Cambrian letters to the editor, Nov. 17, 2016

Coast Union plays showcase talent

I was in high school drama in Pasadena, and while I did not go into acting as a career (maybe acting out!), school plays gave this onetime shy boy great confidence in getting in front of “crowds.”

No one should ever underestimate how wonderful Coast Union productions are; we go to lots of them. The budding actors/actresses of whatever age are often very professional, and they have good tutors in Kirk Henning, Randy Schwalbe, etc.

The plays are generally written by well-known (or simply talented) playwrights, so the subject matter can range from controversial to lighthearted. This was the case with the four plays (really sketches) presented this last weekend at the middle school. They were touted as “comedies,” and I did laugh a lot.

Cost: only $5 for two hours of delightful entertainment.

One even dealt with infidelity, another family squabbles, another an innovative (but flawed) way to choose roommates.

Best entertainment value around, I’m sure. A musical, “Back to the ’80s,” will be staged this spring.

Hawley’s opinions a waste of money

In the Nov. 3 edition, The Cambrian provided Cynthia Hawley about 25 column inches to express her opinions. That’s a lot of ink to waste on opinions that, when subjected to examination by the court, were found to be entirely without merit — either factual or legal.

But wasted newspaper space is the least of it. Cynthia Hawley’s opinions wasted legal resources. Cynthia Hawley’s opinions wasted valuable court time. And Cynthia Hawley’s opinions wasted hundreds of thousands of dollars of Cambria CSD ratepayers’ money.

Rather than thanking the Stanford Environmental Law Clinic, Cynthia Hawley should be offering profound apologies to our community.

‘Bikes for Tikes’ being accepted

Hopefully, most you have heard of my charity, “Bikes for Tikes.” I refurbish unwanted bikes and distribute them to needy children and adults throughout the county. It is that time of year again when I particularly need bikes for the December holidays.

Last year, I distributed 65 bikes. Recipients included the SLO Battered Women’s Shelter, Prado Homeless Shelter, Grass Roots II, Womenade, Community Action Partnership of SLO, The Family Care Network and several churches and our local schools. Many bikes went to needy families here in Cambria, especially during the holidays.

Most of us have the fond memory of ourselves, our children or grandchildren getting the first taste of independence by riding a small bike alone. I would like to make the opportunity available to as many children as possible. There are also many in our county who are without transportation who sorely need a bicycle.

This year, I received several communications from recipients expressing their gratitude. One 11-year-old girl told me she is able to go to the Cookie Crock to get groceries for her family. A social worker in San Luis Obispo told me a bike I donated was given to a woman with a severe weight problem, and she was very hopeful that it would help her lose weight. I do not hear all the stories, but I know your donations are truly appreciated.

I do not accept cash donations but can always use new or used bikes of all sizes and helmets. I hope some who read this will donate a new or used bike to Bikes for Tikes: www.bikesfortikesorg. com/howtodonate.

Craft Circle thanks event supporters

The Cambria Craft Circle would like to thank the community for their support at our annual sale Saturday, Nov. 12. All proceeds will go to Infant Essentials, Small Wonders Scholarship Program, Women’s Shelter Program in SLO, Cambria Community Chorale: Music Scholarship, HART, Vineyard Church Food Closet, and Cambria Community Council Senior Bus.

If you are interested in joining the Craft Circle, we meet at 10 a.m. Tuesdays starting in February in the Fellowship Hall at Cambria Community Presbyterian Church, 2250 Yorkshire Drive. All are welcome. Please contact me at 805-927-5649 and come join our group of wonderful women!

This story was originally published November 16, 2016 at 10:38 AM with the headline "Cambrian letters to the editor, Nov. 17, 2016."