Pushing them elsewhere

With Encinitas struggling to find ways to meet a state-mandated social-engineering agenda involving the providing of affordable inclusion housing when 10 or more units are to be built, developers have instituted creative substitutes.

Perhaps the public is not aware of a subtle ploy used concerning the density bonus for low-income inclusion projects. The design is to offer cash in place of building a percentage of housing for financially less-able individuals while still maintaining the total allowable structure numbers. Their scheme is to let the city accept the money to be used to buy/construct elsewhere. In this way the builder can promote the project at a high price for every home without having the burden of revealing that one may be residing near a neighbor of modest means who may have paid substantially less for a similar unit.

Pacific Coast Communities recently proposed this ruse by offering a low-ball figure concerning an expensive 34 single-family development near Quail Gardens Drive. Our City Council accepted this devious circumvention for a figure close to three times the miserly amount originally offered. Get ready for these mandated inclusion units being transferred to your neighborhood. …

George Hejduk

Cardiff-by-the-Sea

What Democrats believe

It is an inconvenient truth: A Democratic majority was elected to Congress. Democrats (not all) audaciously believe talk and action are equivalent; will we have another North Korea-like nuclear power a la Bill Clinton? We should speak softly and carry a big stick (and sometimes use it).

Democrats believe illegal aliens are immigrants. Will we have even more porous borders to terrorists, criminals, welfare leeches and illegal workers? Illegal aliens have some positive impact, but mostly a negative impact. Will taxes go up and the economic engine once again be slowed by Democrats? Will the U.S. abandon Israel a la John Edwards and President Carter? Israel is a friend, not a cause of Mideast violence.

Terrorism has reached critical mass. Democrats believe it is a police action issue. Will they let the country descend into anarchy? Democrats believe only government should protect you. Will you end up even more vulnerable to criminals?

Every person has a right and duty to protect themselves, their families and other honest citizens; they need the means to do so. It is time for Nancy Pelosi and her ilk (I like ilk) to be removed from office. Go, Newt, and your ilk.

Hugh Mays

Escondido

Desalination could help Solana Beach bluffs

This is in response to Ben Bloom's letter about Solana Beach homes falling into the ocean (Letters, May 20). …

Would it not be feasible for Solana Beach, with the help of all of San Diego County, to build a very much-needed desalination plant right at Solana Beach? Would that not remove a significant amount of ocean water to help stabilize the bluff line? It has long been a puzzlement to me that Southern California isn't already using this system to gain water for our human and agriculture use. Catalina Island is doing it, and has been for a long time. Why are we not implementing this system? Especially in the face of the ice caps melting.

I also want to thank Shane Lykins (Letters, May 20) for presenting a very solid idea regarding a monorail system from Murrieta to downtown San Diego with stops that would actually tie in with intelligent transit systems in the towns along the way. And I thank the NCT for running John Young's (Waco, Texas, Tribune-Herald) May 18 column on Mr. Falwell. Amen!

Ann Harter

Fallbrook

Ken Noonan is no hero

As the city of Oceanside says farewell, adios to Oceanside Superintendent Ken Noonan, I can only echo the points Vista Unified School District Board of Trustee Jim Gibson made in the North County Times Perspective Community Forum "Schools failing without employee accountability," May 19). Oceanside schools are failing these kids. Ken Noonan is no hero.

As our incompetent President Bush allows millions of Mexican and other illegal foreigners into our country, the education of American students will drop expectantly. Oceanside, being a poor city, will get more immigrants than, say, Del Mar. But the immigrants will work cleaning the toilets in the hotels in Del Mar. Oceanside gets the crap, still!

Ken Noonan, thanks for nothing. More failing schools.

Larry Barry

Oceanside

Carter's own legacy is disgraceful

Jimmy Carter's pathetic comments on the Bush administration would be laughable if it weren't so ridiculous. His comments reflect far more on him than they do on President Bush. I can only understand them by assuming that he still feels the need to divert our attention from his own performance as the worst president America ever had. On his short four-year watch, we saw the greatest economic power in the world nearly brought to its knees with 15 percent inflation and 20 percent interest rates. His diagnosis of our problem: malaise! No remedies were even suggested.

Continuing the shameful litany, he instituted a failed synthetic fuels program that wasted billions of taxpayer dollars and was ultimately canceled. This was followed by betrayal of a friendly government in Iran, leading to a takeover of the country by radical clerics. Jimmy Carter showed the radical Islamic crowd that they could violate international law, and we would take no action. This probably launched the international terrorist movement. He naively trusted the Russians to not invade Afghanistan, and was astonished that "they lied to me." All this in only four short years. … Disgraceful. Carter should instead shut up and try to hide.

Barry Mc Elmurry

Vista

Op Bigs helping kids of deployed parents

As Americans, we are able to voice our opinion about many subjects and matters. We need to reassure the military families that there will be no child left behind, especially those who have fought for our freedom and are currently fighting.

The Operation Bigs mentorship program is there to help the boys and girls of deployed parents. Marine mentors at Camp Pendleton believe in honoring, encouraging and committing themselves to kids whose parents are deployed. The first lady and Jack in the Box are doing their part to support this amazing program. We must be a team for the future of our children who have big dreams, big imaginations and, one day, will have big voices. Big Brother, Big Sisters are listening to kids.

Samuel Reed

Oceanside

Graduates, guests showed rudeness

I'm not sure which was worse ññ the picture of the university graduate blowing bubbles during the CSUSM graduation ceremony or the accompanying article reporting "bored youngsters asked their parents when they could go home, but most of the audience paid little attention to the speeches anyway." ("CSUSM graduates 2,500 at 16th annual commencement," May 20).

That is total disregard for those who prepared and planned the program, to say nothing of being downright rude. Shame on them! Where is our respect for others?

Yvonne Anderson

professor, Palomar College

San Marcos

Impeach Alberto Gonzales

Congress, what are you waiting for? Impeach Alberto Gonzales now! We need more than a no-confidence vote. The republic warrants integrity, dignified purpose and courage in its leadership.

Congress has been given the reins of leadership for protecting our country and our role in the world. Withhold no longer. Act for the good of the country and the good of the meaning of our republic. Impeach Alberto Gonzales now!

Sherry Edwards

Rancho Santa Fe

Democrats against free speech

It appears Democrats only want free speech when they agree with what's being said. For instance, "Mallard Fillmore" being drummed out of the North County Times because Democrats didn't like it, and at colleges all over the U.S.A., Democrats interrupt speakers if they don't agree with them.

Now someone is against "Day by Day." I don't agree with every comic in this paper, but I read them all because many are funny. Open your minds, Democrats.

William Lyons

Oceanside

Ron Paul's immigration ideas

The talk must stop. We must secure our borders now. A nation without secure borders is no nation at all. It makes no sense to fight terrorists abroad when our own front door is left unlocked.

This is Congressman Ron Paul's six-point plan: 1. Physically secure our borders and coastlines. … 2. Enforce visa rules. Immigration officials must track visa holders and deport anyone who overstays their visa or otherwise violates U.S. law. … 3. No amnesty. Estimates suggest that 10 million to 20 million people are in our country illegally. That's a lot of people to reward for breaking our laws. 4. No welfare for illegal aliens. … Taxpayers should not pay for illegal immigrants who use hospitals, clinics, schools, roads and social services. 5. End birthright citizenship. As long as illegal immigrants know their children born here will be citizens, the incentive to enter the U.S. illegally will remain strong. 6. Pass true immigration reform. The current system is incoherent and unfair. But current reform proposals would allow up to 60 million more immigrants into our country, according to the Heritage Foundation. This is insanity. Legal immigrants from all countries should face the same rules and waiting periods.

Bill Hasty

Escondido

Right to bear arms upheld

It has finally been decided by the appellate court in Washington, D.C., what the Second Amendment really means. Not only was it decided by a three judge panel, the district appealed the decision to the complete panel of district judges, and the decision of the panel affirmed the decision. The "right to keep and bear arms" is an individual right given to the people. Please read the decision, which can be found at: http://pacer.cadc.uscourts.gov/docs/common/opinions/200703/04-7041a.pdf. It is in language that everyone can understand and there is no longer any need for all the arguments about the right.

All Americans, state and federal citizens, enjoy one of the fundamental rights secured to you by the Constitution, and as interpreted by the Court of Appeals.

Rick Urias

Escondido

Elder abuse cases are pursued

I am writing in response to Gerald Lenhard's (Letters, May 20) concern that the North County Times and the Escondido City Council will not investigate elder financial abuse cases.

If Gerald knows of a case of elder abuse in San Diego County, he should contact Deputy District Attorney Paul Greenwood. He has been aggressively pursuing these types of cases for the last 11 years.

Rick Paul

Escondido

Impeach many

It is past time to impeach many in the administration. It may cost the corporatists, but we can't afford them anymore. They have done a great deal of damage to our society to enrich themselves.

Scott Carr

Vista

Liberty - libs don't get it

"Because the Democrats are forcing an end to the struggle in Iraq, we must now prepare to fight terrorism in our homeland for the next 30 or more years. This is a war of civilizations. The Islamic terrorists worldwide want to destroy the U.S. and every other Western nation, along with moderate Muslim nations, e.g., Egypt, Jordan, etc. Our very survival as a nation is involved. Will we have the courage and will to do all that will be necessary to prevail?

"During the Cold War the pols in Washington were mostly united. But now the Democrats are not. There is no safety for the weak and foolish. When you seek to end a war without substantially achieving your essential goals by simply ceasing to fight, it is often a form of surrender. And that's the way the Democrat-imposed outcome in Iraq will be understood around the world, especially by our enemies," Democrat former mayor of New York City Ed Koch. Joe Lieberman, last week, said essentially the same thing. Wake up, people.

Ben Bennett

Oceanside

Time for Cheney to face justice

Our nation has devolved into a nation where the rule of law applies only to the citizens and not to those in power. If we are ever to regain our national honor and achieve justice, the war criminals who run the country must be tried and sentenced.

In particular, Dick Cheney has been implicated in all sorts of illegal maneuvers to the great detriment of American citizens. It is time that he faces justice.

Patricia Gracian

San Diego

Hypocrisy in discipline over name-calling

There is much heat over the Don Imus controversy, a lot of which has to do with the similar comments being made in rap and hip-hop by blacks. As a student in the public school system, I have come to notice a major hypocrisy, and that is the disciplinary action taken by school officials about racial slurs. - As a senior at a local high school, I have noticed a sense of hypocrisy and level of fear demonstrated by teachers and administrators in the disciplinary action against racial slurs. Should an African-American or a Hispanic be allowed to shout an obscenity to their own race while any name calling between two different races be cause for disciplinary action? Is that fair? Is it fair that the teachers have to worry about what may happen to them for penalizing the interracial name calling?

From what I have seen, teachers seem apprehensive to take disciplinary action against a black calling another black the "N" word. What is the message that is being sent to the rest of the students? Are certain racial groups immune from the rules the rest of us must abide by? And is this fair to the students who do take offense to the name calling within their own race?

My purpose is not to offend or in any way degrade any racial group, it is to point out the hypocrisy in the very place where these issues need to be confronted the most - our public school system.

Zachary Keith LeBrun

Temecula

Jail 'upgrades' defeat purpose of punishment

In the April 29 edition of The Californian, an article titled "Pay to stay: Booking a cell in a 5-star jail" stated that "several city jails across California offer desirable upgrades."

I am appalled that California has made its jail system so cozy for some of its inmates. When someone breaks the law, he or she should be punished by going to jail. I always thought that jail was a scary place and the very last place on Earth you would ever want to be! But it seems that the whole miserable scene has been replaced with a tolerable and possibly enjoyable place.

The article went on to say that one can pay $82 for a day in a jail cell that would have the benefits of Internet access, the use of cell phones and iPods, computers and even the delivery of three home-cooked meals a day. Does this sound like punishment?

It's mind-boggling that a punishment can be so rewarding. This will not deter people from breaking the law, but rather make the penalty tolerable.

If this is Nicole Brockett's punishment for a DUI violation, what will keep her from driving under the influence again? Certainly not the threat of a difficult stay in jail! Who knows, she might kill someone the next time she goes out drinking and driving. Would California officials think that's OK?

Jail time for breaking the law should be a great deterrent and not like a hotel stay with special privileges at taxpayers' expense.

Eve Krohnfeldt

Temecula

California a laughingstock

The new proposed amnesty immigration bill will do at the federal government level what Proposition 187 did for California. As the new citizenships are granted, they will mostly join the Democratic Party. So in the coming years the nation will be under the control of just one political party.

We all know how well that works in California - the worst-managed state in the nation according to a recent Rand study.

California is the laughingstock of the nation, and soon the U.S. will become the laughingstock of the world for turning our nation over to Mexico.

Jim Ramsdell

Menifee

We have all farmworkers we need

Associated Press reporter Erica Werner wrote a May 18 article that was carried in The Californian. She stated the farmworker shortage would be relieved under the present proposed immigration law.

Where has she been? There are 12 million to 20 million illegal immigrants here already, driving trucks, working construction, etc. We now have all the maids, grass cutters and laborers we need. Five years from now, we will find we still have a farm labor problem.

This deal offers a fix, she said. I am reminded of the other fixes in the Arab-Israeli situations claimed by the politicians.

Why aren't the laws we already have on the books enforced? Why should we believe these new requirements would be any different than the laws that no one bothers to enforce now?

The people of California, Republican and Democrat alike, had better stop dreaming and face the reality of our problem.

Eugene Hugaert

Temecula

Fresh from the Web

PPH board asked to delay parts of district's expansion

Readers respond to our May 23 story about Palomar Pomerado President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Covert surprising the board of directors Tuesday by asking them to consider building part of a new hospital in stages and delaying Palomar Medical Center's renovation by several years.

Covert action

Wake up!: "Gee, looks like the PPH board is now finding out the high cost of blindly following a CEO whose goal was to build this new hospital at any cost. They shouldn't have been surprised by being blindsided by CEO Covert. But if they were, then we should remember their ineffectiveness and lack of leadership at election time."

One way to save

what a mess: "Nice, now we start to value engineers over the hospital. Wonderful. What next? This is a complete joke. I'll be dead before that hospital gets built - and I'm not old. Covert should be fired. How about that for a cost cutting measure? Check how much the guy makes and get back with me. PPH is laughable."

Same old song

Not surprised!: "Name one project (publicly-funded) that's been or will be completed within estimates? I cannot think of one. Sprinter, public service centers (police and fire), bridge over Hodges, Petco Park, freeway expansion, Cal. Center of the Arts - I could keep going. The problem is greed and incompetence."

City planner gives stadium parking, office presentation

Readers respond to our May 23 story about Oceanside's senior city planner Peter Katz giving Oceanside Boulevard Task Force the city's first presentation on the possibility of bringing in a new San Diego Chargers stadium, pointing to parking as the single biggest challenge.

Like magic

Stupid is as stupid does: "What's the problem? You need 120 acres of parking, plus a stadium, and now office space, all made to fit on 70 acres. Not to worry Oceanside Boulevard task force, this should not change your planning efforts despite the fact that Qualcomm Stadium has multiple access points with over 12 lanes for traffic ingress and egress. Just stick your heads in the sandy beaches of Oceanside and this challenge will magically go away."

Force or farce?

More like a task farce: "Oceanside Boulevard task force? Try task farce! The Chargers are being jammed down our throats and the members of the 'farce' will watch it happen."

It could work

Take a deep look at Petco Park: "The model works for Petco Park, they could make the model work for Oceanside. They just need to get the infrastructure in place. They will also need to find a way to double or even triple track the sprinter line from OTC to a station directly at the stadium property (like Qualcomm). The stadium would be good and will help allow the city to grow the tourism in the city."

No parties?

Walt: "How do you accommodate tailgate parties, complete with charcoal grills, in a hi-rise parking structure?"

Check the resume

Floyd: "The consultants have worked on past Qualcomm deals? Given the financial disaster the city of San Diego has sustained with existing and previous deals, shouldn't Jacobs and Barrett be disqualified due to incompetency?"

The force is strong

task farce what: "There are several members of the Oceanside task force who are not thrilled with what the city is trying to do. That is why they are watching the city's every move. Give them credit they are not all pro developer types on the task force."

Rice to visit Camp Pendleton today

Readers respond to our May 23 story about Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice planning to fly into Camp Pendleton with Australia's minister of foreign affairs Alexander Downer for a brief visit with Marines and sailors to laud them for their ongoing service.

Heroes needed

reality: "We should all feel sorry for Condi. Her life is ruined. She'll go down in history and it won't be pretty. Imagine having to live with the legacy of all those kids who come into your blockbuster and all the others you don't see. Just a bunch of ruined lives. Now think about the ruined lives of the Iraqis. Ya know, when it all sets in and the evidence is exposed, this is gonna be the hardest pill to swallow in recorded time. The world needs a true hero right about now."

Pay no attention

Thank you Dr. Rice: "We appreciate your service to our country and for visiting our Marines. And pay no attention to the goofballs, every state has 'em. :)"

Swimmingly

Wack A Mole: Just stopping by to assure the Marines that this whole war thing is going swimmingly well, and to keep up the good work. Another photo op.

Laughable

Condi for President?: with 70 percent of the country wanting us out of Iraq soon, a Condi bid for president is laughable. Don't these people have better ways to spend their time?

True believers

To Thank you Dr. Rice: Thanks for what? Getting us into this war, lying to us again and again, backing a boss you know is an idiot religious fanatic? I am not sure what to thank her for other than "thanks for nothing." It's funny how there are still people that want to believe we have good people leading us!

Respect lost

Photo Op: Another photo op for the Corps. I have always had respect for the Marines, but when they tried to stop the U.S. Air Force from having a war memorial in Washington, D.C. for the 53,000 Airmen who died in combat, I had to alter my respect for them.

Bashing military

Democrats are at it … still: I can't believe some of these postings. The Dems are even bashing the military folks who are fighting for our rights. Go Democrats! Yeah, go home!

She serves

Concerned-1: I think Condoleezza Rice would have made a great leader and presidential candidate if it weren't for the current administration's legacy. Like the Marines she addresses today, she was called and she served.