Letters for October 19, 2006

Executive director’s feedback
Re: “Finding their way” (Cover story, by Alicia Springer, CN&R, Oct. 12):

I want to express to you how much we [at Community Collaborative for Youth] all appreciate the incredible article. It has put CCY on the map—and high-risk kids, too—in such a positive way. I noticed that you always referred to our students in a positive light, never as losers, always as humans with complex situations, but with strengths and hope. I especially thank you for sending that message out into our community—so important to turn around that negative view of kids!

Many, many people have come up to me and praised the “wonderful work CCY is doing.” Some who couldn’t attend Reach for the Stars last Friday came early to drop off a donation and/or offer volunteer help. I also want to express my appreciation to the many, many people who donated goods and services to make Reach for the Stars a wonderful party.

I feel this is the beginning of a wave that CCY will ride on to the next level of success.

Emily Alma
CCY, Chico

Music not dead yet
Re: “The music is dying” (Newslines, by Meredith J. Cooper, CN&R, Oct. 12):

Yes, Tower is closing, yes, 13 people will be losing their jobs, and yes, that is sad. They have been here for quite sometime now, and even though this one was franchised, it is still another big record store taking a dive.

The thing about your article that really upset me, however, was not even about Tower. It irks me that CN&R did not even mention The Underground as an alternative to Tower. It was nice to mention Melody Records, but The Underground is a full-service store, stocking both new and used.

Could it be that you just weren’t paying attention when you walked by our window covered in album covers and the huge “we buy used music” sign? [We are] the biggest store in town now for selling used music and DVDs, the only place north of Sacramento for buying DJ supplies/vinyl and also one of the last two places in town for buying new and used vinyl.

The Underground has been in this area for well over 20 years, independently owned and operated, without the privilege of corporate promotions or signage. In short, The Underground exists as a result of the support of our loyal patrons and independently minded folks all over Chico. Without continuing support from the community and its members (including media), The Underground will go the way of Tower, something I feel will deal a far more crushing blow to the state of music in this city.

Meagan Davies
The Underground, Chico

‘Humane slaughter'?
Re: “The meat of the matter” (Editorial, CN&R, Oct. 12):

I’d like to respond to the editorial regarding the meat issue at Chico Natural Foods. Most importantly, I’d like to bring up the issue of “humane slaughter.” The fact is there is no such thing. Animals coming from factory farms or small family farms are all shipped and slaughtered the exact same way. They don’t sort out the lucky “free-range” animals and send them to a separate butcher who pats the animals on the head and puts them to sleep before they are slaughtered. Any animal headed for slaughter will die a slow and painful death, no matter their upbringing.

Another point I’d like to bring up is the idea that CNF wants to purchase locally raised meat. Think again. At last discussion it was mentioned that CNF would purchase its meat from Niman Ranch, which is based out of Oakland. CNF had us all fooled by taking us to a local ranch located in Red Bluff. On top of that, the “free-range” turkeys that are sold in the store every November for Thanksgiving are purchased from Diestel Turkey Ranch, which is located in Sonoma.

As a vegan, I appreciated what CNF had to offer: a safe haven for me to do my shopping without having to see or smell dead animals. By including meat in their store year round they have taken that special place away. I am saddened and sickened by the decision and hope that someday the board will actually put some real effort into making the store a wonderful place to shop.

Sarah Downs
Chico

In favor of Flynn
It is an honor to express my support for Mary Flynn for Chico City Council. I have worked with Mary at Chico High School for seven years now. When I think about Mary, many qualities come to mind: leadership, integrity, dignity, honesty, intelligence, common sense and compassion.

She will bring all of these assets and a dedicated work ethic to her position on the City Council. She is an effective communicator, a keen listener, and she makes decisions based on reliable information. She has a solid sense of the value of community and of the well-being of all the citizens of Chico. Her combined experience in business, education and community-based projects are a gift to our community, and her leadership will be a strength to us all.

Mary also directs the Chico High Academic Mentor Program (CHAMP) at Chico High School. She assumed directorship of this program from me and has given it the kind of energy and enthusiasm only she can. The program has grown tremendously through her leadership, building bridges between Chico High, the Chico business community and California State University, Chico. Mary understands the power of partnership and the sharing of resources for the health of the Chico community.

Mary is truly a representative of the people of Chico. The relationships she has forged traverse all the diverse sectors of our community. I will proudly step into the voting booth on Nov. 7 and cast my vote for Mary Flynn. I encourage everyone in our community to do the same.

Eric Nilsson
Chico

Another affirmation
The community of Chico is at a crossroads. We can choose to proceed on our present path of growth and development with consequent degradation of city streets, public safety and overall quality of life—or we can choose a more thoughtful, sustainable path that will preserve the integrity of our beloved neighborhoods, our open spaces, while promoting local businesses and economic development.

As a Chico resident since 1970 and a former member of the last General Plan Task Force, it is my hope that we choose the latter. That is why I’m supporting Mary Flynn for City Council. Mary has the demonstrated ability to bring the council a reasoned, compassionate vision for all of Chico.

For far too long, the community of Chico, as evidenced by the ideological divide of the City Council, has been polarized. We need leaders of integrity who are able to work with all segments of our community, building consensus that will preserve the unique charm of Chico. I believe Mary is such a leader and encourage others who share my hope of a bright future for Chico to join me in voting for Mary Flynn.

Gene Smith
Chico

Look at backers
In this political season, when we are all bombarded with so many negative ads on so many subjects, one useful way to evaluate a proposition is to simply look at who supports it and who opposes it.

On Proposition 89, the campaign-finance-reform initiative to create voter-owned elections, here are a few of those contributing money to oppose it: Chevron Oil, PHARMA (the drug industry lobby), PG&E, numerous insurance companies (including State Farm, Mercury, Aetna and Zenith), Waste Management, Occidental Oil and Gas and a broad cross-section of corporate interests.

On the pro side, one finds the California Nurses Association, the League of Women Voters, AARP California, California Church Impact, the California Retired Teachers Association, California Common Cause and the Senior Action Network, among many others.

I’ll leave it to you to figure out whose side you want to be on—and who you think is on yours.

David Welch
Chico

Horse sensibility
Congressman Wally Herger voted no on a bill that would have banned the slaughter of horses. A third-generation rancher, he says horse butchery is a necessity.

Ninety-five-thousand horses were slaughtered during 2005. Most of the meat was sold to Japan, France and Belgium. Every year, thousands of horses are butchered so a few greedy individuals can make a profit. Why would any decent person vote for Wally Herger?

Joel Felice
Paradise

Eco-friendly—and not
The League of Conservation Voters (www.lcv.org) has just released its annual report on congressional voting. One finding of interest is the way our representatives voted on environmental issues.

[Sen.] Dianne Feinstein’s voting record in favor of conserving the environment was 100 percent. Likewise with [Sen.] Barbara Boxer, also 100 percent.

Wally Herger? Zero percent. Hmmm …

Larry Phipps
Chico

Different strategy
Going after al-Qaida in Afghanistan was a logical move since it attacked New York. But attacking Iraq was an entirely different matter.

Can an idealistic war be won militarily? Doesn’t it require sincere ongoing diplomacy to build understanding and respect? It seems pretty clear we have not won the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people, and they don’t want us there.

Our brave military are fighting every day with all their hearts, and it upsets me that they are caught in a civil war where it’s not clear just who they’re fighting, or why. After all, if we went into Iraq to get rid of Saddam, hasn’t that been “Mission Accomplished"? Why are we still there?

It seems to me that Rep. [John] Murtha [D-Penn.] has the right idea: Redeploy our troops to Afghanistan where they can regroup and be ready to fight again in Iraq or Afghanistan, if needed. Isn’t it good military strategy to withdraw to live to fight another day?

I’m sure this administration would call this “cut and run.” But hasn’t this administration demonstrated that its knowledge of military strategy is worse even than its diplomacy?

Barbara Ortiz
Magalia

Listen up …
We are in big trouble. The science is in. Our kids are dying.

Fifty-two percent of our county’s grade-school-age kids are overweight, and 25 percent of Hispanic kids show indicators for type II diabetes. For the first time in our history, kids are living shorter and more unhealthy lives than their parents. Adults are fairing not so good themselves. In the U.S., someone dies of a heart attack every 30 seconds. All this is preventable through good nutrition and exercise.

Recently I attended a grade-school program. The kindergarten kids sang “four hugs a day—that’s the minimum,” which mimics the “5 a day” program promoting the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Afterward, everyone was treated to sugar cookies and fruit-flavored punch.

This past week I attended a school “kids fair” fundraiser where the food was cotton candy, sodas, pizza and tootsie pops, and the prizes were sugar candies and cake. Only one food item included any whole plant food.

On Nov. 2, Dr. Cindy Wolff will give the keynote address to kick off the Organic Farm and Food Conference portion of the This Way to Sustainability Conference in the BMU auditorium on the Chico State campus. A Chico farm-family native, now professor and coordinator of the Nutrition and Food Sciences Program at Chico State, Dr. Wolff is a dynamic speaker and leading resource for turning this nutritional insanity around. I urge anyone interested in the health of our community to reserve that day to attend—and save some lives.

Richard H. Roth
Chico

Correction
Re: “Follow the money” (Downstroke, CN&R, Oct. 12): In an item on campaign funds, District 3 supervisor candidate Steve Bertagna’s reported totals were misstated. Through Sept. 30, he raised $66,949 ($3,398 more than opponent Maureen Kirk) and spent $59,339 ($4,409 more than Kirk). This has been fixed on the Web site.