Law enforcement presence at Blue Heron Run was unnecessary, hostile and even dangerous
Yes, the Blue Heron Run was a disappointment! And Denise Rockenstein”s article (Observer*American, Aug. 22) just about covered it! The law enforcement presence was more than just oppressive to riders, it was a thoroughly unnecessary, expensive, hostile and even a dangerous presence!
With years of safe, sober and enjoyable bike runs in Lake County, rich and poor, local and visiting motorcyclists have raised tens of thousands of dollars (and toys) for kids, Hospice, students, community radio and numerous other local charities.
I know of no problems occurring here on bike runs other than the rare spilled tipped bike or breakdown. All kinds of bikes, preferably street legal, and all kinds of bikers are welcome as well as car clubs. We monitor ourselves and carry cell phones, tools and first aid kits, stay within speed limits and stop at stop signs — as demonstrated to the numerous police last Saturday that followed, stopped, slowed to eyeball one old lady on a little Kawasaki as if she were Sonny Barger himself, sped past, pulled over two-way traffic on a narrow back road with lights and siren, etc.
Few participants felt welcome at the Lucerne stop as there were four or five units parked out front and at that time less than a dozen bikes. The Upper Lake stop had a couple less and only two in Kelseyville by midday! The fine band and good food in Austin Park later saw beautiful weather, a gorgeous lake and mountain, some beautiful cars and bikes, dozens of dedicated volunteers and hard-working organizers but less than half the people that might normally show up for a first-annual run.
Also, the numerous sponsors and hosts of the Blue Heron Run were undoubtedly upset, not to mention the children of Lake County who need community support, not a big deficit in their youth program.
I do hope the county and state law enforcement agencies now have recognized that the skill and maturity of local and visiting motorcyclists today are a great example of this sport”s appeal and their generosity to their community. Last Saturday they saw just how much the police overreacted and, hopefully, how they can help (preferably on their own bikes on their own time) on next year”s Blue Heron Run. And, lastly, need I mention the ever-increasing danger of car and truck crashes on our local highways — severely raising risks to pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcylists and other drivers, trees, the lake, grasslands and homes?
Thanks for your good article and to the LCCAA, the Lake County Youth Center, all the sponsors, musicians, volunteers, etc. and those who can quickly dig deep and at least cover the costs of this event with special donations for the youth of Lake County (call Joyce Overton at 350-2898).
Wendy “Hairpin” White
Lifetime member, Old Coots on Scoots
www.oldcootsonscoots.com
Redbud does provide good care to its patients
I am responding to a recent letter to the editor from a person who complained about the care and conditions at Redbud Hospital (Observer*American, Sept. 5). On several occasions I, as well as my husband, my son, and my sisters, have received care at Redbud Hospital.
Each time we have found the staff to be attentive, professional and caring. The hospital was clean and well-maintained. I”m personally grateful that we have a hospital in our community. To the many hospital staff members, who are hardworking and dedicated care givers, take heart. There are many of us in the community who appreciate you.
Dee Shireman
Lower Lake
Critical mass as explained by spider solitaire
I play spider solitaire on my computer. It shows eight decks of cards, and the player needs to get them in order by suit.
I am a political activist, a Buddhist, and a first generation hippie, working, praying and dreaming of world peace.
The game begins with ten cards up, matching first the suits one can, then moving cards in order to “park” them and open up the hidden cards beneath.
The Democratic Central Committee and the Lake County Democratic Club, both progressive, forms the framework and sponsors events that allow me to operate as an engaged citizen.
The solitaire game has a great feature. When the player sees no more plays, the computer double-checks and shows if there are any moves available. Sometimes a move is shown that does not really help, so I do not play it.
The political organizations I belong to also perform that function, helping to spot possibilities and focus to elect people to end the war in Iraq and aggressiveness by our government. Sometimes, we discuss moves that we ultimately discard as not really effective.
When the solitaire player hears “Cuckoo,” she knows she must deal again. So she plays on, hoping the new cards will allow more progress to the goal.
The democratic groups also receive feedback that blocks our progress, and we in turn deal again.
Once the player has been able to deplete the cards stacks not showing, the victory is guaranteed (critical mass). All that remains is the process of clean-up, the player trying to complete in as few steps as possible for a better score.
The critical mass to end this war can also be a forgone conclusion. Many cards are on the table, from impeachment (Bush and Cheney), war funding legislation, internet organizations, to rallies and marches. There are many ideas; some still uncovered. Anyone of them can be the one that assures critical mass. Play your own cards by joining those like minded; you might just have the key.
Sunol Westergren
Glenhaven
Don”t forget to write!
The Clear Lake Observer*American welcomes letters responding to articles and opinions that have appeared in this newspaper, as well as on topics of general interest. Letters can be sent to letters@clearlakeobserver.com or mailed to PO Box 6200, Clearlake, CA 95422. Pleases include complete name, address and telephone number.
