PAT ON THE BACK:
By Nil Fanucchi

Congratulations to Mike, Gary and all the staff at Coastal View News (re: “VanStry, RMG publications win big at national conference,” May 9, CVN). Rosemarie would be very, very proud.

THE WIDE ANGLE VIEW ON BULLYING:
By Dr. Edo McGowan

One wonders if bullies grow up to be big bureaucrats and politicians, thus the nation’s “leaders”? If you read the results of the Stanford prison experiment, you see that just under the skin is a very troubling aspect of being human. Then there is the The Milgram experiment on obedience to authority, which at a governmental scale is frightening. Certainly one must conclude that governments can be and are bullies and I think history provides many examples. Example, look inward here and now. Bullying, as part of human nature, may have some survival attributes and early training for world leaders, such as the current roster of modern tyrants and their lesser counterparts. It is well to address this at a young age.

A BETTER WAY TO HANDLE BULLYING:
By Cynthia R. Rubio

Searching for a definition that defines bullying has been somewhat difficult and extremely frustrating. In fact there are so many types of bullying that you would think it would take up at least a half a page in our dictionary as does the word “it.” I found different definitions, each similar in description; what the government, administrators, teachers, doctors and parents describe depends on what one might or might not be accountable for.

As the parent of a child who has been bullied from elementary through middle school, I could explain what my case entails, and some would agree, others disagree, that bullying festers here. Realistically we all know we cannot bully proof our schools, but it is safe to say what’s being done about bullying is not working. Making the kids hug and apologize then send them back to a common area is what you do with bickering siblings, but with bullies it’s ridiculous to think this form of discipline is going to bring about good behavior. There are more productive approaches to guide these children.

One disciplinary action that could be adopted is accountability on both the parents and the bully, classes for parent and child with a fee. In house suspension where the bully spends the entire time researching bullying and its effects. Counseling. A parent became angry with the way our schools are handling his daughter’s case and that caused uneasiness in our community, but you might want to ask yourself why did it get to that? The real focus is Carpinteria has a bullying problem. And what’s being done about it?

ONE, TWO, TREE SOLUTIONS:
By Gene Tyburn

Having read about the tree problems in your wonderful town, I thought I would offer you a solution that will save you many thousands of dollars and change your mind regarding removing the older trees to solve this nationwide problem.

Here it is: the old wonderful trees could be reduced by half in a process called pollarding that is performed all around the world. Then the big problem tree roots can be pruned where the concrete is lifting up, and root barriers can be put down.

You save the cost of removal, and the existing trees are now smaller and safer. The root pruning along with the new root barriers will now cut your maintenance work to one-third. This is what is done in Europe where the art of tree work is thought out before hand. Unfortunately Americans think they have invented tree work and don’t like to learn from other cultures. What you would be doing is reinventing the tree and saving a ton of money.

BULLYING CANNOT BE TOLERATED:
By Ray Martinez

My 9-year-old daughter wrote this after coming home from being bullied at school: “It has been a tough week, it’s sad that things happen to you when you try to be yourself. I think I’m a good kid and I’m lucky to have parents that care about me. I may not be perfect but I try to be the best I can be.” It’s sad to think that any 9-year-old kid would have to write something like this.

Bullying is a huge problem, and the punishment for this act isn’t harsh enough or it wouldn’t be such a huge problem in all schools and for such a long time now. It does no good to have the best procedures and policies in place if no one is following and enforcing them. When you put a pot of water on the stove and turn it on, it doesn’t just boil over, it simmers for a while then it boils over. I’ve been simmering for three years now, and I finally boiled over. I can’t imagine there is anyone that is against trying to make this bullying problem better. If there is, I’d love to hear your side of the story.

You would think it would be in the schools’ best interest to fix the problem, because I know of quite a few parents who are going to or have taken their kids out of school to have them home schooled. The schools are going to lose lots of money for every kid that leaves, and less students means teacher cuts. Maybe no one’s worried about that until they find out how many parents are ready to do this (or already have done this) if things don’t change. I love my kids.

SCHOOLS ACTED WISELY TAKING THREAT SERIOUSLY:
By Jemma Keshishyan

Canalino School’s launching of an investigation into the Facebook threats by a parent on Friday, April 26, was appropriate considering what took place that prior morning. The mother of a Canalino student, against the school policy, took it upon herself to approach a group of unsuspecting children on campus. Using obscene language, she intimidated and made the children feel threatened.

The principal, Mr. Madrigal, was notified of the incident and it was understood that he addressed the matter with all the parties involved. The parents of the children were informed of the incident that evening and assured that no such act will be repeated. However, that was not the case. The mother immediately posted her actions on Facebook, gloating about how she made the children “(expletive) in their pants.”

With this post and the many others by her husband that followed, the parents of the children feared the worst. It appeared that this family could cause harm to members of the school. The parents of the threatened children acted diligently in demanding their protection on school grounds and kept their children home for a couple of days, until this was implemented.

With countless deaths occurring in schools throughout our nation, Canalino School took no chances and did what any parent in this country would want them to do. This school has been proactive in making sure that every member of its community is protected and continues to educate its students, their parents and the staff on similar matters.

The Carpinteria community as a whole is committed to putting an end to any sort of threats among its members. But before we do this, we all must first look in the mirror and reflect on our own actions and words and seek to understand all sides of the story.

WHERE’S THE RESOLUTION:
By Alanna V. Gilson

My name is Alanna Gilson, formerly Alanna Velasquez. My family has lived in Carpinteria for generations. I am also the parent of two daughters, ages 4 and 5, and I also went to Canalino School.

This story (“Facebook comment launches Canalino threat investigation,” May 2, CVN) is outlandish. Nobody has mentioned any efforts at making arrangements to bring the Martinez family back in the fold at Canalino School or, most importantly, their poor daughter who is now without a place to maintain her studies. And isn’t it a school’s responsibility to communicate with parents and be understanding, not reactionary as Superintendent Paul Cordeiro stated his actions were based on a Facebook post? What? At that point (and probably much sooner as the story indicates this has been an ongoing issue with the same kids), parents should have been called to discuss the matter, not banned from the school. What kind of policy is that?

I hope the next story is about resolution and not victimizing the Martinez family. What about the other families involved?

The title of this story should not have made light of the continuous “bullying” that’s going on not embarrassing the parents of the child being bullied for reacting on behalf their little girl.

AN HONEST MISTAKE:
By Jon Washington

In a letter to the editor run last week (“Love for the Russell Cup,” page 4), I stated the Russell Cup began in 1918. I was incorrect. It started in 1913 and officially became the Russell Cup in 1914. There were no meets from 1942 to 1946 because of World War II, and again in 1949 when I said my father had taken me to the meet. That must have been in 1948, just before I turned 7. Hope you can forgive me. The 94th Russell Cup was run this year, moving that cherished event closer to what promises to be a glorious 100th celebration. On your marks, get set, go! 

RUMINATIONS ON A NEWSPAPER:
By Steve Close

The first time I was shocked at how old I looked was in a “customer photo” on display at the Milpas and 101 Shell station circa 1981. I was 38. This degradation progressed until vanity lost out to, “happy to be alive and well at the moment.”

I don’t underestimate anyone. Everyone is a descendant of countless ancestors who went through heaven and hell to deliver them. Their very existence is miraculous. However, if anything can crush generations of character, ability and dignity, it’s the notion an individual is a subordinate of the state.

In regards to the April 25 issue of Coastal View News, I appreciated seeing my good neighbor Todd Bollinger on the cover, and learning his last name for the first time! I will have to ask him if he’s related to my niece’s husband’s dad, the late, great World War II B-24 pilot Jim Bollinger. 

Also, I was interested to see Jacqueline Hansen’s name mentioned in the Boston Marathon article. As it happens I had a bet with a friend that I would break 2:48:00 at the Culver City Marathon the same day Jacqueline set the world record in the Women’s Marathon (Dec. 1, 1974 with a 2:43:55). Not only did Jacqueline crush my male ego when she sped by at approximately mile 22, but I missed 2:48 by 4 seconds. 

Lastly, I was moved by Frederic Eugene Vance’s obituary. I never met him, but in another time and place, he could have been a playmate “who played under the train trestle catching pollywogs and then releasing them; he couldn’t even kill a bug. He loved everyone and every creature. You never knew what he had in his hand, it might be a rock or a huge black and yellow spider.” With luck, maybe one day, we will meet in another time and place.

HEARTY APPRECIATION FOR AN UPRIGHT ACT:
By Ernest Stephens

My wife and I are from San Diego and passed through your lovely city last weekend. We had lunch at Cabo’s Baja Grill and Cantina. We had an excellent meal with lots of yummy tri-tip, but the highlight of our visit was when my wife left her purse on the patio and we drove back home to San Diego before she realized she had forgotten it. My wife called and Gayle Rasmussen answered the phone and informed us that she had the purse. She asked for our address and sent it to us, and we received it today. Cabo’s Baja Grill and the honest people of Carpinteria have made it a special city for us, and Cabo’s will always be our restaurant in Carpinteria. We will never pass Carpinteria without stopping and spending time with you folks. Thanks, Gayle. From your forever customers from San Diego

PRIDE FOR BOSTON, DISCUST FOR WASHINGTON:
By Sanderson Smith
The aftermath of the Boston Marathon tragedy clearly illustrates the greatness that is the United States. From the minutes immediately following the bomb blasts through a series of painful days for Boston area residents, we witnessed the best of the American spirit and ingenuity. Images of people rushing to assist victims and the recognition and apprehension of the alleged perpetrators by law enforcement folks (common people like me and most reading this letter) starting from absolutely nothing was truly an illustration of U.S. greatness. I encourage you to reflect on the Boston situation and marvel at the results.

Contrast the Boston situation to the continual fiasco occurring in Washington, D.C., where our elected officials in the executive and legislative branches act like immature children and display neither logical or financial sense on vital issues. Witness, for example, President Obama’s very recent “spoiled brat” statements when his gun control measure didn’t get though the Democratic-controlled Senate. In Boston we saw a well-designed and swift resolution to an unexpected tragic event. But our Washington legislators are doing absolutely nothing to prevent the easily foreseeable Obamacare train wreck that will occur by the end of this year. Even Obama-supporting unions (Union of United Roofers, for instance) are calling for a repeal of Obamacare. I encourage voters to insist that our California representatives (Boxer, Feinstein, Capps, Pelosi) explain clearly why and how Obamacare (which they supported) is workable. I’m a mathematician and I’m 99.9 percent certain they can’t do it.

It may not be the best of analogies (Boston vs. Washington), but Boston demonstrates what can be done by the American people, whereas Washington illustrates what shouldn’t be done. Kudos to Boston, and also to those who are coming to realize that those supposedly serving us in Washington are failing badly. We deserve better!

TOUTING THE TOUR:
By Lucy Stephenson

The Carp Beautiful Home and Garden Tour Committee is one of the most organized and supportive organizations ever. As a homeowner of one of the 2013 homes on the tour, I was carried away by Donnie Nair, her committee of elegantly trained and performing volunteers and how they went over and beyond my expectations of organization and help. Valerie Powdrell, our liaison, was always available and kept us informed and supported in getting ourselves and our house “tour worthy.” Thank you, Carpinteria Beautiful.

NOT VERY CHRISTIAN:
By Bud Fink

Mrs. Thorn (“Presidential tantrum,” CVN, April 25) is evidently not familiar with her New Testament. See The Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 2, Verse 42: “Those who believed shared all things in common. They would sell their property and goods, dividing everything on the basis of each one’s needs.”

While being closer to Communism than Socialism, I’m sure it shows where Jesus stood on the subject.

EXPERT IN ORNERY:
By Robert Baruch

Regarding the letter by Diana Thorn, “Presidential tantrum,” CVN, April 25: It seems as though we’ve finally come to discuss a subject on which the writer is a renowned expert, that of tantrums. After all, she has been in a state of perpetual hissy fit since January 2009.

Unfortunately, indulging in obsessive hatred of our president leaves no time to educate oneself regarding how our government actually operates. She refers to the “Democratically controlled Senate” and its failure to pass the recent gun proposal. Apparently the writer is not familiar with the filibuster, which Republicans have used to block virtually all legislation in that body for the past four and a half years.

The vote on background checks prior to gun purchases was 54-46 in favor. But it did not pass! Although it received a majority of votes, it did not garner the required 60 to overcome the inevitable and obstructionist GOP filibuster.

The writer often loves to quote polls. She missed, or chose to ignore, the Gallup Poll (April 23, 2013), which found 91 percent favored such background checks. All but four Republicans in the Senate sided with the gun lobby and against the wishes of 91 percent of the American public, yet she has the unmitigated gall to describe our president as arrogant!

Finally, the writer gets around to her usual tactic of equating a Democratic majority with a socialist takeover. “Democrats would control our country and socialism would be the rule,” she warns. Juvenile name-calling is not a substitute for knowledge or facts. Perhaps, she would like to check the CVN letter archives for a “tutorial” on political terminology. (Yes, I wrote it).

I won’t hold my breath.

LOVE FOR THE RUSSELL CUP:
By Jon Washington

I was nearly 8 in April, 1949, when my father took me to my first Russell Cup Track and Field Invitational at old Memorial Field. I was fascinated by the numer of athletes—and also the many orange school buses from such places as Lancaster (Antelope Valley), Oxnard, Ventura, Lompoc, Santa Maria, etc., etc.

But, here it is 2013, and the Russell Cup, at the new track, has become one of the best, if not the best, small high school track meet in the nation. Thanks to current Carpinteria High School track coach Van Latham, many coaches and school administrators plus a neverending townful of volunteers, the Russell Cup (first held in 1918) is the oldest high school track meet in California.

Thank you for this.

THISTLES EUROPEANS LOVE, TOO:
By Marcella Martin

Preparing myself to enjoy reading about artichokes, which I love, I hit a part in Christie Boyd’s “Thistles we love” column where in a Ventura restaurant, Europeans were noticed as not knowing about how to eat artichokes. In her article, Boyd contradicts herself by informing us that ancient Greeks consumed them. Modern ones do to! Later, she refers to Italy as a worldwide producer.

Being French and knowing my country, I can say that from the Mediterranean to Brittany artichokes are grown for consumption as the varieties change with the climate, and during the season all French people enjoy consuming them. Most educated French people also know the good properties which help their liver without having to resort to a special tea produced from artichokes. Especially when goods were scarce, during World War II, the artichoke was grown and consumed. I saw it as a child then. However, I can add that it is rarely grown as a garden ornamental plant in Europe, but that did not prevent me in the late 1980s from introducing artichokes from Nipomo to the historical landmark of San Luis Obispo. Sprayed with gold paint, artichokes became Christmas ornaments one year!

Over the years that I have been in Santa Barbara and Carpinteria, I have come to wish that Carpinterians would appreciate other countries as much as they love the plants that are coming from good old Europe.

PRESIDENTIAL TANTRUM:
By Diana Thorn

President Obama lashed out viciously last Wednesday, after the defeat of his gun-control proposal. Standing with Newtown family members, he attacked those who were opposed to federal background checks and claimed the NRA had “willfully lied.” His temper, arrogance and motives were on full display.

Why did he act so angrily? Could it be because the Democratically controlled Senate failed to pass the gun proposal? Did he want the Senate to pass the proposal, thereby setting up the House to shoot it down? Then he could blame Republicans and hopefully win the House in the 2014 election. The result, Democrats would control our country and Socialism would be the rule. If Obama was so interested in gun-control, where was he during Fast and Furious, the Fort Hood killings, the gun-running from Benghazi into Syria and the out of control shootings in Chicago? On April 17, we saw Obama unmasked.

PAVING THE WAY TO BETTER PAVEMENT:
By Karl Jakel

It is becoming more and more dangerous to ride my bicycle in Carpinteria due to the very poor condition of the streets. There are wide cracks inside of depressions, which can catch the very narrow tires and cause a nasty fall. Would the city be liable due to negligence?

Additionally, there are areas where there are patches on patches (especially the area south of the railroad tracks and west of Linden Avenue where there are no curbs and sidewalks) and wide areas where the street is sinking due to water getting into the base. It will soon not be possible to simply re-pave, and instead the paving will have to be removed and the base corrected. This is an expensive item that is being ignored and “kicked down the road” by the City of Carpinteria? Should the city manager write an article explaining what is being done? Should the city council tour the area mentioned above and see if they agree that it is dangerous to pedestrians and cyclists and looks more like Mexico than California?

PRIVATIZE THE SKATEPARK:
By Tim Grimes
I think the Carpinteria Skatepark is a great idea. It should, however, be self-sustaining in that it should not cost the city taxpayers anything. It should be privately developed, maintained and insured.

WATER OR LIQUID GOLD?:
By Frank Torreano

Here’s an idea, how about the city of Carpinteria donates the county’s “duplicate charges” refund of $143,605 to the Capinteria Valley Water District? This in the hope that these added monies might aid the struggling, burdened water district and maybe, just maybe, the district might be able to lighten the excessive monthly rate cost to its residential customers.

Ours have to be the highest water bills in the entire state of California, if not the entire country! I have never really learned and I don’t know that anyone really knows why we’re paying the exorbitant monthly billing we do for such a basic life necessity.

CRACKING THE CODE COMPLIANCE:
By Mike Lane

On a recent Friday morning I noticed two City of Carpinteria code compliance officers on duty at the same time. How can the city financially justify having two code compliance officers on duty at the same time? I find it hard to believe that they are writing enough parking tickets on any given day to make it monetarily worthwhile for the city to fund their positions.

I don’t understand why Carpinteria has a code compliance supervisor and two code compliance officers. In a town that takes less than five minutes to drive from one end to the other, it seems to me that one person alone can handle the job. In these financially lean times, the city is paying three salaries, three benefit/retirement packages, and furnishing a couple of code compliance vehicles for a position that one person could easily do alone. Many families here in Carpinteria are cutting costs wherever possible, so doesn’t it seem logical that the city should be doing the same?

SOCIAL INSECURITY:
By Ruth Case
We all should be outraged enough to contact President Obama, our senators and congressional representatives because our government has confiscated the entire Social Security Insurance Fund of almost $3 trillion and continues daily to steal every penny that American workers deposit in the fund. Since the beginning of Social Security, federal elected representatives have used this American workers’ retirement insurance fund as if it was a personal piggy bank for their pet projects. We must take action to make them stop this daily stealing and pay back the almost $3 trillion.

If corporate leaders stole their workers insurance fund, they would be punished with prison time. Past and present American workers should sue our federal government for payback and demand that our Social Security Fund be put in a “lock-box” to stop our elected reps from stealing it now and in the future.

CAMPFIRE TALK:
By Jim Taylor

I note that the South Coast Air Quality Management District has proposed banning open fires on all Los Angeles and Orange County beaches to reduce fine particulate pollutants and to mitigate “very unhealthy levels of smoke for anyone near them, and for residents downwind.”

I wonder whether the City of Carpinteria shouldn’t consider asking the state park system to remove the fire rings in Carpinteria State Beach for the same reasons.

RETHINK PRO-SKATEPARK ARGUMENT:
By Maria Daily

In response to Mr. Herzog’s letter (“Yes, bring a skatepark downtown,” Coastal View News, March 28, 2013) I submit to you that the corner of Holly and 5th is neither located in the “heart and soul” of downtown, nor should a skatepark be established in this tranquil residential neighborhood— quiet save for the occasional passing of trains. The city council has yet to endorse the very concept of a skatepark located anywhere in Carpinteria, much less in a residential neighborhood!

PRESERVE OUR HARMONY, PLEASE:
By Jeanne Whitney

Please don’t destroy the neighborhood harmony. For more then 70 years I have visited Carpinteria and I continue to come to relax and enjoy the small town atmosphere. I have always resided in homes in very close proximity to the land where the skateboard park is being proposed. This is one of the highest density areas of the city, and adding the visual and audible commotion of a skatepark would only destroy the peaceful harmony the neighbors have been able to maintain throughout the years. The field on 5th Street is a very small parcel of land, and placing a skatepark there would put the skaters very close to homes and would have a big impact on the nearby residents’ quality of life.

The skateparks that I am familiar with are all part of larger parks where there is other activity going on. Perhaps a skatepark could be incorporated into an existing city park. What about the skate rink out near city hall? I have not seen it used for many years, though it was built for youth activity.

I would be in favor of a community garden within a green park as it would not only be a nice welcome to those arriving by train, it would have less negative impact on the neighborhood and be productive as well.

JURY SELECTION MISSES MARK:
By Steve Close

Jury Nullification: “A sanctioned doctrine of trial proceedings wherein members of a jury disregard either the evidence presented or the instructions of the judge in order to reach a verdict based upon their own consciences. It espouses the concept that jurors should be the judges of both law and fact.”
It’s your right.

But if you say you believe in jury nullification (your right), you will likely be dismissed from jury duty. The questionnaire I completed in Santa Barbara left the impression that beyond ensuring jurors be fair and unbiased, the state would prefer mild, unquestioning jurors. Sheep OK, rebels not OK. Such a practice clearly compromises justice. Your questionnaire dilemma: tell the truth and not be selected for jury duty, or not tell the truth and serve justice.

GRANDFATHER SUPPORTS SKATEPARK:
By Thomas Glasgow

It was 1980, and my work in Flagstaff was ending. At the encouragement of some hang gliding friends, I took a look at Carpinteria. I came out and was blown away, the small town, the ocean, the mountains—wow! A paradise found, for me and my young family. That year was a struggle—new job, staying in a tent in a backyard for several weeks, wondering if we had made the right decision.

We had! My wife found work at Saint Francis Hospital, we rented a house for a few months, then later we bought a house just down the street.

I worked, volunteered as a Boy Scout leader, surfed, did a little skateboarding, enjoyed this wonderful town and the people who make it. I coached some sports at the Boys Club and encouraged my sons to enjoy and do the same. And they have.

Both went to school here, participated in school sports, became avid skateboarders during their adolescent years. Now our sons both work here and are raising families of their own. Among other sports, our grandsons and granddaughters are learning to skateboard.

The way I see it, this is a community, not just a retirement community. My wife and I love the exuberance of kids. Yes, sometimes some get too much so, but they too live here.

We did not move here for the investment possibilities or to retire in quiet solitude; we moved here to be part of a diverse and energetic community. We, the community, do need to provide outlets for “our” kids who are part of this community. We should stop trying to find “out of sight, out of mind” places for them to enjoy their time. Soon they too will be adults. Let’s give them a positive outlook at becoming adults and being a part of this community.

PULL THE PLUG ON THE RUMOR MILL:
By Javier Morales
I am writing this to address the fixation that this town always seems to possess: rumors. If you grew up here or have resided here for long enough, you will know that Carpinteria is most infamous for it.

I realize that we are a small town. Everyone knows everyone. It’s a blessing, yet is also a curse. I love hearing good news about anyone here, but much to my dismay, I hear the bad as well. The worst thing is, half of it doesn’t seem to be true or at the very least, not contain all the facts.

I know this is a pious town, so continue to love thy neighbor. I’m all about the positivity here, folks. That’s why I love living here. Take care and look out for one another.

YES, BRING A SKATEPARK DOWNTOWN:
By Teddy Herzog
At its highest and best use, a pedestrian-oriented downtown functions well when it brings the community to active participation with itself. This is different than typical suburban life.

If the purpose of Linden Avenue is to be the heart and soul of a small town then what we want is to encourage people—young people—to come, walk around and hang out.

Will the skate park make noise? Sure. Would a multi-unit housing development, for example, be much quieter? Sure. In comparison, an imagined multi-unit development is a relatively “dead” land use in a vital location at the core of Linden Avenue. That is to say that housing would only contribute in a small way towards building a vibrant downtown “community” fabric.

I sympathize with those who live nearby and their desire for peace and quiet; a soundwall would be needed. But the as-built layout of the downtown core surrounding the proposed skateboard park and the adjacent railroad station make this site one of activity, noise, people gathering and passing through. Yes, we want that. Sure, like Island Brewing Company, maybe quiet time is after 9 p.m. But this is not a location of tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the downtown. It is the downtown, the heart and soul of our community.

What better way to empower the functionality of this key downtown core location than to ensure that, for years to come, our young members of the community will come to congregate. From the little that I have seen, this is precisely where you want young people to come hang out, in the heart of the community.

Locate the skateboard park smack in the middle of the downtown core. Take a look at Santa Barbara’s skatepark for a good example of community in action.

RIGHT IDEA, WRONG PLACE:
By Lisa Patsch
As a teacher of fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders for the last 28 years, I see the need for places young people can go to be physically active. The idea of a skatepark is a good concept, but the proposed 5th Street location is not in the best interest of the local homeowners. The skateboarding community should be looking at a site adjacent to an already established community park, on the mountain side of the freeway where the bulk of our young people live.

The proposed site on 5th Street has several problems. First, it is a small area with insufficient parking in the middle of residential housing. Second, the noise of skateboarding would be nonstop during weekends and holidays, and this is not fair to those who live there. Third, I worry about the proximity to the state park. In my experience, those who are not locals would not be as likely to follow the rules and be as respectful. Lastly, I worry about the physical safety of those non-skaters who wish to use the other proposed areas of the park.

I have unfavorable memories of when the temporary skatepark was in the parking lot. As I would wait for the train, I was assailed by foul language, the bullying of younger children by older skaters, the lack of proper supervision or safety gear and aggressive behaviors. Skaters would hop over the fences, often in front of oncoming trains, and were rude to adults or others who tried to intervene.

Carpinteria is a tourist destination, and visitors to our city should be greeted by more welcoming sights and sounds than a concrete skatepark. I hope the Skate Foundation can find a more appropriate location away from residential areas and more centrally located for the convenience of our local skaters.

SANITY QUESTIONED:
By
I question the sanity of the City of Carpinteria considering placing a skatepark in a downtown residential area. I have lived off and on in Carp for about 30 years and started surfing there in 1952. The difference between surfing and skateboarding is surfers aren’t heard. The waves are louder.

At 10 years old I carried a large, bulky, 33-pound balsa wood board, sometimes for great distances, to enjoy surfing, and now skateboarders complain because they have to carry their little tiny skateboards a little further to enjoy their endeavor. Man up; go to an area that doesn’t disturb your neighbors.

I own several rental properties in the area of the proposed skatepark, and I am concerned that skating noise, vocal noise and miscellaneous activities like graffiti, vandalism, alcohol and drug usage (that the city won’t be able to control) will create a blight upon the neighborhood, further reducing property values. When it comes time to sell our property we will have to disclose this negative issue, which will in turn reduce our property values. The city has no right to intentionally lower (even indirectly) the value of our property.

I’m in favor of a skatepark in Carp, just not in a traditionally quiet, laid-back beach neighborhood that my renters and neighbors yearn for. Restore the skating ring next to City Hall as the skatepark. There is no residential area nearby to bother. City offices are closed on weekends when the park would be used most. Also skaters with negative attitudes would be subject to a degree of indirect supervision knowing the police department and city offices are next door—a perfect location for skateboarders.

TOWER OF BABEL:
By Jim Swinford
After reading the Feb. 28 edition of Coastal View News, I was alarmed to see that a 48-foot tower has been proposed for the soon to be remodeled fire station at its current downtown location. I wonder if alternative sites for the fire station have been examined?

I have especially wondered this during the summer tourist months when traffic can be backed up on Carpinteria Avenue between Linden Avenue and Casitas Pass Road, and the fire equipment has to perform tricky navigation skills to respond to calls for service. Can there be another location that doesn’t require fire equipment to pass by the front of the middle school on a daily basis with its sirens on? Does the future extension of Via Real offer any opportunities for a new location?

I have heard that there is an interest to move Carpinteria City Hall back downtown. Has the city explored doing a site swap with the fire district? Placing the fire district at the current city hall site would put it closer to freeway access for getting fire equipment across town, and it would easily tolerate the blending-in of the proposed 48-foot tower into its surroundings. Even without swapping sites, the building of the 48-foot tower at the current city hall location would accomplish the fire district’s goal of keeping its fire fighters in town during training. It’s common for municipalities to have fire training towers remotely located at their corporate yards. This is a 50- to 60-year decision that requires close examination.

With regard to meeting the 20 percent landscaping requirement issue, the city’s integrity is suspect if it doesn’t hold the fire district to the same set of standards that it holds its citizens to.

LOOK ELSEWHERE, SKATERS:
By Genene Staats
I would like to see a skatepark in Carpinteria. However, the 5th Street site, in the middle of a neighborhood, is not the best place to build a park that could create a nuisance for homeowners.

I doubt that the City of Carpinteria would give a minute’s thought to locating the skatepark near the Seal Rookery or the Salt Marsh Reserve. Of course not! The city would never want to create a disturbance to the lives there! What about those humans who live in the homes surrounding the 5th Street parcel? Carpinteria Skate Foundation states that they want a “progressively designed skatepark that will provide a recreational setting for the entire community to enjoy.” If “entire community” includes residents in the areas of 5th, Dorrance, Elm and Holly streets (those who would be most impacted by the traffic and noise resulting from the numbers expected to go to the skatepark), a different spot for the park would be better for everyone.

It is critical for city council members to strike a balance between the public good and private rights when making land-use decisions. On the 5th Street property, this balance could be reached by putting in a “community park” with benches, walking paths and areas to be enjoyed by all ages. Other ideas such as a community garden, bike path or even a landscaped/fenced dog park would be much more attractive and welcoming to anyone seeing Carpinteria from the train. Concrete is just not that beautiful. There has got to be another location at which a skatepark could be built.

I truly believe the majority of Carpinterians (near 5th Street or not) would not want a skatepark located next to their homes, where they go for privacy, relaxation and solace. Please find another location for the skatepark.

SENIOR CITIZEN PARK MAKES MORE SENSE:
By John Gonzales
The elected city officials should respect the wishes of the local neighborhood and deny the Carpinteria Skate Foundation its wish of building a skatepark at the proposed 5th Street location. I strongly suggest for our fellow citizens of Carpinteria to go look at the area in question. It is located in the older part of Carpinteria next to the railroad. You will see how narrow and small the area is.

It is hard to believe that the city would ever consider a construction of that magnitude in that particular lot. The traffic would be horrible. There just isn’t any space. I was dumbfounded when the city purchased that lot from the railroad and said it was going to be a park. To me, it did not make sense to spend that much taxpayer money on the lot.

I sometimes wonder if there is not a quid pro quo arrangement between some elected city officials and the Carpinteria Skate Foundation. That particular lot should be built into a traditional park with manicured lawns, some trees and picnic tables where people can go and just sit down and rest. The senior citizens can play dominos, chess or that Italian bowling. If I am correct, the senior citizens and retirees (the majority pay property and sales taxes) do not have a park designated for their pleasure. Let’s dedicate this new park to our senior citizens.

As for the Skate Foundation, they can use their money in refurbishing the dilapidated skating ring behind city hall. If not, they seem to have the financial resources where they can buy some property on the outskirts of town and build their skatepark and then donate it to the City of Carpinteria or build one in some other neighborhood.

HELP, I’VE FALLEN:
By Kathy Grandfield
I’ve worked in the medical profession nearly all my adult life so I am no stranger to the process of assessing and assisting a person who has taken a bad fall. Saturday I became the fallen one. After sailing across the width of a local sidewalk, I head-butted a car on my way down, bounced off the curb and ended up in the gutter between the car’s rear wheel and the curb. The response of local citizens was instant, especially the woman who put a towel under my face and the gentleman who got down on the sidewalk and repeatedly instructed me not to move or worry as the paramedics would be there very soon.

Fortunately I fell just around the corner from the fire station and the paramedics did appear in record time, as did an ambulance and the police. It’s an amazing experience to be in the care of the paramedics. Yes, I know they are highly trained and skilled but they are also very adept at keeping one calm and “in the moment” and feeling quite safe, while simultaneously performing a very rapid and thorough assessment of the injured person from head to foot. I was up and on my feet in a short time. The local ER took care of putting me back together, four stitches in my brow. And I will be fine pretty soon, once the multiple bruises and scrapes heal.

Saying thank you to everyone who came to my aid seems to be such an inadequate response but that is what I feel, tremendously thankful that a handful of caring citizens came together to comfort and care for me.

SKATER WEIGHES IN ON SKATEPARK:
By John Callos
I’ve been a skateboarder for over 40 years and still ride a board to my office.

I applaud the tenacity and leadership efforts of the Carpinteria Skate Foundation. These folks have worked hard and stayed focused. When presented with obstacles, they return with solutions. These are reasonable people, and they deserve our respect.

It seems, however, that to truly be a “community” space, we must find a use that serves the majority of the community. Speaking as a skater myself, we do not represent a significant percentage of the Carpinteria community.

When all the smoke clears, there remain a few core issues: noise impacting neighbors, a space that serves all of the community—not just the vocal minority—and various safety concerns (skaters hurting themselves and potentially hurting passersby).

So as a resident with deep roots in Carp and an avid skater, where do I stand on all of this?

I think there’s a reasonable compromise and that the Skate Foundation will continue to work with residents to find a solution. Such as the following: 1. Reduce the footprint of the skatepark (Hey guys, even a smaller park is way better than grinding on block planters and benches). 2. Incorporate a safe access point to the skatepark that will not put garden and park users in direct contact with the skaters (consider a raised planter, as a grade-level sidewalk will not suffice). 3. Put the skatepark as much as 10-feet below grade to keep sound travel to a minimum. 4. Provide viewing areas that allow the community to enjoy the athleticism and remarkable skills of our local skaters.

Let’s continue to keep the discussion civil. Let’s find a way to work together for the benefit of the entire community, not just cater to the vocal minority.

NOT IN OUR BACKYARD:
By Maria Kruizenga

Accepted national Skateboard Park Standards state that a minimum 450-foot buffer should be placed between a skatepark and residences. Most cities are aware of this standard. The 5th Street and Holly Avenue location is less than 150 feet from many residences; actually right across the street. This fact alone should have been taken into consideration and this location should have been summarily dismissed as plausible.

Consider 450 feet from the park, and hundreds of citizens are now affected. Consider 1,000 feet and several thousand people are affected with noise and other nuisances. It’s not just the immediate close-in residences that are affected.

The Skate Foundation states that more distant locations will limit its use. Are participants unwilling to travel to enjoy their sport? Must they skate in close to your home, bedroom, living room. One end of Carpinteria to the other is only a few minutes driving time. Parents can certainly drive their children there as parents with kids in other sports do. Work with the State Parks to find a location. Use your own funds, and buy land close to the bluffs and put a skatepark there. The Skate Foundation has already raised significant funds.

Residents use their patios to enjoy the relative peace and quiet that Carpinteria has to offer. We didn’t buy these homes hoping a skatepark would suddenly appear piercing the quiet solitude of our lives and subjecting us to the incessant clack and clatter of hundreds of skateboard wheels. This is tantamount to imposing a constant disturbance forever. This is not a passing train.

Many who have built in our downtown beach neighborhood made contributions to the Parks and Recreation acquisitions fund through Development Impact Fees. These funds will be used to purchase this park, a park where everyone has equal access to enjoy it.

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT:
By Jim Taylor

Some years ago the neighborhood kids started skateboarding with ramps, rails and so forth on a community sports court that was several hundred feet from our house. The noise was unbelievable. Sure, the kids need a place to skate, but take my word for it—you don't want that place to be within earshot of your house.

DOGGY IN NEED OF ADOPTION:
By Sue Keldsen

My heart breaks for an abandoned dog that sits alone in our local shelter for strays. On March 11, while taking pictures of wildflowers in a field near Carpinteria City Hall, I heard the sad wailings of a dog. I walked down Dump Road to try to locate where this haunting sound was coming from. It was from the city’s storage yard, where the kennels for strays are kept.

Like most people, I thought strays were taken into Santa Barbara and given to the Humane Society or animal shelter. Not so, I am told. This dog, Milo, who has been featured for months now in the Coastal View News for adoption, was the dog I heard crying like nothing I have ever heard before.

I called 9-1-1 and demanded that someone come and check on the animal’s welfare since I couldn't get to him in the locked and isolated kennel where he has sat, week after week, hoping someone would come by and pay him some attention. I was assured that he is fed, and walked twice a day. But in the meantime he just sits and cries.

I am writing this because it's a bloody shame that people can look at a needy animal week after week in the paper and still not feel compelled to help by fostering him or, better yet, giving him a home. Now I am asking you, the public, to help me help this dog find a home. I cannot adopt him, otherwise I would. But I know one of you can, and I am begging you to do so.

FEMA SLIPUPS UNFORGIVABLE:
By Bob Hayes

Does anyone besides me find FEMA's bureaucratic blundering with the Carpinteria floodplain map offensive? We've gone through this same floodplain nonsense several times, invariably resulting in FEMA correcting itself after many homeowners are forced to procure very expensive and in most cases needless flood insurance.

It's as if every few years a new crop of incompetents comes along at FEMA and indulges in the same stupidity. Here was one federal agency (mortgage guarantors) demanding flood insurance premiums (that ultimately go to the federal government) because another federal agency (FEMA) made mapping blunders despite being warned by another government entity (City of Carpinteria) about the errors. If anyone else tried this they'd get prosecuted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

Faced with a demand from my lender that I procure expensive flood insurance, I contacted Rep. Lois Capp's office for help and I received no response of any kind.

The city congratulating FEMA on correcting errors it never should have made in the first place, as mentioned in your headline article (“FEMA corrects flood map blunders, March 7), seems a bit absurd.

This would all be funny except for the fact that these are our elected officials, and as taxpayers we're coerced into subsidizing this type of stupidity on the part of our government.

SKATEPARK OFFERS BIG BENEFITS:
By Peter Bonning

Having grown up and lived most of my life in the beauty and relative safety of Carpinteria, the realities of life in a city like Oakland have been stark and abrasive. I am currently living in Oakland as I earn my teaching credential. My hope is to return to the town from whence I came and give back to the community by educating and empowering our youth. I know Carpinteria is considering a skatepark near the downtown area. I am writing in support of the skatepark and the potential 5th Street location.

Skateboarding was and is a very important outlet for me, and I know it is capable of changing lives for the better. As a close-knit community, Carpinteria would benefit from encouraging its youth to engage in positive, healthy, self-esteem and friendship building activities. We live in the heart of a multi-million dollar a year skateboard industry; the sport is fun and healthy, and here to stay.

So we can fight the idea of contributing to a healthy, happy, empowered and stimulated society, or we can embrace a culture that has the potential to bring out the best in our town, while also drawing more people and their spending money through our downtown corridor.

SKATEPARK WOULD VIOLATE NEIGHBOR RIGHTS:
By Ron Bernacki

My wife and I winter in Carpinteria on 5th Street and have done so for the last four years. We enjoy the town, the people and certainly the weather.

We have heard about the pending skateboard park and gardens proposed for just across the street from where we stay. I did not give it much thought until recently when I walked past a group skateboarding in the municipal parking lot just down the street.

These kids, just being kids, were skating back and forth, jumping their boards in the air and landing hard on the pavement. I could not believe the amount of noise this generated. As I walked back to our rental I thought this is no longer going to provide the peace, quiet and serenity we now have.

I am not against skateboarders or any other groups until or unless they disturb the rights of others. To me this proposed park will generate noise and commotion for homeowners on both sides of the tracks.

Our community back home built a skateboard park after a lot of debate about all the problems associated with them. The solution they came to was to build the park just on the outskirts of town so local residents did not have to endure the noise, traffic, etc.

While skateboarders have rights, so do existing homeowners and tenants in the affected area, and their rights should trump those of the skateboarders since most of them have been here for years.

I urge the council to give full consideration to the folks who live in the potential noise zone and ask each member of the council if they would like such a facility across from their home.

UNPRECEDENTED MOVE:
By Diana Thorn

In one of the most politically despicable moves ever, the Obama administration released hundreds of illegal aliens from local jails in anticipation of “future” budget cuts from aequestration. This move by Obama’s Department of Homeland Security was political, dangerous and intended to pressure Republicans to cave on sequestration. Furthermore, it was intended to create hysteria, so that gullible Americans would support increased taxes.

According to Pinal County Sheriff Paul Baber, ICE released more than 500 detainees in his county, and plans to release a total of nearly 10,000 in the future. Once again, Obama vented his rage toward Arizona. The AP also revealed that illegal immigrants were released in Texas, California and Georgia.

America, isn’t it the job of the president to defend and protect the Constitution of the United States and the people? Isn’t releasing these “criminal” illegal immigrants who were supposed to be deported, putting American lives in danger? Is this an impeachable offense? At the very least, it was a gross violation of the President’s oath of office and his duty to protect the public and national security. Speak up America.

Clisck here for letters published in 2012: http://coastalview.com/2012-letters#/a/drawer/pages/923

SUMMERLAND FIREHOUSE TOO PRICEY TO STOMACH:
By Janis Grimont

The Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection Board’s support for a $10 million bond issue is a disappointment and, frankly, astonishing. While the $60 per typical household cost for the bond appears nominal, the board should seriously re-evaluate the proposed budget.

The 5,390-square-foot firehouse approved in Summerland has a $5 million budget, which equates to construction costs of $927 per square foot. This is on par with super luxury home building costs in our area! Most homes in our area selling for $900 per square foot include land value as well. While specialized equipment, handicap access and training facilities are much needed, why should it cost this much?

Estimated costs from Marshall Valuation Service indicate something in the range of $500 to $600 per square foot is the typical construction cost for firehouses in our area. Where is the fiscal responsibility in trying to “sell” us this over-inflated budget at over $900?

When polled by the SCI Consulting group regarding your opinion on the firehouses, please respond with a “no” vote for the proposed exorbitantly high cost and apparent waste of our bond-payers’ money. A more realistic bond cost should be $7 million, not $10 million.

SKATEPARK? NOT IN OUR BACKYARD:
By Richard Batchelder

I write with great concern and opposition to the placement of a skatepark within our peaceful downtown neighborhood. There is no way of mitigating noise; there is no way of mitigating gangs of kids looking to have a good time with their sport. No amount of sub-ground cement can mask the constant clatter and grind of skateboard activity. Most of the surrounding homes and apartment buildings are two-story, where noise carries upward.

Skatepark competition and events would undoubtedly occur. The impact on the residential area would be significant. Traffic problems, noise and criminal offenses will occur. I know. As a retired policeman I speak from experience. I strongly disagree that a skatepark “will bring together different generations,” as Jason Lesh of Carp Skate Foundation opines in CVN on Feb. 14. There simply is no good reason for the city to entertain placing a skatepark in a residential area among tax-paying properties—all of which would be directly negatively impacted. I think the majority of my generation would agree.

Mr. Lesh says skateboarders don’t fit the “team mold” and that they need an outlet. It is not the mandate of our city to provide “an outlet” for special interest groups. The city has no business giving up use of valuable park/greenspace in a residential area to a specialized interest group for cementization.

The Skatepark Foundation claims to be willing to “bend over backwards” to appease the neighbors. Unfortunately, theirs is an impossible task. It is naively optimistic of them to think neighbors will passively capitulate. Noise is noise. The internet is fraught with examples of skatepark issues.

The property-owning neighbors are overwhelmingly united against a skatepark at the proposed location. It is neither the city’s business to impose such property-devaluing activity, nor the neighborhood’s responsibility to police the inevitable elements associated with skateparks. Carpinteria already has enough law enforcement problems without exacerbating the issue.

LAWN BOWLING OVER SKATEBOARDING:
By Martha Hickey

Having followed the question of a skatepark on the property formerly owned by Union Pacific, I must agree with the letter in last week’s Coastal View News; that property is not the place for a skate park. There are other areas in Carpinteria better suited for a noisy activity like skateboarding.

Instead I would like to propose an alternative use for that area. Why not something for senior citizens? Many of our seniors go to Santa Barbara for lawn bowling. Why not put a lawn bowling area for them on that property. It is centrally located for them. Many of our seniors cannot get to Santa Barbara, but would take advantage of it here.

Just a suggestion, but I do think it might be a wonderful idea for our seniors. I have never lawn bowled, but hear it is great fun, and I might take it up if there was a place here in Carpinteria.

ROOKERY OFFERS “CHUM LINE” FOR GREAT WHITES:
By RG Wood

Great white sharks have a very acute sense of smell and are able to detect minute amounts of blood or food in the water. At Casitas Pier there has been created a large gatherings of seals, with some giving birth on the beach. This is a “chum line” for sharks! The sanctuary/tourist attraction has done a great harm to those animals; it’s not safe for them there. Six seals at a time with shark bite wounds is very sad and unprecedented.

Those animals by Casitas Pier are causing great white sharks to come here. Saying seals are “not the problem,” as Peter Howorth did at the Dec. 7 Marine Mammal Center fundraiser in Santa Barbara, is absurd!

After attending the shark presentations in Santa Barbara and Carpinteria I would like to say that myself and many others are concerned that nothing was resolved. Why is the City of Carpinteria continuing to encourage seals to come here, especially in light of all the recent shark attacks? How is it that our city got involved with marine mammals?

We think the city is out of bounds. It’s the jurisdiction of the federal government or the State of California. Please, stop closing the beach and just leave those harbor seals alone.

Remember the storyline from the movie “Jaws” and the role of the city of Amity Island?

This is definitely a very real threat to public safety. If someone is attacked, then you will be closing all of our beaches. The Seal Watchers are misguided and causing harm to the animals they are trying to protect. It’s just common sense to stop this beach closure!

CONSPIRATORIAL MINDS THINK ALIKE: By George Lehtinen

Conspiracy theorists and anti-theorists endlessly debate the technical aspects of invented conspiracies like the Moon Landing Hoax, the Twin Towers Conspiracy and other more off-center ones like chemtrails. A Feb. 7 letter to Coastal View News reminds us of that hypothesizing. But what rarely gets discussed is the apparently perfect sociology and psychology of the conspirators.

For example, in the case of the Twin Towers conspiracy, so perfect were the conspirators’ recruitment and indoctrination processes that none of the claimed hundreds of insiders talked about their plans beforehand to anyone. No one got cold feet, no one blabbed, and no one called the cops.

Beyond that, and much more difficult, all the people asked to join the conspiracy must have either agreed to join or agreed to remain silent if they didn’t join. If the conspirators misjudged even a single potential conspirator who chose instead to call the FBI, the jig would have been up. But again, so perfect were the sociology and psychology of the conspirators that no false moves were made and no one gave up the conspiracy.

If conspirators’ goals have broad public support, then the chances of a successful recruitment go up, but for a crackpot cause like slaughtering as many innocents as possible, the chances of picking a willing fellow conspirator are approximately zero. But here again the Twin Tower conspirators, like the moon hoaxers and the chemtrails conspirators, unerringly pinpointed the many insiders required and flawlessly bypassed the great majority who would have gladly done them in.

THE CARING OF CARPINTERIA:
By Lorraine Castro

On Feb. 17, my sweetheart Stephen Goldwater and I were at the seal rookery watching the amazing new life through borrowed binoculars. The adorable new seal pups were being taught all the talents new seal moms have been teaching throughout time. Then something happened that made me experience first hand how amazingly kind people can be in times of crisis. One moment I was sitting on the bench watching the seals, and the next I was unconsciousness sitting on the muddy ground.

Apparently I passed out, something I’ve never experienced before. Stephen attempted to bring me back, noting I was still breathing, but for minutes nothing roused me. At Stephen’s request, someone called the paramedics. The wonderful husband and wife team on duty that afternoon proved to be strangers who come through for others in distress. The gentleman helped Stephen pull me up to sit on the bench, at which point I projectile vomited all over myself. This gentleman did everything needed to help me, including getting me water and ultimately helping me into the back of his car, gooey and muddy as I was, so that I didn’t have to wait for Stephen to do the return walk to the condo for his car to come back and pick me up.

Although I can’t remember this gracious man’s name, I hope he knows how much his kindness and gentle responses made a scary, embarrassing event much less so. Please pass along my sincerest gratitude to him and his wife. Carpinteria is a community of wonderful people, and we are blessed to be part of it.

SCHOOL BOARD MAKES GREAT STRIDES DESPITE CHALLENGES:
By Bob Franco

I would like to thank Andy Sheaffer, and his group of volunteers, for the incredible job they did at Aliso School by replacing the playground with sod and a walkway. I remember playing there as a child; the playground was full of gopher holes, pot holes and was never mowed, but plowed under whenever the weeds got out of control. You were lucky not to break an ankle, and when it rained the clay mud would stick to your shoes like cement. Once again, thanks to everyone that contributed to this much needed project.

I would also like to thank the school board for the great job they have done for the last four years. Their outstanding and unselfish work helped our school district through some very difficult and financially troubled times. Even with the passage of Proposition 30 and the sale of the Toro Canyon property, we still have a worrisome financial future ahead of us, but I am sure the new school board will be fully capable of handling it. I’m sure a lot of people don’t realize that the school board members are not compensated, in any manner, for all their hard work and dedication. Any money that they are legally entitled to is given right back to the school district, showing community service at its finest.

I admire and respect our teachers, but they, especially the president of the teachers’ union, can learn a lot from the example our school board has set. I hope that the school board and teachers union can come together and rise above their differences and concentrate their efforts on the education of our children and the fulfillment of their dreams. Together they can accomplish so much.

SKATE PARK WOULD BE UNWELCOME NEIGHBOR:
By Marla Daily and Kirk Connally

The time has come for us to voice our concerns over a potential skatepark being proposed by a local nonprofit organization to occupy city-owned space formerly owned by Union Pacific. As the owners of several surrounding properties, and occupants of one, we have a great interest in assigning uses to this parcel that are consistent with the character of the neighborhood.

Our perspective comes from living in the upstairs master bedroom of the home closest to the train station platform. Noise carries. We know what time of day it is by the clacking noise of the wheels of the suitcases being rolled along the cement on both sides of the platform. The skateboard-like suitcase noise is concentrated 15-minutes before train arrival and is gone by the time each train departs. It is predictable; it is on a schedule; it is intermittent; and it is tolerable.

The thought of a skatepark, with the constant noise of hundreds of wheels clacking on cement, is untenable. Conversations, yells and screams of participants and by-standers would carry for blocks. Add to that the additional elements that inherently accompany such a sport and the proposal becomes unreasonable for our low-key, residential, downtown beach neighborhood. It would be tantamount to living next to an all-day playground—a fact that must be disclosed by realtors as devaluing. And, of course, congregating youth next to railroad tracks for a sport is neither reasonable nor safe.  

There is no reason to believe this is the most feasible or best location for a skatepark. It should be built on the unused State Park field to the left of the Park entrance (although it too is on the tracks). Put it over at the old Thunderbowl skating rink (unless city employees and law enforcement could be bothered by the distractions). Put it anywhere other than in Carpinteria's residential neighborhoods!

IT TAKES A VILLAGE, AND SOME HEAVY LIFTERS TOO:
By Karen Graf

The 55th Annual Community Awards Banquet held on Jan. 26 was a great success. What a great opportunity to celebrate local individuals and recognize them for their contributions to our community. Our local service clubs and nonprofits have their chance to honor their volunteers. In addition, Educators of the Year are selected and honored for their service at our local schools. The night is highlighted with the revealing of the Junior Carpinterian of the Year and Carpinterian of the Year. What a great way to acknowledge great achievements, selfless giving and to recognize the difference these individuals make to our community.

The number of volunteers that put this event on is vast, and many work behind the scenes. This is a great testimony to how important this event is to those participating. We are proud to be a part of this opportunity to celebrate and recognize volunteers, educators, students and people who have a profound impact on our community.

WHAT’S BECOME OF US?
By Terry Madaus

Has anyone looked up in the sky lately and seen the chemtrails? Do you know what’s in them? A multitude of lab reports say they are deadly to all living things on this planet. They are almost a daily occurrence now. And nobody seems to care. Our government categorically denies they exist, which is absurd.

There is so much evidence out there now that 9/11 was an inside job, that I don’t see how anyone can refute it. Yet nothing is done about it. Our government started wars based on false information. We still have Gitmo. And anyone can be sent there at any time without trial and be held indefinitely on the whim of one of our “authorities.” TSA is a joke. Our tax dollars are paying some jerk to feel us up and steal our belongings.

And while I don’t even own a gun, I am concerned that yet another freedom is being taken from us. Guns don’t kill people; people kill people. Take away our guns and the only people who will have them will be the very people who shouldn’t have them.

The “land of the free” is a thing of the past. It amazes me that no one seems to care about all this. The more we stand idly by and let these things just happen, the more our rights will be lost forever. And for all those who are thinking what a crank I am, do yourself a favor. Research what I am saying. You will be amazed at what you find.

Restrictions are all Americans
By Donnie Nair, Carpinteria

I am appalled at the passion some Second Amendment advocates bring to the discussion of gun violence. There seems to be a total lack of common sense or regard for the safety of others.

We’ve been living with regulated freedom our entire lives.

Here are two examples: First Amendment grants freedom of speech, but slander, libel, hate speech and sedition all violate the rights of others. You are not free to use them. The Fourth Amendment prevents unreasonable search and seizure, but is waived in cases of driving under the influence. We’re aware of the open carry law regarding liquor. If you don’t want to be searched at the airport, don’t fly. The operating word is “unreasonable.”

Why can’t we agree on a reasonable interpretation of the Second Amendment? It does not grant absolute freedom from gun control and firearms restrictions. The definition of arms changes as weaponry becomes more sophisticated and more lethal. We seem to have totally lost the meaning of a “well regulated militia.” Even the framers used the word regulated. Do we ever want citizens to have missiles?

Most of the framers of the Constitution were slave owners. Many historians think that this amendment was partially designed to protect slave owners and their militias used to terrorize and round up runaway slaves. After the 13th Amendment, which freed the slaves, the Ku Klux Klan carried on armed warfare against the freed slaves.

Restrictions are legal, constitutional and ethical.

I am hoping our gun culture will change just like our tobacco culture has changed. Tobacco is legal, but there are restrictions on where you can smoke. When your smoking affects the health and safety of others, it will be regulated.

A common sense end to gun violence should be something all law-abiding citizens could support.

LOU PANIZZON THE GREAT:
By Jon Washington

I had the unbelievable pleasure of growing up with Louis JohnAngelo Panizzon. From Mrs. Hamilton’s kindergarten class through high school and even to this day that I read about Lou’s retirement from the school board, I cannot begin to tell you what wonderful things this man has done for his family, his community, his friends and to the world as a U.S. Army officer stationed in Vietnam. And, of course, he was a teacher and vice principal at Carpinteria High School, the first-ever Carpinteria High School football coach to produce a CIF champion, the only Carpinteria High School coach to serve as a coach of the south team in the then statewide Shrine Game at the Los Angeles Coliseum, and the first Carpinteria High School baseball coach to win a CIF championship.

Most of all, he remains the same person he always has been. All of us who knew him growing up determined Lou was going to be a star in life. No one I can think of shines as brightly yet doesn’t show it. Thanks, Lou, for all you have done. Thanks mostly for the right to know you and call you a friend.

NOT JUST A BARBERSHOP:
By Jennifer Warf, Manassas, Va.

Our good friend Marty Rosales runs a barbershop in Carpinteria. It is a sliver of a place, reminiscent of those old-timey ones. One day, during a visit to our old hometown of Carpinteria, while we were catching up with Marty, two tourists stopped in to see what was inside. As one looked around, she said to her friend, “Oh, it’s just a barbershop.”

Just a barbershop?

Ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you, that is not just a barbershop there on Linden Avenue. It is a treasure trove of memories, where little boys grow up seemingly overnight, stories are swapped, friends are made and where the latest essential news and gossip is sure to be found. It is a safe haven for so many because you will be greeted warmly, treated fairly and thanked sincerely. It is nothing short of good ol’ time Americana at its best.

We have lived in many places since our time in Carpinteria, including overseas. While you can usually find “a place to get your hair cut,” it falls sadly short of the Norman Rockwell-esque experience of Marty’s fine establishment.

Our son got his first real haircut with Marty Sr. at the tender age of 1 ½ years old—booster seats and telephone books included. We’ve visited over the years. Our son is now 15 years old and looks forward to his next visit to Carp—surfing and barbershop haircut included!

No offense to those tourists who simply do not realize just what they are passing by, but I fervently hope that Marty and his barbershop will be around for years to come. Thank you, Marty, and all our very warmest New Year 2013 wishes to you and to all of Carpinteria.

ACTING TO HONOR LIVES LOST:
By Susan Allen

The holiday season is always a special time for us, but my heart is heavy this year as I think about the lives lost in Connecticut and the families who will never be the same again.

The debate has started on gun control, mental health care and violent video games and will go on for months if not years. Many of us feel a need to honor these lives and do something positive—something where there is no debate and, as a mother and teacher, something we can pass on to our children.

It has been suggested that we each commit to 26 acts of random kindness, one act of each life lost. It seems like such a simple idea yet so meaningful. I have made my promise and hope you will too. If you are a parent or a teacher, my wish is that you foster this idea with your children. Perhaps when we each get to our 26th act this will become a way of life and we find ways to ease the lives of others.

My thoughts are with those families in Connecticut and with you. May we find peace in our small gestures.

2012 UNDER FIRE:
BY Diana Thorn

As 2012 ends, I have a few passing thoughts. Why are Americans turning over so many resources to politicians, who spend these resources in ways to insure their reelection? Why are Americans letting a totalitarian mindset take hold, as an intolerance of Christianity is all around us? Why are politicians so eager to make America a gun-free zone? Nevermind that they have bodyguards and that terrorists, our enemies, criminals, and gangs would love to see that happen. Why did America reelect a president who was raised from childhood to resent the successful and despise the basic values of America? As everyone is talking about how to pay for the national debt, why is America not talking about the runaway spending which created the problem?

Why are we tolerating an anti-Israel president and administration that is passive when dealing with Iran and radical Islamic terrorists? Why is America putting up with an administration that is weakening our military whose job is to protect us? Why is America and the press allowing the Benghazi tragedy to be covered-up? Why was there not more security, and why was the military prevented from saving the four Americans? Was Benghazi a CIA headquarters used to send arms to Syria via Turkey, and whose idea was it to use the youtube video as an excuse for what happened?

America has always been a strong, independent nation. Why are we allowing a select few control, shape and change our destiny? In 2013, Americans need to face reality and fight for their freedom.