Letters for March 28, 2002

Park for sale?
I recently learned of SB 1605, introduced by Sen. Rico Oller, that will remove the public parkland designation of Lindo Channel, or Sandy Gulch, as it is also known. Even more disturbing, Oller’s bill will allow the public sale of lands that are now part of that parkland and permit gravel mining in the creek bed.

Sandy Gulch was donated to the people by Annie Bidwell. The changes in designation and use assumed in Oller’s bill are an affront to the spirit and letter of this donation, convey a vile disrespect to the memory of our generous founders, and represent yet another attack by development and real estate interests on our General Plan.

Sandy Gulch is an important and effective part of the local flood control system. It provides an essential area for the recharging of our aquifer and the habitat for scores of wildlife species. Most important, it is one of the many elements that make our community the unique and desirable place it is by contributing immeasurably to our quality of life.

SB 1605 will be heard by the State Senate Local Government Committee on April 3 at 9:30 a.m. Please join me and other forward-thinking members of our community in writing the chairman of the committee, Sen. Tom Torlakson, to urge that Oller’s bill be rejected. Send your letter to: Senator Tom Torlakson, Chairman, Senate Local Government Committee, State Capitol, Rm. 410, Sacramento, CA 95814.

Dan Carter
Chico

Missed message
Finally, after 35 years, there’s a half-decent movie, We Were Soldiers, about Vietnam that does not portray Vietnam veterans as less than honorable, and what does the News & Review have to say about it ["Braveheart goes to ‘Nam,” Reel World, March 7]? You have a reviewer who cares more about being hip than he does about the message of the film.

Juan-Carlos Selznick writes, “Wallace’s film is lightweight, with the single and very huge exception of its even-handed portrayal of the North Vietnamese.” Haven’t Vietnam vets been hit hard and long enough without using this to slight the only movie ever made showing Vietnam vets in a positive light? Is this the time to worry about the North Vietnamese? What about all the other wars America has fought? What about being even-handed or showing the enemy in a good light then? Why not be concerned with an even-handed portrayal of the Germans? Or, what about Osama bin Laden, al Qaeda and the Taliban? Might be a little harder to say this kind of thing then, huh?

The real message of the film was showing the bravery and how ‘Nam vets did a damned good job of what their government ordered them to do. It took a hell of a lot of strength to make it in ‘Nam. I’m sure it’s hard and takes great skill putting down anything associated with Vietnam one more time, doesn’t it?

The real talent would be in maybe doing or saying something a little bit different. But, hey, not if you can’t sound hip when you have another opportunity to, huh? Good going, Chico News & Review.

Phil Elkins
Medic with the First Cav,
Central Highlands of Vietnam, Chico

Fast-food trouble
I had to chuckle when I read Tom Gascoyne’s recount of his recent McDonald’s experience ["McFisticuffs,” Inside view, March 21]. I had read earlier this year of the Belmontes selling the Chico franchises to a couple from Fresno, but at the time I didn’t realize the major effect it would have on the local outlets.

About a month ago, while using the drive-thru at the Mangrove store, I encountered the rudest employee I had ever seen at a McDonald’s in Chico. At first I thought it was interesting and wondered if it was because of the new owners, but I figured everyone can have a bad day, so I let it go. Then the next time I visited McDonald’s (the Notre Dame location) I had breakfast, and the O.J. basically tasted like orange-flavored water. Hmmmm, two red flags.

Shortly after that I was with some friends who, totally unaware of my experiences, were talking about how the new owners of McDonald’s had suddenly stopped a special coffee deal for seniors that the Belmontes had been doing for years. It would have cost the new owners very little to keep it in place for the few seniors still using it, but by suddenly stopping it they created a lot of community ill will.

Now, after reading Tom’s article, I have a feeling that without the Belmontes the local Micky D’s isn’t what it used to be. I sure hope they get their act together.

J. J. Williams
Chico

Trickle-down trick
Paul McCormick ["Workers untied,” Letters, March 21] and other liberals of his ilk just don’t get it. Rick Keene is being pro-worker by advocating lower wages, and I’ll tell you why.

Like Bill Simon and other conservatives, Keene’s brilliant approach to labor frees up more capital for investment by reducing overhead. This allows the owners to expand their businesses and create more jobs. They can also expand their bank accounts and stock portfolios, which stashes more investment capital for future expansion.

California workers, who have done so much with so little for so long, will benefit by being expected to do everything for nothing. There will be so many jobs then, our great state will enjoy full employment. For these reasons, we should elect Bill Simon governor. Sheesh—stupid liberals.

Michael Bertsch
Chico

Great loss
As chairperson of the Hispanic Resource Council of Northern California, I had the great honor and pleasure of working with Dr. Betty Carr on many occasions. Dr. Carr was well educated and articulate and could debate on any subject matter.

Dr. Betty Carr was extremely knowledgeable about education. Education was a great passion dear to her heart. She was a champion of equal education and an advocate on civil rights for all Americans. I often listened and heard her speak as a keynote speaker, and the audience would be mesmerized by her persona, thoughts and words.

Leaders are born, not made, and Dr. Betty Carr was a leader. She was a positive role model for all to follow and the epitome of class and poise.

We were all blessed to have had the pleasure to know and work with Dr. Betty Carr, an opportunity not often available in one’s lifetime. Her premature and sudden passing leaves a huge void that will not soon be filled.

Jose Luiz Gonzalez
Chairperson,
Hispanic Resource Council
of Northern California

Thank you CARD
The free use of the Chico Area Recreation District Center by CUSD students illustrates outstanding community support of local youth. On behalf of the leadership class at Fair View High School, we would like to say thank you.

Since late last fall, Fair View leadership class has utilized the CARD Center for an innovative project to strengthen unity among Fair View students. The class calls its project F.U.N. Day, or Fair View Uniting Newcomers. The all-day event occurs every six weeks and allows newly enrolled students to participate in activities that build teamwork and cultivate trust. The CARD Center provides a safe, secure environment where students can enjoy the day while in an atmosphere conducive to learning.

We are grateful to be surrounded by so many good teachers and educators who work hard at providing opportunities for their students, and who have assisted with F.U.N. Day. Likewise, we appreciate the community agencies and adults who give so freely of their time and energy to support our youth.

Rochelle Sanchez
Leadership Class Advisor
Counselor,
Fair View High School