You have got to be kidding

Re: "Vail Lake project scores federal funding, July 14: We are going to invest $26 million into a public project the public has no access to.

During the last 15 years, there has been a constant conflict over Vail Lake, whether about water rights or easement to the lake. If you want to use the lake for fishing, you have to pay $3,000 a year for a membership.

Before another one of my tax dollars goes to the so-called American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, those dollars should be used in a way that all of us should have a say in where they go and how they're used. It should not just go to the select few who are trying to profit from government shoving money out the window, or as Bill Johnson said, "I'm happy to see the federal government run the printing presses; if they want to redistribute some of the money here, that's fine," "here" being his corporation.

To Mr. Johnson and all others who would take my tax dollars and keep me out of where you have spent those dollars, I say to you, "No more!"

Cleve Hardcastle

Temecula

Project approval bad decision

The recent approval of a retail plaza project for Wildomar is a bad decision, which will need major revisions or expose the city to potentially serious liability.

The Wildomar Planning Department, staffed by interim contractors with little understanding of the Wildomar area or its history, has leapfrogged over objections and serious concerns from water authorities in approving this project. Planners not only ignored these warnings, but concealed them in public discussions.

They have ignored a known history of major flooding problems and the need for comprehensive storm water management in a rush to approve any project that will generate revenue for the financially struggling city. This is the kind of stupid mistake that can be expected when decisions are made or partly justified using an obsolete water management map created back in the 1950s, and letting the project proceed on the strength of an outrageously inadequate mitigated negative declaration instead of requiring a full environmental impact report.

The decision for Wildomar's incorporation was made in great part on the promise of gaining "local control," supposedly sparing Wildomar residents from just this kind of poor planning. We didn't get these promised benefits, just more deceit and corruption closer to home.

Martha Bridges

Wildomar

Boycott 'Orphan' movie

For the sake of profit, Warner Bros. has crossed the line. A horror movie to be released on July 24 titled "Orphan" will set adoption back decades. The adoption community is, indeed, horrified. Many children awaiting families worldwide will not be adopted because of the message portrayed in this film. I viewed the trailer. It is not surprising that it has prompted outrage from adoption professionals and families.

While "Orphan" is a make-believe story, it will have a far-reaching impact. There is a line in the movie in which "orphan" Esther states, "It must be hard to love an adopted child as much as your own." Imagine how that would make an adopted child, or adult, feel.

The basic plot is one of violence and rage. The movie is rated "R for disturbing violent content, some sexuality and language." How do you keep kids from taunting a child who is adopted after viewing this movie?

Boycott this movie. This is a caustic, unnecessary film. It's not enough for Warner Bros. to apologize. Adoptive parents, adoptees, agencies and anyone who loves an adoptee should call, write and e-mail Warner Bros.

Tina Tyra

Wildomar

Shoppers, leave your carts in lot

Do you live near a supermarket? Those of you who do will understand what I am about to say and the frustration I experience daily. I do not blame the stores or their managers; the problem lies with lazy shoppers who have the need to push these carts far beyond the limits of the centers to their homes and apartments, only to abandon them in the street.

Recently, I counted 17 carts on the street near my home. That evening, I saw a woman with two small bags in her cart pushing it up the street. I felt like asking her whether she understands the definition of stealing. Our neighborhood is not a parking lot.

Shoppers, leave the carts in the lot. Removing them is a crime. The police should arrest a few of these people and the problem may get solved. Shoppers, carry your groceries home in a bag like the rest of us.

Robert Ross

Murrieta

Businesses should be responsible for safety, security

Re: "Meet the chief," July 18: I'm a Temecula resident and I am proud to see businesses normally seen in the O.C. or L.A. open in the area. In response to these business owners, specifically the businesses in Old Town, if you're going to serve liquor, then you will have problems like the "corresponding increase in public drunkenness and vandalism at night."

Before it becomes a problem for law enforcement personnel, how about hiring security guards and installing high-tech surveillance equipment to help the police in the event something happens? Or you could limit the amount of liquor being served to your patrons before things get out of hand. Why should the taxpayers pay the bill to clean up a mess some businesses create for their communities?

Phil Pico

Temecula