Worm castings and pest control

Thanks for your very interesting and informative article in Sunday's paper about George Hahn and worm castings ("Brew of worm castings applied to Cardiff trees," Feb. 10). You have done a service to the community in educating them as to the alternatives to commercial toxic chemicals by using organic products.

I am intimately familiar with worm castings and their use; George has the right idea, and given a chance it will work. Worm castings are nature's miracle fertilizer. These castings are rich in multiple nutrients and minerals, providing plants with a variety of essential elements found in nature that they need to grow. They are also an effective soil enhancer. And, most significantly, they are all natural and toxic-chemical-free.

Ongoing university research has proven that there are many benefits to using worm castings as a natural fertilizer and also as a treatment for pests and diseases. A cursory Internet search will provide ample documentation of these facts.

So give this treatment a chance. It will work. George is not a snake oil salesman; instead he is a pioneer of sorts in substituting a natural product for chemicals.

Dennis Copson

Oceanside

Current council making a mess of city

"Grant program praised for sprucing up Escondido" headlined your article on Feb. 3. This story quoted city officials, staff and downtown Escondido business merchants at length, praising this successful program. Yet, not even one word about the troika - Harmon, DeDominicus and Murphy - who authored this successful program, as well as numerous others, e.g., Escondido arts center, Daley Ranch, recycling water program and others too numerous to mention.

The troika, unlike our present bought-and-paid-for council, also enforced Proposition K, the rent control ordinance overwhelmingly voted in by Escondido taxpayers/property owners. Enforcing Prop. K alone kept tens of millions of dollars in the hands of the over 6,000 seniors/elderly and low-income homeowners who spent those millions in our city.

Today we have gone back to the '70s and '80s mentality on the council: building ugly condos downtown with no amenities, places to park or areas for children to play; pothole-riddled/dirty streets; graffiti; excess pay increases for council/staff; etc. Isn't there even one new council candidate who is concerned enough to expose these truths about the gross mess the present council is making of our once-respected city? …

Gerald Lenhard

Escondido

Needs of people vs. needs of animals

Yellow-billed birds in San Luis Rey River, small smelt in our water - I love animals, some animals, as much as anyone. When do we put the needs of people before a nesting bird or small fish? Do schools go down in river or bird watchers go - how do they know? Fish and Game, Coastal Commission? There is a fine line between small things and our need for water, lakes drying up.

Also, San Luis Rey needs to be a river to the ocean, pollution- and fire-free. Clear the brush and weeds for the good of homes along the river and bridges. A solution to the small smelt - send a fisherman and we will all have a snack.

Brenda Souza

Oceanside

Starting a dialogue on immigration

Kudos to Mexican President Calderon for having the insight to recognize the immigration problems that we are experiencing in our country. Seems to me that he is seeking help in finding solutions. See Thursday, Feb. 14, article in the North County Times, ("Mexico president says U.S. should not close its doors to migrants").

I disagree with Sen. Wyland on his views. The Mexican president is beholden to his Congress, the same as our president should be beholden to ours. Presidents do not make ultimate decisions without the consent of Congress. Perhaps the Mexican president is sincere, perhaps not, but at least he wants some dialogue and is willing to work with our country and find some common ground.

Believe it or not, our great nation has always depended on the cheap labor force provided by immigrant labor. If only rich corporations and their CEOs were not rewarded with high salaries, perks and outlandish buyouts, our country might be able to live within our means and not have the tremendous debt that we are now experiencing.

I am hopeful and pray that our next president will be able to reconcile the different factions and bring peace, stability and respectability to our great nation.

Ofelia Escobedo

Carlsbad

Congress issues contempt citations

It is overdue, but Congress finally voted to hold two of Bush's confidants in contempt for failing to cooperate with inquiry regarding the purging of federal prosecutors for political motives. I have kept up with the evidence on this matter and it sure appears the administration has something to hide. The administration's contention that they are protected from testifying has little merit. They should appear and plead that privilege to specific questions.

We need accountability, not an imperial president above the law beyond the reach of checks and balances. As for John Boehner and the other Republicans that stormed out of the House chamber at the time of the vote, I say keep going. I want those in Congress serving the nation's interest, not a political agenda.

Bob Whalen

Vista

Coastal Commission's surreal world

Welcome to the world of Alice in Wonderland. After the Coastal Commission repeatedly canceled local meetings concerning the San Luis Rey River forest, they recently met in Del Mar. And we're still told, "If even one little bird returns to the riverbed, clearing that wooden dam must wait at least another year." They're playing games with Oceanside residents in order to save, not birds' lives, but money! However, their delays will eventually cost millions more than if they'd taken preventative action before a flood in the clogged riverbed.

If those money-grubbing old men on the commission cared about residents' lives and property, they'd quit using the bird as an excuse for their inaction. And when recurring floods come again, that poor little bird they claim they are protecting will still have to find another nesting place.

Maybe it's time to disband the Coastal Commission. Its disinterest in saving human lives and its incompetence are truly awesome. I suggest that the powers that be give them their retirement pension and let that vireo nest near the lagoon. That is, if politicians don't destroy that, too. Come on, Alice, help us find our way out of this surreal situation caused by the Coastal Commission.

June Kristapovich

Oceanside

An American traitor

Brent Wilkes is an American traitor. They should put him in jail and dispose of the key ("Prosecutors seek life sentence for Brent Wilkes," Feb. 16). This is some of my tax money he took.

Fred Scott

Escondido

Ron Paul cares about important issues

When the presidential candidates and/or media pundits say they want to discuss the important issues, they really don't. Important issues! Are they kidding me? They can't handle important issues!

The only candidate willing to face important issues is Ron Paul - so the media shun him. He embarrasses both liberals and conservatives into silence. While they tap dance around the surge vs. pull-out question, Dr. Paul wants to discuss a failed foreign policy we can no longer afford. He wants to discuss the war on drugs that kills more Americans each year than the war in Iraq. He wants to discuss our $59 trillion in unfunded liabilities that taxpayers already face, while politicians and pundits tout "free" medical care and tighter regulations on industry. He wants to discuss the Constitution, which politicians and pundits consider quaint.

Those interested in real issues and substantive change should Google "Ron Paul 2008." By comparison, the other candidates are just out to change the seating arrangement in the Oval Office.

Grant Kuhns

Carlsbad

Negotiate in good faith

Regarding, "Palomar faculty union files unfair labor charges against district," Feb. 15: I cannot understand why executive administration plays this tacky game. The money is there; fair would be fair. A faculty treated fairly is a happy faculty.

Palomar has an excellent academic reputation. Why jeopardize student education by stalling, dawdling, delivering misleading monologues instead of negotiating in good faith for the good of the students, faculty and community?

Bill Bedford

Vista

Republican dishonesty, fearmongering

President Bush said he'd veto the FISA bill without immunity for the telecoms, then said Democrats put Americans at risk by not passing it. Democrats offered to allow lawsuits but have taxpayers pay damages, which Republicans rejected. Two conclusions here: President Bush lied and cares more about protecting business than protecting us, and the GOP rejected the Democratic proposal because lawsuits would reveal who was being spied on, putting individuals within the government at risk of criminal prosecution.

When Mitt Romney quit he didn't say it was because he had already lost, or he had wasted $40 million backing a failed candidate (remember his "Who let the dogs out" routine?) No, he quit because staying in the race meant an increased chance a Democrat would win, aiding the cause of terrorists.

Romney is clearly lying about his reason. He has forgotten that Republicans ran the country in September 2001 and that they have since failed to protect ports, nuclear plants and other infrastructure. Losing to McCain made Romney an also-ran. Lying about why he quit and slandering the Democrats inaccurately makes him a loser. Fear and dishonesty are now the GOP brand.

Paul Cavanaugh

Ramona

Our choices in November

The North County Times Letters page for Feb. 15 is a microcosm of the choices facing America in 2008. In the blue corner: J. Howard Crews, asking if we really want four more years of Republican rule. In the red corner: Bob Sheard, arguing that life should be valued for what it can fetch in the open market.

Crews and his ilk seem to have a problem with the construction of our American empire overseas. You can't make an omelet without breaking eggs, and empires do require a certain amount of torture to keep the conquered in line.

Sheard doesn't understand how all these environmentalists can object to the extinction of some insignificant fish, bird, amphibian, tree or mammal. If these species are so darn valuable, why can't we sell them on eBay?

This is the choice we face in November. Republicans are much better at starting wars, torturing suspected bad guys and exterminating inconvenient forms of life. The Democrats, not so much. Plus, they're trying to provide a change to our wonderful health care system so even poor people can afford health insurance. Tough call.

Gerold Firl

Poway

Photo captured optical phenomenon

Your article, "No Valentine for area motorists," above the fold on the front page of Friday's newspaper, did not specifically focus on the beautiful photograph by Staff Photographer Bill Wechter. The subtitle, "Rain, snow snarl North County traffic as storm passes" was more to the point of the article's text. Regrettably it was not mentioned that the "snow-capped mountains" pictured at the "golden hour" were an excellent and unusual example of our local mountains shown in alpenglow - an optical phenomenon that can be observed when the sun sets. It appears as a red glowing band that can sometimes be seen to the east. In mountainous areas such as ours, it is caused by snow, moisture, or ice on the mountain sides, which receive scattered light from the setting sun.

Cecil Munsey

Poway

Global warming hoax

2008 has been the coldest winter in Alaska in eight years. CNN reported that International Falls, Minn., set a new record of 40 below; previous record was 37 below in 1967. In San Diego, December was 5 degrees below normal for the entire month. Winter weather in central and southern China was the worst in 50 years. Dozens died. Reuters reported that the worst cold spell in decades killed 750 people and 230,000 cattle in Afghanistan. Snow fell in Baghdad, Iraq, for the first time in over 60 years. On Sept. 27, 2007, three people died from cold in Chile. The BBC reported that Buenos Aires, Argentina, saw snow for the first time in 89 years, cold caused several deaths. Temperatures fell below freezing in Peru, killing 52 children. In May of 2007 the Cape Times reported that South Africa set 54 cold-weather records. Nov. 16, 2006, was the coldest November day in the past 100 years in Australia.

An analysis of NASA satellite data from 1979-1999 has shown that areas of Antarctica where ice is increasing outnumbers areas of decreasing ice roughly 2:1. Scientists in Canada and Russia have issued reports indicating they believe we will have a new cold period starting about 2015. Does this sound like global warming to anyone?

Frank Thurlow

Vista

Let's get our troops out of Okinawa

It's happened again. A U.S. Marine on Okinawa, with no enemy to fight and not much else to do, has gotten into trouble with the locals ("Japanese police arrest U.S. Marine accused of raping 14-year-old girl," Feb. 11). Even if he is found not guilty of rape, the good name of the Marines and America has been tarnished.

What are we doing on Okinawa? Are we really protecting South Korea from North Korea, or protecting Taiwan from mainland China? The Pentagon is just providing a country club for its senior officers at our expense, and it's a big expense. Don't we need those Marines in Iraq to rotate the third tour troops back home?

Give Okinawa back to the Japanese and find something useful for those senior officers to do.

Robert de Georges

Encinitas

Veterans deserve real educational benefits

In this part of the country, where many are in the military, I wondered if anyone was paying attention to the issue of the new GI Bill making its way through Congress. A delegation of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America visited Washington to tell lawmakers one thing: Our newest generation of veterans deserve real educational benefits that make college tuition affordable. And it is about time Congress pass this bill.

After World War II, the ability to go to college gave veterans time to readjust to civilian life. It also prepared them for careers as potential leaders in their communities. The GI Bill of today only covers part of the costs of college. Since tuition costs have increased faster than inflation, many veterans simply can't afford this route.

We have asked far too much of our armed forces in the last five years. Wouldn't paying for college be one of the best ways to show our gratitude as a nation?

Linda Browne

Vista

State budget woes

Amazingly, our elected officials in Sacramento who, for the most part, are the root cause of this deficit (constantly increasing spending, always depending on rosy economic forecasts when reality points to a downturn), did nothing on their part to lower this deficit. Those politicians who created this deficit should be forced to take an immediate pay cut and a reduction in their own budget. (They got us into this mess, so they don't deserve what we pay them.) They caused this mess, so they should be part of the solution.

Maybe if these politicians had to tighten their own budgets and live within their means, maybe this state wouldn't be in such a mess.

Roger Covalt

Poway

Pointing finger of blame wrong

While the act of vandalism that occurred on the Lake Elsinore superintendent's home was inexcusable ("Police probe timing of vandalism," Feb. 16), I find Frank Passarella's decision to send the letter describing the police investigation to all teachers and classified staff reprehensible. In doing so, his implication is clear: "I think one of you did it, and I want you all to know it." Such a lack of trust and transparency has generated the very antipathy that breeds such bad behavior. Sadly, by tacitly accusing all the employees of the district, he has only affirmed those qualities that have created the division in the first place.

Edward Sibby

President, Temecula Valley Educators Association

Cafe served a real niche in the area

I found out this is the last weekend the Rainbow Cafe will be open; the lease is up and although they always seemed to have a good crowd, they are closing. No more fried chicken night with mashed potatoes and gravy, no more breakfasts on the weekend and sitting on the benches under the trees enjoying the day. It was reminiscent of the cafes that were along Route 66 when, as a child, I traveled across country with my parents. I couldn't wait to stop and enjoy the local food along with the locals and the other weary travelers who needed a meal and a little rest.

We'd sit in a booth and before leaving, my dad would refill his thermos with coffee and maybe we'd all get a candy bar to hold us until we stopped for our next meal at yet another cafe hundreds of miles down the road. That's what the Rainbow Cafe meant to me. It wasn't just another cookie cutter restaurant like all the others.

I'll be sorry to see another such establishment close and more than likely be replaced with something that doesn't mean much. Maybe I'm just too nostalgic, but what's next? The Stagecoach Inn? The kids today don't get to experience many of the old types of cafes, malt shops and such, but I know people my age know what I'm talking about. No one seemed to know why it's closing, but I hope it's not for something they call progress.

Mary Patricia Leon

Murrieta

Teen, family deserves their 'wish'

About your Feb. 8 article "Teen with inoperable liver cancer gets his wish" and Daniel Alonso: We have known the Alonsos for years, ever since they moved in next door to one of my daughters, Stefani.

They are honest and hardworking with three children younger than Danny. Danny and his sisters often go to the movies with my daughter's family. Danny is honest, thoughtful and kind - a good example for my own grandsons.

I was glad to see the story about Danny and his family. Stefani helped with Danny getting to his doctors' appointments. When some of his symptoms appeared, my daughter told Juanita to get Danny back to the hospital. The family was sent to hospitals in Corona and then Los Angeles. Danny has since been accepted and treated by "City of Hope" at the suggestion of my family. At no time did Juanita share her dream with us, but I'm glad if it comforts her.

When I called the school to tell them Danny wouldn't be there for finals last June, the person with whom I spoke said Danny had such good grades he could afford to not take the tests. One more example of how he's a fine young man.

We're hoping and praying for Danny and his family. My daughter still takes him to the video store and movies when he is feeling well enough. You can see his beautiful brown eyes over the mask he must wear outside of his home.

Anita M. Williams

Wildomar

Club finds new Kool-Aid

Interesting to find that the political Kool-Aid drinkers are now substituting beer as the drink of choice ("Liberals find beer, each other," Feb. 16). Easier to drown their combined sorrows or getting in training for the election hangover after November '08?

James P. Murray

Sun City

Fresh from the Web:

Welcome to the new North County Times Web site

Readers respond to the debut of the North County Times' redesigned Web site on Wednesday. The site has a host of new features, navigation tools and resources. The North County Times staff will continue to update and upgrade these pages to improve the viewers' online experience and help visitors find what they are looking for quicker and easier.

Why fix it?

mike: I like the old design a lot better. It was easier to use if not quite as flashy. If it wasn't broken why "fix" it? Will there be a way to pay a small subscription fee and get the old design back?

Thankful for the update

Roger: I'm glad you finally changed the website. You definitely did good by updating such a boring and bland previous website.

Needs a few days…

George: Unexpected change is always unsettling. A quick overview is disappointing since the home page is mostly navigation instead of content. However, I reserve the right to change my mind after a few days of adjustment. And please fix the software that is unable to properly validate the supplied "image verification" when comments are submitted!

Much better!

Interesting: Much better than the old one! Only a couple of thing I would like to see. Perhaps a bigger headline area, more like what you would see in the print version. Top stories could be emphasized more. And I'm not sure everyone would know to actually click on "news" in the nav bar to see the menu. Maybe if there was a clue to click…an arrow or something or if it automatically showed the menu when you rolled over it.

Good job so far.

Wilkes get 12 years

Readers respond to our Feb. 20 story about former defense contractor Brent Wilkes being sentenced on Tuesday to 12 years for bribing U.S. Rep Randy "Duke" Cunningham with cash, lavish vacations and evenings with prostitutes. Wilkes, 53, was convicted in November of plying the now-jailed former North County congressman with cash payments of more than $625,000 and pricey gifts - including machine gun shooting lessons - in what is the biggest congressional corruption case ever prosecuted.

Sentencing is unfair

Randy: Why does "Top Gun", who enjoyed all the "perks", go to jail for less time than the person who bribed him? The testimony was the Cunningham napkin, showing the amount of bribes Duke demanded for the size of contract that was awarded. The napkin shows that the Congressman was in complete control of the situation. Thus, "Top Gun" should be spending more time in the slammer than the defense contractor.

Wonders never cease

mark: A defense contractor gets 12 years in prison? You mean someone has been held accountable? Wonders never cease, pigs are flying and hell is freezing over. Now we just have to do this a few thousand more times.

Hard to believe

Concerned-1: I find it strange that this guy would continue to claim he was innocent. That is really hard to believe. Is he that brash? I guess so. I do like to see Geragos lose, although, I bet he made his dough in the deal.

Duke's not the only one

Human: There is no way that Duke was the only Congressman being bribed by this contractor. They should offer him his freedom if he rats out everyone else. Let's get em' all!

Oceanside keeps fireworks, drops OFest

Readers respond to our Feb. 20 story about the Oceanside City Council saying on Tuesday that although they will keep the city's long-standing tradition of July Fourth fireworks, the days-long celebration that has accompanied the popular event will be scaled down dramatically. The changes are part of a series of recommendations presented to the City Council Tuesday afternoon by Oceanside police Chief Frank McCoy during a sparsely attended public workshop.

Heading south

So much for another highlight: One thing that always drew my family to O'side on the 4th of July was the street fair. So much for that, if I want to see fireworks, I can go anywhere… now I'll just head to Coronado.

Not worth the effort

Vista Granny: I've never attended the street fair, but it seems to me that once again a few bad apples have spoiled the barrel. It sounds as if it not really worth the effort to get close to the beach on the fourth. I believe the hotel is very much a part of all this. Oceanside officials would like to turn the city into another Coronado maybe, but it's not possible.

Thanks, Council!

Lexy: Good job, Oceanside! My family has lived on Pacific Street for 10 years and I have personally seen the decline in safety and fun. We left the strand early last year. Our first clue was the police in full SWAT gear was our first clue. Just after we left, there was a stabbing. Thanks for being proactive and trying to solve this problem!

Murrieta cracks down on maintenance of foreclosed homes

Readers responded to an article Wednesday about Murrieta's passage of an ordinance requiring lenders to maintain properties they have foreclosed:

Opportunity

entrepreneur: Sounds like an opportunity for a start-up business: handyman/gardener who keeps up foreclosed houses. You would probably have to cart in your own water and electricity though, or buy it from one of the neighbors.

Going backwards

big city government: This whole thing stinks. Fine the parks dept. for the brown spots in our parks. Murrieta is going backwards. Is the whole city going to be one big HOA regulation?

Affordable housing

Peter: Looks like an opportunity for low-income housing in the near future if these properties don't move on the market. The city could buy them and make them available to those who work in the area's retail businesses at ultra-low prices. I'm sure these new owners would take pride in their homes. …

Hopeful

Concerned-1: … We must not let neighborhoods deteriorate into ghettos. Hopefully, this law will stick. … The law should apply to all title holders as well. …

Plummeting prices

stan: If lenders are required to maintain neighborhood standards for foreclosed homes, home prices will plummet further because the carrying costs will be much higher, giving lenders more incentive to get rid of the homes at any price.