Letters for August 27, 2009

Letter of the week

Butter up those buns!

Re “New nude order” by R.V. Scheide (SN&R Race to the Bottom, July 30):

Nude sunbathing has been allowed on some state beaches for way too long. There are places nudists can enjoy their nakedness (nudist colonies, camps, private clubs), as well as private beaches, where sun lovers who must bare all can enjoy sucking up those rays in the state of au naturel. What is the big deal then, with protecting public places against behavior that offends the majority of the public, who would rather not be exposed to the overexposed human form?

Clearly, our population has grown over the decades, which means that, yes, folks will be wandering in areas set aside for public use even with precautionary signage. As for parents being responsible with their children, [public nudists] must not be parents. Parents everywhere are aware that children will occasionally wander off the beaten path and are not prepared to meet up with a naked sunbather on a public beach.

And here’s a complication to throw in the mix: Ever heard of the indecent-exposure law? Just when does it apply, and when does it not apply?

And let’s face it: Prancing around in the nude can sexually excite other nude bathers (by your own admission), resulting in activities (“the California Dream,” as you call it; sex, in plain, simple terms). I find it ironic the very behavior that can get you arrested in the lobby of a public building is somehow OK on a public beach. What’s up with that? (And I always thought the California Dream was associated with surfing.)

It is the 21st century, as you mentioned, and all of us are sharing a much smaller planet because of our ever-expanding population. When it comes to behavior in public places, common sense should instantly kick in and force us to be more aware of the other person, rather than be so self-absorbed that we feel it’s OK to just “let it all hang out” without first considering whether or not our actions will cause some offense or a feeling of threat to someone else.

And speaking of the 21st century, there’s this little thing: a hole in our ozone layer. I’m sure you’ve heard about the UV rays seeping in and zapping sunbathers. Melanoma is now ranked in the top 10 cancers that are killing people, especially among the young.

Here’s a very simple solution for those who sun in the buff and want to avoid those uncomfortable encounters with “the clothed ones” and the cops. Find these wonderful habitats created and built just for nudists. You’ll be among those who share your love to prance around naked and enjoy the recreation they offer typically behind gates and fences.

But before sunning yourself, butter up those buns, baby, and don’t let Mother Nature make you her next skin-cancer victim. SPF 50 recommended. Apply liberally to your johnson: We wouldn’t want that to become a crispy critter due to overexposure of the sun. After all, that would surely end your “California Dream,” and, baby, that’s what it’s all about, right?

There are just so many other appropriate places for you to get nekkid. Must you feel the need to share with the general public? Once you acquaint yourself with the nudists habitats, I’m sure folks there will appreciate your exposed nether region and not run away aghast.

D. Gillespie
Sacramento

Not all theories are conspiracy theories

Re “Suspicious minds” by R.V. Scheide (SN&R Race to the Bottom, August 20):

“[Osama bin Laden] and 19 hijackers did it” is a conspiracy theory. Any crime committed by two or more people is a conspiracy. The FBI has not charged bin Laden with 9/11 because there is no hard evidence that he was involved. That is still a theory.

“[World Trade Center] 7 was a controlled demolition” is not a conspiracy theory; it is a collapse theory. The National Institute of Standards and Technology final report says the failure of a single column turned a 47 story building into a pile of rubble in about 15 seconds. After lying about it in their final draft, NIST admitted that WTC 7 fell at free-fall acceleration for over 100 feet in the final report. By definition, free-fall acceleration cannot occur in a progressive collapse; it can only happen in a controlled demolition. Their computer model does not fall at free-fall acceleration.

Chris Sarns
Placerville

Public process wasn’t fishy

Re “Fish fight” by Auntie Ruth (SN&R An Inconvenient Ruth, August 20) and “Sea change” by Dan Bacher (SN&R Green Days, August 13):

In the “Fish fight” article, you mention that some fishermen and indigenous Californians claim they were not included in the process. In Bacher’s article, a Pomo representative, Lester Pinola, said, “They never contacted us.”

I understand that reasonable people may disagree. But I respectfully submit that the facts demonstrate that those two claims are simply not true. Among the list of participants and alternates on the 40-member [Marine Life Protection Act] stakeholder group that participated in over 50 meetings over an almost two-year period are at least 16 members who are sport or commercial fishermen or involved in related businesses. Please also note that Nelson Pinolo, chairman of the Point Arena Manchester Band of Pomo Indians, was a primary member of the stakeholder committee, as was another tribal leader as his alternate. This two-year public process with 50 public meetings and a 40 member stakeholder group was as open, democratic and fair as possible, and that the voices of fishermen and tribal leaders were well represented and respected.

It is easy to claim that the backrooms are where the decisions are really made. It’s an argument that is impossible to prove otherwise. But I believe that such a claim ignores the extensive efforts by public officials to create an open and fair process. I believe that it also devalues the efforts of conservation leaders and public officials to work with and seek a middle ground with those who opposed some of the MPA designations.

Warner Chabot
CEO, California League of Conservation Voters

Digging his own grave

Re “Haters, lovers, spankers, fakers” by Nick Miller (SN&R Sound Advice, August 20):

What a piece of work. Way to bash the scene, make yourself more hated than you already are, make less people pay attention to the Sammies next year, and make my job easier.

Your love for local music shows: ha ha. Comedy, man, pure comedy. Your review is so jaded and biased that it’s laughable. You have no clue who these bands are, and that fact is straight out of your mouth. You said you don’t keep up with local music, and it clearly shows. I just didn’t think you’d write an article voicing your ignorance.

I’m not even going to defend the SacShows event. You seemed to do just fine digging your own grave. Hope to see you at next year’s event! Maybe you can cover it on behalf of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (since you think diabetes is something to joke about).

Justin Nordan
Roseville

Ha ha … beyotch!

Re “Haters, lovers, spankers, fakers” by Nick Miller (SN&R Sound Advice, August 20):

Bashing and hating is the same thing, first of all, and I see why you other people are mad, because the band you wanted to win didn’t win. The best band won and it’s a fact, and there is nothing anybody can say to change this fact: This Old Pistol is the best band in Sacramento, and if you don’t agree, then just go ahead and keep on crying about it. The people voted. Ha ha ha, and you’re still crying. Ha ha ha, so talk all the shit you want ’cause it don’t matter. This Old Pistol, you bitches.

Bobby Johnson
Sacramento