Letters for October 7, 2010

Comanche Creek questions

Re “Land of the lost” (Newslines, by Vic Cantu, Sept. 30):

This piece of spoiled but salvageable land is home to many caring and dedicated lovers of the Earth. I think it would be instructive to hear how Mary Flynn, Ann Schwab and Jim Walker are justifying their votes to open the door to the industrialization of this land. I would urge them to clean up the area to the south of the Park Avenue intersection before they condemn the residents to the west of Park Avenue to eminent domain and loss of their land base.

Forest Harlan
Chico

Editor’s note: The author is referring to the controversial West Park Avenue extension, included as an option in the city’s 2030 General Plan. It should be noted that no final decision on the extension has been made.

Reading about efforts to improve Comanche Creek have led me to wonder what might be done to restore “Lost Park,” that area of creek between Annie’s Glen and The Esplanade that is downtown but pretty much lost to public enjoyment at this time. There are currently plans to make changes in the traffic flow in that area. It would be great if those plans included improvements to make the creek enjoyable to the general public.

Sandee Renault
Chico

Appreciation from afar

Re “Who won the debate?” (From This Corner, by Robert Speer, Sept. 30):

Mr. Speer’s analysis of the Whitman/Brown debate was most enlightening. It was good to get a perspective from outside—way outside—the Capital Beltway.

I am a 2008 federal government retiree who lives in suburban Maryland, but since my U.S. Army days in 1969-70, when I was at Fort Ord and then in Monterey at the Army Language School, I have never stopped loving California and Nevada.

The discovery of Newsreview.com and CN&R, thanks to a promotion from the Peppermill Resort and Casino in Reno, is most welcome. Newsreview.com and CN&R present a fantastic window on places that I love. I hope that your readers appreciate Newsreview.com and CN&R for the treasures that they are.

Harold Holzman
Columbia, Md.

Universes of language

Re “Young member preserves native language” (Newslines, by Meredith J. Cooper, Sept. 30):

Thank you for the article on Kyle McHenry’s efforts in preserving the native language of the Mechoopda Maidu tribe.

Language represents more than just the cultural identities of a people; it also preserves traditions, philosophies, history, and—through individual names and places—geography. Language is an anchoring force that can unify a people when nothing else can. If a language dies out, our world loses more than just words, for wisdom and ways of life that have guided us for thousands of years are lost also. Between loss of native languages and disconnection from the Earth, is it any wonder that we feel a sense of alienation from life?

Some European people face this same dilemma. In Cornwall, England, the native tongue of Cornish was spoken until about 1800. After many years of its being lost, efforts have now been made to revive it. On the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea, the last native speaker of Manx died in 1974. Revival of this language has started there also.

Mr. McHenry’s devotion in returning to a people their native language and sense of self is to be applauded, and I for one do so. Let’s hope we all may see that there are not only words in language, but also, for indigenous peoples, a spiritual presence behind these words.

Victoria Hunt
Chico

Editor’s note: The writer is author of the book Animal Omens.

Endorsements, etc.

In recent months, I decided not to run for a second term on the Chico City Council. I then had to decide whether to endorse another candidate for this election.

I met Mark Herrera after he contacted me to tell me why he wanted to fill my seat. I found Mark to be upfront, honest and pragmatic on the issues and the continuing problems with our economy and Chico’s financial future. Mark has the energy and problem-solving abilities; he is open-minded and thoughtful. The best thing, however, is that he listens to what people have to say about him, and he hears you.

I know he will put 120 percent support behind our local businesses and support programs to enhance our economy, public safety, the environment, recreation, local and organic farmers and organizations that promote a healthy way to live. I know this because I have talked with him at great length; I believe him and trust him because he keeps his word.

I urge everyone who supported me in my campaign for City Council in 2006 and during my tenure on the council to vote for Mark Herrera.

Tom Nickell
Chico

When you are concerned about a city issue, it’s nice to know you can call a City Council member who will listen. Mary Flynn listened, understood, and took appropriate, helpful action when we called her in 2007 with concerns about the preliminary plans for the East Eighth Street improvement project.

Mary came to our neighborhood to meet with us and our neighbors. She was a good listener. She understood our concerns and contacted city staff members who could help resolve them. She followed through.

The result was a modified design that saved beautiful trees and provided safe passage for motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians.

Because of this positive experience, we recommend voting for Mary Flynn for City Council.

Neil and Sue McCabe
Chico

Texas oil and Prop. 23

We have the good fortune to live in one of the most forward-thinking states in the nation. Evidence of this is in the wisdom demonstrated when AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, was passed. Unfortunately, this law that mandates a sustainable approach to our environmental future and has created thousands of green-industry jobs is under attack by nefarious forces from out of state.

Valero, Tesoro and Koch Industries spent millions to get Prop. 23 on our ballot. Their sole intent: gutting AB 32, simply because to them profits trump environmental concerns and making money is more important than the health of the people of California.

Prop. 23 deceptively claims that it will merely “suspend” AB 32 until there are four consecutive quarters of unemployment under 5.5 percent. California’s unemployment has dropped below that mark only three times since 1970, so the initiative’s passage will effectively kill the law.

Say no to greedy Texas oil companies. Say yes to the greater good in California! Vote NO on Prop. 23.

Dan Carter
Chico

He’s no doll

In your Best of Chico edition (Sept. 23), you wrote that I have a “doll” that I keep behind the bar that I have nicknamed “The Blake.” That is incorrect. It is not a doll; it’s an action figure! There’s a big difference.

You see, I happen to be the only bartender in Chico—and on the face of the planet, for that matter—with his own action figure.

Blake Anderson
Chico

Editor’s note: Mr. Anderson was the readers’ pick for Best Bartender. He works at 5th Street Steakhouse.

Corrections

In our Scene story last week (“Painter of Kings,” by Ken Smith), we stated that painter Jeff Nichols’ Kings billboard was still on display at the Sacramento airport. Although Nichols’ billboard was on display at the airport for the past year, it was taken down recently in preparation for new publicity in advance of the 2010-11 NBA season.

In last week’s Eco Event, we named the wrong caterer for the Butte Environmental Council’s anniversary party due to an error in the press release. Bacio Catering catered the event.

In our Best of Chico Readers’ Picks (Sept. 23), we misprinted the address for the Silver Sandbox, which took second place for Best Baby/Kids’ Clothier. It is located at 222 W. Third St. We also omitted the results for Best Theater Company. Blue Room Theatre won, followed by Chico Cabaret and Chico Theater Company. Go to www.newsreview.com/chico to find the story online for more information.

We apologize for the errors.—ed.