Letters to the Editor 7/9

Smart growth burden

In response to the Charles Carlson “smart growth” commentary of June 30: So, now we are supposed to be extremely concerned about future families and seniors who will be moving to our area and their ability to know in advance which communities would be most compatible with their needs?

My elderly blood is at the boiling point. We have worn out many a bootstrap in our lifetime of hard work. Now, because of our labor and fortitude, we can work and live a humble life in a great community. We have and are still working hard to fulfill our own family’s needs and will probably never be able to fully retire because we have accepted that living our dream will be costly.

Our community does not need additional fees and restrictions on permits or higher taxes to fund such a concept.

Bev Phifer

Creston

A bouquet for Jenny

In your June 26 editorial, “A sendoff for parks superintendent” Pete Jenny, you forgot to give him a huge bouquet for his critical role in supporting the creation of the county’s very first off-leash dog park at El Chorro Regional Park. With his continued support, dog parks were added to the county’s regional parks at Nipomo and Heilman.

By partnering with private groups, there’s now a beautiful new dog park in Templeton. The success of the county dog parks and Pete’s willingess to offer his vocal support and expertise helped several cities partner with private groups to create their own dog parks.

Without Pete’s understanding, support and encouragement, these very popular recreational areas would not have been possible. So, from all the dogs and dog owners in the county, Pete deserves not only a bouquet but a huge woof of thanks.

Ann Calhoun

Los Osos

Rules of the road

Mr. Terry Plant misses a main point when he relates the incident when a pickup truck came over a hill and nearly caused a head-on collision (June 19.)

Bicycles did not create this hazard. There are many slower vehicles on the roads. It is incumbent on the overtaking driver to remain a safe distance behind the slower vehicle, and pass only when the road is clear to do so.

This is true if passing a cement truck, school bus, ice cream truck, old lady on electric scooter, bicycle, Prius or any other slow vehicle. Mr. Plant was endangered by the driver of the pickup, not the bicycle.

Many citizens bicycle for recreation, but we also bike for transportation. The gallon of gas saved when I do bicycle errands remains unburned.

Left in the marketplace, it drives down the cost of gas for all users. If enough gallons are unburned, there may be some for the grandkids to use.

Please, enjoy your drive, pass carefully and wave at the bicyclist. I’ll wave back. Now, about banning pickup trucks. ...

Carl McAllister

Cayucos

Thanks for the tips

Kudos! The photojournalist work of Joe Johnston, Jayson Mellom, and David Middlecamp adds immensely to my daily reading of The Tribune.

Now I’ve got tips from these pros to sharpen my photo skills. Thanks.

Don Henderson

Morro Bay

Loving SLO life

I love this town and I know most people who live here, as well as visitors, do too.

I have been trying to find a car license plate holder that says “I love the SLO Life” and it’s impossible to find!

The chamber says it voted against doing it again due to the expense! Excuse me? Wouldn’t we buy them?

Local shops have none available. Somebody should do this, and put their name on it too. The Morro Bay Chamber sells some for $10 each.

How about it?

Josette Farnum

San Luis Obispo

High food prices

Does anyone know why food prices are so very crazy high? I’m 92, and I remember during the last recession there were no crazy prices.

It just can’t be because the price of oil is high.

Who else has his thumb in the pie?

Dorothy Gardner

Arroyo Grande