No cure for columnist’s liberal myopia or absurd statements

Letters: a challenge to a liberal columnist, a cheers for a
concrete company, a salute to Station 55 restaurant, an outline on
marijuana dispensary problems, a warning about kiddie pool and a
response to Red Phone complaint
No cure for columnist’s liberal myopia or absurd statements

Dear Editor,

In Tuesday’s Dispatch (6/8), liberal Lisa Pampuch once again raises her banner of left-wing opinion this time concluding “Patriotism is independent of political agendas, and the flag belongs to all Americans.”

Now really Lisa, THINK about what you just wrote: “Patriotism is independent of political agenda …” This is simply not true, and has never been true.

For example, the political agenda of the socialists in America is the ultimate destruction of American free-market capitalism as it has thrived in the United States, along with more and more control by the federal government over the lives, habits and thinking of the populace. This agenda would hardly be considered “patriotic” as defined by our nation’s founders and as written in the U.S. Constitution.

“The greatest enemy of individual freedom is the individual himself.” So wrote Saul Alinsky, Obama’s pal and mentor, and in no way could be construed as being patriotic or supporting classical American patriotism. But it certainly is the key to Alinsky’s political agenda – communism. 

While Pampuch spouts that “the flag belongs to all Americans” tell that to the flag-burners in last week’s Memorial Day celebrations. Their political agenda does NOT support patriotism, and their actions prove they do not support patriotism or American values.

Unfortunately, Ms. Pampuch’s words show once more she is infected with the dreaded malady LMDD (Liberal Myopic Dysfunction Disorder), for which, at her age, there is little hope of cure.

James Fennell, Gilroy

Concrete company made fixing the damaged sidewalk enjoyable

Dear Editor,

I recently replaced my sidewalk and driveway due to damage from liquid amber trees.

I was anticipating headaches working with a concrete contractor, but was pleasantly surprised and relieved that it was quite the opposite experience than I had expected.

EF&S Concrete was a pleasure to work with. Joe Esparza, owner and operator, and his dad, Angel, made the adventure actually enjoyable. Joe, who was there every day, and his crew were professional, personable, patient, humorous, and dependable.

Every day the site was left clean and orderly. Joe was always willing to answer questions and also do everything that he could to keep me happy. I would highly recommend EF&S Concrete.

Karen Humber, Gilroy

Really appreciated staff, food and prices at Station 55 downtown

Dear Editor,

On Wednesday, June 9, the faculty and staff of St. Mary School had the pleasure of having their end of the year luncheon at Station 55.

I can’t tell you what a wonderful experience we had; the owners and staff treated us like royalty.  The prices were great and the food delicious. I highly recommend this restaurant to everyone, it is very welcoming and a great place to bring families. Thanks Station 55 for a wonderful day!

Lynn Hennessee-Cordia, Gilroy, St. Mary School staff member

Councilman: pot dispensary issue a big problem in Santa Barbara

Dear Editor,

Three weeks ago, I and the other City Council members tackled the issue of marijuana dispensaries in Santa Barbara. After I suggested we ban them entirely, which fell short by two votes, a majority of five (including me) voted to restrict the scope, area, times open and number of dispensaries. These were significant restrictions wrested from those council members bent on having many dispensaries throughout the city.

I thought fellow citizens, who like me wanted to limit or eliminate the potentially harmful effects of medical marijuana sales in town, would be pleased with the changes negotiated. Boy, was I wrong.

Almost immediately I heard negative comments from every quarter, and continued to hear them wherever I went. Often they went something like: “I appreciate that you tried to get a ban, but …”

Whenever someone says “but,” you know there is an objection coming. Some were parents of schoolchildren, some law enforcement officials, some recovering alcohol and drug addicts. Some were just plain folks I ran into on the street. But no one liked the compromise.

“We have a reputation for homeless and gangs. Now we want to add marijuana to the mix?,” was one of the more biting remarks. The more I thought about that, the more I agreed. Of course we didn’t want to add marijuana to the mix. I don’t think anyone on the council would want that.

Dispensary proponents thought dispensaries were needed to serve ill people who benefit from marijuana – people in the throes of chemotherapy, for example. Who would want to deny them relief? Unfortunately, the numbers of legitimate patients are tiny compared to the numbers of people who signed up with our existing dispensaries – as many as 3,500 for one dispensary alone.

In other words, people with real needs were being taken advantage of by those in it for fun or profit. Combined with the difficulty – or impossibility – of overseeing these storefronts, and the universal disapproval from law enforcement, school administrators, parents and recovering addict organizations such as the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, it becomes apparent to me that the worms have spoiled the apple, and there is no way to fix it but to stop selling apples. That is, to ban dispensaries.

This doesn’t mean those in need of cannabis as a medicine won’t have access. They can form real cooperatives, as permitted by state law, and get treatment that way. It won’t be as easily accessible, but it will be accessible. And that’s the point: It won’t be easily accessible to those who consume it illegally, or give it to their friends, or sell it to kids and others. No one wants that.

Frank Hotchkiss, member, Santa Barbara City Council

Family with kiddie pool on Church Street should be aware of hazard

Dear Editor,

This letter is being addressed to the family with the kiddie pool in the front yard living on Church Street between Second and Third streets. The pool has been out there for some time even during the rain. There’s no fence around this pool, it is an accident waiting to happen. 

In case this family is unaware, children drown not only in lakes, oceans, in-ground pools and buckets, but in small kiddie pools as well. Did you also know that if a stranger were to wander onto your property and drowned in that pool, you could be sued by their family? 

I know this. My grandson Jaevan, had a near drowning in San Jose, at his cousin’s house when he was 15 months old while his 19-year-old cousin was babysitting. He and and his 2 1/2 year old brother got into the backyard and Jaevan fell into the in-ground pool. Jaevan is now 9 years old. We sued and won. It won’t bring Jaevan back to his original condition, but it will help care for him, because he will never be able to walk, talk, or eat by mouth. He lives in a sub-acute care children’s facility in Saratoga. 

Would you want this on your conscience? 

Lynn Hennessee-Cordia, Gilroy

Really? Think before complaining about no helmets in the parade

Dear Editor,

In response to the Red Phone inquiry “No helmets at parade,” I’m a little curious why the complaining party singled out motorcyclists for violating the law by not wearing helmets and asking “Were they cited?” Did you also notice parade participants in cars not wearing seat belts and others sitting on top of convertibles?

Were you also shocked to see people riding in the back of pick-up trucks and on moving trailers? A fall from one of these vehicles would be far more severe. What about those little race cars? Were they street legal?

I was one of the those motorcyclists. That was probably my son you saw on the back of my bike throwing treats to the kids on the parade route. We took off our helmets at the start of the race and put them back on at the end. We barely moved at an idle or were stopped completely at times.

Of all the things going in Gilroy, good and bad, this is what motivated you to call the Red Phone? Don’t be a hater!

I’d like to thank all the volunteers who made Memorial Day in Gilroy a great event to honor those who served their country and have passed on.

Anthony Valdez, Gilroy

The Golden Quill is awarded occasionally for a well-written letter.