Letters for June 15, 2006

Roosevelt said it best
Re: “ ‘Get legal'? Get real” (Cover Story, CN&R, June 8):

“In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here does in good faith become an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed or birthplace or origin. But this is predicated upon the man’s becoming in very facet an American and nothing but an American. … There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn’t an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag. … We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language … and we have room for but one sole loyalty, and that is a loyalty to the American people.”

—Theodore Roosevelt, January 1919 [in a letter written shortly before his death].

Jerry Olio
Chico

Correct answers
Re: “How well would you do?” (Cover Story sidebar, CN&R, June 8):

The answer to question 18 ["What is the Emancipation Proclamation?"] is incorrect. The Emancipation Proclamation declared that the slaves in the areas in rebellion were free. This area was in fact not under the control of the federal forces, so the proclamation was more of a psychological action. The slaves in Washington, D.C., and the states that had not seceded, as well as those in the areas of the seceded states that were occupied by federal forces, were not covered by the proclamation, so no actual slaves were freed by it. Only with the ratification of the 13th Amendment were the slaves actually freed.

Regarding question 8 ["How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?"], while possibly technically correct, in actuality only 434 representatives can routinely vote. The Speaker of the House can vote only if there is a tie vote. Of course, if the House has declared itself a Committee of the Whole, then I believe even the non-voting delegates have a vote.

Dennis B. Swaney
Oroville

More to it?
Re: “Law and disorder” (Newslines, CN&R, June 8):

I’m glad to see the Chico car-sale-ordinance story covered, but what about the legality of public school campuses doubling as used-car lots? This clearly violates local zoning ordinances, and there is no use permit available that CUSD could apply for to sanction this eyesore. I wonder if CUSD has looked to see if its liability insurance covers used-car lots? They need to step up, take responsibility and close down this illegal activity.

Dave Kelley
Chico

Appreciation
Re: “Farewell, Janeece” (Downstroke, CN&R, June 1):

I would like to thank Chico News & Review for its acknowledgment of the extraordinary life of Chico Creek Nature Center board member Janeece Webb, who passed away on May 25. Working for minimal compensation in the ‘80s, Janeece spearheaded the effort to build the Nature Center that has benefited so many since its completion in the early ‘90s. Relentlessly dedicated to the cause, Janeece cashed in her teacher’s retirement early to make ends meet over the seven-year project period. As Bidwell Park’s volunteer coordinator, Nature Center director and Altacal Audubon Society board member, Janeece’s contributions to our park were enormous.

As a tribute to Janeece, the Nature Center will be naming its existing facility after her. In the CN&R piece it was incorrectly stated that our soon-to-be-built new facility would bear her name. In fact, that facility already has a namesake and sponsor, which pleased Janeece greatly.

It is difficult to absorb the loss of someone so fundamental to our existence, but Janeece’s dreams for the center will be pursued with vigor through the expansion of our facilities and beyond. Many thanks to all those who have written to express their sympathies to her family and to the staff and board of our organization.

Tom Haithcock
Director, Chico Creek Nature Center

Tricky Eric?
Re: “Tricky Maliki” (Letters, CN&R, June 8):

Note to Eric M. Hitchcock: You know what’s really scary? Until two thirds of the way down the third paragraph, I thought it was real.

Robert Quist
Chico

‘Thank you’
The campaign for sheriff is over—it’s time to take down the signs to restore the beauty to our countryside. It’s also time to put aside any differences and concentrate on the job of preventing and fighting crime in our communities.

I wish to take this time to thank you and all of the wonderful committee members and supporters throughout Butte County for their vote of confidence in me as your sheriff. I do not take this task lightly.

I would also like to thank the very fine professional staff at the Butte County Sheriff’s Office for their great support. The sheriff is only as good as the staff at every level throughout this office, and I am proud of each and every one of you. We have a difficult mission, and at times the problems can seem to be insurmountable. It is your diligence, hard work and professionalism that solve these problems, and for that, and much more, I thank you.

I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to thank my family and especially my wife, Julie. I do understand the sacrifices you have also made during the past few decades and thank you for supporting me in my desire to continue to serve the public.

We will continue to face a variety of problems in our communities, but rest assured the staff of the Butte County Sheriff’s Office will work diligently with the people to solve these problems and treat everyone with dignity and respect.

Perry L. Reniff
Oroville

City of trees
I wince as I see big trees slain for development or dollars. Old Chico is beautiful because development worked around the trees. Sidewalks go around the trees, houses were built around the trees; in our neighborhood, the power lines were rerouted around the grandfather tree. Trees bring shade, fruit, critters, nature, life.

I was reminded of this subject of trees and development seeing what went in on East First Avenue where those big oak trees were. There’s a preschool across the street that I occasion—I wonder what the kids think. Are we talking about these things?

Commentary on the subject of Chico trees would not be complete without a wail for Downtown Park, naked of its precious, life-giving trees. Global warming Chico-style. Why haven’t they planted more trees? I support public expressions of grief over this unnecessary loss of our town center. And for what? Ugh. Who makes these decisions? How many millions? Why?

The residents of Chico make it clear over and over that we love our trees. I beseech the town rulers to make more of an effort to protect the big trees and to plant native trees. It’s the right thing to do.

Eartha Shanti
Chico