Will It Be an Incumbent Sweep? - The Spectrum Magazine

P.S. The People Speak: Letters to the Editor
Reject college bonds
Dear Editor,
In the current economic and environmental climate it is absurd for the
San Mateo County Community College District to demolish a perfectly
serviceable building (Horticulture-B20) and its beautiful garden surrounds
to provide about 200 additional faculty parking spaces. Bike racks would
fit better in the district budget, with parking fees for existing lots used to
supplement the budget and encourage a healthier lifestyle.
With this kind of thinking on the board, it is time to replace board
members and reject additional bond measures.
Downtown Directory surprises
Jack Hickey, Redwood City
Dear Editor,
The Redwood City Downtown Business Directory 2011, co-published by The
Spectrum Magazine and the City of Redwood City, is a wonderful publication
supported by the Downtown Business Group. It includes a guide and advertisements
for the great variety of businesses and entertainment activities downtown.
I was surprised to see that the directory includes a full-page ad for
Cargill/DMB’s proposed Saltworks Project. This ad actually describes
a new Saltworks downtown with “retail shops, restaurants, office space
and residential homes,” and the drawing in the ad even looks like our real
downtown Redwood City.
It seems the Downtown Business Group and the city are shooting
themselves in the foot by promoting Saltworks. The city’s own initial study
for Saltworks says this project could “…redirect growth from the City’s
downtown to the Project site, potentially affecting implementation of the
Precise Plan for Redwood City’s downtown core area.” This same study
also says that Saltworks could have “potentially significant impacts” on our
existing parks, local and regional traffic and our port and Seaport industries.
The Saltworks ad in the Downtown Directory is another example of how
our city leaders are supporting Cargill and DMB in their quest to turn our
town into Saltworks City. They are promoting a project that poses a serious
threat to the success of Redwood City’s downtown plan and the economic
and environmental health of our community. Our leaders should focus on the
downtown we already have.
Judy Serebrin, Redwood City
Editor’s note: The Downtown Directory was not co-published by anyone other than The
Spectrum Magazine. The City of Redwood City and the Downtown Business Group were
not involved with the editorial copy, layout or design and, most notably, the acceptance of
advertising. As noted by Ms. Serebrin, DMB did place an ad in the directory and The Spectrum
is responsible for that. We felt we could not discriminate against anyone wanting to place an
ad and support the directory regardless of whether we supported their project. That, we feel,
would have been unfair.
Latino leaders are right here in our community
Dear Editor,
After reading Mr. Penna’s thoughts regarding the unfortunate incident that
had taken place at Kennedy Middle School in your July edition, we felt
compelled to respond to his question about “Where are Redwood City’s
Latino Community leaders?”
Mr. Penna, we are here and are very active in the community in various
aspects. As leaders and as a part of the great community that we have here
in Redwood City, we are very concerned not only for the families that were
directly affected by this incident but that it even occurred in the first place.
The question remains, what is the appropriate course of action? Does
the answer to this lie in screaming out for resignations, contributing to the
rhetoric which at times does not deal with the issue at hand? Does it lie in
trusting in our leaders in education and in our law enforcement? Is it not most
important that we learn from what has happened and find ways to prevent
such an incident from happening ever again?
As leaders, what message are we sending when the first reaction is to shoot
first and ask questions later?
We have recently discussed this issue, lent our support and trust that
the process is being handled appropriately. The investigative process to
ascertain the facts is an important step needed before passing judgment on
others. Based upon those facts, the individuals responsible can then be held
accountable. As leaders within our community, we will trust that all those
involved in preventing this from happening again are taking the appropriate
measures in ensuring that this never happens again.
Ernie Schmidt, Connie Guerrero, Arnoldo Arreola, Redwood City
Let your opinion be heard!
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Opinions & Letters, The Spectrum Magazine, P.O. Box
862, Redwood City, CA 94064
Letters to the editor should be no longer than 300 words. Columns should
be no longer than 750 words. Illegibly written and anonymous letters will
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The Spectrum 13