What Circuit City did to its longtime employees by laying them off and then offering to rehire them at a lower wage could happen to you. If Circuit City can do it, other employers will follow.

I, for one, will no longer shop at Circuit City. I feel that if they don't care about their employees, they care even less about their customers. This is a very poor example of customer relations.

— Harry Harshbarger, Ventura

At the Arab League Summit, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia condemned the "illegitimate foreign occupation" of Iraq. Heckuva job, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The secretary of defense tuned out the general who said the plans for taking over Iraq were seriously wrong. Heckuva a job, former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. The attorney general is caught red-handed in lies. Heckuva job, Alberto Gonzales. And soon President Bush will flout the clear will of the American people and veto the Iraq spending bill. Heckuva job, Dubya.

I'm fed up with loyal Bushies. Can we please have some competent ones?

— Raymond Freeman, Thousand Oaks

When the United States decided to go to war, it was pretty unanimous. The majority of the media, the Congress, the executive branch and the people supported the war. This may have been a big mistake, but we will let history make that decision.

The day the war started, we acquired a great responsibility to carry the war to a successful conclusion. That is the meaning of the word “responsibility.� Many are now disappointed with the happenings in Iraq and want to withdraw. Oops, we made a mistake, let’s get out. That is not my definition of taking responsibility.

Re: Ed Jones’ March 25 commentary, “Golfer demonstrates more ethics than Libby�:

Jones must teach at another school besides Pierce College, namely the University of MSU (Making Stuff Up).

He chooses to unfortunately rewrite history when he says that I. Lewis “Scooter� "Libby deliberately exposed the name of an undercover CIA operative, Valerie Plame, to reporters to discredit her husband, Joe Wilson." Jones certainly knows better than this.

Re: your March 26 article, “Supporting an injunction�:

An expert on Latino gangs quoted in the article said that there was a connection between the disappearance of well-paying jobs and the increase in gang membership. I don't know how he came up with that. You have to be at least 16 to get a work permit, and some of these kids have unconsciously joined the gang by the age of 12.

I am deeply concerned that a historic survey has not been done in midtown Ventura. It seems to me that before we can even have a midtown plan in place, a historic survey of our neighborhood should be done. I also believe strongly that, instead of doing this by neighborhood, an entire city historical survey should be done. Why midtown was not included in the downtown survey is beyond me.

How can we identify our city resources without taking the necessary steps to achieve that goal?

Re: Ben Hall’s March 29 letter, “More cable woes�:

I, too, suffered the same woes as Mr. Hall with Time Warner and Adelphia in regard to be being able to record cable programs — except that now I have been without Time-Warner’s MOXI/DVR service for three weeks. A message flashes on my screen that I have only “limited service available� and then gives the general phone number to call. An additional phone message has given “reasons� for lack of service such as “solar flares� and “we are experiencing trouble with Internet service.�

I want to believe in the system, but when it has you chasing your tail, it leaves you frustrated and angry.

My ex-husband and son’s father was a dedicated and proud member of the U.S. Air Force for 17 ½ years. Aug. 29, 2003, he was in a motor vehicle accident in which he sustained a closed head injury. The military retired him "due to imminent death," effective Aug. 30, 2003. Sept. 7, 2003, my ex-husband passed away. Three days later, at the age of 26 months, my son was diagnosed with autism. The military did a great job getting my son every benefit possible at the time.

I am for the California bill that would require every cat and dog be spayed and neutered.

How many of us care that more than 4,250 cats and dogs are put to death each year in Ventura County and more than 1 million in California? Get it together, people! Spay and neuter all pets except those in the care of reputable breeders and kennels that have business licenses.

Re: Sarie Bryson’s March 21 letter, “Never again�:

I would like to thank Ms. Bryson for her excellent letter. For those who criticize her and compare her to former President Carter, I suggest they read Carter's book, as they might learn something. He is in complete support of the continued existence of the state of Israel and is certainly not a supporter of terrorism. He does not “only blame Israel for things.� However, he does criticize those Israeli policies that are deterrents to peace, such as settlers in the occupied areas, not adhering to United Nations resolutions, the treatment of Palestinians, etc.

Re: your March 29 editorial, “Pregnant? Some food for thought�:

This editorial inaccurately represents the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Environmental Protection Agency guidelines on safe seafood consumption, which encourage pregnant women to include seafood — including albacore tuna — as part of a healthy diet. The federal guidelines actually recommend eating six ounces of canned albacore a week and were created to ensure that women and young children can reap the numerous benefits of fish with confidence that they are doing the right thing for their health.

The Malibu Hollywood elite would have us believe they are staunch environmentalists. They talk the talk but do not always walk the walk. How many of them are using solar power to heat and cool their 10,000-square-foot megahomes? Do they drive electric cars or even fuel-efficient cars? SUVs and Hummers do not qualify.

These people don’t have a clue what they spend on heat and electricity, yet they are adamant that they don’t want that liquefied natural gas facility in their back yard. They suggest I should wait around for 20 years or so for alternative wind energy to kick in. I live in the real world. I don’t know about them.

— Betty Moore, Oxnard

On Saturday at 9 a.m., there will occur an event that should not be missed by any person or history buff: the 225th anniversary of the founding of the old mission, San Buenaventura. In attendance will be the mission clergy, the mayor of Ventura, descendants of the original Chumash people, Fray Junipero Serra (as played by Bruce Buonauro) and Los Soldados del Reál Presidio de Santa Bárbara.

I attended both neighborhood presentations on March 17 by developer Harvey Champlin and builder Ray Mulokis. I was offended by the attitude towards our city, which was depicted as crime-ridden, undesirable and having a trash-filled beach. We were told Port Hueneme needs an update, which they would provide by constructing a 46-story hotel tower of 250 hotel rooms and 200 condos on the city’s Parking Lot E. No recognition has been given by the developer or builder to this being totally out of proportion in our area of two to three-story condos and town homes.

When I, a 75-year-old senior, first went into a pet store to get two 11-month old cats, I told them I was ready to pay the $25 each for each cat. I knew I would provide them with a good home. I had already bought the kitty litter for them. I was shown around the shop by one saleslady who pointed out a cat scratch post for $59, the location of pet toys to buy because the cats would need them and the special kitty litter the cats had gotten used to that I should buy.

My husband and I returned to the house to get the cat carriers from home and returned to the store to pick up the cats.

Re: your March 28 article, “Jury convicts man in 2004 gang murder�:

While I don't deny that sports teams’ apparel is worn by gang members, I do feel it was quite irresponsible for The Star to include this last paragraph on the Javier Acevedo case: "Dodger decals and apparel are used as part of the Ventura Avenue Gangsters' gang attire."

This was a very broad generalization and not even entirely true. This can easily give readers the impression that anyone wearing Dodgers apparel is an Avenue Gangster.

The crew has started with the sewer replacement in College Park. The crews are very polite and friendly, even escorting residents past machinery and large mounds of dirt. There is some vibration when they are pounding large sheets of steel into the ground, so if folks have wobbly knick-knacks on display, they might consider moving them.

There’s a bit of musical chairs for parking, but overall, it’s not too bad. The crew works from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. They are managing about a house and a half per day, which is a pretty fast pace. It is quite the ballet of heavy equipment to watch. They are a very fine-tuned group.

— Lance Carlson, Oxnard

Re: your March 27 article, “Flynn spends $5,887 on disputed mailer�:

What is Ventura County Supervisor Kathy Long trying to do? Instead of answering the questions raised by Supervisor John Flynn, she goes on and on about the mailer. I don't think Ventura County really wants to start shouting to the world about wasting taxpayers’ money! I find the integrity of Ventura County officials very questionable — Sheriff’s Department misuse of workers compensation, money disappearing from 
the accounts of the mentally challenged, etc.

My son got on a SCAT bus at the Esplanade shopping center, heading for the Oxnard Transportation Center. He paid his fare, got a transfer pass and sat down. When the bus got to the OTC, he got off and waited for the bus home. When that bus arrived, he handed the transfer pass to the driver. The driver ripped it up, telling him that it was no good and he would have to pay again.

What choice did he have? He was upset and didn’t understand why this had happened. He had been doing this same route for three months.

Since it is against the law to have sex with anyone under the age of 18, one has to wonder why Assemblyman Ed Hernandez, D-Baldwin Park, and those of like mind who favor a mandatory vaccination against a sexually transmitted disease — human papillomavirus, or HPV — have set the age at a tender 9 years old. Is this not being complicit in crimes of a sexual nature? You bet it is.

Proposition 85 sold out our young women by making it legal to keep an underage abortion a secret, thus enabling statutory rape. Now they want to avoid evidence of sexual abuse of children as young as 9 years old. This is not only depraved but against our own laws to protect our most vulnerable young women.

This county requires permits to approve planting parkway trees. The county-approved parkway trees cause damage to county-owned sidewalks. The county requires adjacent property owners to fix and maintain county-approved and county-permitted parkway trees.

Would it not be great to make bad decisions, then hold someone else responsible?

As a Casitas ratepayer, I am sick and tired of seeing the Casitas Municipal Water District waste my money on a lawsuit that has been going on for nearly four years and is currently costing the district almost $40,000 a month, even before the appeals begin. The appeals, of course, will cost millions more.

This suit was filed under a Casitas general manager who didn't live in the Ojai Valley and is now gone. The suit has brought in every crazy right-wing legal foundation in the country, like flies to honey. The lawyers don't care anything about the Casitas Water District. They just want to use the steelhead issue to cancel national environmental policies that have been in place since the 1970s.

Re: your March 28 article, “40 percent of the county’s schools hit state target�:

While I appreciate The Star reporting School Academic Performance Index scores, I feel it has done a disservice to some schools by not providing full data. The full-page dissection of the scores displays columns for the 2006 API scores, the statewide ranking, the "similar school" ranking and the target score for next year. This is a fine snapshot.

I feel that people in elected positions have no business using their position to demoralize our troops and undermine their ability to win a war. The politicians should stay out of running the war and let the military do whatever it takes to put an end to the fighting. We all saw what happened in Vietnam when the politicians tried to run the war from Washington.

—Stephen J. Sampson, Simi Valley

Let’s wake up and realize that our foreign policies, dictated mainly by big business, are a terrible failure and make the whole world a less safe place to live in. Let’s not make things even worse by attacking Iran. Diplomacy is the only way to proceed. Military options will just continue to fail.

— Uriel Goldberg, Thousand Oaks

Re: your March 27 article, “Water issue pits toad against trout�:

Toad versus fish? I was following right along, with sympathy for both the endangered toad and the fish, until I read the sentence that said that the stream included both wild and stocked trout — that is, fish raised in government hatcheries and hauled to the creek in tanker trucks, dumped in so that fishermen can enjoy a day’s sport — all paid for by us, the taxpayers. These are not wild, endangered fish. They’re raised for human sport and consumption, more like beef cattle, fryer chickens or any other type of livestock you can think of.

I am very much opposed to the 46-story resort proposed for Port Hueneme. I would think that the neighbors must be extremely upset with this project. Since we live in earthquake country and all lands are not safe from terrorists, I think a building of this size could cause great harm and loss of lives if such events should occur. I could almost understand a resort of 10 to 20 floors, but 46 floors is a bit much. I like to think our coastline should look more like Carmel or Newport. I would hate to see this community become a Miami Beach with all its high-rise hotels.

— Lennette Wood, Oxnard

It is very apparent that the Pleasant Valley School District board has some other agenda that we, the public, will never be privy to. The children of this district are merely pawns being jostled around to line pockets of others.

Obviously, the city wants Los Primeros Structured School moved because it wants the property for its less-than-successful downtown renovation project.

Re: your March 27 article, “County owes many; is your name on list?�

This effort by the county to reach people for whom they are holding money is laudable in some respects, but laughable in another. If you read through the entire list, you will find schools, such as Portola Elementary; large chain stores still operating at multiple locations, such as Costco or Target; and banks such as Wells Fargo and Santa Barbara Bank & Trust; and even the United States Post Office. In the case of individuals, it is understandable. People leave the area and do not know about these very small amounts, but how can these noted companies and agencies not be found?

Re: your March 27 article, “CSU fee boost ‘not too big a deal’�:

The CSUCI student standing in front of the 10-foot rabbit on the front of the Star’s East County section is telling us the CSUCI fee boost is “not too big a deal.�
This may be true for ceramic students, but for students who will actually work for a living, a 10 percent jump in fees is a very big deal.

Re: your March 28 article, "Ex-pastor collapses in court after getting 6 years for molesting girl":

My outrage is directed squarely on the shoulders of Ventura County Superior Court Judge Bruce Clark. We should all take a few moments to contact Clark's office and hold his feet to the fire by demanding he provide an explanation of why he sentenced this child sexual predator to only six years and 4 months when he could issued a 12-year sentence. We need to hold all judges accountable, particularly those who are soft on their sentencing for child rapists and sexual predators.

Re: your March 25 article, “Signs of life�:

As a childhood farmworker who made it out of the fields through education, I am very insulted and pained by the mural depicted with this story.

With all the negative publicity associated with the plan for redesigning Victoria Avenue into a dysfunctional thoroughfare, I would certainly hope the Ventura City Council is getting the message loud and clear. All voting residents of this city should be demanding that the council sit up and pay attention to our concerns and settle for nothing less. After all, isn’t the City Council supposed to be working for us and not the other way around? In my mind, this is the kind of issue that results in recall elections!

— Matthew C. Gibbons, Ventura

Ventura is such a loving, good and charitable community. But do you see the poor, the homeless, the alcoholics and the drug addicts in this community? They all reside on Ventura Avenue. You can find them as a group at Project Understanding at East Vince Street and Ventura Avenue.

Re: Sarie Bryson’s March 21 letter, “Never again�:

Bryson needs to get her facts right. She sounds like former President Carter — only blaming Israel for things. How dare she compare them to Nazis. The Palestinians are always bombing Israel. Israel has a right to defend itself. Israel is the only free nation in the Middle East. Maybe she should go see the other nations in the Middle East and see how much freedom they have. She sounds like we should support Iran, but then again, in Iran, women have no freedom.

— Andy Levine, Newbury Park

Re: Lauren Simon’s March 27 letter, “Impeach Bush�:

I don't think this lady understands what impeachment is. To impeach is to bring charges. It takes a trial in the Senate to remove someone from office. Does she really believe the Senate could garner the votes to remove the president and vice president?

— Jack Brewer, Simi Valley

Supporting the Discovery Center is a positive step for children. We give lip service to the importance of a quality education and its importance in giving a competitive edge as our children seek higher education. Committing to see this endeavor come to fruition elevates our community and its families, as well as placing our community in the forefront of education.

— Gloria Meyerson, Thousand Oaks

Re: your March 21 article, “Council unhappy with Time Warner service�:

The Star printed my letter, "Appeasing the customer," in February. Since then, I have experienced issues with the cable company and its tactics that I feel are less than aboveboard.

Re: your March 13 article, “Amgen’s stock declines; executives get bonuses�:

Amgen is trading at a 52-week low — almost at a three-year low. It has lost more than 25 percent of its value during the last six weeks. There has been nothing but bad news coming out of the company for more than a year. Investors are taking a huge hit.
So, as a reward for this stellar performance, the Amgen board awards Chief Executive Officer Kevin Sharer a $4.3 million bonus.

Re: Michael Pringer’s March 27 letter, “Democrats are wrong�:

Pringer resorts to the "any clear-thinking person" tactic, as though it has some meaning. Any person who has looked at a map of the Middle East and who has any knowledge whatsoever of that area realizes the only strategy for "victory" starts with a withdrawal. As long as we have troops on the ground, it is impossible to "win.� Radical Islam can only be defeated by quarantine and isolation.

OK, I admit it. I am upset with George W. Bush, our president, and his handling of the war — but not in a way that recent polls would catch, for they do not ask the right questions.

I thought by now the major battles of the war on terror would have been fought. Unfortunately, because of Bush’s mishandlings and the Democrat leaders’ traitorous activities — comforting and aiding the enemy — we’re assured that many battles with great loss of life are ahead.

I mourn the death of the young Thousand Oaks soldier who died in Iraq. His death brings home the horror of war. His death is multiplied by 3,000, the number of American servicemen and women who have died in the Iraq war. The number is increased seven times when we consider the servicemen who have returned minus arms, legs, vision and traumatically impaired.

Re: Jim Lane’s March 18 commentary, “Can you feel the power?�:

I couldn’t agree more with Lane on the importance of personal power. When children are intrinsically motivated, they tend to do the right thing, and often they exceed expectations, even when no one is watching.

Re: Janet Bergamo’s March 5 letter, “Housing clarified�:

Bergamo informs us developers are buying up farmland in Ventura County at "development" prices in anticipation of the demise of Save Open-space and Agricultural Resources when its mandate expires.

If true, it's an oddly confident assumption, given the unbroken record of success of SOAR and voters in defeating attempt after attempt by developers to obtain voter approval to develop beyond the SOAR boundaries.

Re: Richard Handley’s March 20 commentary, “Casitas Water District should drop its lawsuit,� and Jim Coultas’ March 23 commentary, “Casitas lawsuit to help growers�:
I read with interest both of the recent articles regarding the Casitas lawsuit. I tried to comprehend what each one said.

Re: your March 24 Pa Ventura item, “To Ventura�:

This is the second time The Star has called for the opening of the upper two floors of the parking garage at the foot of California Street. Earlier, an editorial suggested running a bus up California Street from the parking garage.

Re: your March 24 article, “Blue Cross of California fined for canceling policies�:

This article is another reason for California to adopt a one-payor system that all Californians pay into and become insured.

It's estimated that 30 percent of insurance premiums are used to pay for insurance company expenses, including hundreds of millions for the top executives’ salaries and perks.

Re: Jere Robings’ March 23 letter, “LNG today’s nuclear power�:

Excellent idea! Let's link liquefied natural gas and nuclear power together. While we're at it, why not site them together? Put the terminals off the coast of Diablo Canyon and San Onofre. They are both in remote areas of the state. If there are people living too close, we could buy their property and move them to a safer area. We did the same thing when we built the interstate highway system.

Ever stepped on a rake and had the handle smack you in plum in the face? Smarts doesn't it? That's what you get when you step on a rake — smarts. But once again, the Adams Canyon groups that are pushing to develop think we're still stupid enough not to see the “rake in the grass� — which conveniently rhymes with "snake in the grass" and "pain in the rasp." They appear to believe that a voting public is gullible and ignorant, and I will tell you why.

The environmentalists’ proclamations of danger and doom are not honest terrors. They are a dishonest scare tactic to make their anti-industrial policies appealing.

As Alan Greenspan had said, “America’s domestic shortage of natural gas is a very serious problem.� Yet the environmentalists keep pounding us with objections. The Sierra Club and others say that liquefied natural gas is extremely volatile, and the tankers and Cabrillo Port would be vulnerable to terrorists. Critics also say if the LNG facility were attacked, it could incinerate an entire city.

Re: Ray Holzer’s March 23 letter, “Put police, fire first�:

Mr. Holzer is the only one who gets it!

I want to communicate a wonderful experience I recently had in a neighboring community.

A young man returned home from Iraq to his loving wife and newborn son whom he had just met, since he was serving his country while his wife was giving birth. There were numerous Vietnam veterans, community members and another group who belonged to a car club, along with Patriot Guard Riders who showed up at his residence — in conjunction with his parents' approval — to surprise him and show him the respect he deserves.

Re: your March 24 article, "Gibson verbally scuffles with professor at CSU Northridge":
I offer support and gratitude to Alicia Estrada and Felipe Perez for raising concerns about the portrayal of indigenous people during a campus screening of the film "Apocalypto.�

Out of respect for the Mayan community, I have chosen not to view this film. I am, however, aware of the community's concern that the film reinforces the misconception that indigenous cultures are "savage" or "a thing of the past."

It is time to impeach King George — President Bush. At least Congress should pass a resolution of censure. The man has done his best to violate his oath of office by taking actions to compromise or abolish the Constitution. I refer to the evil, malicious act titled the "Patriot" Act, which has nothing to do with patriotism.

Re: Jarrel L. Fuller's March 18 commentary, “Teachers in Rio School District are not valued�:

Fuller scores a direct hit. I am a former Teacher of the Year in Rio. I have taught elementary school in the district since 1982.

Re: your March 23 article, “Democrats see growing support for Iraq deadline�:

Any clear-thinking person knows that setting a timeline for a withdrawal from Iraq is a failed policy because the terrorist opposition will simply wait us out.

The truth is that the Democratic Party has wanted us to lose in Iraq almost from the start. They have been obstructionist and dishonest all along. They call it "a failed strategy," saying that President Bush lied about weapons of mass destruction to lead us into this war, conveniently leaving out the fact that they voted for it based on the same intelligence.

A recent bulk mailing from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association suggests that a legislative "conspiracy" to reform Proposition 13 is afoot. What is not mentioned is that California's property tax system is unjust and needs reform. Warren Buffett made this point four years ago in advice to then-gubernatorial candidate Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Re: Kathleen Wilson’s March 17 article, “Mental health windfall is problematic�:

Mental health professionals are needed to help staff the new programs being developed in Ventura County using the Proposition 63 funding. The Star’s article was a good beginning to helping the public understand the difficulty of getting the right staff for the new programs.

President Bush wants the Democrats to accept his offer to have top aides speak about the firings of federal prosecutors only privately and not under oath. At first blush, this sounds completely stupid. But knowing how Bush thinks, I can only assume he wants the Democrats to use water-boarding and torture to get the answers they want.

While torture has no place in civilized society, the Republicans have opted for and are supporting this very idea. Thus, using torture on Karl Rove, Harriet Miers and their deputies seems only fair. They all agree this is how you get answers, and, at some point, they will talk. Who knows what else we might learn? What do you suppose Rove knows about Halliburton?

Re: your March 21 article, “Council unhappy with Time Warner service�:

I’m certainly glad that the Moorpark folks are trying to do something about the inadequate Time Warner cable service. I am not disappointed that the top regional executive lost his job over the transition.

Re: your March 22 article, “Faculty at CSU agrees to strike�:

Isn’t it illegal for taxpayer money to fund a strike by public employees?

CSU and UC faculty and staff are state employees and members of unions with an iron grip on the state’s university systems and the state Legislature.

Re: your March 21 article, “Oxnard to give coyotes an earful�:

I could not believe my eyes. An answer to a coyote problem is air horns? Who are these elected officials? I am glad I am not a resident of Oxnard, seeing my tax dollars go to a "solution" that will ultimately disturb the peace of many.

A 12-year-old could see the logical solution is to tell Oxnard residents: "Cats stay in the house at night, and so does all pet food.� Whenever I hear of people letting their cat stay out at night, I am incensed. They wonder what happened to Fluffy when he doesn't come home.

In light of the recent Ventura County Spelling Bee, I thought the Pleasant Valley School District board might find these words helpful. I have used these key words in a sentence to help clarify the meaning.

Chaos: complete disorder and confusion. "Utter chaos has prevented the board from making informed, fair recommendations regarding school closure."

Impetuous: Impulsive, rash, hasty, reckless. "Impetuous decisions will have long-lasting implications in our school community."

As a parent of a student in the Pleasant Valley School District, I have watched the school board make decision after decision with very little planning and preparation. In analyzing the issues, the only thing that is completely clear to me is that the whole process of school closures has been mismanaged from the very beginning. It has done nothing but leave parents, teachers and students angry and frustrated. This school board has managed to pit parents against teachers in a struggle where there will be no winners, only losers. We now have teachers protesting on sidewalks and parents keeping their kids home in protest. Our children deserve better.

The Pleasant Valley School District is about to make decisions that will affect a number of students and families. The current discussions concern the possible closure of three Camarillo schools. Los Primeros Structured School is one of those schools considered for closure.

Re: your March 18 article, “County contingent adds its voice to L.A. event�:

The peace march in Hollywood was a resounding success. My husband and I walked down Hollywood Boulevard in solidarity with thousands of like-minded patriots to demonstrate against the war in Iraq and for the withdrawal of U.S. troops.

Re: Sylvia Munoz Schnopp’s March 18 commentary, “Assisted-suicide bill is dangerous�:

It is disturbing when people invoke the name of God to establish public policy. Many people believe that, without faith in God, morality will be absent. I have been asked: “If you don’t believe, how do you know what’s right and wrong?�

I went to Sunday school at home as a child. I learned what is right and wrong. The simple, nonreligious rule we all know, “Do unto other,s� is an excellent guide, but the real motivator is the conscience.

As a 68-year-old ex-lifelong Republican, I'm having trouble reconciling why family values don't stop at the Rio Grande, yet American values seem to have been stopped at the White House. Help.

— Gregg Anderson, Westlake Village

Re: Timm Herdt’s March 21 essay, “Are we asking too much?�:

Herdt's essay on California schools was very enlightening and informative. Having just retired after 30 years at CSU Los Angeles, I would like to add to Herdt's observation concerning the number of students accepted at either the UC or CSU schools. Entrance requirements, particularly at the UCs, have increased dramatically.

While California's population has increased dramatically over the years, the overall enrollment limits in the state college systems have either remained fairly constant or simply could not keep up with the population growth.

Re: Sarie Bryson's March 19 letter, “Never again�:

Anti-Zionist rhetoric encouraged me to respond on this, the dawning of the Easter and Passover holidays.

We saw the way the Palestinians danced in the street when Sept. 11 occurred, although Yasser Arafat tried to block the cameras. We have seen and heard of bomb factories; shipments of arms confiscated that were headed to Arafat's headquarters; rocket factories; homicidal and suicidal-belt factories; children's textbooks that teach hatred of Jews; and that it is OK to murder people.

Re: your March 17 editorial, “Risks of LNG require review�:

The editorial headline is reminiscent of the 1970s and the discussions regarding nuclear power. Opponents of nuclear were absolutely positive that we would have widespread devastation if nuclear power plants were allowed near San Luis Obispo or Oceanside. Of course, nuclear power is a proven source of electricity that does not pollute the atmosphere, and you seldom hear concern being expressed over Diablo Canyon or San Onofre nuclear plants.

Re: your March 21 article, “Discovery Center concept outlined�:

The magic and memory of learning comes to kids hands-on, when they can see, touch and feel. Learning opportunities are not only in books but in experiences and through bright and curious eyes. I am always seeking ways to make learning exciting, meaningful and memorable for my students.

Thousand Oaks has a great potential for growth in the tourism market. We currently have in place theaters, gardens, historical museums, restaurant clusters, an abundance of hotel rooms and a soon-to-be-expanded regional shopping mall. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is our playground, and the beaches are only minutes away. Located midway between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, Thousand Oaks is a great home base for tourists to take day trips to visit many of Southern California’s top attractions.

Our community has such a family-oriented, wholesome appeal that many families choose to live here. Having the Discovery Center here would be another plus for everyone in the community. The center will be a real boon to furthering education of all ages in the sciences. Our country is seriously lacking in people choosing a higher education in the sciences, thus leaving us with a need to hire from outside our borders when jobs are open in the sciences. Having fun learning experiences with respect to science in the younger years could open the eyes and minds of many of the young people of the Conejo to a future in a science-related field.

— Margy McDonnell, Westlake Village

Re: your March 17 Sports article on Page C3, “Kobe’s 65 leads overtime win�:

After the last game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trailblazers, I expected to see on the front page of the Sports section a color picture of Kobe Bryant in all kinds of body gyrations like the ones I've seen in the past. It's been seven losses for them, and they finally won a game! Come on! Kobe shoots 65 points from everywhere on the court, between arms and bodies of the Trailblazers, and he still makes the shot — three-pointers at that. I found a ho-hum picture of him on the third page of the sports section. I'm disappointed.

— Carol Lindsey, Ventura

Re: your March 18 article, “Thousands march in protest�:

It's inspiring to read about Ventura County citizens and members of ANSWER — Act Now to Stop War and End Racism — rallying together for a march and voicing their opinions about the war in Iraq. As the saying goes, "United we stand, divided we fall." It is great that individuals are uniting and taking a stand for what they believe in when it concerns an issue that has recently divided Congress and the presidency. Where the voices of our elected representatives have failed, perhaps the voices of the individuals that make up this country will succeed.

— Jason Hellebrand, Newbury Park

California is the land of earthquakes, wind and fire. We do not need a polluting liquefied natural gas facility to start a horrific fire here in California. Who wants to see their family and friends burn?

The Republicans and their big business friends do not care about the health and safety of the people. Their greed knows no bounds.

— Patricia Standring, Agoura Hills

Re: Joe Laraneta’s March 15 letter, “Plame was analyst, not spy�:

How does Mr. Laraneta know this? Does he have inside information? Maybe it's a matter of definition, but to me the use of the word “analyst� suggests someone who is safely ensconced in a Washington, D.C., office. Valerie Plame operated as a covert agent outside the United States without the benefit of legal protection as an official of the U.S. government. This may not have qualified her as a “spy,� but it certainly put her and whomever she handled at risk if her cover was blown.

Re: your March 16 editorial, “Busy terrorist or a blowhard?�

This editorial about the so-called confession of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed surreally fails to notice the one thing the entire world knows for certain about his statement: It was obtained under torture and is therefore inadmissible in any civilized legal system.

Re: your March 17 article, “Walter Reed whistle-blower hopes to keep his Army career�:

Army Spc. Jeremy Duncan told a congressional subcommittee that the conditions in his room at Walter Reed Army Medical Center were "unforgivable."

"It wasn't fit for anybody to live in a room like that," he testified.

Rep. Chris Shays, R-Conn., said he was amazed that Duncan didn't plan to retire from the military.

I want to thank Rep. Elton Gallegly for standing firm in support of our troops and winning this war and not joining the nonproductive posturing of those who want to wave the white flag. How can they pass a nonbinding and probably unconstitutional resolution that tells the whole world that we want to surrender?

We know politicians often shoot off their mouths just to get media exposure, but the Democrats and a few white-flag Republicans are trying to weaken the U.S. position in Iraq — and America's standing in the world — by raising doubts on our commitment in Iraq without advancing an alternative. Congress has the luxury of spending time debating and "commenting" without deciding. The president doesn't have that luxury.

With great interest, I watched and listened to the Pleasant Valley School District board discuss the issue of school closure March 15.

I must address a comment made by trustee Ron Speakman. He opened conversation about Santa Rosa Technology Magnet School. I agree every school needs to be considered, but I disagree with some of his reasons.

Re: Troy Kuhlman’s commentary, “Living on the middle-class’s nickel�:

It looks like someone is finally recognizing there is an elephant in the room — the federal and state government’s idea of the redistribution of wealth. Don’t misunderstand me. It’s not that we, in the middle class, are wealthy; it’s just that the taxes they take from us to support all of the programs hurt us more. We end up paying higher fees for everything, too.

Re: Troy Kuhlman’s commentary, “Living on the middle-class’s nickel�:

I also belong to a middle-class family of four. We have two kids, 16 and 21. We are a one-income family and are homeowners. We spend approximately one-third of our income on housing, have a car payment and also spend several hundred dollars each month for health insurance. On the surface, we are in a similar situation. What is drastically different is our attitudes.

Re: Troy Kulhman’s March 16 commentary, “Living on the middle-class's nickel�:

Practically free college education? Free medical care? Please stop scapegoating and blaming others for anything you are not happy with in your life. Nothing is free. When will people figure it out?

Re: Troy Kulhman’s March 16 commentary, “Living on the middle-class’s nickel�:

I drive by people working in the fields of Camarillo every day. Here’s what I see: people bent over picking strawberries or celery or whatever as fast as they can. When their containers are full, they run to deposit them on a cart and then run back to pick again. They do this from dawn to dusk six days a week. They look mostly young. Many older people can’t physically do this work, as it is very hard on your body to be stooped over all day.

I was glad to hear that three Pleasant Valley School District board members — Ron Speakman, Sandra Berg, and Jennifer Miller — have all said they need more time to consider additional options regarding our schools than Superintendent Kenneth Moffett and his chainsaw massacre want to give to make sound decisions about our schools.

On Thursday, March 1, I sat in astonished silence as the 7-11 Committee reported its recommended plan for school closures to the Pleasant Valley School Board members. Los Senderos Open School students and families have already been displaced by the district’s reduction plan. Our students and families deserve an opportunity to maintain our position as a successful, integral part of our local community.

Thursday night, the Pleasant Valley School District Board of Trustees failed the teachers and the majority of parents of the district. They ignored the data and the recommendations made by staff, the superintendent, and the 7-11 Committee and started over from scratch, letting the audience know that everyone’s school was up for closure. Instead of discussing scenarios based on enrollment data, or the cost of maintaining and upgrading existing facilities, they made suggestions based on personal biases and allegiances to certain alternative schools. Trustees Sandra Berg and Ron Speakman were particularly interested in scenarios that would allow the Los Senderos school to remain intact regardless of the impact on neighborhood schools.

After years at the bottom of comparable salaries in Ventura County, Pleasant Valley School District teachers have the opportunity to see our salaries brought into a more competitive position. The PVSD Board of Trustees has an opportunity to show all district employees that they appreciate our efforts on behalf of the children of Camarillo.

I was shocked after Thursday's Pleasant Valley School District Board meeting when trustee Sandra Berg acknowledged a proposal to consider closing El Descanso Elementary School. This proposal would mean displacing our children into two or three other elementary schools within Camarillo.

What is the school board thinking? Hasn’t it ever heard of "maintaining the status quo?" When things are going good, you don't mess with them!

The Star’s readers have probably been asking why gasoline prices have gone up recently in California. Here is some information that may be helpful.

Experts such as the U.S. Energy Information Administration explain that the major elements comprising the price of gasoline are crude oil costs, refining costs, marketing and distribution costs and taxes. U.S. spot prices for crude oil have increased more than 20 percent since mid-January.

Re: Tim Gallagher’s March 11 column, “Religion vs. spirituality�:

The issue of religion versus spirituality is one that is both philosophically intriguing and also personally relevant to me at this time in my life.

A couple of years ago, I befriended someone who is very religious. She and her family attend church every single Sunday. Her children also attend religious education classes and are involved in the church choir. On the surface, they are the most committed, devoted, actively involved quintessential believers.

Re: Janice Daurio’s March 11 letter, “Stopgap answers�:

My letter contained an editing error. I wrote that religion does “not� provide stopgap answers to scientific evidence, until science answers those questions. Religion has its own methods, aims and subject matter, and these differ from those of science. They are not in conflict because they can’t be in conflict, any more than a chemistry textbook can be in conflict with Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.�

Re: your March 11 editorial, “EPA's reversal on LNG wrong":

I was very pleased to see this. The Environmental Protection Agency's reversal on the issue of BHP Billiton's Cabrillo Port being held to Ventura County's strict air-quality rules is very disturbing, and I, for one, am completely against any move from a county, state or federal agency that eases the way for any LNG facility to be plunked down off the shores of Oxnard.

Re: Jack Weber's March 14 letter, "Stifling growth is wrong":

Mr. Weber is right as to the direction — or lack thereof — of the City Council’s leadership, recently evidenced at the March 12 meeting. (Councilman Bill Fulton was not present.)

Apparently, it is OK for folks on the City Council and others in the community — such as the founders of Save Open-space and Agricultural Resources or the Save the Ventura Hillside — to own a home on the hillside or on land that used to be a lemon grove or a single-story home or any home.

Re: Jim Harmon’s March 14 letter, “This is news?�:

Mr. Harmon questions whether reports of inadequate care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center are really news, considering “we all know� of “the bureaucratic maze that is the Veterans Affairs.�

Perhaps not surprisingly, considering the lack of clarity in many of the news reports, Harmon has confused Walter Reed, an Army hospital, with the facilities run by the VA. What is surprising is his assumption that we have all heard about “VA ineptitude.�

Re: your March 14 article, “General not sorry over view on gays�:

Thank God for the truthfulness and candor that Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, exhibited in his comments on homosexuality in the Armed Forces. There is no room for openly gay service people, and, in reality, if that should happen, all hell will break loose.

Re: your March 13 article, “Simi soldier becomes citizen of United States�:

How refreshing it was to find an uplifting immigration story on the front page of The Star. Whether we are a legal immigrant to this country or native-born, the story of Mexican-born Angel Regaldo-Contreras coming to this country, serving it and sacrificing for it through military service and then becoming a citizen should be an inspiration to us all. What a great example of someone who has honored this nation, his family and his heritage. It’s people like Angel that have made, and continue to make, this country the great land that it is. I, for one, salute him for that.

— Gary Downes, Moorpark

Re: your March 11 article, “Peak of a promise�:

Having just finished reading this piece by David Leon Moore, I have these very positive remarks to empart.

In a world full of angst and volatility, this short yet beautiful story of a daughter and her honorable father hit me like a fast-moving truck, but in a great way. Such a touching and well-written story this was, a true public service. And dare I say it has inspired me.

Re: Jim Harmon’s March 14 letter, “This is news?�

Mr. Harmon is directing his anger at the wrong target. Walter Reed Army Medical Center has nothing whatsoever to do with the Veterans Affairs system!

As a Navy vet married to a wounded Marine vet, I have had years of experience with the VA and have nothing but kind words to say about it. During a 17-year period, my very ill husband was treated with care, concern and respect at VA hospitals in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Rhode Island; New York and California.

Re: your March 10 article, “Pollution is the focus of LNG report�:

This article may give readers the mistaken impression that state and federal decision makers have concluded that the significant air quality impacts from the Cabrillo Port liquefied natural gas project have been alleviated by BHP Billiton’s proposed mitigation measures. In fact, the newly released environmental impact report concludes just the opposite – that, even with BHP Billiton’s proposed mitigation, Cabrillo Port project emissions will still result in significant, adverse air quality impacts in Ventura County and Los Angeles County.

Re: your March 14 article, “UC, CSU boards consider raising student fees�:

I find it laughable that the Associated Press listed the new fees at $7,300 for the University of California. The fact is that this fee is a small portion of the true cost of attending a UC school. If you take into account the cost of books, the required computer and computer programs and housing, the real cost of a single school year as a full-time student reaches about $22,000.

With help, my grandparents came to America from Europe in the early 1900s. In Europe, the aim was mere survival. In the United States, they got the message: Get an education. Their kids got the same message. They got the education and made it into the middle class.

Talent and genius are present in all of us, and our survival instincts tell us education is the way to the good life. Surely the time is now ripe for any ambitious person to use those survival instincts to prove they have what it takes.

As a stepmother of a serviceman in Afghanistan, I believe the best way to support the troops is to stop all funding of these insane wars and bring the troops home. A "slow bleed" is having a loved one come home damaged or dead from a war of our own making.

— Katie Fagan, Oak View

Neoconservatives destroy freedom and democracy in the United States and Iraq and will declare "Mission accomplished!" when they have moved all the public funds into corporate hands, and when Exxon, Mobil and Halliburton install permanent contracts and control of Iraq at the expense of innocent soldiers and civilian blood.

Bring our troops home, impeach President Bush and Vice President Cheney and take back the money they've "stolen" from American taxpayers.

— Lauren Simone, Ojai

Re: Tim Gallagher’s March 11 column, “Religion vs. spirituality�:

So Gallagher is the moral compass for the rest of society. The reason “religious debates rage across America these days� is because people like Gallagher can’t allow anyone to believe or behave differently than they do without condemnation.

How can he possibly know whether or not spiritual people “change the rules whenever they seem a little to hard to follow,� or that “most of the world’s good works are carried out by religious people?� Oh, I forgot, with organized religion comes omniscience.

Re: the March 7 letters of Chuck Kuenstle, "Let's end the charades"; Marilee Ullmann, "T.O. needs fresh start"; and Richard J. Messina, “Recall joiner":

While silence may be golden, it also implies agreement. I am obligated to respond to the trio of mean-spirited letters attacking Andy Fox from Kuenstle, Messina and Ullmann.

I have been a resident of Thousand Oaks since 1972. I truly miss waiting for sheep to cross the local streets, the uncrowded roads and the rural atmosphere.

When are the extremely wealthy going to pay their fair share of taxes? How can the government give tax breaks when we have an enormous national debt?

We need to go back to basics. President Franklin D. Roosevelt had it right: He imposed an excess-profit tax. This is how he funded Social Security and other programs that put Americans to work.

Just to refresh your mind, it was President Eisenhower who repealed the tax. President Reagan deregulated the government.

Re: Jim McIntire’s March 14 letter, “Publisher shouldn’t judge�:

I agree with McIntire that the publisher of The Star, or anyone for that matter, should not judge a person’s religiosity or spirituality. But I am inclined to believe this publisher just wanted to stir the community’s thoughts about spirituality and/or religion.

Re: your March 14 article, “Delay on housing project vote frustrates developer�:

Please help me to understand this: A developer works with neighbors, city planners, the Planning Commission and the Design Review Committee for years "to gain consensus on a proposal.� At the last minute, the Ventura City Council, in its infinite wisdom, wants a costly redesign of the project.

Climate change is an inevitable fact of life on this planet. The question, then, is: Is there anything that can be done by mankind to create a stable climate? Those who believe it possible have not even proved that carbon dioxide at certain levels creates a warmer climate than carbon dioxide at other levels. A 90 percent probability consensus is not proof in the scientific world.

Re: Timm Herdt’s March 9 article, “The Star's news base moves to Camarillo after today�:

I want to thank The Star for the article on the move of its building. Timm Herdt did an excellent job taking us all down Memory Lane.

In addition to his described stories, the articles on the unfolding of the kidnap and murder of Sherri Dally by her husband and his lover, Diana Haun, in 1996 remains vivid due to The Star’s coverage.

One of the most satisfying things about being a Libertarian is how often I get to say, "Told you so." One of the most depressing things about being a Libertarian is how often I have to say, "Told you so."

In the stampede to push through the Patriot Act after Sept. 11, with the administration doing everything it could to whip up the terror, we tried to tell you to stop, to actually read what you were passing. But you actually trusted government bureaucrats when they said, "Trust us,� with no accountability and no oversight.

Don't worry about high gas prices. Remember Vice President Cheney's secret energy plan? It’s due to kick in anytime now.

— Paul Lux, Thousand Oaks

There has been minimal press coverage of Ann Coulter using the word “faggot� during a speech, in reference to presidential candidate John Edwards. I wonder if the media would be so silent if she used the n-word when referring to a presidential candidate?

This woman has no discretion and, apparently, no manners! I understand all is fair in love and politics, but blatant name-calling is a method used by someone with no class and no regard to fair play.

Re: Deborah Nucatola’s March 8 commentary, “Help repeal Bush’s global gag rule�:

Ms. Nucatola talks about an administration that puts ideology before science. If she wants to discuss ideology before science, she needs to look no further than Planned Parenthood founder, eugenicist Margaret Sanger.

Re: your March 8 article, “Senators blast issuers’ policies on credit cards�:

The article detailed an event that is long overdue: banks and credit card companies being held to account for reprehensible practices they've inflicted upon consumers for far too many years. Unfortunately, stories about abusive credit card products seem to disappear soon after they bubble to the surface, leaving card companies to continue profiteering at the expense of a busy and misinformed public. I hope The Star and other media will continue to help educate and inform us about this issue.

Re: David Howard’s March 13 commentary, "V.C. Peace Coalition protests war on 4th anniversary":

Mr. Howard writes: "'Never again' in the peace community is a preventive philosophy rooted in historical experience. We are inspired by our ancestors and elders — Holocaust and Hiroshima survivors, descendants of slavery, genocide and occupation.…"

Re: Charlotte Pickard’s March 8 letter, “Sheriff knows all the facts�:

My husband, Ron Reyes, is one of the men pictured in Colleen Cason’s well-written March 4 column, “Rescuers feel left out in the cold.�

In her letter to the editor, Pickard called my husband a “disgruntled individual who apparently resisted and refused to comply with the rules and policies.�

It has just recently come to my attention that developers want to build a grossly oversized tower on the Port Hueneme coast. This “tower� is 46 stories high and will be the tallest building between San Francisco and Los Angeles. That is almost twice as tall as the Oxnard Financial Towers. A monstrous building of this nature will affect not only Port Hueneme residents, but also the skyline of all Ventura County residents.

My husband and I love Ventura County because it is not the big city. Our low-rise buildings lend to the feeling of a smaller community. If we let one developer fill his pockets at the expense of our neighbors, we can be assured others will follow. Our beach communities do not look like Marina del Rey, and that is why we love it here.

I am a self-employed attorney with an office at the Oxnard Harbor. I bought a unit at Surfside III in March 2004. The next two years of my life were a nightmare — discovering mold, suing the association twice, settling both claims, having most of my home torn down to the studs and, finally, getting to rebuild my unit and have the home by the beach I had dreamed about for years.

We have our share of board members that I believe are seriously incapable of handling the duties that go along with managing a 309-unit complex by the sea. It took a lot of work to start the movement to make changes in the future. We have a very long way to go.

Re: your March 8 article, “EPA wants Halaco put on Superfund sites list�:

The question is: Just how did the city of Oxnard, county of Ventura, state of California and the federal government allow this operation to continue? Why did it take so long for one and/or all of the aforementioned agencies to take action to stop Halaco's operation and begin the cleanup?

Is Halaco being held liable for creating this problem? Just who is paying for the total cost of the cleanup?

Re: your March 10 article, “Efforts to help fieldworkers bearing fruit�:

I thank The Star for the front-page articles on the plight of farmworkers displaced by the January freeze. It's great to see this human and economic crisis receive more media attention. I realize that it is difficult to recognize every nonprofit that responded to the emergency.

Re: Peggy Hastings’ March 7 letter, “Don’t slander Bush�:

I had to shake my head and wonder just where Hastings has been since Sept. 11, 2001.

She opens her letter criticizing Kathy Matthews' Feb. 28 letter, "Bush is a liability,� with, “This letter shows the writer’s limited view on this subject. Does she remember Sept. 11?"

I support raising teacher salaries and benefits. Pleasant Valley School District teachers are woefully underpaid and should be compensated fairly for the priceless work they do. However, there must be less drastic and dramatic ways to take care of our teachers than those proposed by district staff at the March 1 and March 8 meetings.

I am continually disappointed in Pleasant Valley School District Board President Ron Speakman's inability to allow for dissent of opinion in school board meetings, but I’m not surprised, as this has been a pattern. I was and am surprised by trustee Sandra Berg's public castigation of “the 11 private Camarillo citizens� who are “responsible for the allocation of $100,000 for legal fees related to their appeal.�

Not only that, but Berg went down the list naming all 11 citizens, whose right it is to request an appeal. In particular, she criticized Val Rains. As a private citizen put in that situation, I would get a lawyer and sue the district. This was uncalled for and unprofessional.

Re: Steve Greenberg's March 6 cartoon:

This demonic characterization of Ann Coulter is shameful.

Coulter has been talking openly about the immoral practices the liberal left has been advocating, but she has done nothing warranting Greenberg's hate-filled characterization of her.

It seems I’m the only one who knows about the filming at Rocky Peak Park — at Highway 118 and Rocky Peak. It began in early January will continue until at least March 23.

Re: your March 9 article, “A new life for a former CIA spy�:

The headline is incorrect as to Valerie Plame’s position with the CIA. She was an analyst with the CIA, not a spy.

The Star knew that when it saw the article and when it printed it in the paper. I would call this not only bad editing, but slanted as well. Because of the times we are in and what has happened recently in Washington, D.C., with the I. Lewis “Scooter� Libby trial, The Star should have known what the truth was, but it chose not to tell the truth, and it slanted the news to its political view.

Re: Greg Stratton’s Feb. 27 commentary, “Simi eighth-graders need year of science�:

People have different value systems. The one here is mandate versus choice. To bolster his science mandate, Stratton gives enough of the truth to frighten people.

He says year-science students did better than the semester students. True. What he didn’t tell you was that the overall science scores for all three Simi Valley middle schools were higher than any other portion of the Standardized Testing and Reporting test. Kudos to our middle-school science teachers for their great teaching.

There has been a lot of news about torture recently, probably because this U.S. administration condones torture, even though it is against international and American law. I hope most Americans don't condone it!

Re: Bill Robinson’s March 8 letter, “Misguided, hateful letters�:

I really doubt if Mr. Robinson knows any of the letter writers well enough to judge them as misguided and hateful regarding Andy Fox. I will argue that no man will bring me down to the level of hate. I may not like what some people do, but to be hateful would cause myself harm.

Re: Peggy Hastings' March 7 letter, “Don't slander Bush�:

When will Ms. Hastings and the other 30 percent finally understand that Iraq had zip, zero, nada to do with 9/11?

The hijackers were made up of 12 Saudis, one Egyptian, one from the United Arab Emirates, one from Lebanon and four of unknown nationality. Saddam Hussein had nothing to do with 9/11- it was Osama bin Laden, a Saudi. Bin Laden was in Afghanistan after 9/11, and that's where we should have focused our attention.

Re: Evan Masyr's March 6 commentary, “Finance executive questions reasons for school closures�:

All citizens should be concerned because the course the Pleasant Valley School District board takes will affect kids citywide, sooner or later, and the loss of local school facilities will affect home values, intracity traffic patterns, and the look and feel of our community.

March 4, I witnessed a potentially life-threatening incident that should not have occurred.

I took my 86-year-old mother to an urgent care facility in Oxnard. Just after arriving in the waiting room, a young woman started to fall to the ground; she was having a grand mal seizure. Fortunately, her husband and another man were able to intercept her fall, while a doctor and a nurse quickly came out to assist. They were able to send her immediately to a local hospital where, hopefully, she received the emergency care she needed.

I work at Pacific High School, which is the continuation school in the Ventura Unified School District. When I mention where I teach, people look at me with sympathy. That's unnecessary! Pacific is a wonderful school, and it is safe! We have a splendid faculty, and the students know they can come to us with any problem and we will always endeavor to find a resolution.

I know that no school is immune from violence, but in Ventura, there is a vigilant community of teachers, administrators and the magnificent classified staffs that watches over our students.

Assemblyman Tony Mendoza's bill, AB97, to ban the use of trans-fatty acids in cooking oils, is more big brother interference in our lives. The Artesia Democrat argues that lawmakers required motorcyclists to wear helmets to protect public health, so why not fatty acids? He didn't mention that the majority who die from head injuries are in cars. Shall car occupants be required to wear helmets? No, it would be political suicide.

Why not ban tobacco products? Never! Politicians want the taxes tobacco generates, no matter how many die from these products.

— Phil Pszenny, Oxnard

It seems as if most people are against the Victoria Avenue plan. I am not a transportation expert, but it seems to me that a motorist taking Highway 126 could exit at either Highway 118 or Victoria Avenue. Could there possibly be a ramp constructed from the 126 going south on Highway 101?

— Diane Garber, Ventura

I attended the Pleasant Valley School Board meeting on March 1 and was dismayed that trustee Sandra Berg would, again, read out loud the names of the citizens who filed an appeal to the AB 780 petition. She was naming these individuals as though they had done something wrong and needed to be reprimanded in public. Now we are all on notice that if we oppose unification, we, too, may be called out.

Re: Greg J. Strick's March 1 commentary, “Old news raw deal for students�:

Speaking as a Brooks Institute student well into my third year, I would like to address Dr. Strick's blatant skirting of the real issue at hand with Brooks Institute.

Re: your March 7 editorial, “More reasons to tell the truth�:

This editorial contained several incorrect statements regarding the Lewis "Scooter" Libby and Valerie Plame affair.

Re: Peggy Hastings’ March 7 letter, “Don’t slander Bush�:

Ms. Hastings says, "They want to destroy all non-Muslim Americans…." Can we be a little more specific here? Who exactly is "they?" The Sunnis in Iraq? The Shiites in Iraq? Iranians? The Taliban? All Muslims who aren't Americans? Martians? Who is the "enemy" to which she refers? It's pretty vague.

Hastings also states, "It is a proven fact that President Bush is defending our freedoms." That’s her opinion, not a fact. Nor is it a fact that "they want to destroy all non-Muslim Americans." These are generalities, and they are not helping!

The City Council's plan to turn Victoria Avenue into some sort of Champs Elysees hasn't gone over too well, judging from the letters against it. While it sounds nice, the practical aspects don't seem to be addressed.

The two biggest draws that have made traffic on Victoria so busy have to be Ventura College and the Government Center. The most logical exit from the 101 to those two main destinations is Victoria. If there was an exit that led onto College Drive off the 101 and the street was expanded to take the Ventura College traffic, then maybe the relief would be enough to allow a broader view of redesigning Victoria.

Ah yes, Ann Coulter - the darling of the religious right and the voice of American conservatives! And what a voice it is: bigoted, hateful, mean and nasty. Maybe that's why we sent so many of them home in the last election.

Re: Bill Watkins’ March 6 commentary, “Correcting a misunderstanding,� Charles Maxey’s March 6 commentary, “SOAR doesn’t boost economy,� and Linda Parks’ Feb. 21 commentary, “SOAR deserves some of the credit�:

Both Bill Watkins and Charles Maxey wrote very informative and extensive information on the effects of Save Open-space and Agricultural Resources on the future of the county. They both disagreed with Linda Parks’ Feb. 21 commentary on the effects of SOAR.

Re: Elton Gallegly’s March 4 commentary, “Biased think tanks can’t change facts�:

The subject of “think tank� influence on national policy is pervasive and well-entrenched in American political life. Think tanks are where many politicians or top civilian and military people go after retirement. From this vantage point, they create ideas based on their ideological aspirations, and, with support from numerous special interest groups, proceed to lobby politicians directly or publish their works as factual revelations.

I was appalled to learn of the proposed 46-story hotel-condo tower in Port Hueneme when I returned from back east last September. Such a huge structure would spoil the whole atmosphere of our beautiful area, a monstrosity that could be seen for miles! It is said that, in the winter, the shadow of this building will extend about a quarter of a mile!

We'll probably never find out if global warming will destroy civilization as we know it. Long before the Gore-cycles ever melt, we will be taxed and regulated into oblivion.
It is pretty presumptuous to think we have the kind of power it would take to change the weather on a global scale. It is a fact that people of a certain political persuasion feel they need to take control of our money and lives. Remember “It takes a village?� If there were no crises, what would we need them for?

Re: your Feb. 23 article, “T.O. launches new shuttle service for seniors�:

I read this article about the three-year grant of $70,525 to provide shuttle service to the Kaiser facility in Woodland Hills.

Will someone please tell me why my taxes and the city of Thousand Oaks are subsidizing an insurance company? It seems to me that if Kaiser wants to sell its health insurance plan to people in Thousand Oaks who cannot avail themselves of the services provided due to distance, Kaiser should provide the transportation or not accept their premiums.

I do not think the government has to subsidize everyone’s healthcare. I think people need to be more responsible for their health.

Re: your March 3 article, “Family tragedy led veteran to war�:

Harry “Gabe� Gabrielson narrates his part in defending our country in World War II. There was no doubt we were attacked at Pearl Harbor. How can true Americans not believe we were attacked on Sept. 11 in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania?

— Elizabeth Bass, Thousand Oaks

March has been designated as colorectal cancer awareness month. Many people would prefer not to think about their colon or rectum. However, colorectal cancer cannot be ignored. It is the third most common cancer in both men and women and the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States. There were almost 150,000 newly diagnosed cases in the United States last year.

Colorectal cancer is highly curable when detected early. However, early colon cancer or a precancerous polyp is usually without symptoms. Screening is the key!

Re: your March 4 article, “Emergency room doctors dwindling at Ventura County hospitals; specialists seek on-call payments�:

The article states, “Doctors in Ventura County suggest trying to get a plumber out of bed without pay. Or an electrician. Or anyone.�

Instead of using plumbers or electricians as models for doctors' behavior and compensation, why not use a real doctor's model instead?

Re: your March 4 article, “GOP hopefuls slam Coulter's anti-gay Edwards slur�:

The Star reported that John Edwards' spokesman "attacked" Ann Coulter for her off-color joke. But I think Edwards' response, written by his wife and mother of his four children, attorney Elizabeth Edwards, was more gracious and classy.

Re: Diane Powell's Feb. 28 letter, “What are police doing?�

Hooray for Diane Powell's letter suggesting that Ventura voters rejected the one-quarter percent sales tax increase to fund additional law enforcement because we see the police force wasting the precious resources it is already allocated.

Within the past few months, there have been at least 14 police officers on my street marking my legally registered and parked vehicles in response to a neighbor's complaint to the "abandoned vehicle hotline."

Re: your March 3 article, “Crime increases in Santa Paula�:

Crime is a hot button for most taxpaying citizens, so if it goes up in a local city, a county newspaper would be remiss if it didn't report the city's moral decay. What surprised me, though, was the omission of the word “slightly� in the headline, as quoted from the very first line of the article, “Crime went up slightly in Santa Paula in 2006.�

Our former city manager left us with a chunk of coal in our Christmas stocking - an 8 percent budget deficit. A lot of time and effort is going into correcting this problem.
I have a suggestion. Since those who get paid by the city are a big part of the expense side of the crunch and are collectively responsible for allowing the crunch to occur, how about they all take an 8 percent pay cut. Once they can demonstrate that they can manage to produce a budget surplus, then we can talk about how we should divide that surplus between pay raises and tax cuts.

- Ted Waddell, Port Hueneme

What happened to the “share� in FOOD Share? I concur that feeding the hungry should be the aim of FOOD Share, and volunteers get hungry, too!

It is understandable to stockpile all dented cans and other durable retail-sales rejects donated to FOOD Share for designated charity distribution. But rather than simply waste excess perishables — stale-dated bakery and dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetables — by dumping them (as I’ve observed happen many times), why not share them with FOOD Share volunteers?

On March 1, I returned home to a disconcerting voice message on my phone recorder. The recorded message, left by an anonymous caller, instructed me to call the district attorney to report misconduct by our county supervisor, Steve Bennett. The cowardly message neither identified the caller nor the organization he was representing. The message made the patently absurd request that I report this alleged misconduct based upon the vague accusations made by the unidentified caller.

My call to the district attorney will be to report the harassing recorded message.

I am distressed and disgusted that our wounded service personnel from Iraq are not receiving the very best in timely, careful and attentive follow-up care in good and adequately staffed facilities that have the experience and resources to deal with their injuries and suffering — both physical and mental. It is a disgrace.

It is even more of a disgrace that the nature of the situation had to be brought to the forefront by the news media and had not already been identified and actively addressed by the so-called military and civilian “managers� who oversee Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense.

The city of Fillmore was unfortunate to have had Councilman Ray Dressler resign recently midway through his first term. He brought to the council a mature wealth of knowledge and experience that will be missed.

However, because he had pondered resigning for some time, it is also unfortunate that he wasn’t able to make his decision in time for his replacement to be voted on in the last election. The cost of a special election to fill Dressler’s spot would cost around $30,000. If that doesn’t happen, the voters in Fillmore would be stuck with the council’s only other option, which is to circumvent democracy by appointing his replacement.

Re: Dan Whelan's March 2 letter, “Evolution a religious belief�:

Dan Whelan’s letter on evolution is one of the best comedy bits I've seen in a long time. You’ve got to hand it to those devil-may-care creationists: They know how to get the belly laughs. If only I could start each day with some rip-roaring laughter such as provided by Mr. Whelan. He certainly has a comedy genius. All he needs is the requisite "budda boom" at the end of each sentence. I can hardly wait for his next installment on those fun guys from the Spanish Inquisition.

— Charles Albrecht, Camarillo

Re: your March 1 article, “Bill would give all newborns in California $500 savings account�:

Has the state of California gone totally mad? What an insane idea to give every newborn $500. That would really be a huge budgetary expense that the taxpayers cannot really afford.

I certainly hope that our governor will not be supportive of this proposal.

Re: your March 2 article, “House bill would eliminate need for vote to form union�:

Here is another example of the power of unions. It is a well-known fact that organized labor contributes their forced union dues to the Democratic Party. As you look at the picture of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the accompanying photo, there in the background is AFL-CIO President John Sweeney with a look on his face that says a 1,000 words.

I did not realize that our country's congressmen, initiated by U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, were so close to railroading into reality the issue of private hunting for themselves and top military officials on Santa Rosa Island.

We who live here along the Pacific Coast are so lucky to have U.S. Rep. Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara, represent us. We need to thank her for the effort to stop the hunting initiative and to reinstate the removal of non-native species on Santa Rosa Island. U.S. Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, may not mind that his state is increasingly opening up to oil and timber exploitation, but he should keep his nose out of California.

I've lived within sight of, sailed around and scuba-dived at the Channel Islands for almost 20 years. I have camped on Santa Rosa Island and have seen baby island foxes peek out from the wild grasses. I have marveled at the diversity of species living on the land and under the waters of Santa Rosa Island.

Re: your March 2 article, “Many factors in play as healthcare costs skyrocket�:

I think the article overlooked — as many others have — what I consider to be a major contributor to increased healthcare costs: the inflational duality of billing by many healthcare providers.

Re: Jerry Lasnik's March 2 letter, "Isn't the Earth flat?":

Lasnik compares questioning the theory of evolution and teaching creationism as an alternative to promoting the concept the Earth is flat or denying gravity. He accuses trustee Ron Matthews - and presumably others who oppose teaching evolution as fact - of "obvious ignorance of and disdain for science."

Re: U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly's March 4 commentary, “Biased think tanks can't change facts�:

Congressman Gallegly scapegoats "illegal immigrants," but what and who really cause workers to migrate?

I am writing to express my disappointment and disapproval of the Simi Valley City Council's recent decision to restrict to the point of, in all practicality, banning street vendors in Simi Valley. I find this decision unnecessary, mean spirited and economically - and possibly ethnically - prejudiced.

In my 13 years as a resident and homeowner of Simi Valley, I have never had any issue with street vendors. Many of them offer goods that cannot be purchased anywhere else in our city, fresh-picked strawberries from Oxnard, for example.

What does a train ride, allergies and a movie tell us about out country? A lot!

Like most people, this time of year I suffer from _allergies, and, like most, I use over-the-counter medications, Sudafed being my drug of choice. I was aware that Sudafed is now sold behind the pharmacy counter, since it is a foundation for methamphetamines. What I _didn't know is that they scan your driver's license when you purchase it. I asked the clerk where and who keeps this information, and my answer was a blank stare.

Re: your March 3 article, “Going big�:

I enjoyed your article about trendsetting megachurches taking up the challenge of desegregating Sunday worship.

Re: your March 2 article, “Santa Rosa Island debate gets testy�:

This story made me more than testy. What is it with these congressional representatives who want to have private hunting on the island? U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, at least admitted he had not been on Santa Rosa when he came up with the idea for a military hunting preserve. Now U.S. Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, claims to have been on the island twice but says that there is nothing there. That’s odd. When I camped out there I saw a spectacular island. I saw forests, beaches teeming with life, and a wild freedom from the urban mainland.

Re: your March 1 article, “Critics question Fox's ability to serve T.O. after job reassignment�:

Exposure of Thousand Oaks Mayor Andrew Fox's recent demotion for his deep involvement in the Los Angeles Fire Department's racial hazing and forgery scandal seems grounds enough for his recall from office. But now we learn of his complicity in the firing of a local member of the Los Angeles Fire Department just to satisfy one of his local cronies. This seems even more troubling.

We in the community of Thousand Oaks again have an opportunity to scrutinize the character of Andy Fox, our mayor, because his behavior is sending out alarms. It's not to be debated that he has done some wonderful things for the community, and that is his job.

What needs to be evaluated is his use of the power that has been bestowed upon him. Is it being abused? It has become a pattern that people around him are being eliminated - Phil Gatch, Mic Ferris, Nora Aidukas, former Los Angeles Fire Chief William Bamattre and James Smith, to name a few.

Re: Geoff Irvin’s March 2 commentary, “Single-payer plan too costly� and Dan Whelan's March 2 letter, “Evolution a religious belief�:

I imagine The Star has as much fun in publishing letters attacking single-payer healthcare, global warming and evolution as I have in shaking my head in disbelief on reading them.

Re: Dan Whelan's March 2 letter, “Evolution a religious belief�:

It's evident that Mr. Whelan is not a scientist, nor does he understand the scientific method, as shown by his assertions about "atheistic science." He appears to belong to the minority of Christians who believe it is possible and desirable to read the Bible literally. I know biologists who are devout Christians who have no problem in reconciling their faith with their scientific acceptance of the theory of evolution. While I have no studies to support this, from my personal experience I believe the large majority of scientists are religious and, in this country, are Christians. I see no inherent conflict between faith and science.

— Bill Robinson, Westlake Village

Re: Greg Stratton’s Feb. 27 commentary, “Simi eighth-graders need year of science�:

Mr. Stratton is simply wrong when he leads people to believe they need to demand a full year of science for eighth-graders. The school board’s decision to keep options open for middle-school students is such that a parent need only “select� full-year science for his child, should that be the choice. No one will try to “talk you out of it,� as Stratton is trying to scare you into believing.

Re: Greg Stratton’s Feb. 27 commentary, “Simi eighth-graders need year of science�:

Our former mayor and school board trustee, Greg Stratton, once again brings a critically important issue to our attention. He bluntly tells us, “Simi Valley has … a low percentage of graduates who meet University of California/California State University requirements. Lower than Oxnard, the county average, the state average….� Mr. Stratton attributes this shortfall largely to the failure of our junior high program to offer a full year of eighth-grade science to all students.

In the governor's own words, “all options are on the table� in the current debate over what to do about the terrible overcrowding in California's state prisons. Considering the release of the old, feeble and sick is being looked at only for nonviolent offenders.

We do need to put public safety first in considering the release of prisoners. But, is California safer for incarcerating Helen Loheac, an 84-year-old woman whose chronic renal failure requires two correctional officers to transport this 90-pound woman to dialysis - while she is shackled in ankle and waist chains - at an annual cost to California taxpayers of $400,000?

Re: your Feb. 28 article, “Textbook teaching evolution debated�:

Ventura County Board of Education members Ron Matthews and Chris Valenzano seem a bit confused as to what is fact and what is theory.

Just as gravity is a fact and Isaac Newton's theory of the universal attraction of mass explains the observable fact of gravity, evolution — change in the genetic makeup of a species over time — is a fact. Darwin's theory of natural selection explains the observable fact of evolution.

Re: your Feb. 28 article, “Textbook teaching evolution debated�:

Does Ron Matthews want our kids to not learn the theory of gravity because, aerodynamically, angels can’t fly? Should the speed of light be discounted because, if it is correct and the Earth was created just a few thousand years ago, we shouldn’t be able to see stars more than a few thousand light years away? Is botany out because tree rings on ancient bristlecone pines show an Earth well more than 10,000 years old? Does he really want us instead to devote countless hours of science classes to discussion of the creation stories of hundreds of religions?

Re: your Feb. 28 article, “Critics question Fox's ability to serve T.O. after job reassignment�:

I remember when Andy Fox was first proposed for planning commissioner by then-Councilman Bob Lewis. Lewis said Fox was interested in getting into local politics.
When Lewis wasn't re-elected, Fox was out on the street. He was a regular at all the Planning Commission and council meetings, muckracking then-council members Elois Zeanah and Jamie Zukowski. After much effort, he was elected to the council.

James Smith lives in Thousand Oaks. He served in the Marine Corps and is an Iraq War veteran. His dad is a retired Los Angeles Fire Department firefighter and a Vietnam veteran. Smith's dream was to follow in his dad’s footsteps and become an LAFD fireman too. He reached his goal and became an LAFD rookie. Then Thousand Oaks Mayor and LAFD Deputy Chief Andy Fox took everything away.

Re: Your March 1 article, “Critics question Fox’s ability to serve T.O. after job reassignment�:

I am going to ask that we sit back and look at this situation with less “spin� and more reason.

Re: your March 1 article, “Critics question Fox’s ability to serve T.O. after job reassignment�:

For those who have followed Andy Fox’s performances on the Thousand Oaks City Council, it comes as no surprise to hear he has been up to similar shenanigans as the No. 2 person in the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Fox failed to open a formal investigation into the hazing incident against a black firefighter who unwittingly ate dog food — an incident that has turned into a high-profile case that could cost the city of Los Angeles millions of dollars.

Re: your March 1 article, “Crackdown nets 33 illegal contractors":

I found this article very interesting. I, too, have been ripped off by a so-called "contractor."

Re: Richard H. Hoffman’s Feb. 28 letter, “Let military run war�:

I have to disagree with Mr. Hoffman's opinion that every citizen has to support both the troops in Iraq and our government's mission.

It is the duty of every citizen to form and express their own opinion and to question our political leaders about our involvement in the Iraq war.

Truly, what is going on at the Ventura County Health Department? A small business that pays its taxes, supports the community, has a small footprint and is loved by neighbors is given the boot when it has been approved in the past. Is this what's nice about our city?

A small successful business is closed down, for what reason other than other coffee carts have been closed? Are we to see only impersonal chain stores in our city because they would pay higher taxes?

Re: your Jan. 30 article, "Ventura backs 'smart growth' regulations for Victoria Ave.":

I have read with interest the position taken by the City Council in regard to upgrading Victoria Avenue. While it is a good idea to do anything that helps to beautify the city, I think the City Council needs to set its priorities a little differently.

I am writing to express my support of Los Primeros School and the many benefits my family has enjoyed by being a part of this great institution. I have three children, and we have been a part of Los Primeros for more than nine years. The teachers care about the students, the administrative staff is very involved and helpful and many of the parents work full-time at the school or for the school to make it the great place that it is.

Re: your Feb. 27 article, “Oxnard might buy sports park site�:

Just because a project gets postponed does not mean the project is dead, but this postponement may be the last nail in the coffin regarding outside developers on this parcel. How much will the city pay for the parcel — $8 to $10 million or $18 million?

— Larry Stein, Oxnard

I write as a World War II veteran and a mature 92-year-old woman.

I just finished reading an essay by William Kristol in the Feb. 26 Time magazine titled, “Give force a chance.� By the last sentence, he summarizes the very thoughts roaming in my mind since the beginning of the present war:

“For if we revert to timidity in the face of threats and passivity in the face of dictators, we could present to the world the sorry spectacle of a great nation unwilling or unable to draw the sword on behalf of justice.�

Re: Clint R. Matkovich’s Feb. 16 letter, “Turn wetland into park�:

Mr. Matkovich alleges that Centex Homes damaged a wetlands habitat located near Borchard Road in Thousand Oaks. The letter contains many misstatements of fact.

First, he states that the property is owned by Centex Homes, a Texas-based homebuilder. This is incorrect. The property is privately owned by others and me. I have lived in the Conejo Valley most of my life and have paid taxes and maintained the vacant land for the past 29 years.

Our opponents in Iraq need not ever win a battle. All they need to do is to survive. It is their land we are fighting in. We may have 12 times the tens of thousands of military personnel there, fighting for what we believe is right. We may win every battle, cause chaos and destruction amongst the enemy and throughout that country. But we cannot create a new government there, for no society can be made to live under a form of government they do not want or believe in. The battles we win are of no consequence on the outcome of the war, for if the insurgents merely survive, they will be the ultimate winners.

- Hal Liss, Camarillo

Re: Kathy Matthews’ Feb. 28 letter, “Bush is a liability�:

This letter shows the writer’s limited view on this subject. Does she remember Sept. 11? The enemy we are fighting didn't care about all those innocent people who died that day. In fact, they want to destroy all non-Muslim Americans and the United States as a whole and banish all freedoms. If we just ignore the enemy, we will succumb to defeat and relinquish our freedoms. All through the ages, many people have given the ultimate sacrifice to defend our nation! All through the ages, every president who has had to lead our nation into war has been ridiculed and blasted by people who don't understand that we have to be vigilant and defend our freedoms! Whatever the cost, our freedom is worth defending!