Letters to the Editor

Disheartening loophole

Arecent front-page article (April 30) described the actions of developers lobbying to get water credits in exchange for selling low-flow shower heads to Los Osos residents. They would then use these water credits to facilitate residential development in Los Osos.

I don’t know which makes me more angry—the manipulations of clever politicians and entrepreneurs to derive personal gain at the expense of a community or the legal system that allows such things to happen.

The idea of selling water credits is ridiculous—this scheme will not reduce water consumption. It will encourage and subsidize developers resulting in population growth and increased water consumption.

Citizens can be encouraged to change to low-consumption facilities in many ways, but the goal should be to reduce water use — not transfer it to clever manipulators of public laws.

Thanks to The Tribune for publicizing this activity. I hope the resulting public awareness will move the supervisors to close this loophole.

Arthur Armstrong

Los Osos

Our very own Alcatraz

Regarding the picture of the new building designed to replace the Fosters Freeze at the corner of Marsh and Nipomo streets (May 2): If the building is going to look ominously like Alcatraz, could the builders at least leave room to plant appropriate trees around the perimeter to soften the hard, square lines? Over time, passers-by will see greenery instead of hard concrete angles.

Being a retired iron worker who made a living building large structures all my life, I have to admit a certain affection for cold, hard concrete because of its strength and durability. I just don’t want to look at it all the time.

Lionel Johnston

Morro Bay

Thanks from The Manse

On behalf of the staff and residents at The Manse on Marsh, I would like to thank Brandon Styles and Cal Poly Student Community Services for allowing us to host the second annual “Senior Prom” on April 20. This spring fundraiser, which is held every year at this time, benefits the local office of the Alzheimer’s Association.

It was wonderful to see such a tremendous level of support for this event, which included student volunteers, local business leaders, members of the Alzheimer’s Association executive staff, as well as many of our residents. “Senior Assisted Living in Grand Style” was never more apparent than at this very special dance at The Manse!

Pamela S. Davis

The Manse on Marsh

Don’t pass up Hill

How often do we get a chance to vote for a smart, young family man, a person who has already shown great commitment to our community and is willing to step up in order to serve in a greater capacity? Well, we have that chance in Adam Hill.

Adam is a highly respected teacher at Cal Poly—supported by the dean of his college and the California Faculty Association; a leader in our community—serving for two terms as president of the Food Bank Coalition, serving on the advisory board of the Workforce Housing Coalition and serving on the Grover Beach Tax Oversight Committee; and a person who can be counted on to keep our communities safe—which is why he’s supported by the SLO County Deputy Sheriffs Association and the SLO City Firefighters.

Thus, I ask you to join me in voting for Adam Hill. Candidates like Adam don’t come around often. Let’s not let this chance slip away.

Richard Francis

San Luis Obispo