To the Editor:After watching Monday’s City Council meeting, I’m beginning to see why Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation tends to annoy so many of our citizens. Their attitude toward our town is transparently arrogant and demeaning. They treat us as if we’re a bunch of country bumpkins and they are slick snake-oil salesmen. The Council meeting should have given them pause for reflection. One could not but feel sympathy for their representatives sent into the lions’ den.Did CEDC really think this new Council would simply roll over and play dead as some have in the past? It would do CEDC well to reassess the situation. Councilman Bob Gonzales did a good job of summing up our community’s attitudes toward the concept of ever more compressed, high-density housing: it’s no longer the right fit for Santa Paula. If Cabrillo is truly interested in economic development (other than their own), they should consider Santa Paula’s future and work with, not against, us.Bill GlennSanta PaulaVictim’s call for more entitlements!To the Editor:I recently attended a Monday, January 26, 2009, Santa Paula City Council meeting to voice my concerns about a Santa Paula Planning Commissioner, Jess Ornelas having a possible conflict of interest regarding his employer, Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation, relative to his influence on the planning commission. I was given the customary 5 minutes duration to state my comment. To the best of my knowledge my comments were given consideration.Preceding my allowed time during “public comments” was a middle aged woman and her husband who was also given 5 minutes to air her comments. Although her melodramatic statements consumed more than her allowed time, she was allowed to finish. After listening to the subject matter at hand and allowing some time to mentally digest her comments I must say that her emotional talking somewhat angered me. It was not surprising that the “culture of entitlements” is alive and thriving in Santa Paula, that was the essence of her presentation to the city council and its audience. It was disturbing enough to hear this poor woman felt cramped up with 6 children and her husband in a newly constructed development by Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation located in Santa Paula, but that she required the assistance of an interpreter in order to fully convey her message to the council and this need after 31 years in this country by her own admission. As a union construction employer who employs several legal immigrants, I have stressed the importance of adapting to the English language. Every laborer who came to my company that fell into the language dilemma was quick to take my advice and today can effectively communicate in the English language. This was a plus for them and a plus to my company. Aside from being productive workers I strongly insist on English fluency for safety reasons and for connect ability within the working crew.Although subsidized housing has its place in society I am cautious of supporting all out efforts of rampant subsidized housing. This is consistent with reducing the welfare rolls President Bill Clinton strived for and was somewhat successful. Profits, success, and advancement are incentives to humans as sweetness is to chocolate. With the inventory of cheaper single family housing now available in the market, it is surprising that this commodity is not given the exposure it deserves. But again, if liberal mentality does not offer or expose these attainable goals then yes, the “nanny state cash cow” must never run out of milk!I can’t help but wonder if CEDC were held to the same scrutiny and subject to the same requirements as other developers who must seek their own financing, pay the necessary preliminary cost, pay the up-front fees and be shellacked by environmental wackos, how profitable would the company be? How much government subsidy is enough? Are the past purchasers of CEDC projects also past debtors who participated in the “Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac” debacle? If all middle income and higher income taxpayers jumped into the entitlement and bailout bandwagon, who is going to pull the wagon?Andrew F. CastanedaSanta PaulaFailed to actTo the Eiditor:I am so mad at myself. I failed to act this week when I saw something occur that did not seem right-and did nothing about it.I am more convinced than ever that a vigilant population elevates the effectiveness of every public safety offer. I failed this time, but it won’t happen again.On Tuesday afternoon about 3 pm, I walked from my office parking lot into the rear entrance of building. Within 20 feet, I noticed a young man who appeared to be changing a tire on a new truck parked at the rear entrance of the Limoneira building next door. I knew that the owner of the truck, Mike Mobley, was no more than 15 feet away in his office.The young man was driving an older sedan, tan or gray, he had no uniform and the car was not marked. He had a professional version of a jack used in auto repair shops--not the minimal jacks found in the back of our cars. An associate was with me, we both saw him. We are sure we could identify him again and probably provide a sketch if asked.My quick assessment was this: its daylight, there are people around and many cars; he could be a friend of the truck owner, an employee of his company, or simply helping Mike change a flat tire. The perpetrator looked at me twice, almost to acknowledge my presence. He didn’t hide or crouch or act mysterious.I had a fleeting thought about asking him if he was supposed to be in that place changing that tire. I didn’t and went on to mind my own business.Around 7 pm as I was leaving, Mike was coming out of his office and I said I see he had a flat tire. He reported that it was not that it all. It was theft of the very expensive rim and brake housing. The perp severed the brake line, causing major damage to a new vehicle that had to be towed for repair. I was astonished because I could have stopped it. However approaching him is dangerous these days. The kid might have shot me, stabbed me, and marked me for payback a later time.How easy it would have been to call 911 or the PD Department at 525-4474 and hit “0” (o avoid tracing my call) and reported the suspicious activity. I believe that before the perp could finish his damage, police cars would have arrived at both ends of the alleys, blocking his escape, and catching him in the act.Since our police are trained to the max about what to do in the instant they are called to do it, one punk crook would be off the streets for a time, leaving our community a little safer.This will not happen to me or my community again. I promise to act more responsibly and wisely. While there is no plan for cuts in the public safety budgets at this time, but our City Manager will do what he has to do to preserve stability. If a gap occurs, we who care about public safety and a safe community have to fill it.So, if neighborhood safety suddenly sounds appealing, contact Detective David Lusk at SPPD and request a planning session for a Neighborhood Watch, 525.4474. The Fire Department and CERT volunteers are ready to mobilize us only if we are ready to step into the arena of engaged and vigilant citizenship. It has been proven our Police Department knows what to do if they are called to action. If you want to attend to participate or observe its organization, join neighbors at Bedell School on Tuesday, February 3 from 6:30 to 8 pm. For more information, call Martha Reynolds-Brown at 805.218.4486.Also the newly formed Santa Paula Police and Fire Foundation needs volunteers and monetary donations, big and small, to create a financial safety net for necessary equipment the City can not afford to buy. For more information, contact Steve Smead at 805.525.4010 at State Farm Insurance or call Don Johnson at 805.525.1890 or Bob Gonzales at 805.797.7651. This stellar group leads this organize with 22 directors supporting the effort.We can play many roles in preserving a safe community. With financial stress and attendant panic on everyone’s mind, we must assume that the worst has every potential of happening here. The last few front pages of the Santa Paula Times have been filled with many stories of crimes on innocents that I have not seen before. Who would have thought that Von’s could be robbed and employees put in danger at 6 am.We are in for a season of dealing with desperate people resorting to desperate acts to survive. They need to be off the street, even for a day.This will never happen to me again but it could happen to Mike Mobley. The perp needs three matching rims and he knows where to get them.Kay Wilson-BoltonSanta Paula
Letters to the Editor
January 30, 2009
Opinion
Proud Santa Paulan
To the Editor:I was in Santa Paula a few weeks ago and was impressed with the banners displaying the names of the town’s residents that are currently serving in the military. While I’m sure there are many in Santa Paula who oppose this country’s deployments and operations around the world, Santa Paula residents are one in their honor to those who serve. It is further reason why I am proud to tell others I was born and raised is Santa Paula.Rob HarveyEugene, ORTake back our communityTo the Editor:I was the victim of a hate crime last night. But I understand that it is not considered a crime by the police because, in fact, I do not actually live an alternative lifestyle.I have lived with a friend of mine for almost 20 years. Since it is nearly impossible to survive on one paycheck these days, roommates are not only necessary for financial reasons (of course, many stay in loveless marriages for the same reason), but for companionship as well. Where is it written that if two men or two women live together under one roof, they have to be either gay or lesbian? To those who would judge another person’s lifestyle, I would say, “Not only is it none of your business, but you could be wrong”.At midnight, I was awakened by a loud pounding on my front door. A passer-by had the decency to stop to let us know that someone was vandalizing our cars. Sir, I thank you for alerting us and would ask that if you have any information about this crime, please contact the police. A report has now been filed.When we went outside, we were confronted by wet yellow and red paint on the sides and tops of both our cars. There was a picture of a large penis painted on the side of one car with the word “DIKE”. I will not disclose what the other car said, as I’m sure it is considered profane and will not be printed. Suffice it to say it used similar epithets and graphic “art”.There we were, just after midnight, in our nightgowns, giving a report to the police and washing our cars. The officer did not write a report, even after we insisted. He led us to believe that a report was being written, but when I checked up on it the following day, found that no report was ever done. Further, part of his questioning included such things as, “What is your relationship? Are you related? Do you live here together? How long have you lived together?” What does this have to do with the crime that was committed?? Apparently, he believed that this hate crime did not warrant any action. I later learned that since we are not gay, it cannot be considered a hate crime!!!!! Imagine that! Not a crime to deface someone’s property because you THINK they might be gay. I guess those who are discriminated against because someone THINKS they are black or THINKS their lifestyle is aberrant just have to suck it up. No hate involved?? Think again. I wonder if the officer would have taken action had there had been a cross burned on my front lawn or a swastika painted on my car.As two heterosexual women living together as friends and roommates, it became quite evident last night that someone believes that we are homosexual and believes that he has the right to deface our personal property to perpetuate his hate against anyone he perceives as not acting or thinking the way he does. What a sad and appalling thing to do. Hiding under cover of night like a cockroach and sneaking onto someone’s property to smear your vile hatred. Shame on you!I believe that others need to realize that this can happen to ordinary citizens who are just going about their daily lives. It is tragic that in a time when we as a country have proven that we can elevate ourselves above hate, intolerance and injustice, this type of crime against peaceful contributors to the community continues to exist. I can only hope that the person who did this will learn and grow from his error in judgment.What I once thought was a safe neighborhood has changed overnight. My neighbors had their potted palms stolen this week, our Christmas decorations were destroyed the day after Christmas and now this. I can’t help but wonder when I will be able to get a good night’s rest again without being concerned about what is happening right outside my door.Are we to just stand by and allow this to happen? I believe that the pen is mightier than the sword and that the good citizens of Santa Paula should know what is happening to their neighbors and friends. Report those crimes to the police! Any time our peace is disturbed, we need to let those sworn to protect and defend do their jobs. We stood together to change our country. We need to do the same to change our city.Dee JohnstonSanta PaulaFood where they tryTo the Editor:I too have for quite some time wanted to mention some of our good eating establishments. I fully agree with Delton Johnson, the Ironhorse, Mupu, La Cabaña, Familia Diaz are certainly the good food choices and with good company and to add a note, a good wine.My favorite for breakfast is Duke’s. Diaz’ has a lunch buffet. Tia Babe’s is good food and reasonable. And don’t forget Logsdon’s and the Pescador, Carrow’s, Hoagie’s and Yanni’s, all good food. For a good burger, Carl’s, Elkins Golf, Summit (Upper Ojai), Hoagie’s, or a darn good lunch in Saticoy near the Post Office. Or a good sandwich and coffee at Santa Paula Coffee Company. All good, friendly, reasonable, and you will see your friends there.But if it is a lot of noise and kids yelling you prefer, that would be McDonald’s. But nothing ever beats Mom’s or Grandma’s cooking or Aunt Lizzie’s apple pie.On old Route 66 there was a gas station and café with only one sign that read, “Eat Here and Get Gas.” But you paid for both.Ken ZimmetSanta PaulaEnlightenedTo the Editor:Last Monday at the city Council meeting, CEDC, Cabrillo, sent two officers from their board to present before the Council. One of the men, I believe his name was “Merrick,” made a statement that dumped me right out of my chair. He said that the Plaza Amistad project of 150 rental units would create 600 jobs for Santa Paula, 200 “temporary” and 400 “permanent”. He claimed these numbers were nationally recognized numbers from some bona fide organization. Councilman Gonzalez was incredulous and asked: “Working where?” The Cabrillo representative said that 2.5 jobs per dwelling unit would be created. This is the most illogical, nutty conclusion that I have heard in years. Here’s why.First of all, the math is wrong. 2.5 times 150 units is 375, not 600. But more importantly, if 600, or 425, or even 200 “jobs” are created by building apartments, what city is it that loses these jobs? The new residents come from where? Oxnard? Mexico? Mars? These supposed “jobs” are being created out of hot air, it is pure nonsense. And besides, I thought it was Cabrillo’s position that these units were being built to house needy Santa Paulans, and if so, those “jobs” are already here!This is exactly the kind of thinking that has our state in the financial fix it is in. Nonsensical thinking, accepted by people who know, or should know, better, because it has been the politically correct thing to accept the gibberish that is being broadcast about. Bob Gonzalez was having none of it last Monday, but I can easily believe that in times past a Council might have blindly accepted such claptrap and sat there nodding their heads up and down, thanking the speaker for his “valuable” information and then voting: yes, yes, yes.We are so fortunate that our present Council is now turning a critical eye to such projects. The state is broke, insolvent, and if Santa Paula buys into the same old “lines” handed out by special interests, it will be broke too.Thankfully, the “light” has finally come on in Santa Paula.Richard MainSanta PaulaTime for reassessment
