Letters for October 25, 2012

Crews has more friends

Re “Crews support” (Newslines, by Tom Gascoyne, Oct. 18):

Another friend-of-the-court brief supporting Willows newspaper publisher Tim Crews was filed by William T. Bagley, former assemblyman and 1968 author of the California Public Records Act; state Senator Leland Yee, the Legislature’s leading defender of First Amendment and open-government rights; and Californians Aware, www.calaware.org .

Terry Francke
Carmichael

Trails mix

Re “Off-roaders wrecking Tahoe Forest?” (Earthwatch, Oct. 18):

This lawsuit is about the closure of established off-road trails, not the unlimited use of our wilderness by motorized vehicles.

Off-road vehicles are a legitimate way for a significant percentage of California’s citizens to enjoy the outdoor opportunities that this great state offers. Most off-roaders are highly responsible in their stewardship of the areas they enjoy—with about the same percentage of “bad apples” as the rest of the outdoor community, but it also actively tries to police its own.

For many disabled or less than fit people, it is the only way they can enjoy the outdoors.

It is wise to establish reasonable trails and access to those trails, just as it is wise to ensure that some areas remain pristine and without any human interference. By creating legitimate trail opportunities we lessen the likelihood that ignorant people will abuse the truly roadless sensitive areas. By closing trails ad hoc, we lose the opportunity to manage off-road-vehicle use and encourage those ignorant people to create their own trails.

Dave Gray
Magalia

Stuck in the ’50s

Re “Beware of progressives” (Letters, by B.K. Brooks, Oct. 18):

B.K. Brooks out and out lies about crime in Chico. If he reads the Chico E-R (a right-wing publication), he would have noticed crime is down, not up in Chico, per the Chico police.

Mr. Brooks seems to support Bob Evans and Toby Schindelbeck. Evans and Toby are Tea Party small thinkers. Evans tried to derail the democratic vote on medical cannabis, and Toby has called our president a “useless puke.” Chico does not need these small thinkers in local government.

I would think progress is much preferred to 1950s thinking, which both Evans and Toby have demonstrated.

Marc Deveraux
Chico

No-smoking tyranny

OK people, pay attention! With their use of the words “unenclosed,” “doorway,” “operable window,” “enclosed area” and “twenty feet” in section 8.28.053 of the Chico Municipal Code regarding prohibition of smoking in certain unenclosed areas, the liberal Kool-Aid drinkers on the City Council have effectively criminalized our right to socialize on any patio at any pub. People, this is social tyranny!

Lois “Mama Bear” Edwards
Chico

Kelley provides balance

I support Dave Kelley for City Council. I’ve had the pleasure to serve in city government with Dave Kelley for the past two years. I have found that he researches issues before hearings, brings a wealth of personal and professional experience, and gives thoughtful consideration to issues.

Although I don’t always agree with Dave on every issue, I believe that he will always keep the best interests of the citizens of Chico in mind when making decisions. I believe Dave Kelley will bring a balanced approach to serving Chico.

Ken Rensink
Chico

Restoring sound policies

Chico’s last hope is Tuesday, Nov. 6. We’re out of time and money. We can: 1) vote for social engineering, irrevocably pushing us over the fiscal cliff; or 2) choose rationality, electing those who understand fiscal reality.

It’s irrational to believe those who created the city’s failed fiscal legacy can, will or want to fix the problems. It’s time we elect candidates who’ll advance fiscally sound policies. To solve the overwhelmingly unaffordable problems created in the past, it’s time for a council responsible to all Chicoans, not just their elite patrons.

One individual stands atop the pantheon of responsible candidates: Sean Morgan. Sean’s a long-time Chicoan and knows what’s at stake. A successful business owner, he knows to develop commerce and jobs—and he’s respected by local business, parents, teachers, public servants, residents and taxpayers.

Regardless of political affiliation, we all benefit helping Sean Morgan return the council’s agenda to Chico’s mission: “A safe place to raise a family, an ideal location for business, and a premier place to live.”

Rick Hubbard
Chico

Jann Reed is a leader

The truth is that Jim Nielsen is the very same career politician he wants to “take back” Sacramento from. He does not represent me. He should not be appointed by Doug LaMalfa nor the Republican machine.

I am supporting Jann Reed, an independent woman and a mom who has been volunteering in this community for more than 25 years. Unlike her opponent, with his dubious address in this district, Jann graduated from Chico State with a degree in microbiology and returned to raise a family.

Jann has taken leadership positions in every organization to which she belongs. During her two terms on the Chico Unified School District board, Jann was both vice president and president, each for three years. Jann has been on the front line as Sacramento politicians continually fail to prioritize education. She understands that categorical funding needs to be included in any true educational funding reform. Jann will continue to make our students her priority.

From volunteering in her kids’ classrooms, driving schoolchildren to live theater and working with her daughters for the Special Olympics, to providing infant car seats, bicycle safety instruction and helmets through the Butte Glenn Medical Alliance, Jann has given tirelessly to our children. She wants to do more.

Please join me in voting for Jann Reed Nov. 6.

Barbara Morris
Chico

Teeter’s ‘fresh new look’

We have a great opportunity to start changing the make-up of the Butte County Board of Supervisors. Doug Teeter is running for the 5th District seat vacated by Kim Yamaguci. Doug is as smart as they come with a clear vision of what his responsibilities will be as a representative of Paradise, Magalia and Butte Creek Canyon residents. Doug would bring a fresh new look to the traditionally ultra-conservative consensus that has been the board’s for years and will continue if his opponent is elected.

Butte County faces some very tough times ahead. We need a supervisor who has a clear vision of what the county needs to do, not only to survive tough times, but also to grow economically by fostering a climate for job growth and personal freedoms.

Go to www.dougteeter.com to learn more about his positions on issues facing Butte County.

Brian Corbit
Paradise

Schwab’s ‘clear commitment’

The city of Chico website states that the City Council “establishes and adopts the policies for the City.” I have found that Mayor Ann Schwab takes this directive to heart. She listens, considers and asks questions. I have found her very responsive to my inquiries, and very astute when considering all aspects of an issue.

In addition, she never wavers in showing respect and consideration to all who address the council, whether she feels the same on an issue or not. Leadership, vision and a clear commitment to the city of Chico—these are the qualities we need in City Council members. That’s why I’m voting for Ann Schwab for Chico City Council.

DeAnne Blankenship
Chico

Stone has business savvy

Over the years Chico’s City Council has taken the city on a continual roller-coaster ride with their inconsistent decision-making: A reasonable decision seems to be followed by an irrational one.

This year I am supporting Randall Stone for City Council. We need council members who have a strong background in business and a workable knowledge of finance. Randall Stone meets both these criteria.

Small businesses have had a rocky few years and are in need of political decisions that strengthen Chico’s business community and put more people to work. Given Randall Stone’s professional history, he will be able to make such decisions.

Dr. Claire Fields
Chico

Shape up, Republicans

I’m a Republican, and I’m pretty well fed up with the hypocrisy of North State Republicans.

Here’s what I mean.

Why were Republicans in disbelief when Democrats stood behind President Bill Clinton during the Monica Lewinsky affair, but don’t express the same displeasure when their own Republican state senator grabs $5 million in farm subsidies courtesy of American taxpayers and our biggest lender, the communist Chinese?

Why did Republicans find it so offensive for President Obama to force his very unpopular health-care agenda through Congress, but don’t seem the least put off when their own Republican state senator sets up an illicit attack website against a fellow Republican candidate, blames it on another candidate, and then takes no responsibility for this underhanded, amateurish act?

Why are Republicans so up in arms over Senator Harry Reid’s ineffective, partisan leadership in the Senate, but show no concern when their own Republican state senator refuses to participate in debates sponsored by the League of Women Voters, forcing the cancellation of a planned event in Chico?

Why are Republicans up in arms over the president’s excessive use of Air Force One for personal, political and business reasons, but show no interest in learning the details of an alleged accident involving our own Republican state senator that resulted in more than $16,000 in repair costs to his state-provided Mustang Mach 1?

Come on, Republicans, you’re better than this. Stand up, get a backbone, and police your own ranks.

Otherwise, I’ll soon be reconsidering my party affiliation.

Mary Barnes
Redding

Prop 37 ‘an easy call’

We’re seeing multiple TV ads against Proposition 37 promoted by the Hoover Institution, a right-wing think tank associated with Stanford University, and probably financed by Monsanto.

You’ll find these folks against any issue that might help Californians or cut into their obscene profits.

Prop. 37 requires only that certain foods containing genetically modified ingredients be labeled as such. I, for one, want to know what’s in my food, particularly regarding the weird science of genetic manipulation.

Do some reading, like Jeffrey Smith’s Seeds of Deception, and learn more about this subject. And vote YES on Proposition 37. It’s an easy call.

Paula Woods
Forest Ranch

It’s ‘a moral issue’

Proposition 39 on the California ballot is a moral issue. Our faith principles lead us to support it enthusiastically.

Since 2009, the state has discriminated against California-based businesses that create jobs here. It has allowed out-of-state businesses to pay a lower tax rate than California businesses. This is unjust, and it drives businesses and jobs out of the state. Prop. 39 will do away with this discrimination and help keep jobs here.

Prop. 39 also will provide more jobs in California by creating green-energy jobs. By being better stewards of creation, we can create good jobs with a real future.

Rev. Dr. Rick Schlosser
Executive Director

California Council of Churches IMPACTSacramento

Goloff ‘disgraced herself’

Re “Speaking of naïveté…” (Guest comment, by Mary Goloff, Oct. 11):

I found this article about Toby Schindlelbeck to be unbecoming a councilmember and in addition full of lies and half-truths. Mrs. Goloff accomplished this by making up her own views and opinions and selecting words from Toby Schindelbeck’s comments to deliberately change the meaning of his statements and message.

In bashing Toby, Mary failed to mention that Toby and his wife have owned a business with two locations in Chico for almost six years, paying all taxes involved with owning a business and hiring seven employees, all of whom are currently employed at Nutrishop. Though recently moving to our fair city, their broad involvement in Chico has been ongoing for six years.

For most of us who only want a fair and clean campaign, Mrs. Goloff has deliberately disgraced herself and hurt what so far has been a good race by all involved.

Nancy Henry
Chico

A simple solution

Re “Economics man” (15 Minutes, by Dane Stivers, Oct. 18):

Thank you, Dane Stivers! Your column was genius! You used it to explain a topic that needs to be explained to both parties from a very basic economist’s perspective. Doc Perelman nails it when he says, “Get money out of politics and a free press.” It’s the pathway to a true democracy. The simplest solution is usually the best.

Maria Venturino
Chico

Good golf, good food

Thank you for the wonderful show of community support for the recent Jesus Center Golf Foodraiser Tournament at Tuscan Ridge Golf Course.

The Jesus Center wishes to express gratitude to the golfers who supported this event and the mission of the Jesus Center—to provide assistance to those individuals who are the neediest among us.

Special thanks to those who provided gifts and sponsorships: Build.Com; Granicher Appraisals; Perfect Tan; Beatniks; Storybook Schoolhouse; JBond Corporation; Law Offices of M. Brooks Houghton; Ken Baker Allstate Insurance; Ray Morgan Company; and especially Brian and Karen Sweeney.

Paul Weber
Chico

Taking a bite out of fundraising

Butte Humane Society is thrilled and humbled by the tremendous amount of community support given to our cause during Bidwell Bark. Together we surpassed every goal for this first-year event, which culminated in a pet-friendly fun run and festival on Sept. 29.

More than 1,500 participants raised more than $79,000, making Bidwell Bark our biggest community event ever and one of our largest annual fundraisers.

Hundreds of families and dogs enjoyed a safe, interactive community experience celebrating the love and responsibility we share for animals. Your involvement has been vital to this event’s success. We are so grateful for your generous support!

Unfortunately, this does not mean our fundraising needs are met. The amount raised by Bidwell Bark is less than one-tenth of our organization’s total annual operating budget, which is funded 100 percent by donations. Continued support is crucial to maintaining our adoption, low-cost spay/neuter, volunteer and outreach programs.

On behalf of everyone at Butte Humane Society, thank you for your support. We are honored to receive three Best of Chico awards from CN&R readers and editors this year. Thanks for standing with us as we continue to improve the lives of animals in our community.

John Mich
Chico

Correction

The hometown one of the honorable-mention winners in the high-school Poetry 99 contest last week, Taylor Matousek, was incorrect. She is from Orland. The error has been corrected online.—ed.