Re: your March 27 article, “California's 'nicest' lawmaker pursues assisted suicide law�:
I just don't believe that Patty Berg, D-Eureka, the author of Assembly Bill 651, is nice.

Last year, she and Lloyd Levine, D-Van Nuys, tried the same foolishness as Assembly Bill 654. When they could not drum up enough support for it, they shelved it and now have resuscitated it as AB651, with all the same problems.

Re: Nelson Wallace’s March 30 letter, “Make taxpayers citizens� and your March 30 article, “Students’ voices�:

The majority of our tax dollars come from earned income, also called “wages.� If one pays his fair share of earned income tax, one must have a Social Security card or a tax identification number. These forms of identification are the only forms of income identification I am aware of in this country.

Re: Leonard Zerlin’s March 30 letter, “Freedom not easy� and your March 30 article and photo, “Students’ voices�:

I wholeheartedly concur with Mr. Zerlin’s letter. It all starts in the classroom — in this case, the history classroom, like teacher Jaime Moreno’s classroom photographed in Thursday’s Star. Did you notice the picture hanging on the back wall? What a joke! Do you get the picture?

— Don Lanpher, Simi Valley

Re: your March 30 article, “Teachers claim unfair labor practices�:

After watching the recent Conejo Valley Unified School District board meetings about the proposed winter vacation, I was disappointed that the leaders of the teachers union, the Unified Association of Conejo Teachers, didn’t address the amount of money that the schools are going to lose due to student absenteeism, along with additional wages paid to substitute teachers.

Re: your March 29 editorial, “New standards target oil use�:

I agree that the expected fuel economy standards are overdue, but you can be part of the solution well before those benefits are seen in 2011. If you drive or own a car, you can help reduce our dependence on foreign oil and decrease air pollution in 2006.

It has been repeatedly witnessed that Diebold and other voting machines are faulty at best. What is the rush, after 200 years of an existing and successful voting apparatus, to eagerly endorse expensive gadgetry notorious for creating profound irregularities with their every deployment nationwide?

As one who shies away from conspiracy theories, I'm persuaded to question if graft played a role in the imprudent decision-making by the slew of politicians who've so irresponsibly affirmed these devices across this land. My hope is that California will continue to remain America's voice of reason in refusing to employ this failed technology.

- Brian Buel, Ventura

I am the parent of a 6-year-old little girl. She attends school at Christa McAuliffe in Oxnard.

My daughter recently got suspended for fighting at school. She has a disability called sensory deprivation. Both myself and her mother work and cannot take the time off from work for fear of losing our jobs for unexcused absence, not to mention the affordability factor of two single parents.

I am writing this as an open letter to Macerich, the company that oversees the Pacific View Mall, and to Safeway, which holds a lease for the buildings on the mall property at Telegraph and Mills roads in Ventura.

For several years now, Safeway has been paying rent to Macerich for the property area with the old damaged buildings that are next to the bus transfer station. Safeway said they wanted to build their upscale market there known as Pavilions.

Re: your March 27 article, “California’s ‘nicest’ lawmaker pursues assisted suicide law�:

Being the “nicest� lawmaker is no guarantee for making good laws. Patty Berg and her Compassionate Choices Act is surely a case in point.

Touting her Physician Assisted Suicide bill, AB651, Berg uses words Americans hold dear, such as “privacy,� “choice� and “dignity.� But Californians should not take these words at face value, not even from a “nice� lawmaker.

The appointment to the Harbor Commission should be a non-partisan appointment. Our community needs people to serve on the commission who are interested in the development of Channel Islands Harbor in the best way possible to serve the needs of the community. They need to be knowledgeable and willing to keep an open mind in working with others on the commission. This person should also be able to work in harmony with others and keep the fragile ecological system of our harbor in balance.

It's bad enough that they walked out of school, but to waste my tax money to support illegal immigration really ticks me off. And then on top of that, the Oxnard School District has the nerve to send buses to take the kids back to school? That’s just wrong. Let them walk back to the campus they came from.

I pay taxes to have these kids to go to school to learn, and the school just lets them walk out. The students should have been told right up front that if they leave school without authorization, the police would be called and each individual would get a ticket for truancy. Then the Oxnard School District should get the names of all the students who left the schools to protest and then were taken back to school in the buses and charge each of them for the use of the buses. Let their parents pay for this and not the regular, law-abiding taxpayers.

— Dan Harvey, Oxnard

I don’t think most protesters have a clue what they are protesting. I think it's racist of them to think this is all about Mexico. Perhaps if they understood how Mexico treats its southern border, they would see this bill is not so bad. If you're from Honduras or Nicaragua, you are more welcome here then in Mexico.

We have what we have because we work hard, speak the same language and pay our taxes. By eroding two out of three of these, you are hurting our country.

If I had to choose between a head of lettuce for $10 or overcrowded schools, outrageous insurance premiums and housing costs, give me the $10 head of lettuce.

— Denis Fariseo, Ojai

In response to all the pro-illegal immigration demonstrators proudly waving non-U.S. flags over these past couple of days, I’d like to share these two quotes from President Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, for his sentiments still echo true today:

“In the first place we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes 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 fact 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, and this
excludes the red flag, which symbolizes all wars against liberty and civilization, just as much as it excludes any foreign flag of a nation to which we are hostile. 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.�

“No man is above the law and no man is below it; nor do we ask any man’s permission when we ask him to obey it.�

— Dawn Williams, Thousand Oaks

Re: your March 28 article, “Oxnard, Ventura students protest immigration bill�:

I’m thrilled to find out that not only are teachers having a tough enough time teaching our students to get through their California exit exams instead of teaching what they are supposed to be teaching, now they let their students walk out of the classroom to support criminals. Yes, illegal equates to criminal. These same students would understand this had they been in class learning as opposed to helping teachers boost their own agendas.

I recently received campaign literature in the mail from Jim Dantona, candidate for the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. The piece was titled “We all have a path to choose.� In the mailer, Dantona talked about his family, illnesses and even bankruptcy.

I am 78 years of age, a retired elementary school teacher, and a Simi Valley homemaker. I have never filed bankruptcy and always pay my bills on time. Nevertheless, I found the Dantona piece to be very moving.

Re: Louis Pandolfi’s March 22 letter, “A new face is needed�:

Mr. Pandolfi is not only critical, but ill-informed.

In all fairness, you cannot blame Supervisor Judy Mikels for the unbridled growth that Mr. Pandolfi describes because neither she nor the Board of Supervisors has that kind of control anymore — and they haven’t for many years. Cities now control the development in our county, and then there are the greenbelt agreements and open space ordinances. To blame Supervisor Mikels is an undeserved criticism from someone who knows better.

Who said the nation doesn’t have a legitimate third political party? We have the Republicans, the Democrats and now IIP, the Illegal Immigrant Party.

The “Double IP� is motivating its people far better than the rest. What other group can throw together a million people marching across the nation on such short notice? And let’s talk political power. Not one arrest occurred in Los Angeles with over a half a million marchers, even though a good percentage of them are blatantly and openly breaking many of our nation’s laws. Now that’s political power.

— Troy Kuhlman, Camarillo

Re: your March 25 article, “Thousand in U.S. rally for immigrants’ rights� and your March 26 article, “Immigrants’ rights rally draws 500,000 to L.A.�:

As I started to read these articles, I realized the headlines were misleading, as the rallies were basically for illegal immigrants’ rights. The last time I checked, the word “illegal� meant “unlawful.� Why does someone who is illegally in this country have rights?

Illegal (and I emphasize the word illegal) immigrants already broke one law when they entered the United States without proper documentation. Many have already dealt with the criminal element on either side of the border to gain entrance.

This doesn't say much for their respect for the law in general. It's most certainly a disservice to those who immigrate to the United States legally. They then work for unscrupulous employers who pay less than minimum wage. Often a good percentage of what they earn is sent back across the border to finance the same illegal process for relatives.

I have never written on this issue, but I want to express my disgust with this past weekend’s “protests� in favor of the violation of our immigration laws.

I am a small painting contractor. I pay my taxes, insurance and a good wage to my workers. I employ people who will get the job done, and I could care less what race they are.

Re: Joe Howry’s March 26 essay, “Good watch, but skewed�:

Mr. Howry was correct in saying that Edward R. Murrow did not take a stand on Sen. Joseph McCarthy until McCarthy was beginning to decline in influence. Howry was also correct in saying that the movie “Good Night and Good Luck� glossed over this fact.

Re: Ken Raduechel’s March 26 letter, “Nation must return to God�:

I thank Mr. Raduechel for reminding us that this nation was founded by “radical Christians� and how we must turn back to Jesus once again.

One thing he forgot to mention is how, under “God,� the founders of this country butchered the indigenous peoples. He states we must turn back to God and once again become “one nation under God.�

Re: Paul H. Dolton’s March 24 letter, “Blame whom for Hiroshima?� and Betty Dabbs’ March 24 letter, “Don’t forget Pearl Harbor,� which were in response to The Star’s March 21 article, “Distant echoes�:

I thank Mr. Dolton and Ms. Dabbs for their letters, which open up the public dialogue about nuclear issues — precisely the purpose of the events at California State University, Channel Islands, where Shigeko Sasamori spoke.

A recent statement by actor Charlie Sheen illustrates the astronomically absurd beliefs the left-wing anti-war crowd must entertain in order to justify their position.

Apparently, according to Sheen, the World Trade Center towers had been rigged with explosives in a controlled demolition so that Islamic terrorists would be blamed in order to justify going to war, because the notion that a bunch of amateurs with box cutters taking over planes and smashing them into the towers is just too far-fetched.

I thank U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly for continuing to deal with the 24th Congressional District with such honor and dignity. My prayers were answered in knowing first that he was healthy, and second that we can re-elect him with peace of mind knowing that we are represented to the fullest back in Washington, D.C., and here in California.

I know firsthand of Rep. Gallegly's service to his constituents as a result of his help after receipt of a head-trauma injury. For his office and staff's service and support in dealing with Social Security, I am eternally grateful.

- Toni Webster, Camarillo

Re: Roger Ebert's March 24 “Joyeux Noel� review, “Christmas is peace time, even in war�:

This review of the movie depicting World War I's trench warfare during Christmas reminded me of a book written by our own Joyce M. Kennedy, director of the Learning Center, which she greatly helped to turn into California State University, Channel Islands.

Re: Ken Raduechel's March 26 letter, “Nation must return to God�:

Right-wing Christians like Ken Raduechel would do well to expand their knowledge beyond the “in God we trust� on our coinage or the “one nation under God,� which was not added to the Pledge of Allegiance until 1953. “The Government of the United States,� George Washington noted in the 1796 Treaty of Tripoli, “is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.� Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, stated: “It does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no God. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my legs.�

Re: your March 24 article, “Study: State behind in sending kids to college� and Frank Moraga’s March 24 essay, “Getting a good start�:

The article stated that California sends the second-smallest percentage of high-school seniors to four-year colleges. The percentages are 47 in Massachusetts, 23 in California and 21 in Mississippi.

I was alarmed to read that not only are we not planning a rapid withdrawal from Iraq, but that President Bush is requesting additional hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars for new large permanent military bases in Iraq.

How much longer must we continue to sacrifice our troops and billions of taxpayer dollars on a failed foreign policy? We must urge Congress to oppose this request.

— Bill Wakelee, Ventura
(The writer is on the Alliance for Progressive Alternatives Board of Governors. — Editor)

Re: Scott N. Twombley’s March 23 commentary, “Patriotic duty to speak up�:

I am 82 years old. I have lived through more wars than I care to. My father was in World I, my father-in-law spent 35 years in the Army, my brother was in World War II and my husband was a Marine who was wounded on Iwo Jima in World War II.

Anyone who likes war has to be insane. We were attacked at Pearl Harbor, an attack that was closest to home until Sept. 11, when 3,000-plus people, four planes, the two New York towers and the Pentagon were attacked on our own soil! If this is not war, I’d like to know what Mr. Twombley’s definition of war is!

I see where Assemblyman Ray Hayes, R-Murrieta, wants second offenders for driving under the influence to have red plates for two years. How is this an option? How about two years in jail, or more, and complete revocation of any driving privileges in the future? First timers should get a red plate; multiple offenders should be off the roads.

— Bill Moak, Simi Valley

Once again, Supervisor Judy Mikels has placed her struggling campaign ahead of the voters’ interests by removing Tapo Canyon Park from any discussions until after the June election.

Re: John Scheibe’s March 15 article, “Settlement means Rio must scrimp�:

For those students about to embark upon a teaching career this fall, my advice is simple: Avoid the Rio School District at all cost unless you are desperate for work.

Thanks to the stupidity and stubbornness of the school board, former Superintendent Yolanda Benitez is crying all the way to the bank, while the teachers who haven’t had a raise in five years are wondering where the paper, pencils and paper clips will come from. Worst of all, I feel sorry for the children in the district who are caught in the middle of a mess.

— Gary Traxler, Camarillo

Why do I feel an enormous sigh of relief to find out that U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly, a real class act, is again in the running? Maybe it’s because Elton Gallegly is one politician who is not corrupt or in someone’s back pocket.

He doesn’t hide behind some GOP agenda. He doesn’t have to. He has his own agenda and makes no apologies for pushing it because he knows he is right. He knows what he stands for and doesn’t change his ideals with every opinion poll.

On Wednesday, there was a high-speed car chase in Los Angeles that lasted two hours and involved speeds in excess of 100 mph, including speeds close to that on Interstate 405 around 4 p.m. The pursuing officers were unable to get in front of the criminal to put down a spike strip.

Re: your March 23 article, “Benitez hopes to get on with life�:

The Rio School District board made a wise decision to settle the Yolanda Benitez lawsuit. I want to thank Eva Acosta, Simon Ayala and Ken Ortega for having the courage to vote for a settlement despite the pressure of a recall. To have continued appealing the lawsuit would have cost the district many thousands of dollars more.

Re: Becky Dahlstrom’s March 21 commentary, “Soldier’s mom: Protesters dishonor troops�:

Mrs. Dahlstrom should just stop.

She should stop telling the world that, as someone in protest of the Iraq war, I am showing “dishonor� to her son or to the U.S. troops. We want her son and those troops home! How much more supportive of them can we be?

Re: Becky Dahlstrom’s March 21 commentary, “Soldier’s mom: Protesters dishonor troops�:

Her commentary and the recent letters in support demonstrate the wisdom of Abraham Lincoln, who observed, "You can fool some of the people all of the time."

The administration counts on the 30 percent of people who cannot or, worse still, will not think. It counts on those who look at facts and blame the media for reporting the facts, and on those who look at the high-priced, bought and paid for "hearts and minds" events staged by the Pentagon and think those are real.

Re: Scott Twombley's March 23 commentary, “Patriotic duty to speak up�:

This was excellent and right on target.

That is, in all areas except one. His claim that "the Bush Administration blundered into Iraq" was positively breathtaking. Scott can be forgiven because he probably never heard of the Project for a New American Century. PNAC has a Web site at http://www.newamericancentury.org

When did we lose our right to voice our opinion? Long ago, our forefathers wrote, "We the people." Why are we leaving it up to our president or our congressmen or senators? Why are we letting our president run our lives? We, the people, should have a voice and not let this go on and on.

Look at history. One man comes into power and all the people follow down the path of death and destruction. Look back at all of the men of war. There are so many and, yet, we follow, saying nothing. People better look at what's going on.

Recently there have been letters for and against the Iraq war. Everyone has their opinion, but the ones I cannot agree with are the people who think that if you oppose the war, you should do it by voting or writing to your representative. They don't want you to do it by marching and using your voice. You can vote for whomever you want, but that doesn't guarantee your representative will fully speak for you. So the best way to get their attention is to go out and assemble, hold up signs, use bullhorns and march.

Re: March 22 letters by Chris Biller, “Disagree at the polls,� and Gary L. Parker, “Show of hate�:

It's difficult not to laugh when Biller and Parker chastise dissenters for being angry and for daring to speak out. We use simple slogans because most Americans can't handle complicated arguments and that's the only way to get through. How about those flip-flops, eh? Mushroom clouds? You're either with us or with the terrorists? Axis of evil? Weapons of mass destruction? War on terror? Are you afraid yet? Good. That's what they wanted and you bought it.

Re: March 22 letters by Chris Biller, “Disagree at the polls,� and Gary L. Parker, “Show of hate�:

It's difficult not to laugh when Biller and Parker chastise dissenters for being angry and for daring to speak out. We use simple slogans because most Americans can't handle complicated arguments and that's the only way to get through. How about those flip-flops, eh? Mushroom clouds? You're either with us or with the terrorists? Axis of evil? Weapons of mass destruction? War on terror? Are you afraid yet? Good. That's what they wanted and you bought it.

I find Shigeko Sasamori's interview interesting. I'm sorry she suffered effects from the atomic bomb. It must have been horrific.

However, never once did she mention there would never have been a bomb dropped on Japan had the Japanese not attacked the United States first, killing thousands of civilians and GIs at Pearl Harbor! Apparently, that minor point seems to have slipped her mind, or the minds of the activists who sponsored her.

Re: your March 21 article, “Ruling may end battle for parolee�:

In this article, Brian Buckley is portrayed as a man who was misled by a prosecutor into pleading guilty to a second-degree murder charge, believing that his sentence would be 15 years maximum rather than 15 years to life. I was the attorney who prosecuted Brian Buckley, and I would like to set the record straight.

The Star interviewed me on Monday, the day before this article appeared. I pointed out a number of facts that The Star chose not to include in this article, facts that would cause one to draw a different conclusion to the spin that The Star was seeking to achieve.

Can situations similar to the Danish cartoon controversy be avoided in the future through the dissemination of diverse and multicultural children’s television programs? My answer is yes.

The amount of violence and hatred generated by the Danish cartoon dispute is overwhelming. Although we cannot erase the past and all of the devastation that has resulted from intolerance for the various cultures and religions of the world, we can turn to the youth of our generation in order to start anew. We need to gradually educate children to understand that not everyone is the same. In fact, many cultures hold opposing viewpoints, and while we do not need to foster the same beliefs, it is nevertheless important to respect everyone’s differences.

Re: Russell Burgos’ March 22 letter, “Surplus frittered away,� which was a response to James R. May’s March 8 letter, “National debt keeps rising�:

In response to my pointing out that there has not been a budget surplus since 1960, Russell Burgess’ letter correctly points out that the federal government declared several years under the Clinton administration to have a budget surplus. Unfortunately, that fact is a testimonial to dishonest government reporting rather than to any budget surplus.

Re: your March 15 article, “Settlement means Rio must scrimp�:

This headline implies that Yolanda Benitez is to blame for the district’s financial problems. Wrong!

Incompetent school board members who are ignorant of basic school law and driven by a vengeful agenda are the people who illegally fired the former superintendent — the people who jeopardized the educational future of the children in the Rio district.
The legal action could have been settled long ago but for the stubbornness and foolishness of certain board members.

Re: your March 15 article, “Settlement means Rio must scrimp�:

How dare The Star marginalize the very serious situation Yolanda Benitez and her three friends on the district board have caused.

Hugh Pickerel said there would be no personnel cuts, but during closed session, the board personally fired four principals. This, too, is fallout from the board’s close association with Benitez. The rumor mill is full of speculation as to who the replacement principals will be. The odds-on-favorite rumor is that they will all be friends of Benitez.

The decision of the Rio School Board to give Yolanda Benitez and her attorney $1.4 million is obscene.

Benitez’s claim was at best worth $350,000, and she had no legal right to force the board to pay her attorneys’ fees, never mind commit the district to pay her benefits for life. The Yolanda-groupie board members won’t pay for this. It will instead come off the backs of the teachers and students of the district.

Re: your March 13 editorial, “Drivers, ‘Please be careful...’�

It should not take long to investigate the tragic death of Edith Luna, who was struck by a school bus while in a crosswalk. The State of California Vehicle Code, page 21951, Chapter 5, states, “The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing within any marked crosswalk.�

— Gilbert Edwin Savard, Ventura

Re: your March 15 article, “Settlement means Rio must scrimp�:

It’s rather obvious that the trustee concept of running a school district is not working in El Rio and hasn’t been for quite awhile. If it’s not mandated by law that a trustee setup is required, I would suggest just eliminating the El Rio trustee system. It’s obviously costing more money than it’s worth. I would also question trustee qualifications. Do any of these trustees even have a university degree?

— William Wolny, Oxnard

On March 12, 2006, the 76th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s 241-mile Salt March, a Latino conscientious objector, Latino parent of a fallen U.S. Marine and two dozen dedicated marchers (myself included), began their own two-week march of nonviolent protest. Their purpose is to end the war in Iraq.

As Gandhi did in India 76 years ago, these peace pilgrims will walk 241 California miles between Tijuana and San Francisco. Stops on the march include the burial site of César Chávez in La Paz, Camp Pendleton, Oxnard and Ventura. The march will end in San Francisco’s Mission District on March 26-27,where participants will donate blood for U.S. servicemen and civilians in Iraq.

Re: your March 11 article, “Crosswalks not duty of schools, district reports�:

I was a bit dismayed as I read the tragic story of Edith Luna. According to the article, authorities were still trying to determine if the child had the right of way. It’s been awhile, but last time I took the written exam for a driver’s license, a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk always has the right of way.

It also strikes me as a sadly appropriate time to ask the City of Ventura if they could provide adequate lighting for the two marked crosswalks that serve Ventura College at Loma Vista Road. Neither has a streetlight within 100 feet.

Elected officials are responsible to serve all the constituents, not just those with one point of view. This not a trivial or easy task. It takes empathy, wisdom, humility and a dedication to find and communicate the “deeper truth� of a situation.

The division, polarization and nastiness we see in politics today is a testament to how little responsible leadership we currently have. True effective and responsible leadership first understands and empathizes with all the perspectives in a district, city, county, state or country; not just the ones that are like them, not just the ones who vote, not just the ones who donate money and not just the ones that are vocal.

Re: your March 15 editorial, “Dismiss idea of a Bush censure�:

The Star is right. A censure is an empty gesture. President Bush should be impeached.
The Downing Street memos made it clear that the Bush administration tailored evidence to make a case for war, dragging us into a war that has cost thousands of lives and billions of dollars that will keep our grandchildren and their children in debt for many years to come. In addition, Bush has admitted to spying on American citizens, which is clearly illegal and a blatant abuse of power.

Re: John Alamillo's March 3 commentary, “Retract unification petitions for kids' benefit�:
John Alamillo doesn't realize that common sense and fiscal responsibility are out of date. In the 21st century, we do not consider unintended consequences.

- Camille Davis, Port Hueneme

Re: John Alamillo’s March 3 commentary, “Retract unification petitions for kids’ benefit�:

John Alamillo must not understand the benefits unification would bring to our community. Increased state funding for Camarillo K-12 students, significant pay increases for our current teachers, and a voice in the education of all our students are just a few benefits. Mr. Alamillo states “emotion and commotion have replaced logic and reason.� If he approached unification with logic and reason, he would support getting unification to a vote now.

Re: John Alamillo’s March 3 commentary, “Retract unification petitions for kids’ benefit�:

The Judas goat is prized by its owner for leading sheep to the slaughter. In the case of unifying Camarillo’s schools, it is Pleasant Valley School District trustee John Alamillo who is the willing accomplice to the Oxnard Union High School District in its efforts to continue to herd Camarillo high school students into its educational pen. In doing so, Alamillo undermines the best interests of Camarillo students and the best judgment of more than 90 percent of the Camarillo community.

With the apparent retirement of U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly, I have read the praise expressed in The Star’s editorials as well as in letters, not only for service to individual constituents, which all representatives do, but for money he brought to Ventura County.

Traditionally, the measure of a ccongressman has been the “pork� he brings home to his district. Thus, by voting for the Transportation Bill of 2005, Gallegly brought home $19 million for highway beautification.

As a fiscal conservative since 1964, I have a different view.

Re: Melinda Nordeng's March 13 article, "California must lead in women’s rights":

The South Dakota Legislature and governor have made it a felony to perform any abortion in the state, except when a pregnant woman's life is in jeopardy.

Banning abortion intrudes into the private lives of its female citizens taking control over parts of their bodies. Importance of making health policy should be based upon public health, not based upon religious beliefs. Ask yourself: Does this mean pro-life lobbyists, activists and voters have agreed or will agree to adopt the unwanted children of women too poor to go elsewhere for abortions? I don't think so.

Re: Melinda Nordeng's March 13 commentary, “California must lead in women’s rights�:

Ms. Nordeng’s commentary was a rant filled with personal opinions and few facts. She thinks California should be a leader in civil rights, women’s rights, and the rights of all people. She forgot to mention that in California, babies have no rights.

She compares incest and rape survivors with soldiers who experienced war atrocities. What does this have to do with abortion? Soldiers are not coming back demanding the right to take another life because they experienced horror.

Re: Tony Lemos’ March 9 letter, “Not ‘too much to ask for’�:

I also am “only in high school� and a senior about to graduate. I am very hurt by the letter written by Mr. Lemos, especially the part about raped women. I would like to ask Mr. Lemos to put himself in the body of a young woman, and experience being raped by a man. Now, say Mr. Lemos gets pregnant by this horrible and monstrous man that raped him. Would he then want to carry around the child of this rapist for nine months?



Re: Brian Hudnell's March 10 commentary, “Bicyclists must be mindful of hazards�:

Mr. Hudnell states that cyclists need to “stop believing that they have some God-given or governmental right to be on a public, traveled road. Period.�

Leaving God out of it, California Vehicle Code 21200 states: “Every person riding a bicycle upon a street or highway has all the rights and is subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle.�

There should be evidentiary hearings regarding the liquefied natural gas issue so that those who are sounding like Chicken Little - “The natural gas is running out! The natural gas is running out!� - should have to testify under oath, facing perjury charges, that there is a natural gas crisis.

Proposed pipelines will traverse through prime farmland of Ventura County for about 14 miles. In 2002, Ventura County's agricultural industry generated approximately $1.16 billion. This farmland will be damaged. How long will it be out of production? Maybe forever?

Until the day that every worker in Ventura County is paid a living wage — for example, a wage that allows them to pay their rent and utilities using a third of their full-time income — we will have a lopsided economy. Some people will be doing fine, while a majority of workers suffers in silence, struggling just to pay for necessities.

It certainly behooves our local government agencies to set an example for this very reasonable request. With the people at “the top� making such grand salaries — and still having trouble affording housing, mind you! — how can we not extend a basic decent wage to each and every public worker? Support a living wage for the City of Ventura!

Until the day that every worker in Ventura County is paid a living wage — for example, a wage that allows them to pay their rent and utilities using a third of their full-time income — we will have a lopsided economy. Some people will be doing fine, while a majority of workers suffers in silence, struggling just to pay for necessities.

It certainly behooves our local government agencies to set an example for this very reasonable request. With the people at “the top� making such grand salaries — and still having trouble affording housing, mind you! — how can we not extend a basic decent wage to each and every public worker? Support a living wage for the City of Ventura!

Re: Terry Paulson’s March 13 essay, “A ceremony that counts�:

I agree with Mr. Paulson: “It would be truly courageous for a film to have a Republican hero.� So why doesn’t some rich Republican write and produce this fictional epic? I can’t wait to rent the DVD for $3.98, plus tax!

— Cheryl Kingsley, Oxnard

Re: Leland Hammerschmitt’s Feb. 28 commentary, “At least teenagers have been warned�:

I join in the “serious debate� started by Mr. Hammerschmitt. I think it is wonderful that Mr. Hammerschmitt drives past Nordhoff rather than pulling into the school as a teacher!

Re: John Alamillo’s March 3 commentary, “Retract unification petitions for kids’ benefit�:

Mr. Alamillo ran for the Pleasant Valley School District board saying he supported unification. His change of opinion seems very strange.

Yes, this issue is emotionally charged. Oxnard Union High School District does not want to relinquish its hold over Camarillo High School. The courtroom fees Mr. Alamillo mentioned would go away if Oxnard does not fight unification.

Re: your March 12 cartoon:

The cartoon of Mount Rushmore offered two points of view. My take on it is that the weeping woman is grieving the loss of the baby she aborted.

— Roy Hammerand, Ojai

We are RV owners who are fortunate enough to have enough property to keep our RV parked at home. For those who don't, I see nothing wrong with allowing them 24 to 48 hours to bring their RV home, load it and leave the next day, and 24 to 48 hours when they get back to unload it, clean it and then return it to storage. The people who are complaining can surely tolerate an RV in their neighborhood for that long. They have the other 26 or 27 days of the month with an RV-free neighborhood.

Other communities all over California allow their residents the courtesy of time to prepare for outings. Why can't Ventura County?

BHP Billiton wants to build 14 miles offshore a terminal called Cabrillo Port to receive the supertankers carrying liquefied natural gas. They plan to convert the liquid back into gas and send it to onshore Southern California Gas Co. buildings through pipes on the ocean floor. It takes 20 hours to unload a ship, unless the process is interrupted; then it could take much longer.

BHP Billiton wants to build 14 miles offshore a terminal called Cabrillo Port to receive the supertankers carrying liquefied natural gas. They plan to convert the liquid back into gas and send it to onshore Southern California Gas Co. buildings through pipes on the ocean floor. It takes 20 hours to unload a ship, unless the process is interrupted; then it could take much longer.

Re: Bill O’Reilly’s March 11 commentary, “‘It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp!’ doesn’t play well in Tulsa�:

If it weren’t Bill O’Reilly, I’d wonder why anyone would spend a whole column lambasting an entire industry because he disagrees with the song that that industry chose as its best movie song of the year, and then complain that the folks in Tulsa, Okla., surely won’t agree with their choice.

Re: Keith Jajko’s March 13 letter, “Mikels support widespread�:

This letter from Keith Jajko, Supervisor Judy Mikels’ former chief of staff, stated that her support was widespread. Well, I can tell you that she has little to none in the unincorporated areas of the county. These are the people who deal with her office for all their concerns with county issues.

Re: Keith Jajko's March 13 letter, “Mikels support widespread�:

The office of Ventura County Supervisor is, as it should be, a non-partisan office. Why, I wonder, are Judy Mikels' supporters looking at it as a partisan position? Could it be that they have to rely on party support to try to re-elect Mikels, as there is not much else to recommend this blatantly large corporation crony?

My favorite part of The Star is the Opinion pages — editorials, commentaries and, especially, letters to the editor, tempered by Character Counts. Issues of news can be seriously debated here by all the people, not just politicians, big money, business or news-grabbing celebrities.

This section is so stimulating, yet it’s not like some made-up reality show to entertain the brain-dead with sex, glamour and sponsors hoping to make a buck out of America’s lost ethics. It’s real.

Re: your March 11 Pa Ventura item, “To Santa Paula�:

Pa Ventura writes: “To Santa Paula: When elected officials don’t like what’s in a petition that calls for a public vote, they often they often put something more to their liking on the ballot. It appears that’s just what your City Council is doing about the Fagan Canyon project."

This is a very astute observation.

Re: Joe R. Howry’s March 5 essay, “Pull up the welcome mat�:

Mr. Howry informs us that his realization of the “real� meaning of the rejection of the North Park development by the voters in Moorpark came to him in a flash of understanding — as though, in his words, he’d “been hit between the eyes with a 2-by-4.� I can only try to imagine the power and persuasiveness of insight obtained by way of a metaphorical 2-by-4 to the face. I repudiate, therefore, any desire to make light of Mr. Howry’s revelatory experience, but the sense that I derive from it moves me, humbly, to suggest that he might wish for another whack or two of revelation.

Re: your March 11 article, “Crosswalks not duty of schools, district reports�:

Both the cities and parents should review the procedures in how to go about crossing the street in light of the terrible tragedy that took the life of 10-year-old Edith Luna.

All children must stop, look and listen before crossing each street. Children must be taught how to “read� the approach of any vehicle and be leery even of those that are stopped.

Re: your March 12 article, “Some potential candidates upset over Gallegly’s 11th-hour notice�:

Your article regarding the reaction to the decision by U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly to withdraw from his re-election campaign obviously had to rely on sources that had strong opinions but apparently no firsthand information.

The sources are in error regarding what potential candidates knew about the congressman’s decision and when they were informed. They were also in error about Gallegly visiting Walter Reed Medical Center this week or this year.

Re: your March 11 editorial, “Gallegly will be hard to replace�:

I was impressed by your editorial praising U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly's record, particularly as you have published one or two negative articles in the past.

Rep. Gallegly will indeed be difficult to replace because he is a true representative of his constituents. He has been vilified in the past for his policy on illegal immigrants by people who were misinformed or did not wish to be enlightened as to his stance on this issue. Far from being against immigrants, he was a champion of those who wished to come to this country through legal channels, especially those who hoped to make a positive contribution to whatever community they settled in. It was, and still is, illegal immigrants he so vociferously opposes.

I can personally testify to the help Rep. Gallegly and his office have given to many foreign nationals who have taken the legal route to becoming U.S. citizens. My wife came from Russia, and it was two years before she was finally granted a green card and another three years before she was sworn in as a citizen of the United States. Had it not been for all the assistance from Rep. Gallegly's office, I am quite certain that we would still be petitioning the office of U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Services.

Although Rep. Gallegly is a loyal member of the Republican Party, he is nobody's “patsy.� Like Sen. John McCain, Rep. Gallegly has gone toe-to-toe with the current administration when he felt they were wrong.

Yes, it will be very difficult to find someone of his integrity and honesty to replace him. I thank Rep. Gallegly, and I know I join thousands of his constituents in wishing him a full and rapid recovery from whatever ailment the doctors have diagnosed.

- Gerry Robinson, Camarillo

Re: your March 12 article, “Agencies violate public access law�:

I was well aware that the documents in question are fully accessible to me under the Public Records Act. However, I would expect to be asked to identify myself upon such a request, and I would not hesitate to provide this information, even though I am not 
required to under the law.

Re: your March 12 article, “Agencies violate public access law�:

This article presents the problem of it being difficult to obtain public records as somewhat of a conspiracy of the government against the people. The main conclusion of the article is that it is difficult to obtain records without disclosing personal information and that some records are impossible to obtain.

Re: your March 12 article, “Agencies violate public access law�:

I applaud The Star for its exceptional reporting on public access to information.

For the most part, I place great trust our government. However, I also know that in any large organization, it is often easy to forget who your customer really is. Fiefdoms tend to develop, and more often than not, many employees — both public and private — forget who is actually paying their salary. When you have a government servant actually grow terrified because a member of their constituency approached them, you know we have a problem.

Re: your March 12 article, “Agencies violate public access law�:

I applaud The Star's article on this topic. Ventura City Manager Rick Cole is all wet when he says that the audit proved nothing. It proved that local government agencies — particularly the police — need to learn the law. Congratulations to The Star!

— Michael Walker, Ventura

Re: your March 12 article, “Agencies violate public access law�:

I can’t help but wonder whether your story was more of a commentary on the 
culture of fear that we now find ourselves living in. In the case of the school districts, having someone show up at your office under mysterious circumstances and ask for your boss’ employment contract is highly unusual, even if the contract is public record.

Re: your March 10 article, “Masry seeks to follow father on council�:

Louis Masry is nothing but an opportunist.

When I lived in Moorpark in 2002, I read that he sold his home in Thousand Oaks and was buying a home in Moorpark to run for City Council. Because of people like me, he decided not to pursue this.

Re: Keith Millhouse’s March 12 Pulse page commentary, “This crisis requires action, not rhetoric�:

Though I haven’t diligently followed the Steve Bennett versus Millhouse debate, there is buried in Mr. Millhouse’s snide article a typical politician’s remark that needs clarification.

There’s one way to solve the rapid transit dilemma: Let all those who vote for it turn in their car keys so that they have to be the ones to use it!

— Terri Gilbert, Simi Valley

Re: your March 12 cartoon:

This cartoon has a lady seemingly weeping. Is she sad because she doesn’t get to legally take the life of a preborn person? That is sick and tasteless.

— Jim Barros, Simi Valley

Last year, we were promised a Web site which would contain updates on the $145 
million bond-funded school construction program, Measure C4. I believe the 
promise was for a functioning Web site by October 2005. It is now March 
2006.

Could someone please find out why the Web site, simi.linkencounter.com, is 
not providing the information promised? The citizens were nice enough to 
pass this bond measure, so why can’t we get information that was promised? A 
budget of $10,000 was established for the Web site.

— Jerre Reimers, Simi Valley

It is quite sad that U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly has had to withdraw from the upcoming congressional race due to health issues.

I will always be grateful to this leader for taking a strong stand regarding the cleanup of the Santa Susana Field Lab. Years ago, It was Mr. Gallegly who established a workgroup to oversee the multimillion-dollar cleanup of this very contaminated site. He was one of the few local leaders to show immediate compassion for his constituents regarding this health-threatening situation. I thank him for his foresight, and I will pray for a positive outcome of his health crisis.

— Barbara Johnson, Susana Knolls 


Re: Bruce Berckman’s March 7 letter, “Mobs and politicians�:

I hope other Moorpark residents are as outraged as my wife and myself over the insulting diatribe of Bruce Berckman regarding the recent defeat of the proposed North Park development.

To suggest that people opposed to this project are somehow mentally inferior to those who support it is nothing more than the whines of a S.O.A.R. loser (pun intended).

Cheers to the voters of Moorpark for voting down the North Park project. They already have the Moorpark Highlands project to look forward to. With interest rates rising, I would suspect not too many families are going to be able to afford the prices.

And as I walk down my block of formerly single family-filled houses, of the nine, only four remain occupied by the single-family definition. One has co-owner living, and four are boarding houses, defined as “owner rents rooms to afford the mortgage.�

Re: James R. May’s March 8 letter, “National debt keeps rising�:

Mr. May claims “there has been no budget surplus since 1960.� He’s dead wrong. The giveaway in his letter is the dubious Web site to which he refers readers. A more reputable source than his tells a very different story.

Table 461 of the U.S. Statistical Abstract could not be clearer. There was a budget surplus in 1960 and again from 1997 to 2001.

Re: Joe Howry’s March 5 essay, “Pull up the welcome mat�:

Mr. Howry describes how the proposed North Park development was “loaded with goodies.� There is a shocking disparity between what Moorpark voters were offered and what we would receive in Santa Paula with the Fagan project.

Re: your Feb. 28 cartoon labeling the Winter Olympics the Shroud of Turin:

The lack of class demonstrated by disrespecting a revered relic aside, the cartoonist who seemed to find the Winter Olympics a bore must have been unconscious or just not watching the same games I did.

Re: Chuck Thomas’ March 4 commentary, “How often are you using algebra?�

Children’s education should include practical and healthful subjects such as music, physical education, drivers education and shop. However, I would caution Mr. Thomas against reducing the number of math and science courses.

Re: your Feb. 25 article, “Fillmore teachers, district can’t agree on contract�:

The most valuable resources in any school district are teachers. Failure on the part of the board and administration to prioritize adequate payment to teachers is wrong. Several years ago, the district worked hard to get all salaries to parity with Ventura County. The reason was to attract and keep qualified employees. A pledge was made that the district would work hard to keep parity. The board recognized the need to not fall so far behind again.

Re: your March 4 article, “What would Jesus teach?�

As I understand Jesus, his teachings are simple and can be summarized into these eight principles:

— Be just; justice comes from virtue, which comes from the heart.

— Treat people the way we want them to treat us.

Re: Nicholas D. Kristof’s March 4 essay, “Will soldiers be heard?�:

Hogwash. Consider this: The soldiers are reflecting the attitudes of the people at home, who are reflecting the attitudes and bias of the elite media and the cowardly rants of our anti-war politicians — specifically, that the war was a mistake from the beginning and that they just hate the president.

I am somewhat surprised when I see all the letters from residents of western Ventura County saying Moorpark residents should have voted yes on North Park Village. What if a developer decided to rip up all of the hills behind their cities and build a “village?�

I am only 15, so I was not old enough to vote last week, but my opinion is that instead of huge developments being built, smaller neighborhoods should be built gradually so the freeways could (hopefully) be built up to accommodate them. We could also improve the mass-transit system and make it more appealing to everyone.

Re: your March 2 article, “Mahony tells priests to defy immigrant law�:

This headline misleads readers by implying that Cardinal Roger M. Mahony is encouraging illegal activity. The headline is misleading because the “law� in question is not yet the law of the land. The Real ID Act, sponsored by U.S. Rep. James F. Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., was recently passed by the House of Representatives, but not yet by the Senate.

Recently while traveling northbound on Highway 118 south of Moorpark, I came to the curve by a small garden center. The curve is tight and has no real paved shoulder. I have had the windshield of my truck broken twice at this very spot because of gravel from the inside shoulder of the curve. The gravel is deflected onto the roadway because the back wheels of semi-trucks are often in the gravel as they try to keep out of the opposing lane to avoid a head-on collision.

On this day I saw two bicyclists going south and behind them a semi. I knew we would all arrive at the curve together and something catastrophic was imminent, so I applied the brakes hard and pulled onto the shoulder to allow the semi room in my lane. Thankfully, tragedy was avoided.

Re: your March 7 article, “Judge criticized for 'light' DUI sentence�:

It seems to me that one of the primary functions of the judicial system is to protect society from those whose disregard of the law jeopardizes the safety of law-abiding citizens.

Judge Charles McGrath appears to be more interested in attempting to rehabilitate someone with six convictions for driving under the influence than in protecting the rest of us from an individual who may kill someone the next time he climbs behind the wheel of a car with a blood-alcohol level three times over the legal limit.

U.S. Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., said recently, “We’re not going to let the Democrats get to the right of us on national security.� So let me get this straight. The Republicans don’t care whether the Dubai port deal goes through or not, just so long as the Democrats aren’t allowed to have a voice on the issue that represents more than 70 percent of Americans that are against this deal. The Democrats have been trying for years to get the administration to properly fund and increase port security but have been completely ignored.

It is true that cities like Oxnard need more bus transportation. But whoever designed our city’s routes decided that all buses must go to the Transportation Center, where the rider then switches to the bus that goes where he/she is headed. This adds much time and stress to the riders.

Why not design routes that go to places most people are headed, then wind buses around town to pick up riders and go to those places, such as areas with many doctors’ offices, colleges, shopping areas, etc? When I was a kid in Minneapolis, that’s what the buses did. We walked two blocks to the bus corner, and in half an hour we were downtown.

Re: your March 4 article, “City seeks to buy school field�:

We read about the City of Camarillo’s possible use of eminent domain to take property from St. Mary Magdalen Parish to provide parking for a new restaurant. We feel this is a terrible abuse of power.

Re: your March 4 article, “A port in the storm�:

I feel that publishing this article is very irresponsible. Printing this information is like giving the opposing team a copy of your playbook! There are better ways to address the security of the port than to spread it across the county and who knows where else in the newspaper.

Re: your March 6 cartoon
A mother’s womb is once again a safe place for unborn babies in South Dakota. Rejoice, all you womb dwellers residing there! The license plates for the other 49 states should read: "No choice, unborn babies: You may not get out of here alive.�

— Pearl Hammerand, Ojai

Re: your March 6 cartoon:

For those of us who consider a human embryo and fetus to be genuinely human, the cartoon license plate that reads, “South Dakota: No choice, ‘You’re having that baby’� could more appropriately be changed to:

— “South Dakota: No murder, ‘You’re having the baby,’� or

— “South Dakota: No choice, ‘Keep your penis in your pants,’� or

Re: Bruce K. Bell’s March 7 letter, “Lost to NIMBYs� and Bruce Berckman’s March 7 letter, “Mobs and politicians�:

There sure is a lot of flak being directed toward those who voted against the North Park development. Mr. Bell, of Moorpark, is upset that his children and grandchildren may not have a place to live when they get ready to buy a home. Did Mr. Bell ever think that perhaps his descendants may not want to live in Moorpark?

Re: Kent Williams’ March 5 letter, “Plain socialism�:

Mr. Williams bemoans the defeat of North Park and states, “Thank God that right-thinking people inhabit the majority of our nation.�

Just curious: Was he referring to the majority that re-elected President George W. Bush?

— Andy Prokopow, Ventura

Re: David Howard’s March 5 commentary “Time to abolish the death penalty�:

Linking the abolishment of the death penalty with slavery is just plain wrong. One topic has absolutely nothing to do with the other. When starting out with reasoning so far-fetched, one will quickly lose interest with the points being taken in Mr. Howard’s commentary.

Re: Susan Murata’s March 3 letter, “Dealers treated unfairly,� a response to Mic Farris’ March 1 commentary, “Rules being written by special interests�:

Silver Star Automotive Group Executive Vice President Susan Murata needs to get her own facts straight and stop attacking concerned-citizen watchdogs such as Michael Farris, who must have hit a raw nerve for such a violent response by the Simi Valley resident.

Re: Natalie Salaverria's March 6 letter, “There must be a solution�:

I was saddened to read this letter by a high school senior. Ms. Salavierra's pessimistic outlook on this nation's young was disheartening, to say the least.

At this point in Natalie's life, though, it is hard to blame her for believing the way she does. This culture has indoctrinated so many of our young into believing the most outrageous things, especially when it comes to sexuality.

Incredulously, South Dakota has passed its statewide ban on abortion.

The clock has been turned back on women’s reproductive rights, and, instead of being another first-world country alongside European countries, Canada and Australia, we are headed in the direction of the Middle East, where we are ironically fighting for Arab freedom.

“It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp� was named Best Original Song and received an Academy Award. Now that’s class!

Regarding rap “music,� there is a light at the end of the tunnel: In the competition for crude, there is nowhere to go after it hits absolute bottom. When it no longer has shock value, it will become history, and hopefully popular music will start to reach upwards.

— Bernard Lehrer, Ventura

Watching this year’s Academy Awards, one thing was absolutely apparent: Like the Hollywood of the World War II era, Hollywood has joined in the fight to produce movies that show how truly evil, vile and monstrous the enemy is in order to inspire and rally the troops to be ready to sacrfice all to stop them from taking over the world.

The only problem is Hollywood has decided that the enemy is us, and it has now taken up the cause of our enemies by producing propaganda designed to demoralize the American people in our war on terror by depicting America as a racist, sexually depraved, greedy imperialist deserving of any attack that could wipe us out.

Re: Chuck Thomas’ March 4 commentary, “How often are you using algebra?�:

I don’t mind if Mr. Thomas and anyone who didn’t learn their algebra would defer to me and like-minded engineers and scientists on all matters involving algebra: global warming, climate change, energy, transportation, waste, recycling, economics — which is used to figure if we need more or less taxes — and on and on.

The problem is we live in democratic republic. Our elected leaders can always find a special interest, or the special interest finds them. Voters who didn’t “carry-over� their math and science are at the mercy of these special interests.

Re: Chuck Thomas's March 4 commentary, “How often are you using algebra?�:

As a senior in high school, I see a need for balance in high school curriculum, and physical and driver education are crucial. But neither should take precedence over core subjects like math, science and English.

Mr. Thomas is right that much of what I learn will not relate to my career. I will probably never need to use logarithms or explain the causes of the Civil War, but high school must be a time when students are introduced to the collective knowledge of humanity, not just what is useful in everyday life.

Re: Chuck Thomas' March 4 commentary, “How often are you using algebra?�:

Chuck Thomas believes that teaching math beyond arithmetic is not a wise educational priority because_he does not use algebra in his daily life. His belief is a perfect example of why teaching math is a good idea. Learning math and language enables one to understand systems - in other words, to see how bits of knowledge or data fit together to form a larger picture.

Wow! Stunning! So the democratic process really works sometimes!

Moorpark residents proved that when they voted down the massive North Park housing development. A pat on the back is well deserved, not only for the residents themselves, but for the Moorpark environmental activists and the hundreds of volunteers who took on the deep-pocket land speculators and out-of-town developers and whipped ‘em real good!

I am so pleased with the results of the North Park vote. Measure A6 was soundly defeated!

Like many of the volunteers with the “No on North Park� campaign, I spent hours walking neighborhoods, leaving flyers on doorsteps, talking to voters and sharing my feelings about the North Park project. When Feb. 28 finally arrived and we were all watching as the tallies came in, precinct by precinct, I was so gratified to see that in each one, a majority of the voters opposed this development. As expected, campus neighborhoods came out in large numbers to defeat the project, but voters downtown, in Mountain Meadows, on Peach Hill and voters north, south, east and west concurred with Campus Hills and Varsity Park and voted down North Park.

The whole process was a wonderful experience for me. I met so many great people in the city, from longtime residents to newcomers. I felt such a sense of community, and I'm so happy to live with people who are proud of their city's uniqueness and who treasure their city's natural environment.

Well done, Moorpark!

- Dawn Mortara, Moorpark

Re: your March 2 editorial, “What growth will voters OK?�:

The Star is again whining about Save Open-space and Agricultural Resources and Moorpark voters' overwhelming rejection of the North Park “Village� project.

I find it interesting that The Star calls Moorpark's North Park - 1,680 homes - a massive development. What does The Star call Oxnard's Sea Gate development, which will have more than 1,500 units when completed?

I don't recall ever being asked or notified about a special election to approve this development. Adding 4,000 to 5,000 more people to the area is bad enough, but adding 3,000-plus cars, on average, to the Victoria Avenue corridor is quite a different story.

Re: Kent Williams’ March 5 letter, “Plain socialism�:

Mr. Williams is right about one thing in his letter: California has at least one very ignorant person in its midst.

Socialism is the system of ownership and operation of the means of production and distribution by society or the community. Under this definition, it is quite incredible that Mr. Williams would then complain that California does not allow the runaway building of refineries, offshore oil platforms or nuclear plants in order to “help the country.� What bad socialists we are!

Re: Kent Williams’ March 5 letter, “Plain socialism� and Richard W. Hurst’s March 5 letter, “Rethinking required�:

I have no doubt that if the North Park development vote had gone the way they wanted, Mr. Williams would be singing the praises of “the tyranny of the majority,� as he calls the American democratic system of government, and that Mr. Hurst would be thanking proponents of Save Open-space and Agricultural Resources for their discerning wisdom.

Local laws like Save Open-space and Agricultural Resources have become totally counterproductive. While their backers may have had good intentions, they have destroyed any ability we may have had for any planned growth. Left to the voters, all of the expense and planning for growth in Ventura County have come to no avail.

Re: your March 2 editorial, “What growth will voters OK?�

What exactly was The Star’s point? This seemed liked a very condescending article. The people of Moorpark voted, and the result was an overwhelming no on North Park. For better or worse, the people voted, and a choice was made. People should indeed have a voice and a vote in all matters that affect their life. Save Open-space and Agricultural Resources ordinances provide another opportunity for people to have a voice. How can that be wrong?

As a Ventura County resident who regularly passes through Moorpark, I want to personally thank its citizens for voting down the North Park development.

Moorpark residents have curtailed the obvious stress that the development would have imposed on an already overburdened infrastructure and, hopefully, they have made an impact on the future of other major projects in the county, such as the Fagan Canyon project in Santa Paula.

I understand that a teacher is in trouble for referring to President Bush as an Adolf Hitler. I would beg to differ with that position.

Hitler, in his insane way, was quite brilliant in that he had the world at war for more than five years and held off the “enemy.� Bush is too dimwitted to achieve that. He has us bogged down in the sands of Iraq, and Osama bin Laden is laughing.

Personally, I am pro-life, and I have been ever since I could make my own decisions. On the other hand, I am worried about the dangers women would put themselves through if doctors were barred from performing abortion procedures. Girls would then go to people who perform them illegally and unprofessionally.

Also, I believe that rape victims should definitely be able to choose if they want to abort or have their baby. I am a teenager, and I have been around such instances with friends and people I know.

Re: Leland Hammerschmitt’s Feb. 28 commentary, “At least teenagers have been warned� and responding March 2 commentaries:

There are merits to both sides of the argument. However, over the last decade I’ve noticed, like, a growing problem with students’ ability to, ya know, like, speak and write English correctly. It’s disheartening to, like, hear younger people say things such as, ya know, “Me and Sally went to the mall� instead of “Sally and I went to the mall.� In addition, I’ve encountered too many e-mails and faxes from job seekers that contain faulty spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Yes, this is a user-friendly nation, and you can go through your entire life pressing “2� to get the language you desire. For all I care, you can press “157� if you want to choose Farsi. But English should not be optional.

Yes, I get it that there is no de jure official language in the United States. But on this one, de facto is good enough for me. And I would like to believe that at least most people out there — from the mountains, to the prairies, to the oceans white with foam — know and accept that the official language of this country is English.


Re: your Feb. 24 article, “Wipeout�:

“Wipeout?�

This headline and accompanying picture is an insult to Sasha Cohen, the Olympics and every participating athlete. This young lady dedicated four years of her life to qualify for the 2OO6 games and received a Silver Medal. That is an honor!

I hope Miss Cohen is never exposed to this degrading article. The only thing that should be known as a wipeout is this article.

- Shirley Polzer, Thousand Oaks

Re: Dorothy Hage’s Feb. 21 letter, “Find options to abortion�:

As a resident of Thousand Oaks, a mother of two young girls and a member of the Planned Parenthood of Santa Barbara, Ventura & San Luis Obispo Counties board, I am proud to support the work of Planned Parenthood in Thousand Oaks and throughout the Tri-counties area. Donors in Ventura County recognized the healthcare needs of people living in our community and raised the majority of money needed to open our new clinic.

Development in the City of Westlake Village has been professionally and tastefully managed in the past, providing residents a beautiful place to call home. Businesses have beautifully landscaped setbacks, and the buildings and other structures have met high esthetic standards.

The Dole Headquarters building is an example of architectural excellence. The large wrought iron fencing punctuated with brick pillars and climbing roses gives the main entrance an elegant garden feel. I assumed that the development of the Dole Hotel and Spa would reflect the quality and high standards of the Dole Headquarters, and I trusted that the City of Westlake Village would accept no less.

Re: Richard J. Lebeck’s March 1 letter, “The economic facts�:

Mr. Lebeck made the claim that we “experienced a surplus and began paying down the national debt.� It is understandable that Mr. Lebeck has been misled about that. Many Associated Press stories carry that lie. President Clinton made that claim. It simply is not true.

If you look at the national debt records, you find that the national debt has gone up every year since 1960, President Eisenhower’s last budget. It can be found in a variety of places online, including http://www.toptips.com/debt_history.htm .

Michael Morales should be put to death.

All this nonsense about the lethal injection causing him excessive pain is really outrageous. Morales feels that the way he killed Terri Winchell was OK, that beating and stabbing her over and over again for half an hour wasn’t painful. I feel that he should be put to death sooner rather than later. It isn’t fair to the 17-year-old, Terri Winchell, that all these appeals are taking place.

Re: Terry Paulson’s Feb. 27 essay, “The battle of the sexes�:

Perhaps Mr. Paulson could have boiled his piece down to just one simple statement like, “I like the Republican regime in the White House and Congress because their invasion and occupation of Iraq makes me feel like a manly-man.� What freedom-loving person wouldn’t feel good about the fall of Saddam Hussein, or, for that matter, the fall of all the other dictators throughout the world?

How many of us senior citizens are aware that our morally bankrupt Congress has systematically raped our Social Security savings to fund projects that buy votes to keep themselves in office? Today, the total is more than $1.6 trillion.

There are no dollars left in the fund, only IOUs. Our children and grandchildren are now paying our monthly Social Security directly to us, and there is no money left for them. Congress fritters at the problem.

Re: James Foster’s March 1 letter, “Someone else’s problem,� a response to Deirdre Frank’s Feb. 24 letter, “Area will have enough LNG�:

Mr. Foster’s letter sent me to my recycle bin. I had read Ms. Frank’s letter, and my impression of her message was very different than the letter that Mr. Foster described.

The retrieved letter verified what I thought I remembered. Ms. Frank questioned the need to import liquefied natural gas in California. It did not mention any of the things that Mr. Foster mentioned as “eye-openers,� such as “poor, unwilling pawns of the evil, greedy corporations� and “nuclear blasts.� Mr. Foster characterized Ms. Frank’s letter as “sad� and “arrogant,� apparently for causing his mind to drift to topics that she did not mention.

In line at the Post Office recently, I considered this year’s new stamps. A customer next to me said she liked patriotic stamps. Not wanting to affront this woman, I kept silent. But silence, I realize, is more and more disastrous.

I am horrified by our patriotic stamps that represent a government which kills thousands of innocent people and wreaks havoc on a country that did us no harm. How can we use stamps that represent a country which practices this murder and annihilation?

How can we be silent about what is happening?

— Marion Leeman, Ojai

Re: your Feb. 28 article, “Bush may slash veteran healthcare funds�:

This president is something else! Why is it that the first people he always goes after are seniors and now veterans? Don’t these people deserve to live out the rest of their lives in a comfortable way? The veterans have sacrificed their lives for their 
country. Has President Bush? Has he left his comfortable home and been without his loved ones for months at a time? No.

I am curious to know who is paying for the large number of California Highway Patrol vehicles, officers and related personnel that were required to stage the Tour of California bike race.

I counted a minimum of 10 marked CHP vehicles in the race convoy, plus all those that were blocking roadways and otherwise inconveniencing the public going about their Saturday errands. That was a huge commitment of resources for a supposedly understaffed law enforcement agency. I expect the taxpayers will suffer the further insult of footing the bill for the officers (overtime?) and vehicles it took to stage this event sponsored by a multibillion-dollar company.

Re: your Feb. 24 article, “Prince’s diaries cause British stir�:

As a historian of Irish descent, I am fully prepared to find fault with the British monarchy. After reading the above, however, I suspect it may be evolving into something worthwhile.

Re: William Miller’s Jan. 29 letter, “LNG EIR misses meteorology�:

As a 45-year resident of Ventura County and a retired gas company employee, I am compelled to respond to a recent letter about the possibility of a methane cloud escaping from the proposed Cabrillo Port liquefied natural gas facility and drifting “as far as Simi Valley� before igniting and exploding, as the writer described.

Re: Chuck Thomas’s Feb. 25 column, “Not, ‘Baby it’s partly cloudy outside’�:

It may have been Johnny Carson who described Southern California’s four seasons as, “Almost Summer, Summer, After Summer and Next Summer.�

— Pat McCambridge, Ventura

Re: your Feb. 21 article, “Bill would change bicycle-passing rules� and your Feb. 22 editorial, “3 feet between life and death�:

This article discussed the fact that Assembly Bill 1941 “would require a motor vehicle have at least three feet of clearance before the driver could pass a bicyclist� and proclaimed the bill had been “dubbed� “A Measure of Safety Law.�

Re: your Feb. 19 article, “Misbehaving children in restaurants can be a 'Catch-22' for all sides�:

This was a great article, although not mentioned is what we did back in the day.
We trained kids at home prior to going out, not expecting kids to figure it out after the fact.

Kids who “act up� in public, I can bet, “act up� at home. Parents today leave the training to schools, babysitters, sports and games.

Ventura Police did a disservice to the community on Friday, Feb. 17. Around 1 p.m., the power went out on parts of Ventura Avenue for about an hour, including the traffic lights. Hundreds of cars passed by, with drivers wondering what to do — if they should stop, slow down or proceed with caution, like 90 percent of them were doing.

Two of Ventura's ticket-happy finest are guilty of lying in wait and entrapment instead of helping a bad situation by directing traffic. They each hid around the corner and picked off cars as they drove by, writing tickets as fast as they could at $350 each to make themselves look good to their watch commander and get a high ticket count. Maybe they should get a raise and promotion for their fine job.

Re: your Feb. 24 article, “Beach living is best, say residents�:

This article was a pleasant reminder of the salubrious aura of an ocean. Calming for passersby and stimulating for surfers and swimmers, the sea offers saline therapy for those who actually immerse themselves in the same mix of salt and water as the womb. An hour or two in our motherly Pacific delivers a rebirth of upbeat attitude, a release from anxieties of the day.

The success of the American Civil Liberties Union in having the Boy Scouts banned from using public places appalls me. Public places are designed for everyone, despite race, color, faith, gender or sexual preference!

My experience when scheduling faith-based activities in public facilities has included adhering to regulations which stipulate that meetings must be “open to the public,� with no discrimination allowed. Apparently, those with traditional or conservative values need not apply.

On southbound Highway 23, the sign for Avenida de Los Arboles is completely blocked by trees. I do not know who the trees belong to, but they should be
cut back so drivers can see the sign before they are at the exit. I use Highway 23 every day and know about it, but if I were looking for the exit, I would miss it or cut in quick and create an accident.

Can the trees be trimmed?

— Gary Coggiola, Thousand Oaks

Today, Congress is expected to vote on a bill to gut food safety and labeling laws. House Resolution 4167, the National Uniformity for Food Act, would eliminate current state and local laws and prevent future laws from imposing stricter requirements for food safety than current federal standards.

If passed, this dangerous bill would reduce food safety laws to the federal government’s “uniform� lowest common denominator, wiping out laws in at least 30 states from California to Maine.