Letters to the Editor 8/1

Road isn’t wanted

A recent article in The Tribune discussed the Willow Road project (“Board pours more money into Willow Road) and wrote that Supervisor Bruce Gibson said “the community should contribute if there’s a shortfall.” I believe that The Tribune article and, apparently, the supervisors and traffic planners have to date ignored the most important threshold question:

Do the residents of Nipomo want the project?

Based on comments I heard at a town hall meeting about two years ago at Nipomo High School (attended by Supervisor Katcho Achadjian and about 100 residents), I firmly believe that the majority of Nipomo residents do not want the project and will not vote for a tax assessment to pay for the project.

Yes, we will agree to taxes that provide more water, but I strongly doubt that the majority of residents will agree to contribute to an unwanted project.

I believe that a vote on this threshold question is appropriate before the project moves forward!

Richard Davis

Nipomo

People won’t stay put

I have questions for the citizens launching the initiative to stop the city’s long-planned east-west traffic connector at Prado Road.

1. Why do we elect our city officials if we do not trust their judgment?

2. Why did San Luis Obispo create a General Plan if it is not followed?

3. Are either Mila Vujovich-La Barre, Bill Wilson or Michael Sullivan professional city planners?

Vujovich-La Barre “suggests” an alternative. She needs to review the roads again. Santa Fe Road is no longer a “connector” road between Tank Farm and Buckley roads because the airport runway covers part of Santa Fe Road.

Vachell Lane and Buckley Road are already stressed with excess traffic. To make it the “enhanced circulator route,” the Vachell Lane end would need major work where it meets South Higuera.

The area would still need an additional east-west connector closer to the center of town. How would this cut costs?

Remember, none of this would be necessary if everyone who has moved here in the past 20 years had stayed where they were. Now that you are here, the roads must keep up with the population growth. You can’t keep a lovely town small when you all want to live here.

Jacqueline Thomson

San Luis Obispo

Thanks from league

The Assistance League of San Luis Obispo County would like to thank all who supported our programs (Operation School Bell, Sue’s Stars and Books for Packs) this past school year.

With the generous support of the people throughout our county, as well as individual donors, foundations, service organizations, municipalities and other nonprofit organizations, we were able to provide new school clothing, shoes, backpacks, books and dental supplies to more than 1,300 children in need.

In addition to the children we clothed through our programs, we were also able to collaborate with the Atascadero Unified School District and Paso Robles public schools to assist in clothing homeless children.

A very special thank you to all who attended or supported our fundraising efforts. All funds raised and received by the Assistance League of San Luis Obispo County stay within our county to support our programs.

Our goal, with your support, is to continue to expand the services we offer in order to reach more of those who benefit from our programs. We are very proud of the difference we are able to make through your generosity.

For more information, go to www.alslocounty.org or call 782-0824.

Bonnie Long

San Luis Obispo

‘Twelfth’ is first-rate

Recently, my husband and I, along with four seventh- and eighth-grade boys, reveled in an evening of crazy dueling, seemingly unrequited love and nonstop laughter in Paso Robles. Under the stars, beside a manmade lake, we took in the Central Coast Shakespeare Festival’s “Twelfth Night.” Zoe Saba’s cast was the equal of any we’ve seen in London or at San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre.

For three of the kids, Spanish was their first language. No problema! We had watched the DVD of Helena Bonham Carter and Ben Kingsley in “Twelfth Night” and pored over Bruce Coville’s illustrated retelling, replete with lots of key phrases. We were ready!

There are three more performances — Aug. 8 at 6 p.m. and Aug. 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. Treat yourself to it. The play remains as fresh and relevant as when William Shakespeare wrote it!

Liz Krieger

San Luis Obispo

Editor’s Note: Because of an editing error, we are re-printing this letter that first ran July 30.

Cyclists, be courteous

I am happy to share the road with you club bicyclists; however, I would appreciate it if you would share the road with me. Twenty cyclists riding three and four abreast along a city street, causing me to drive at bicycle speed, is not what I would consider good bicycle road etiquette.

By the way, because you folks are unaware of the rules of the road, a stop sign is an indication that you should stop! Courtesy goes both ways.

Marvin Cowley

Paso Robles

Maldonado’s blaming

Abel Maldonado skirts his tax obligations and then blames his brother and elderly father (“Maldonado family farm settles $111,146 tax bill with the IRS,” July 28)? I guess that’s what Republicans call leadership.

Also, Maldonado, business tax deductions are for business expenses. When you use your private business to deduct personal expenses (such as providing “business” vehicles for your family), then hardworking taxpayers such as myself end up subsidizing your business.

I know Republicans like everybody else to cover their liabilities (see Wall Street, BP oil catastrophe, etc.), but really, take some shred of responsibility, won’t you?

Myra Tompkins

San Luis Obispo