Letters to the Editor

Spirit and sportsmanship To the Editor:I would like to congratulate the board of directors of Santa Paula Little League for conducting a successful season. I had the opportunity to watch several games this year and help in the score booth during a few postseason playoff games. I was impressed with the professionalism in which the games were conducted. I was also impressed with the support given by the fans and parents to their respective teams. The cheers were always positive and I did not hear a deriding remark directed towards the opponents or umpires. The parents, coaches, and managers should be applauded. This atmosphere was a result of the leadership provided by the president and board members of Santa Paula Little League.Currently, there is an exhibit at the Santa Paula California Oil Museum (10th & Main St.) that tells the story of the history of Harding Park. The exhibit is sponsored by the Santa Paula Historical Society and shows how the park began with a dream of George L. Harding and the hard work of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the community of Santa Paula. The display features the Santa Paula Rodeos that were held annually at the present day Harding Park from 1939 through the early 1950s. The proceeds raised from the rodeos were used to purchase the land that was to become George L. Harding Park and includes Tom Moore Field, Richard C. Ruiz Field and Hersel Hopkins Field, and the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley.The dream of George Harding and the Junior Chamber of Commerce was to provide a place for the community to use for recreational activities. After almost seven decades since the first rodeo was held on the property, the dream is kept alive with the dedication and hard work of individuals including those who are associated with Santa Paula Little League.Joe JaureguiSanta PaulaClearing up confusionTo the Editor:In response to Larry Sagely’s suggestion that I might still be a member of SCAG, and his attempt to try and stir things up over this possibility, let me be perfectly clear that I am not a member of SCAG. I am a member of the Ventura County Civic Alliance, which is an activity of the Ventura County Community Foundation.The Alliance and Ventura Council of Government (VCOG) received a joint grant award two years ago to work on Phase 1 of The Compact for a Sustainable Ventura County, which recently received an award from SCAG. In 2007 I became a member of the Alliance and the Compact Group, and in 2008 I became co-chair the Compact Group. I made recent presentations to Good Morning Santa Paula and to the City Council. There have been several media stories about the SCAG award which mentioned my name. I am sure that is where Mr. Sagely’s confusion comes into play.