Nice: "This store would generate revenue for the City of Vista and that is revenue the city REALLY needs right now. I don't see what the problem is. Let the store open their doors and let the fun begin."

For couples

vistaresident: "I am looking forward to a store where my husband and I can shop together. Fun parties are great, but husbands are generally not allowed"

Toys and books

Nick: "Harry, when I think of Vista, the words ambiance, love, and affection definitely don't come to mind. Just because you don't like toys in your bedroom doesn't give you the right to stop consenting adults from having them. The fact that Vista doesn't have a bookstore is no fault of ours. If you want one so bad, you open a book store. If you really care about Vista's image so much, why don't you do something about all the gangs, drugs, day laborers, and illegals roaming the streets. Love and affection, get a life."

Escondido residents learn about I-15 project

Readers respond to our July 21 story about approximately 100 people turning out Thursday for a community open house at Westfield North County to learn about the Interstate 15 project from state Department of Transportation engineers.

Where to get more

Sick of It: "Why was the land mitigation 231 acres in Southeast San Diego? This is a North County project - how about preserving some North County land? Http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist11/I15managed/I-15/ea_is/final_is.pdf, page 4 documents this."

Poor planning?

Commuter: "I would have appreciated knowing about this workshop a little sooner. I read about it in the newspaper the same day as the workshop - by that time, I couldn't adjust my normal schedule to make way for it. I'm sure this was in the planning stages for a very long time - or was it put together at the last minute?"

The I-15's lagging

Larry: "Twenty-five years behind times and will not catch up. Rent helicopters?"

Spell it out for us

Another Commuter: "This article should have a link to additional information and graphics about the new lanes. Information has been difficult to find on this project. Many Escondido resident would like to know exactly where the entrances and exits will be along the entire stretch from the 78 to San Diego."

Readers had this to say about an article on attorneys defending eight Marines accused of murder in Hamdania, Iraq, accusing the military of failing to provide information necessary to the troops' defense.

Ludicrous

Jack: The Marines would never have these guys in the brig in the first place had it not been for the great specter of civilian interference. It is ludicrous to print something as foolish as this story by one of your reporters. The Marines are as anxious to help these Marines out as anyone else. The Marine Corps takes care of its own. Semper Fi!

Grow up

It's just the Military way: As Paul Hackett says "Quit complaining and grow up."

A scandal

John1-To Jack: Jack, The rank and file Marines are anxious to help. The leadership is not. These leaders have forgotten "Semper Fi". The way my son and his squad mates have been treated is a scandal. Proud Father of PFC John

Boondoggle

Concerned: Can it get any worse? The war, which seemed like an admirable endeavor at the time, has done nothing but fuel negativity at home and abroad. Now, Iraqi terrorist sympathizers trump up some charges (what else is new?), and our government appeases them by bringing our men to trial? Talk about a boondoggle. If you accuse our men of misconduct, then prove it with witnesses. Or drop the case! There's already enough egg on our faces!

Appeasement

o2cool1: Well it look's like they've got a head of steam up on the engine for this train to proceed down the railroad. Do not expect a fair and honest trial because that would lead to an acquittal, which is not what the Bush administration wants. George W. Bush is more than willing to sacrifice these men in hopes of appeasing the Iraqi people.

Focus on support

To Proud Father: You should be proud. The Pendleton 8 supporters that rally every Saturday are also very proud of your son and the rest of the rank and file. You should not waste your time responding to the ignorant comments that come from cowards who sit at their computer and would never be brave enough to fight for their country. They can't even support our troops much less fight. What do they know. Nothing! Focus on the support you are receiving from the rally goers and the rest of your supporters. Everything will be OK. We are praying for your son always!

Pressure

mark: These stories are starting to be picked up by the wire services again. Pressure needs to be kept on the Marine Corps. They need to be made to know with certainty that whatever boost in Iraqi public opinion they are hoping for by railroading these defendants, the horrible plunge in American public opinion will be much too high a price to pay.

Get word out

Sharon: I am one of the proud people to be outside the gate every Saturday trying to get word out that these men don't belong in the brig. These men went to war for us and now it's country is turning its back on them. Lt. Col Gibson should think more about the enemy - Iraq and its people, than his Marines doing their job.