Public comment has turned into ‘public chaos.’ A.G. City Council was right to impose new limits | Opinion

Good for you, A.G. Council

“Chaos erupts at SLO County city council meeting” (sanluisobispo.com, Aug. 19)

I applaud and fully support the Arroyo Grande City Council’s move to make public comment more democratic for all citizens. Here in Morro Bay, we also have a group of citizens who dominate city council meetings.

On several occasions, I have gone to meetings with the intent of stating a position on issues before the council. The wait for the agenda item is far too long. The effect of this situation is that people who don’t have the time to sit in endless meetings are denied their right to participate.

I regret that civic-minded people such as these Council members are subject to this type of egotistical behavior.

Carol Swain

Morro Bay

Quiet down, grandstanders

Concerning Gaea Powell constantly grandstanding at AG city council meetings: Their drive to speak publicly about their anti-gay, anti-trans agenda has now taken precious time away from each citizen wishing to share actual city-related concerns.

I’ve seen these same people hold up large photos of pornography at past council meetings. They rant on about diversity, equity and inclusion — the MAGA code for declaring their personal prejudice.

They’ve now caused the A.G. Council to reduce non-agenda public comment time. These grandstanders harm citizens who actually have city-related issues such as the 55-foot tower cell tower threatening to be installed 100 feet from our homes. Of course, any of us still can submit concerns in writing, which we will continue to do.

Once a topic is on the council agenda we citizens get our three minutes of public speaking time. I bet this is happening in other public forums, too. How about volunteering to do a public service instead of causing public chaos?

Ethel “Tink” Landers

Arroyo Grande

Are you a Nimby or a Yimby?

The terms “NIMBY” and “YIMBY” get tossed around a lot these days. For those who might be confused, I offer the following definitions:

NIMBY: A person who believes in local control, strong environmental regulation and that unregulated development will cause more problems than it will solve.

YIMBY: A person who inhabits a planet filled with rainbows and unicorns and benevolent developers who care more about housing people than they do about profits. On this planet housing is so cheap that all homeless people have abandoned their shopping carts and bought new homes. Growth has no constraints because fairies supply the raw materials with no harm to the planet.

Pat Veesart

Santa Margarita

A refund offer for John Peschong

“Debbie Arnold’s final legacy: Killing the dream of a bike path from SLO to the sea | Opinion” (sanluisobispo.com, Aug. 21)

In reading The Tribune article titled “Arnold’s Legacy: Killing the last leg of the Bob Jones Trail,” the Editorial Board states the Supervisor John Peschong recused himself from debating and voting on the matter, claiming a conflict due to having accepted campaign contributions from the owner of the land in question. His vote is essential for an eminent domain action to proceed and to keep the $18 million state funds in question provided for the trail.

How about Supervisor Peschong returning the political contribution to the landowner, thus removing the conflict and allowing him to vote for legal proceedings to move forward so the county can retain the $18 million grant and preserve its good standing for such grants in the future?

Surely, the preservation of $18 million for the county outweighs his own personal political interests. To sweeten this suggestion, I will gladly contribute to him whatever amount he refunds to the landowner whose property interest is preventing the Bob Jones Trail from being completed.

The supervisor can resolve this matter in favor citizens while upholding his duty of appropriating state money for programs meeting county residents’ needs.

Michael Armstrong

Cambria

Keep phones out of classrooms

“No phones in class: SLO County school district starts year with new policy” (sanluisobispo.com, Aug. 15)

No phones in class is as it should have been from when students first started carrying phones onto campus.

The first time I saw a student with a cell phone in my class, his behavior made me believe he had a neurological problem: He repeatedly and frequently reached for his pocket (on the side away from me). He was “checking” his phone. I can’t imagine he was getting many messages as no one else in my classes appeared to have a phone.

The issue with the guidelines is that the onus is on the teachers to enforce no phones in class. If students take phones onto campus, their minds will be divided between classroom instruction and the “possibility” there might be a message (even if the phones are in pouches). Phones should not be allowed on campus. Period.

If parents need to contact students, they can call the office. An important book: “The Anxious Generation” is, in the publisher’s description, “a must-read for all parents: the generation-defining investigation into the collapse of youth mental health in the era of smartphones, social media, and big tech — and a plan for a healthier, freer childhood.”

Christine Willis

San Luis Obispo

Change the channel

With apprehension I write this letter voicing my political opinion. Why? Who has divided our country into a place where, if we oppose anyone’s beliefs, we are met with a chance of dangerous verbal and physical aggression?

Why am I afraid to put out a political yard sign? This is ridiculous.

Why do Donald Trump’s supporters think it’s OK to fly a flag that says “F___ Biden”?

My grandkids ride their bikes to school each day with that flag waving in their faces. Yes, they have heard word before although we are trying to teach them to not use vulgar language. Do his supporters think it’s funny? It’s not. That is the president of our United States.

If 45% of the people in our country who thrive on negativity, conspiracies and disparaging opponents would dare to change the channel off of Trump-controlled tabloid TV news for a minute they just might hear something positive and uplifting. Or better yet, learn about critical thinking.

I cringe to think what may happen if I were to post a Farewell Flag to Trump telling him to “F___ Off.” OK, I promised my kids I won’t do that!

R. E. Russell

Morro Bay

Madam President

For years we’ve been suffocating in old politicians, old ideas, old prejudices. Well, Kamala Harris is the breath of fresh air we desperately need. Wouldn’t it be best to have a bright, younger president? I think so. Join me in casting your vote for Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election.

Lynda Merrill

Morro Bay