Keep it working
Senator Mitch McConnell needs to remember that our minds are like parachutes. They only function when they are open.
Jim Hall, Clearlake Oaks
Confused
Imagine my surprise and consternation when I read Ms. Baranzini’s opinion letter of last Saturday! What I had meant to be (and thought I had) was a brief discussion of the screen award process and that Jada Pinkett Smith’s demand for “diversity” was inappropriate in that situation.
No likes/dislikes were mentioned, nor was the award ceremony, the costumery, and the pageantry that so many people find entertaining. Ms. Baranzini somehow got the impression that I disliked the Award Ceremony and the pageantry — and chewed me up about it.
I reread my letter and find it hard to figure how she developed her misinterpretation. Thankfully, other comments have been positive.
She also noted that I “complain a lot” in my letters. If suggesting that people supply proof when they accuse some else of lying is complaining, so be it. I would dearly like to see actions that might restore our county and lake to near its former glory, but if I also suggest that it might be wise to establish some goals and priorities before dedicating funds, is that complaining? One of my life’s values is that if you criticize, you earn the right by offering an alternative.
She offers “happy” (and I presume contentment). In my world, a major goal is improvement and the quickest way to halt progress is to follow the old saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”
Ms. Baranzini did get one thing right! I am old and just logged my 88th birthday in an amazing life I would pay to live again.
Guff Worth, Lakeport
Help for Clear Lake
After a little bit of research I discovered that Supervisor Jim Steele is already a lake scientist. He worked for the State of California for several years and he probably has more knowledge than the person he was talking about hiring. He is already on the county’s payroll as a supervisor. Like I said before, hiring an employee for that job would probably cost the county $100,000 plus per year. But with Mr. Steele’s knowledge that would be a piece of cake for him to help Scott DeLeon and his department with any knowledge they were lacking.
I am asking Mr. Steele if he would consider donating 10 hours per month to the County of Lake to help solve our lake problems, he feels he has the knowledge to get that job done. That would sure be an excellent jester on his part for the county as a whole. I hope he would consider sharing the wealth of knowledge with our county officials and employees.
Like I said in the past Jim’s a good guy and he might just consider that.
Smart Thinking.
Ron Rose, Lakeport
Time for Prom and Graduation
Young people will soon don a tuxedo or dress, and/or cap and gown. I only wore a cap and gown as I graduated in a wheelchair.
When I was 16 and a Junior at Tracy High in 1992, I was hit head-on by a drunken driver. I played sports against other San Joaquin county schools. The crash put me in a coma with brain injuries, paralysis and several broken and dislocated bones. I was a patient for 7 months in two hospitals followed by therapy for 17 months.
Those challenging months prevented me from school, sports, and prom.
Teenage festivities are coming and I was in their shoes once.
Car crashes caused by alcohol change lives forever. I struggle daily with hearing, talking, walking, and I cannot drive.
I planned to attend a California college. With my disabilities, I could not go to and study like I did in high school.
Drinking and driving is unwise at any age. If drinking happens, do not drive. Designate a sober driver before drinking begins. Listen to a victim.
Lori Martin, Tracy, California
