Sprinter will be a disaster!

I think my letter subject line will one day be the headline of this newspaper. I saw the problem with the traffic coming as soon as I heard of this ridiculous, useless train project. Does anyone realize how many streets need to be crossed to get out of Vista to get to 78? I would hate to be waiting somewhere in Vista for an ambulance or firetruck while they are waiting for a Sprinter to pass by, unless the emergency equipment has the ability to fly over the train to get to their call.

Lawyers, get ready! Vista, get out your checkbooks.

Nancy Moon

Vista

Sunrise Powerlink is not needed

I would like to comment on the proposed Sunrise Powerlink. … I, and many experts, have come to the conclusion that this $1.3 billion line is not needed. … This $1.3 billion would go a long way to getting San Diego invested in local solar and other innovative technologies. This would free its citizens of the one-choice power company that currently supplies this city and actually promote rooftop solar and other energy-efficient incentives that would relieve the grid tremendously. …

The new future is in decentralized energy, and people are going to be hearing about that at an increasing level as it becomes apparent to all that change is indeed on our doorstep.

According to the DRA [Division of ratepayers Advocates] report, SDG&E can meet the state's renewable energy mandates without the Powerlink. San Diego citizens need to realize that this project, which is unprecedented in scope, is indeed in their backyard. The beloved scenic drive through Ramona to Dudley's Bakery and from there to either Julian or the Lake Henshaw basin and on to the Anza Borrego State Park is slated to be forever sacrificed when it is clear we can solve San Diego's energy problems without destroying our wilderness and rural backcountry.

Judith Withers

Warner Springs

Shame on GOP for squashing our rights

I am very amazed at the Republican Party these days. How can they sit here and look the American people in the eye and say, "We're on your side," when this administration and its cronies are slowly and silently taking away our rights one by one?

While the media are focusing more on Anna Nicole's baby, and the latest winner of the reality show that was on last night, the administration is creating more and more bills to squash our constitutional rights. However, that again does not surprise me as the media are owned and operated by Big Business, which doesn't give a hoot about the people of this country. Jefferson must be rolling over in his grave!

Then there is this war. If people would do a little research they would find out that this war did not start because of 9/11, it was in the works before Jimmy Carter. Here again, it is all about the greed of Big Oil, and companies such as Halliburton and Bechtel. If you think they care about a democracy in Iraq it is only because they want to pipe oil through Iraq and Afghanistan. Shame on the Republican Party!

Ron Griesse

Escondido

Let's not forget Roosevelt's words

Theodore Roosevelt said it the best in 1907: "In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American … There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag. … We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language. … and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

Todd Golder

Escondido

Scientific info nullifies healing program article

I have been away, so the Bradley Fikes article concerning a vibrational healing program offer by Diane Mandle for cancer patients at Sharp Hospital is recent for me ("'Healing program' at Sharp invokes sound, not medicine," May 13).

I expect and hold the North County Times to present competent levels of journalism, and this article, with its apparent biases, is disappointing. I realize the pressure of deadlines that reporters must be influenced by; however, even cursory research of this subject would have certainly revealed to Mr. Fikes abundant scientific information (quite easily available on the Internet) that would have nullified this report.

I can merely speculate on his motivations but, clearly, in this instance, either ignorance or personal bias must have been the motivating factors. Any knowledge that is dumbed down or deluded by the media is an affront, a criminal disservice, to the reading public and is beneath the standards your newspaper must strive for.

Richard Rudis

Encinitas

Liberal logic hard to understand

I am writing in response to Mr. Milton Saier's letter (Letters, May 26) regarding the "devastating effects our species is having on the climate, our planetary ecosystems," etc., etc., ad nauseam, ad nauseam. By "planetary ecosystems" is he referring to the effects of humanity on the rising temps of Mars? We are to blame, of course! Are these the ravings of just another blame-America-first, then blame humanity, free-to-be-me, hug-a-tree liberal, or is he actually doing something to further his cause of needing "to rein back human numbers, humanely and democratically, for the sake of the planet and all living organisms on it"? …

Is he part of the same crowd that says we have a labor shortage and need illegal aliens, then complains about the rate of unemployment? I just can't figure out the liberal logic and mentality. Maybe I haven't evolved enough.

Pete Hay

Oceanside

County retirees deserve their health benefits

Current retirees often worked for less pay during their working years to ensure they would have health benefits and a secure pension. They were encouraged to believe that, although not vested, health benefits would continue based on past practices. Career choices were made and county employees retained based on this information.

This is unfair. Unfair employee practices will make it more difficult for the county to hire and retain the best employees. In the long run, this will cost the county more. Changes to retirement plan should be incrementally implemented as new employees are hired.

Shirley Skyles

San Diego

Finally, action on Darfur; it is not enough

Though it took far too long, and spanned the time period of far too many deaths, the White House finally announced its Plan B for action in Darfur, Sudan. However, these sanctions are not going to be enough unless they are matched by strong multilateral sanctions as well, and those sanctions will only advance if there is U.S. leadership at the U.N.

President Bush and Secretary Rice must make engaging America's allies a top priority to ensure the passage of a strong resolution at the U.N. Security Council, which includes tough sanctions against a full list of individuals complicit in the genocide, an expansion of the Darfur arms embargo to include the Sudanese regime in Khartoum, the authorization of a no-fly zone over Darfur, with specific enforcement mechanisms, and international economic sanctions mirroring those just announced by the U.S. The people of Darfur are waiting.

David Goodman

Encinitas

Solution is in your backyard

The Fellowship Center has been helping people get their lives together since 1963 http://nctimes.com/articles/2007/05/24/news/coastal/oceanside/20_49_525_23_07.txt#8>("Escondido drug, alcohol residential recovery center proposes second facility," May 24).. These men are taken off the streets and given an opportunity to get jobs, pay taxes and, believe it or not, [the center] cuts down on the crime rate.

Wake up, Oceanside. The problem is in your backyard and the Fellowship Center can be part of a solution to your problem. You send your homeless alcoholic/drug addicts to Escondido to get help during the inclement weather and put your problem in our backyard. Why not join in and be a part of the solution to a widespread problem?

James Beaman

Escondido

Why can't we become oil independent?

I have always found it interesting that during the latter part of World War II, in the mid-1940s, the Germans were being methodically and mercilessly bombed, day and night, by American and British bomber command. Yet, despite that, and with not one single oil well (they had previously been expelled out of the Russian oil fields), they were still able to efficiently operate their army, their navy, air force, submarines, Panzer tanks and their war production factories, plus producing their V1 and V2 rockets to be used against England, and their secret weapon, 600 mph jet planes and the fuel to operate them. All of this on their coal derivative synthetic oil.

I ask, if the Germans were able to accomplish all of that, under those adverse conditions, and with the technologies of the 1940s, why is it that we Americans, with our 21st century technology, continue to spend billions of U.S. dollars in the Middle East? We have vast deposits of coal in our own nation, not to mention Canada. Could you imagine what those billions could do for our national economy? Our national gross product? For our research universities, our Farm Belt, ethanol, Appalachian coal mines, cancer research, student scholarships, etc?

In my own opinion, I think our national priorities are flawed. It is said that synthetic oil is expensive. I agree, but so is the Iraq war.

Carlos Cornejo

Escondido

We should be proud of our country

Where was Mr. Eric Parish when we lost 50,000 of our finest in Vietnam (Letters, May 28)? And to you complainers who hate this country ññ we went to war against the Axis and Japan and we won that war. We rebuilt Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Japan. They are all prosperous and peaceful nations. We never took anything for ourselves.

And, yes, we go to the aid of countries ññ Africa fighting AIDS, to countries destroyed by Mother Nature and any country that needs help. All should be proud of our country and its history. We should not tolerate the likes of ex-Presidents Clinton and Carter, who have not distinguished themselves in any way by going to Europe and making speeches denigrating our country. Instead, they should be tried for treason.

Bettie Heldring

Escondido

Evil, insanity reign over immigration

Vast amounts of U.S. blood and treasure are squandered prosecuting the Iraqi civil war in which the indigenous people refuse to fight for their own freedoms and country. Unimaginable amounts of U.S. blood and treasure are daily sacrificed to the out-of-control invasion of our nation by tens of millions of illegal aliens from Mexico, who also refuse to fight for their own freedoms and countries in Latin America.

Behind both these misdirected insurgencies lies a corrupt, out-of-control and out-of-touch elitist corporate/political cabal. In both cases, Americans pay royally! See any connection?

Do you really think/believe this Mexican invasion is good for the U.S., and do you/your family feel safer because of it? It's not a question of if, but when, the U.S. begins to reel and roil from attention-grabbing terrorist events and political and social anarchy. The majority of Americans are screaming: No amnesty, enforce our existing laws and secure our borders, now! By adamantly and arrogantly refusing to do so, our president and Congress are playing a sinister game of Russian roulette with the safety and sovereignty of all Americans. Post 911, this insanity is national suicide.

To view the frightening truth, go to www.immigrationcounters.com.

Gary Walker

Escondido

We must speak up for the animals

I would like to thank you for printing the letter regarding AB 1634 (mandatory spay and neuter) from Jennifer Gilstrap (Letters, May 26). I cannot add my voice strongly enough.

There are thousands of us in animal rescue in the state of California and, unless one has seen firsthand what we go through, it's unimaginable. We dedicate our lives to help as many animals as we can ññ often to the detriment of our families, with a loss of job income and sometimes in a chronic state of exhaustion ññ but all our efforts are still a drop in the proverbial bucket of what is needed. …

It has been countered that pet overpopulation is not a problem. Anyone who believes this to be true should follow a rescuer around on a typical day, or visit one of the freezers at any animal shelter where the bodies of euthanized cats and dogs are stacked up by the dozens if not hundreds. …

Of course not everyone is an animal lover, but individuals who are unmoved by the plight of the animals may want to consider the plight of their taxpaying pocketbooks. We are currently euthanizing nearly half a million animals in shelters in California every year and spending $250 million annually to do so. These animals are unable to speak for themselves and depend on us. But we can speak for ourselves and help save tax dollars and animals at the same time by making this bill into law.

Debbi Flint

San Diego

Bush holds us hostage

President Bush has had it in his power under existing law to secure the borders and to break up the illegal hiring enterprises. But he has refused. In pushing the Senate bill, President Bush in effect is saying, "Trust me, I can enforce the law and stop future illegal immigration, but I will not provide that enforcement until you give me this amnesty."

Pres. Bush for six years has held the security of the United States hostage, demanding that the American people and Congress pay the ransom of giving amnesty to millions of illegal foreign workers.

Bill Hasty

Escondido

Democracy waits to be reinstated

For some reason, democracy is waiting to be reinstated. Our Democratic reps have joined the corporatists, it seems. We all know where the Repubs stand. How do they convince people to let them have their way? They count the votes with their own special math. They lie with a straight face, over and over. It's called the big lie. It works well on people who are not paying attention.

Scott Carr

Vista

Grateful for care at Palomar

Palomar hospital and its staff are beyond any words I can use. I was in for a pacemaker on the 24th, and everyone was so caring and gave me so much attention; I felt very special.

Paula, my nurse, who stayed with me throughout; Mike, my guy who worked on the settings; Charlie, who I embarrassed and I'm sure wished he could be swallowed up; Pilar, Gabrielle, Racheal, Stacy and all the wonderful people. My cardiologist, Dr. Gilbert, and Dr. Haberman, my very special primary physician ññ I don't know what I would do without either one. Thank you all. I'm so grateful.

Janet Dickens

Escondido

Where's the coverage of Chavez?

I have not heard anything from the North County Times regarding the protests and riots against Chavez in Venezuela, where the government has stifled freedom of speech by shutting down the press. Big news, no coverage. Why not?

Reg L'Abbe

Escondido

Weather or not

About 50 percent of the time, on NCT's weather page, the local forecasts are not. Instead, they are an exact copy of the previous day's temperatures as listed in the "Regional temperatures" column. This is not a service to your readers.

Either get the forecast numbers right or don't print them.

Richard Nicholson

Bonsall

All powerful God could do what He wants

I can't help but comment on Dianne George (Letters, June 1). George, a UC graduate - four degrees and a doctorate -, asks "where did we get the caudal bone on our gluteus maximus that suggests we once swung from trees and just might have been the descendant of an evolving species?"

That's it, that's the abounding evidence for evolution? That is why after 100 years of evolution being shoved down the collective throats of every American, so few believe in evolution. George's musings about our caudal bone are not scientific evidence, nor evidence of any kind. That is what is called a false premise.

Then she says she believes in God but he took his time to create this world, because he never could have done it in seven days. More abounding evidence! A God, omnipresent and omnipowerful, whom George admits created the world, just couldn't do it in seven days? Then by definition God is not a god, being restricted in power and ability. Doesn't make sense; another false premise.

Is this the same God that created the time George is referring to? What is easier, creating this magnificent universe and the life in it in seven days, or creating a universe in which the matter of the universe has the power to create life all by itself? Four degrees and a doctorate?

Chris Pedersen

Temecula

Musicians wanted for community band

Each year a dedicated group of musicians come together to form the Temecula All-City Community Band. This band was founded to ensure that the city of Temecula would always have a marching band in its July Fourth parade.

Temecula and the surrounding area have shown dramatic growth in the last few years. Included in this population explosion are a number of musicians. They played in their high school or college bands and have never lost their love of performing for appreciative crowds. Their old instruments lie in a closet just waiting to be brought out into the light of day after a few years, or even decades.

If you are one of these musicians, get out that old instrument, tune up your chops and join the Temecula All-City Community Band to help your community put on an old-fashioned home town parade! Adult musicians are especially sought.

High school and middle school students earn community service hours toward graduation. There are no fees or auditions. Just grab your instrument and join us at the rehearsals on Mondays and Wednesdays starting June 18. For full details please go to the band Web site at TemeculaBand.com, or e-mail the director at wwalkerjr@verizon.net.

Finally, I would like to thank The Californian, Jerry Burdick-Rutz and the city of Temecula for all their help in keeping this band going since 1999.

Wade Walker Jr.

Murrieta

Granite only has options on quarry land

The mention of the approval or denial of the proposed Liberty Quarry in the Opinion piece by Phil Strickland ("Whose property rights will prevail?" June 2) is inappropriate. Granite Construction Co. has not purchased that land. They only have options to buy it if they get approval. No risk on their part.

If they should drop those options, there are organizations that have expressed interested in buying the land, to protect it from such inappropriate development. Residents of Temecula who have worked hard to purchase their homes in a beautiful valley with ideal weather and activities to raise a healthy family have a right to protect their investment.

These two sides don't even belong on the same scale. The actual owners of the land chose to tie it up in this option, because they have no plans of their own for the land. They have nothing at risk. This situation belongs in an article about balancing bad business decisions.

There is an ever-growing group of residents organized to stop this quarry. Granite is gambling that the "donations" they are making around the state will overpower the will of the people. And what of drops in property tax revenue as area homes no longer appreciate in value because they are located in a mining town.

If you really want to see what is at stake, go to www.youtube.com and search for "Huge Pit Mine." Balance the reality of such heavy industry in the middle of a residential area against all those who chose to live here? Not.

Robbie Adkins

Temecula

Murrieta needs place for kids

I have lived here in Murrieta since 1995 and watched it grow. The one thing that bothers me is that Murrieta has nowhere for the children, especially the "teens," to go. I see them hanging out and around. I believe Murrieta needs a park and recreation center with a gym so they can have activities and play games there. I also believe Murrieta can benefit from a water park or amusement park. It would create jobs and give the residents something to do. Bottom line: Murrieta does not need more housing, it needs more places to go such as bigger parks with shaded trees for picnics and family gatherings.

Mechiel Earls

Murrieta

Fresh from the Web

Vista charter measure appears to pass by solid margin

Readers respond to our June 6 story about Vista's Proposition C, which will allow the city to adopt a type of municipal code known as a charter, passing with 68 percent of the 4,331 votes.

What you pay for

Vista Granny: "I hope that Vista will now try to at least come close to having some of the attractive civic buildings and other attractions that San Marcos and Del Mar do. In the short run, though, I see out of state contractors hiring migrant laborers, and possibly some under-the-table money deals. Cheap is not always the best way to go, in fact, it seldom is."

One for us

Stop the Insanity!: "Another win for the good guys, and another blow to the unions that needlessly drive up the cost of public projects. Go Vista!"

Handful of fools

Hilarious!: "Now we know where all the illegal, unskilled labor will end up: Vista. Watch your council closely- soon they could be earning thousands and thousands of dollars more in taxpayer funds for their inflated salaries, passing new taxes at a whim, and enriching their pals with no-bid contracts. You people are fools - all several thousand of you who managed to exercise your right to vote."

MCC trustee aims ire at faculty, staff; alleged hate crime triggers outburst by board president

Readers respond to our June 6 story about MiraCosta College board President Charles Adams accusing four colleagues of fomenting an atmosphere that led to an alleged hate crime against his home and family. Further, Adams specifically accused two faculty members of committing the hate crime. The two men denied any part in the incident.

Out of line

despicable: "What happened to Mr. Adams home was despicable. The comments and accusations made by Mr. Adams are equally despicable. Every taxpayer should take notice of this board and how it conducts itself. I don't recall faculty expressing hate - dissatisfaction, yes - but I don't recall hate in the reports. Perhaps there will be more lawsuits now, with defamation of character as the centerpiece. The public should demand an apology from Adams."

Two peas

Buffoons: "MiraCosta College Board President Charles Adams and College President Victoria Munoz Richart are two peas in a pod. Death threats and silly string, and it's not even election season! Your behavior is a constant embarrassment to North County. If you don't control your own behavior, you don't belong in leadership positions!"

Stay positive

I am Arthur, King of the Britons: "Mr. Adams is the victim of a hate crime, but reckless accusations can be defamatory. All parties, it seems to me, would benefit from a time-out. There are a lot of wonderful things about MiraCosta College and it's important that we all keep focused on the positive. When one considers the big picture, we're all pretty darn lucky to be living where we do, when we do, in such a beautiful place with such a fantastic college."

The other target?

Legallabnerd: "These accusations are hateful and calculated to cause hate and unrest. Mr. Adams, you must publicly apologize for your outrageous behavior. Like other writers, I would think this was directed more at your wife by students than at you in the first place. Shame on you."

Feller pulls Oceanside charter issue off tonight's council agenda

Readers respond to our June 6 story about Oceanside Councilman Jack Feller saying he has changed his mind about asking the council to explore charter city status tonight, saying he wants to have more information in hand before he brings the issue to the table.

Watch out

Beware of a Charter: "There are good reasons voters have turned down a charter three times. Expenses go way up with a charter because charters are the law and every time you find out a circumstance not included in the charter you have the expense of amending the charter. Council members can raise their salary, district and redistrict the city till they bleed us dry. The mayor will have veto power over council votes. The only thing more scary than a Mayor Feller is a Mayor Feller with power to veto whatever his handlers tell him to veto."

Power corrupts

no charter for oside: "O'side's elected officials have had a history of not getting along and/or having power struggles. Because of this, giving extra power to any council member or mayor is a bad idea."

Do homework

To Beware: "Nadine Scott and her cronies are to be feared way more then exploring a charter. I think we should get the facts about what being a charter city brings to the table. If it makes sense then put it to a vote. If it doesn't make sense then drop it but let's get the facts. It's obvious from these postings very few know the facts of being a charter city."

Murrieta council could opt to delay I-215 crossing

Readers responded to an article Wednesday on the Murrieta City Council's consideration of bridge-widening projects across Interstate 215 on Clinton Keith Road and Linnel Lane:

Widening needed

Jeremy: I'm glad the council members are putting Clinton Keith at the top of the priority list, but I still don't think they understand how severely that bridge needs to be widened. Hopefully, nothing will change between now and when the construction contracts are signed.

Onus on builders

too many homes: going in before widening the streets and overpasses. And what about fire stations, police and schools? The house builders should have to do these things before they build.

Bridges wanted now

Life Long Resident: Delaying any of these bridges is stupid. They need to be built and they need to be built now! If you postpone any of them, the costs will only rise and in a year, two or three, you will want to postpone them again. …

Move on them

Save Murrieta: I am not big on growth, but what is going on? Our city comes to a standstill every afternoon and now they want to delay? … (The City Council) needs to take a stand and move on both Linnel and Clinton Keith - simply ridiculous.

Build them now

Concerned-1: The sooner they build all three overpasses, the better for all. If there's money, build it and don't worry about the credit. … We live in a rapidly changing, dynamic world and we need to make decisions accordingly. If you don't want growth, move to some place that isn't growing.