To the Editor:2008 is a very challenging year indeed! Many companies folded, some are liquidating and some being bailed out by the government. According to reports, unemployment is at its highest level in more than two decades and foreclosures are in record number. Indisputably, the global economic downturn has been causing havoc not only to the stock markets, giant companies and of course to ordinary people like you and me. As if not enough, the devastations caused by several fires here in California and the calamities that hit several states made the situation for many even worse. We can only imagine how difficult it must be for those who lost their jobs and/or their homes.The ricocheting effect of this current world event loudly confirms “no man is an island”. Our leaders of the world affirm that and are jointly addressing the issue. Be confident. We will overcome the challenge and the clouds of uncertainly will dissipate because our resolve is stronger than ever!This Thanksgiving, as we acknowledge the blessings we received and the challenges we have to face, we also should extend a helping hand to those who are less fortunate and are in dire need of help. Together, let’s give them reason to be thankful too!Happy Thanksgiving!Rodolfo N. VelascoSanta PaulaGratitudeTo the Editor:We the proud parents of the Santa Paula Varsity Football Team players would like to thank you, Coach Teohua Sanchez and your coaching staff for making this such a memorable season. Thank you for believing in them and never giving up, when times were tough and always keeping positive with any obstacle that came your way.You will always be that special mentor who always gave words of encouragement and advice that will follow them throughout their life. Once again we would like to thank you from the bottom of our heart for making us the 2008 Frontier League Champions.SPHS Varsity Football ParentsSanta PaulaAnother lawsuitTo the Editor:Now we find that Cabrillo has filed a new lawsuit against the city to be heard by Judge Walsh. It alleges that the city has violated “Federal Law” by enforcing its zoning laws in such a way as to constitute “disparate impacts”. Another definition might be “unequal impacts”, “unfair impacts” or “unjust impacts”. So let’s get this straight. The city has a zoning code. The zoning code is based upon Health and Safety considerations which are well accepted by all courts. In this case, Cabrillo proposed a building which denied fire access to the upper story or the roof, among other “exceptions”. If the city, or by the way Cabrillo, were to allow/construct such a building, and someone was killed or injured by a fire, the city would be totally liable for not following its own zoning based upon Health & Safety considerations. Now that would be “disparate impacts” - and Cabrillo could be sued, along with the city. Cabrillo ought to re-think its reasoning here. This is a losing cause, even if they win in court. Cabrillo should propose a building that fully complies with current zoning, or forget it. Don’t keep feeding the lawyers full employment act with meretricious, far-fetched litigation; accept and adapt - or wither away.Richard MainSanta Paula
Letters to the Editor
November 28, 2008
Opinion
The best place
To the Editor:My son told me he has been all over the world and the best place of all is Santa Paula. I agree, this is a great city. I am so glad I live here. The schools do an excellent job, and I am grateful. I am thankful for our doctors and our hospital and churches; also the Chamber of Commerce that works hard for the city and helps many people.I felt very honored to be awarded Member of the Month. I find it a pleasure to work with Ken Brookes and John Blanchard. They are efficient and knowledgeable, and put in extra time and effort to help our city. They are to be commended for helping to make Santa Paula a great place to live. That is why I have lived here for over 50 years.Clara BehrensSanta PaulaIn appreciationTo the Editor:To the City of Santa Paula,There are 130 homes in Hillview Estates, and we all want to thank you for fixing the railroad crossing at West Telegraph and Peck Road. Not only is it a good job, but it was done in record time and with very little down time for traffic.Board of DirectorsHillview EstatesSave a lifeTo the Editor: Every person in the Santa Clara River Valley depends upon Santa Paula Hospital for emergency purposes. We don’t give this much thought until a child is injured or someone suffers a heart attack.Most people don’t realize that our hospital is just as dependent upon us as we are upon it. A hospital must have sufficient income each month in order to remain open for emergencies. Here are some easy steps that each of us can take to help insure that this essential facility will be there in time of need: Each of us can ask our physicians to order all routine lab, x-ray, and other tests at our local hospital. These tests can almost always be done locally, even when you are seeing an out-of-town doctor. We can also utilize our local hospital for elective surgeries. Santa Paula Hospital provides prompt, courteous, convenient service. Charges are essentially the same as elsewhere. Our hospital accepts Medicare, Medi-Cal, and virtually all insurance. Income generated from our routine tests and care will help provide enough cash flow to enable our hospital to be there in time of desperate need. Delton Lee JohnsonSanta PaulaReasons to be thankful
