Letters for October 30, 2014

Sorensen?!

Re “Endorsements” (Editorial, Oct. 23):

I’m disappointed that the CN&R editors chose to endorse Mark Sorensen for City Council. As outlined in last week’s letter by Karl Ory, Sorensen has consistently taken positions that threaten the farmers’ market, a treasured Chico tradition. Your readers overwhelmingly support the market and would rather support Forough Molina, who will work to preserve it.

Katherine O’Brien
Chico

‘Stand up for America’

Re “Duh, it’s the flag” (Letters, by Mark Andrews, Oct. 23):

I see a letter berating you for not knowing the symbolism of the Mexican flag. How many Mexicans do you think know the symbolism on the United States flag? How many care? Your reply is an “apology tour.” Grow a pair. This is the United States of America. It is not a responsibility of an American newspaper staff to know about a Mexican symbol, a Brazilian symbol, or a British symbol. If people want to know those things, they can look them up. It’s time for you to stand up for America.

David Jackson

Magalia

‘Complete bunk’

Re “Leaving the station” (Greenways, by Howard Hardee, Oct. 16):

The Eagle Lake Field Station is near and dear to my heart; my first trip up there was in the fall of 1989 with a work crew of honors students. Over the past 25 years I have contributed to many work weekends, enrolled in summer classes, taught summer classes, and have brought honors students up for retreats and field trips.

Since university officials recently celebrated The Chico Experience, I find their lip service to “the experience” [in the story] highly unpalatable. Even more difficult to swallow were quotes by Katy Thoma; most of her assertions are complete bunk, and incredibly insulting to those who did write checks.

I maintain that the funding needed to keep our field station in operation does exist, but university and [University] Foundation administrators were simply unwilling to do that. Other naysayers, like Roger Lederer, have never been supportive of the station either. Lederer is wrong when he claims that students are no longer interested in three-hour field trips to the ELFS. He is right about the faculty, unfortunately. With only a handful of exceptions, our faculty simply did not support the ELFS. The upshot is that “they” finally got what they’ve always wanted, and The Chico Experience is that much depreciated.

Shelly Kirn
Chico

Bigger questions

Re “It’s time we discuss domestic violence” (Guest comment, by Anastacia Synder, Oct. 9) and “What about the misandrists?” (Letters, by Mike Peters, Oct. 16):

Anastacia Snyder writes about domestic violence, through a female lens. Michael Peters—defending men—objects to Snyder’s statistics and recounts his own life experience. Two letter writers then attack Peters—saying he is essentially out of touch with reality. What’s going on here?

It seems to me that we are immersed in a culture of intense competition from the day we are born. Every person and every group in America competes to have their story told and their interests served. We believe we are at the center of a compelling drama.

In the meantime, very serious problems bear down on us. We have wealth inequality that brutalizes billions. We have a perennial war over global resources. We have an environmental holocaust that has the potential to end most life on this planet. And, we are totally unhinged with respect to the well-being of our fellow creatures.

We need to ask bigger questions about violence than those within our special interest groups. The first would be: How can I live on this Earth while doing the least amount of violence to ecosystems, animals, children, women and men? This question, if taken seriously, will lead in many directions—and it will greatly complicate our definitions of righteousness.

Patrick Newman
Chico

A vote for Brown

Bill Connelly claims to know how to balance a budget. The facts are, it’s not he or any other member of the Board of Supervisors who actually does the budget-balancing. All they do is give the vote in favor of or against the budget created by the Butte County chief administrative officer.

Mr. Connelly has no concept of what it takes to run the assessor’s office. It is much more than being a supervisor. The assessor employees would be supervising him! The only sure thing he knows is the salary and benefits package he would receive if he were elected, as well as how to run a disgraceful campaign. I plan to vote for the best and most-qualified candidate, Diane Brown for assessor!

Steve Harris
Oroville

Two for council candidates

I have had the pleasure of being a friend and neighbor of Lupe Arim-Law for nine years. I am confident that she is the right fit for a seat on Chico City Council.

The first thing you notice about Arim-Law is her boundless energy. She has always been very active in our community, whether it’s through her church’s youth group, her children’s school activities, or being involved in local and national politics. She is a natural leader and a team player. Her education and background in business management will help lead our vibrant city.

I know she will work tirelessly to make Chico a better place for us and our children. She is concerned with the homeless and wants to work with our agencies to support them. She is passionate about not just sticking a Band-Aid on the issues we’re dealing with. She is a strong supporter of our local businesses and wants our city to grow fiscally.

Most of all, Arim-Law will listen. She will work with us, her fellow council members, as well as the mayor and other city agencies to make Chico a vibrant city. I urge the voters of Chico to vote for Lupe Arim-Law on Nov. 4.

Jennifer Carlson
Chico

I am voting for Andrew Coolidge and Lupe Arim-Law for Chico City Council. Coolidge supports restoring police staffing. Without being safe, we have nothing. I also agree with his position that public workers “shouldn’t fall victim as easily to economic hard times.”

When people are employed, they spend money on goods and services, which benefits the economy. I have also been privileged to get to know Arim-Law. I support her position for a social service task force consisting of at least one police officer to work with other agencies, to deal with the homeless issue. Arim-Law, who is the youth director for her church, brings business experience and a strong ability to work with various members of our community. Both candidates oppose tampering with the Greenline. I recommend Lupe Arim-Law and Andrew Coolidge for the Chico City Council.

Walter Ballin
Chico

They like Measure A

To our fellow voters living in the cities and towns of Butte County: Those of us who live and raise our families out here in the country need your help. Please vote yes on Measure A (A is OK). Please vote no on Measure B (B is bad).

The pot-growing “industry” that has infected Butte County over the past three years has brought us a huge, well-documented downside. Commercial-size grows have proliferated all over our county, and have adversely effected our quality of life. The Pottie People depend on false arguments, rationalization, intimidation and a huge war chest.

If you read Measure B closely you will see that it includes a huge flaw. Not only does it seek to continue excessive growing for profit, it also prohibits our elected Board of Supervisors from making any future changes to the Butte County medical marijuana ordinance. That, folks, takes a huge wrecking ball to your Constitutional right to representative government.

So, protect your families, neighbors and friends. Vote. Apathy this time around is not an option. Every vote is important. Remember, the pot advocates fooled us once here in Butte County—shame on them. If we let them fool us twice—shame on us.

Gordon Jones
Gridley

We, the supporters of Measure A, have noticed that the Measure B proponents and organizers have hijacked the concerns and words of the Measure A camp. They are using such sayings as “Don’t put your family at risk,” “Protect your property rights,” “Don’t invite the cartels into Butte County,” etc.

They do not have enough brain matter left to think up their own sayings. They are saying those things in ads on TV, hoping to confuse you the public. They are even saying Measure A hurts patients, restricts access, pushes “patients” onto the streets. None of this is true. They are hoping to convince you to vote no on Measure A and vote yes on Measure B. Trust me, the cartels are already here, the cartels are Measure B. Vote no on Measure B. Measure A does protect families, our water and the environment, safety and health.

Proposition 215 is still good, and allows “patients” to grow their own “medicine.” And none of us are against small family grows. But we are against the ordinance passed in 2011, authored by the pot profiteers, and passed by the Board of Supervisors. Get it right this time, folks, don’t be confused. Vote yes on Measure A.

Bonnie Masarik
Yankee Hill

Pointing out hypocrisy

I don’t understand how our U.S. representative, Doug LaMalfa, can justify his voting to cut food stamps for low-income families while he has collected millions of dollars in government subsidies for his farm.

He received $5.1 million in federal crop subsidies between 1995 and 2012 and his estate is estimated to be over $3 million. Yet, he recently voted to cut funding for food stamps by $8 billion over 10 years. This means the loss of 21 meals each month for a family of four, affecting 47 million low-income and working poor Americans. Food stamps are a type of welfare, but so are government subsidies to farmers. The only difference is that one type is for the poor and needy while the other is for the wealthy. I cannot in good conscience vote for him. I will be voting for Heidi Hall.

Diane Walker
Grass Valley

Supervisor gives support

I am enthusiastically supporting Herman Ellis for election to the CARD board of directors. He has served for two years on CARD and demonstrated his understanding of constrained budgets and the needs of the community. Herman has a doctorate in counseling and he is an exceptional listener.

He understands the value of recreational programs for our community. He has three children who have participated in a huge number of CARD programs over the years and Herman also has played adult softball in CARD leagues.

He will work to make the programs offered through CARD stronger and more comprehensive. He knows there is a continuing need for youth, adult and senior programs that meet the needs of our community. Ellis’ experience with The Associated Students of Chico State gave him the ability to work with disparate personalities, gaps in service, and working to get the most out of realistic budgets.

Please join me in voting for Dr. Herman Ellis. He will work hard to make sure the citizens in the CARD district have opportunities to play and learn.

Maureen Kirk
Chico

Editor’s note: Maureen Kirk is a member of the Butte County Board of Supervisors.

O-bomb-ercare, get it?

Will the Mideast heal under Obombercare?

Stephen T. Davis
Chico

Making catcalling fun

You may be asking yourself, “How can I get the most out of my catcalling experience this Halloween?” Here are some handy rules to make your catcalling fun for everyone involved.

1. Remember, as a person catcalling, you are not shouting disparaging remarks at a person with thoughts and feelings. No. The object of your catcall is just that—an object—and every successful catcall should make the recipient feel objectified.

2. Keep your eyes on the prize. It doesn’t matter what they are wearing, so do not be discouraged by those who choose to cover up for cold weather. Whether they are wearing a snowsuit or bikini, what matters most is that they are embarrassed and scared—this should be your main objective.

3. Don’t be a wet blanket. If a stranger or even a friend catcalls someone, don’t challenge that person’s behavior—what a downer. Instead, join in on the fun.

4. Lastly, catcalling is a fun activity meant to be enjoyed by those catcalling and those being catcalled. Don’t butt into someone else’s fun by talking about the negative effects that catcalling has.

Peter Hoffman
Chico

Support teachers

I spent five years of study preparing for my job. It took me several years to pay back my student loans in spite of working part time during school years. I carry my work home most evenings to assess the day’s progress and prepare for the next.

I take my job very seriously for I am responsible for changing the lives of hundreds and preparing them for the future. My job requires me to prepare progress reports and share these results routinely with my constituents. My vacations are often spent in creative study or part-time employment. I’m on my feet most of the time and interacting the entire working day with short breaks between “shifts” and a brief lunch break. Still, I love what I do and take pride in my profession.

If you haven’t guessed, I am a teacher. Join California retired teachers in celebrating the Week of the Teacher, Nov. 2-8.

Dick Cory, CalRTA
Chico

They support ferals

I would like to sincerely thank Tracy Mohr for her commentary regarding feral and stray cats and Neighborhood Cat Advocates’ trap, neuter, return (TNR) program. I would, however, like to add that the TNR program would not exist but for private donations from community members and funding from the PawPrints Thrift Boutique (not to be confused with Paws of Chico). Donations are welcome and sorely needed to continue this valuable program. Thank you.

Ingrid Cordes
Chico

Bring back the dogs

Northern California’s campgrounds and mountain towns have always had a problem with bears. Now that California has a ban on using dogs to hunt bears, the bear population will continue to rise and they are going to become more aggressive than ever. New cubs being born will never be hunted by dogs, which will make them not afraid of dogs. Dogs are the main way to keep bears away from homes, camps and other populated areas.

Black bears were becoming overpopulated even before this new hunting ban. Unless California allows canines to be used to hunt and track bears, don’t be surprised when bear attacks on people, livestock and pets rise. Don’t be surprised by a decline in the deer population, which is the most popular big game animal in the state. I have no idea what good Congress thought would come out of this hunting ban.

Braden Clark
Chico

The cafeteria plan

The problem with voting is it’s done by people lacking motivation and time to develop a good understanding of candidates and issues. Accordingly, public officials should be chosen by randomly selected citizens certified to have this knowledge.

For some issues, instead of relying on elected officials to faithfully represent our interests, we should have a cafeteria plan option. That is, where we pay taxes only for the benefits we receive.

If I drive only 5,000 miles per year, I shouldn’t pay the same tax as those driving 20,000. If I don’t have kids, I shouldn’t be required to pay for schools. If I don’t smoke, use alcohol or drugs, or overeat, I shouldn’t have to subsidize the damage resulting from such behaviors.

For a significant tax break, I’d sure be willing to have my odometer, hair, DNA and weight checked to prove the miles I’ve driven, that I don’t smoke or use alcohol or drugs, that I have no children, and that I maintain a healthy weight.

With such a system in place, people would have more control of their lives, increased motivation to better themselves, and feel less oppressed by government.

Nathan Esplanade
Corning

Protect our water

Recently the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation held a public hearing in Chico, inviting comments on the proposed 10-year Sacramento River Valley Transfer Program. The bureau is analyzing water transfers up to 600,000 acre-feet per year.

The water would be sold by North State sellers to buyers in Southern California. Many of the 200 attendees voiced passionate opposition to the transfers. Several described serious water issues they are currently grappling with, including dry wells, in part due to the ongoing drought. Northern California farmers and residents alike have a great deal at stake if the cumulative effects of the transfers drop water levels further.

In 1994 sustained groundwater pumping was used to replace water sold south. The result was numerous well failures in the Durham area. The environmental impact of the proposed transfer program likely will compound water supply issues. I urge people to take measures to preserve North State water while there is still time. One way is to support AquAlliance, a nonprofit group, which is acting on public behalf to see that environmental laws are enforced.(www.AquAlliance.net) I also encourage emailing your comments to bhubbard@usbr.gov.

Elena Middleton
Oroville

‘Time for common sense’

Downtown is a war zone. It has to stop. The city is not territory to fight over like two gangs in a turf war, each seeing who can send the most people to posture and intimidate. Reality is: It doesn’t work.

All the lights and activity cannot hide or disguise the atmosphere of tension, anger and hatred. You can cut it with a knife! Like a volcano wanting to explode. The city, plaza and parks are for everyone to share. Reality is homelessness is not unique to any one city; it is in every city, state and country. The homeless will not “disappear” or “move on” to another city. That city will send them back with a few of their own!

Remember, California’s suing Nevada for “dumping” their patients. Do we need another city or state suing Chico? The Homeless Bill of Rights is just a matter of time. A class action lawsuit would bring it front and center. Can Chico afford it? I think not, nor do I think Chico wants to be remembered in this way.

Each year it’s the same scenario repeated. Time to change the equation. Kindness has a rippling effect, so does anger and hatred. Time for common sense, which one do you feed?

Crystal A. Mourad
Chico

A stinky situation

In light of the horrific news that the Tin Roof Bakery’s sewage was being flushed directly into Little Chico Creek, maybe they should change their name to “Shit on a Shingle.”

Jon Wren
Chico