Letters to the Editor

Pride: Ignorant or Lazy?

To the Editor:

What ever happened to pride in oneself, in the neighborhood, in the city?  I’m often appalled when I drive or walk by homes that have cars parked on the grass or no grass at all.  What landscaping exists is not cared for or full of weeds in too many homes in this city.  The excuse that they are just renters or are poor doesn’t cut it with me.  How does a renter feel any self-worth when they walk into a home that has weeds, debris, car parts, broken toys etc. sprawled all over the lot?  My parents were very poor, yet we were outside every weekend doing chores.  We would pull weeds, clean up the property and make sure that our area did not distract from the neighborhood.  It was a matter of common sense and simple pride.  The more run down a neighborhood looked, the less value was the property.  We were not going to let that happen.  We were not going to be  known as the “pigs” of the neighborhood.

We planted cacti and other draught resistant plants so our water bill didn’t skyrocket.  However, I’m not sure water is an issue.  If you look at the new cars, satellite dishes and the “toys” that these homes have, you see that their priority is not pride in their living condition.  Are they just lazy or undisciplined?  Are they partying too hardy?  Is it ignorance that in this country you don’t have to live like sub humans?  I’m not implying it’s the hispanic population because in my neighborhood there are two white families who live in squaller. Why don’t they care what their house and their neighborhood looks like?  I’d love to know their rationale for pulling their city down to the level of a third world country.

We have great people in this city who would gladly lend a hand.  Most churches have a support group that would help you clean up your area if you asked. I’m sure the Boy and Girl Scouts would help as would your neighbors.  We’re not doing it for you!  You have to help.  We have organizations like America in Bloom and Santa Paula Beautiful who would never turn down someone who wants to improve their property, their neighborhood and therefore their city.

All you need to do is have some pride...in your self and in your home.

Please, your neighbors need you to CARE!

Kate Nolet

Santa Paula

McKevett’s 100^th

McKevett Elementary School celebrated its 100^th birthday last Thursday night with a banner turnout of students, parents, teachers, teacher aides, volunteers and principals (both current and retired). It was a joyous occasion for students (of course, graduation and summer vacation are near at hand). For current teachers, staff and principal, it was the culmination of a year’s extra work, superbly done. For parents and the rest of us, it was a time of pride and joy.

As a recent occasional volunteer whose two sons attended McKevett briefly in the early 1950s, I can only marvel at the memories it brought forth in me. I am in awe of the abilities of some of America’s unsung heroes, our teachers who continue to provide the most fundamental asset in our great country – a free basic education, all with dedication and love.

I could not help but smile as Principal Sheryl Misenhimer did a perfect job in moving things along with a teacher’s knowledge and a mother’s love of her students’ need for a last bathroom call before their performance. Nor of the enthusiastic singing-acting by each class of students and their combined finale led by Santa Paula’s own musical leader Donna Nelson, who was as animated and enjoyable to watch as her great student body.

Hurray for the evening! Hurray for McKevett! May she continue educating classes for years to come!

Gordon Welsh

Santa Paula

Guidance will be missed

To the Editor:

We were profoundly saddened to learn of Dave Dike’s passing. Along with his wife Juliette, they touched so many through their programs over many years. Dave was such an extraordinary person affecting so many through his teaching with his warmth, humor, enthusiasm, dedication, and expertise. Perhaps the saddest aspect of his passing is the number of kids who won’t benefit from the guidance of such a wonderful guy. We’re so grateful for all he’s done! We’ll miss him so much.

The Yamamoto Family