Dear Editor, As a homebound, former military pilot, the Morgan
Hill Independence Day parade fly over aircraft formations were a
great thrill
– many thanks to the participants.
Local veteran pleased with Independence Day flyover
Dear Editor,
As a homebound, former military pilot, the Morgan Hill Independence Day parade fly over aircraft formations were a great thrill – many thanks to the participants.
Bob Wylde, Morgan Hill
The Patriot Guard has a true and honorable purpose
Dear Editor,
Thank you for the offer to “spell it out” for me, but having grown up in the 1950s I know very well how to spell bigotry and immediately recognize it when it is spewed out by individuals who live in a world of generalizations.
The Patriot Guard was created to honor our fallen countrymen and to shield their relatives, friends, and surviving brothers and sisters in arms from vulgar harassment at the hands of members of the Westboro Baptist Church. I am not affiliated with the Guard, although I should be, but appreciate their patriotism regardless as to wether they are escorting Congresswoman Gabriel Giffords to an air ambulance or protecting a grieving military family from anti-homosexual signs and bigoted taunts.
My generalizations, now it is my turn; are that you do not know any returning veterans, Patriot Guardists, Harley owners, or patriots of any kind for that matter. If you truly think it is “about Harleys” you do not get it. And for your fellow writer whose solution is to blast an airhorn at the Guard, where does that stop? Should it be used to protest the Iwo Jima reenactment, kids twirling wooden rifles, a float carrying Catholics, or to spook the occasional horse? While “we” are glad that none of “us” needed to depend on you while the bullets were whizzing by, let me assure the two of you that most had hoped that you had learned a little compassion on the commune or in the Peace Corps. If you do persist with the air horn idea, hopefully you will not blast it at a Catholic Harley-riding veteran whose father was at Iwo Jima and has a horse-loving, wooden rifle-twirling daughter.
Edward R. Church, Morgan Hill
The Harleys should not have been banned from parade
Dear Editor,
I am writing to you about your article, “Patriot Guard Riders banned from parade.” I really liked the motorcycles and am disappointed that I did not enjoy them this year.
The veterans should have been in the parade. It is a way to respect them and what they did for us. Now, I know Mr. Hunt would say that they can be in the parade in a car or float. But who would ride in a stuffy car or walk in the hot sun? It’s also too late to make a float.
This also isn’t just a small problem in the parade set-up, it’s a matter of principle. We live in a free country (thanks to these brave men) and I want it to stay free (for these brave men)! Mr. Hunt has denied them this.
Mr. Hunt has denied them a lot. I know that these man would not (like Mr. Zappa said) rev up the engines for pleasure alone. And yes, there is a very fine line between being rude and revving up the engines for a purpose. The veterans should also be in charge of getting mufflers.
Mr. Hunt’s description of seeing children scream as the Harleys rode past seems unreliable. Kids scream when they play.
I really enjoyed the veterans and hope they can be in the parade next year, as it is sadly too late for this year. I loved watching them ride past on those shiny black Harleys. I hope this letter makes a difference. Thank you.
Claire Murphy, age 11, Morgan Hill
Time to ban lead ammunition
Dear Editor,
Recent reports of California condors returning to the San Francisco Bay Area after a hundred years’ absence are encouraging. These magnificent birds once ranged the entire western United States.
But if condors are to replenish their former range, it is critical that lead ammunition be banned from the environment. Non-toxic alternatives are available. In recent months in Arizona and Utah, six condors were poisoned by lead shot, and three died. A single ingested pellet can kill a bird. Scavengers such as eagles, ravens, jays, bears, coyotes, badgers, etc., are also put at risk, as well as upland game such as doves and quail, who ingest the spent shot.
Lead has been banned in the hunting of waterfowl, in gasoline, paint, plumbing, ceramic dishes, etc. Ideally, there should be a nationwide ban on the use of lead for all hunting and fishing. Here’s hoping some pro-environment California legislator will introduce the necessary legislation next session. And if hunters and fishers are the conservationists they claim to be, they’ll support the effort.
Former Assemblyman Pedro Nava introduced such a bill last year, AB 2223. The bill passed the Assembly, but failed in Senate Natural Resources, for all the wrong reasons. It’s time to try again.
All legislators may be written c/o The State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814.
Eric Mill, coordinator, Action for Animals, Oakland
No swimming in reservoirs is state’s fault
Dear Editor,
The Santa Clara Valley Water District and the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department provide numerous recreational opportunities at our 10 local reservoirs. We want to remind residents that our reservoirs provide storage for drinking water for our region’s 1.8 million residents. As such, we must be diligent in preventing damage to these water supplies, such as a potential infestation of an invasive species.
Even one boat carrying invasive mussels could spawn an infestation that could cost millions. Because of their devastating impact on recreation, water infrastructure and ecosystems, the stakes are very high should an infestation occur. Prevention is the most effective strategy.
Many reservoirs in southern California are already suffering from an infestation of invasive mussels. San Justo Reservoir has a serious infestation with zebra mussels that has been a significant challenge to address.
We appreciate the patience and cooperation of the hundreds of boaters who visit our reservoirs each year. To date, our vessel inspection program has been 100 percent successful in preventing an infestation.
Additionally, some have recently inquired as to why there was a prohibition on swimming in Anderson and Coyote reservoirs. These restrictions are not the doing of the Santa Clara Valley Water District or the Santa Clara County government. Since 1988, the State Health Department has imposed a restriction on swimming in Anderson, Coyote and Calero reservoirs, as a condition of the district’s permit to use these reservoirs as a domestic water supply. Although swimming is restricted at these reservoirs, the state permit allows the district to continue water skiing, tubing, and personal watercraft use.
More information on facilities, activities, and regulations at these reservoirs and other county parks can be found at the county parks website: www.parkhere.org.
Don Gage, Chair, Santa Clara Valley Water District; Mike Wasserman, Santa Clara County Supervisor, District 1
