Letters for August 13, 2009

A lawsuit is unnecessary

Re “Back in the chair” (From this corner, by Robert Speer, Aug., 6):

As a registered parliamentarian, I suggest the issue of distributing the analysis about Walmart by a planning commissioner to other commissioners is in need of clarification.

The central point in any issue involving the Brown Act (which is cited by one and all without really understanding the scope of the same) is whether the decision-making process is being influenced by the majority of the body in closed doors without public input.

Hence, the first point in need of clarification is: Was a meeting of the commissioners publicly announced at which the issue was to be discussed, or was it an attempt to influence the decision away from the open meeting?

Going to a court of law to adjudicate the opinions of the city attorney and the Chico Enterprise-Record attorney is not necessary.

Brahama D. Sharma
Chico

Are houses in the park?

Re “Lessons to be learned” (Letters, by Jerry Olio, Aug. 6):

The editor’s note to Jerry Olio’s letter states that houses have not been built in Upper Park. Maybe.

As the author of an article not so long ago [“Unwanted neighbors,” July 27, 2006], Editor Robert Speer made mention of a well-documented letter to the city from the late John Schooling, who made a series of sincere attempts to initiate a review of the original boundaries of the Bidwell-deeded lands and subsequent parcel maps submitted by Canyon Oaks developers.

According to Schooling, the parcel maps submitted in conjunction with the Canyon Oaks development incorrectly show the northern boundaries of the parcels, [which as a result are] trespassing into what is now part of Upper Bidwell Park. The farther east the incorrect trajectory of the parcel boundaries go, the more public land gets swallowed.

Could be this is all water under the bridge, blame it on an incompetent bureaucracy, etc. But wait, the public still has the eventual development of Parcel 9—the last undeveloped parcel in the Canyon Oaks project, and a continuation of ridgeline homes—to look forward to.

Was Schooling right? He presented his argument pretty convincingly, so maybe. At least until an independent survey tells us otherwise.

Funny (?) fact: Back in the day, environmentalists collected enough signatures to put a referendum to stop Canyon Oaks on the ballot, but the signatures were tossed because a complete copy of the Canyon Oaks Master Plan was not present when signatures were collected.

Back then, the law was the law, I suppose, when it came to referendums.

Randy Abbott
Chico

He’s not doing his job

Re “California meltdown” (Newslines, by Robert Speer, Aug. 6):

During a recession, with its higher unemployment, government funding for battered-women’s shelters should be increased, not decreased or eliminated. The governor’s illegal-veto budget cuts, with the backing of the oil industry (Chevron Corp. of San Ramon), are very dangerous for the women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

Obviously, this budget picks on the most vulnerable. If a battered woman is murdered because of these cuts, then Schwarzenegger and his oil-industry backers should be charged with first-degree murder.

Earl Richards
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Still in the game

Re “You don’t know Jack” (Downstroke, Aug. 6):

Nice story about the sports trivia games that have been going on. The finals for everyone are Aug. 12, 13 and 14, 6 p.m.

Just a quick clarification for your story: No one has been eliminated yet from winning one of the trips to the Bahamas. Players in your area can still win; everyone has a chance to win next week.

Those rankings you cited were just first-round data. All bars in all areas across the country play in the finals next week. Your locals in Anderson are still in.

Andy Stevens
Germantown, MD

Another attraction

Re “For the under-agers” (Goin’ Chico 2009, by Meredith J. Cooper):

It was astonishing to read what all is available in Chico to entertain the “under-agers.” I would like to add one more attraction for the more-serious music lovers among them, namely our wonderful North State Symphony, where they can enjoy the classic as well as contemporary composers at modest student prices.

Aren’t we lucky we live in Chico?

Helga Ruge
Chico

Two views of ‘mob rule’

The ongoing debate over the mob-rule health-care protests is funny and sad, to say the least. I recall mob-rule protests that took place in 2005, when Republicans were attempting to talk about Social Security. I have never been in a louder or more disruptive group as when Congressman Wally Herger tried to conduct a town hall about Social Security. Herger was booed, hissed and so disrespected that I finally walked out of the meeting.

Apparently this was what was happening around the country and will be the reason Social Security will be in a heap of trouble in another five years. Please correct me if there were continuous stories about the mob disrupting conservative town halls.

It looks like conservatives have finally figured out the liberal game and that no one listens until you scream. Democrats seem to know they have the wrong game plan, or this would be a done deal. They have the votes in both houses to pass the bills. Wanting renegade Republicans on their side is really a joke.

It looks like people are finally learning they don’t care to be Europe. They want a United States they can believe in, which includes limited government, fiscal responsibility and free markets.

Cynthia Van Auken
Chico

Like so many others, I am interested in earning some extra cash to supplement my income, since I am about to be furloughed. If anyone can put me in touch with an insurance company willing to pay me to stand up and yell at an elected official, I would be most grateful. I have a good pair of lungs and am willing to shout whatever I’m told, provided I’m paid well.

Additionally, I’m also willing to jump around and wave placards before television cameras. For possible auditions, I have prepared some audiotapes. Hear me shout, “What if you have lost your job and your health insurance?” and “What if your insurance company just informed you that you have a pre-existing condition?” and “What if you have to declare bankruptcy because of an unexpected medical bill? Tough! That’s life!”

I also have a videotape of me sobbing bitterly (very believably, I assure you) as I blubber “Socialist sellout,” or “destroying my Constitution,” or “no government interference with my Medicare.”

I should mention that I would prefer not to shout obscenities or threaten physical violence—unless the price is right. I await the phone call.

Lynn H. Elliott
Chico

This community cares

On Thursday, July 30, the folks at Vino 100 did a wonderful thing: They hosted a benefit for me to help pay for medical expenses. I am one of the millions of Americans without medical insurance, and I am about to undergo radiation treatments for advanced prostate cancer.

I am confident the treatment will be successful, yet the fear is ever present. I firmly believe in the healing power of love, well wishes and prayer. I am certain I will not leave this life for lack of love and concern from my family and friends.

In just two weeks the ladies of Vino 100 and Jim Schell notified friends and the general public, contacted fine wineries, made delicious appetizers—to go along with Brian and Rebecca’s generous donation from their Spice Creek Café—gathered raffle items and sold enough tickets to pack the house and then some.

Freely flowing wine was served by Whitney Yates of Yates Family Vineyards, Phillip LaRocca of LaRocca Vineyards, Dusty Taylor and Tim Borges of Envy Wines and Tom Kelly of Curlew Wines. The evening included a gallery showing of digitally restored photos I shot of the El Rey fairy murals as well as a selection of my fine-art erotica photography.

I was empowered by the love, care and support of so many people and by their sharing of survival stories of the family and friends who have dealt with cancer and won their lives back. I gained strength and confidence that night, thanks to all of you. I am deeply honored.

Gary Quiring
Chico