Wonderful support
My name is Slade. I am 17 years old, and moved to Lake County with my family last year. Our former neighborhood was frequently plagued with the threat of wildfires, the worst of which, in my memory, was the Humboldt fire of 2008. During these experiences, I heard many stories from those threatened by the fires, and we even had some close calls of our own (we were on notice to evacuate twice during the Humboldt). Knowing the processes involved in evacuation, I understand that it is often a very difficult, harrowing, and dangerous operation for all parties concerned.
While the Rocky and Jerusalem fires swept over thousands of acres, I was pleasantly surprised and amazed by the wonderful network of support that the Lake County community constructed, doing everything possible to assist their fellow citizens and render aid in securing people, animals, and possessions to safer ground. Searching the internet, I discovered several outlets on Facebook, Twitter, and other sites, via which those affected by the fires either requested assistance, or offered help to those in peril. Even when someone needed a way to move their horses to safety, good Samaritans with horse trailers and secure pastures readily extended a helping hand. The abundance of folks willing to provide accommodations and services throughout this ordeal cast a reassuring light, which, I believe, allowed many people to breathe much easier during this time. Witnessing such a display of generosity and good will only serves to strengthen our conviction that we have chosen wisely in our relocation decision.
I have a pen-pal from our previous hometown who is 89 years of age; this remarkable example of collaboration and cooperation in the community is the first thing I discussed in my most recent correspondence to him. Using social media for relief efforts akin to what has transpired during this past month, in my opinion, is the best way that such systems could be utilized, and truly displays digital communication at its prime. I would like to offer my thanks to everyone who participated in the safe transfer and recovery of those displaced and disrupted by the Rocky and Jerusalem fires, and my best wishes go out to them.
Slade Patrick Darrin, Lakeport
Take a look
While our memories may have faded, our water bills certainly have not. A little over two years ago, the Lakeport City Council voted for a 100 percent increase in our water and sewer rates. They did so despite providing defective notice to the rate-payers and charging for park services that are not a proper charges under our state constitution, and after receiving over 600 protests from property owners in Lakeport. While the Council decided to ignore the protests of its citizens, it was not able to do so at the election held shortly thereafter. The two incumbents who voted to raise our rates were soundly voted out of office by the good citizens of Lakeport.
A new election is coming up shortly, and the only remaining incumbent who ignored our protests, Ms. Mattina, is on the ballot. She has recently voted to spend nearly $1,000,000 on all new water meters, which were not necessary. While she wants you to conserve water, she has been a vocal advocate of the South Main Annexation which will further drain our water system and spread thinner our excellent police department.
Each of us needs to take a close look at the three candidates and determine who has the compassion and good sense to feel the pain that our monthly water bills have caused and who will not ignore our protests in the future. We also need a council person who is working for us instead of making us work for the city government.
Bob Bridges, Lakeport
The finest? Really?
Someone said of the Republicans running for President, “These people are some of the finest candidates produced in decades.”
Donald Trump? I don’t know where to start with his perfection. Exactly. Jeb Bush recently said, “I do think in general that torture is not appropriate.” So he would throw out the Constitution as his brother did, when it is appropriate. Scott Walker claims that if he can defeat 100,000 union workers he can defeat ISIS. Really! Ben Carson said, “And one of the reasons that you find most of their (Planned Parenthood) clinics in black neighborhoods is so that you can find (a) way to control that population.” Both parts of that statement are false. Carly Fiorina said that “emergency room visits are up over 50 percent” under ACA (which it is not) and failed to provide any backing. Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio want to rewrite the Constitution and make Supreme Court Justices beholden to the voters. Which is exactly why the Founding Fathers wrote it that way.
So how they can be the “finest candidates” is beyond me. I guess I must be stupid.
Kevin Bracken, Kelseyville
Law
A good lawyer knows the law. A great lawyer knows the judge.
Brent Pomeroy, Lakeport
