Cambrian letters to the editor, March 31, 2016

CCSD shouldn’t act without data

CCSD Director Greg Sanders’ Viewpoint article in the March 24 Cambrian, regarding our March 17 letter to the editor on suspension of surcharges, only reinforces the point that the CSD board is acting on issues without adequate data to support its positions.

Mr. Sanders considers the water allocation system in place as being unfair, and offers two general examples: the mix of commercial and residential units that may not have adequate water allocation, and another, where those residents with water leaks are being charged for excess use.

Our previous letter specifically stated that the CSD should be researching the primary causes of overuse and work with those residents/businesses in lowering their water use. Instead of just collecting surcharges, CSD should offer reduction in surcharges when the individuals fix their issues. Also, CSD can address the first example by fairly adjusting the water allotments to accommodate commercial/resident cases without suspending the whole surcharge process for the community.

Using a scalpel instead of a hatchet to address an issue should always be the first step, after data are presented to support one’s position.

Finally, if these examples are truly the reasons for suspending the program, revisiting the surcharge process in the future without addressing these two problems now will result in the continuation of the suspension, and allow additional overuse.

Don’t stick your head in the sand

Thank you so much, Teri McCall, for your bravery in speaking out against a giant with deep pockets and intent to continue chemical assault with no consciousness.

Thank you, Brent Wisner, Michael Baum, Cynthia Garner of Baum, Hedland, Aristei & Goldman along with Robert Kennedy Jr. of Kennedy and Madonna law firms, for supporting Teri in this very real David vs. Goliath case. Thank you, Dr. Kirk Azevedo for stepping up to the plate and really digging in by offering firsthand information as a former Monsanto employee.

Think Monsanto’s Glysophate can’t affect you? Think again. Do not stick your head in the sand. Educate yourself and read about this very real danger (http://bit.ly/1Ps6MED). Please, let’s not be the silent majority that didn't speak up before we have to endure our own irreversible health issues.

This is only the tip of a very dangerous iceberg, and there are so many of us out there now educating ourselves and contacting our representatives to speak up (it only takes a few minutes).

Questions wisdom of CCSD board

The CCSD board vote in favor of lifting the responsible ban on using potable water for car washing brings to question, yet again, the judgment, wisdom and logic of a majority of directors.

Duly-elected Director Amanda Rice’s maverick vote against the action illuminates why appointee Greg Sanders might have moved to forgo precedent and overlook Ms. Rice’s turn for president of the board a few months ago.

President Gail Robinette’s simplistic comment, “I believe if you walk the walk long enough, it becomes a habit,” brings to mind the 1970s gas crisis: after a decade of car downsizing, as soon as the crunch eased, we entered the age of the SUV and the Hummer.

Water is the “new oil,” and some of us hoped we had established a new paradigm for more sensible and responsible water use.

Alas, convenience and desire too often trump responsible action. This is truly water down the drain.

Tired of political views on Obama

I, for one, am really tired of John FitzRandolph’s political views as published in The Cambrian, and his constant crowing about how everything Obama has done is so wonderful.

Give it a rest, John!

Thanks from the thrift shop team

Between the morning hours of 8 and 11:30 on Mondays, The Community Presbyterian Church of Cambria’s Thrift Shop is open to our residents to drop off their no-longer-needed belongings. We wish to deeply thank those who contribute to this community outreach mission.

Then at our three-times a year sales, we would like to thank those who enjoy finding those bargains and buying clothing, electronics, furniture, books, tools, housewares and those unusual items you have been searching for.

After this past sale, HART animal shelter, the Women’s Shelter in San Luis Obispo and Native Daughters of the Golden West were given clothing and houseware items.

In addition, for more than 30 years, the Thrift Shop has contributed funds to various local and county service organizations and to the mission fields including the Women’s Shelter, Homeless in SLO (CAPSLO), Salvation Army, CCC Community Bus, Camp Ocean Pines, Senior Nutrition, Women’s Auxiliary Post 432, Boy Scouts and Zozu Water Well in Africa.

Funds are also used to improve and maintain our church’s property and buildings so we can continue to support those who use this property such as the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, 4-H, Women’s AA, Literacy Group, CERT, Cambria Chorale and Small Wonders Pre-School.

Again, thanks to our donors, our buyers and the Thrift Shop workers — all a blessing to us.

Petty spats and pipe dreams

There’s a good reason the GOP debates have higher ratings than those of the Democrats. It is more entertaining to listen to a petty spat than an exchange of ideas.

Watching a Republican debate is pretty much like seeing children screaming at each other on the playground.

The last debate was more civilized and probably lost a lot of viewers.

While a Democratic debate is usually more substantive, the proposals each candidate makes are probably no more than pipe dreams. Bernie Sanders would need a like-minded Congress and Supreme Court to make his programs a reality, and that is not likely to happen. On the other hand, there is so much antipathy toward Hillary Clinton among Republicans that trying to buck a hostile Congress would be as futile for her as it has been for President Barack Obama.

It seems that a rational United States may well be somewhere in the distant future.

This story was originally published March 30, 2016 at 10:50 AM with the headline "Cambrian letters to the editor, March 31, 2016."