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Letters 7/10 |
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Thursday, 10 July 2008 |
Does Wilderness really mean protection?
I used to be one of those naive, trusting people who thought that a wilderness designation meant protection of a valuable resource. Boy, was I wrong! I share this with you, dear reader, as a person who worked for the forest service in wilderness for 30 years. I had to learn the shocking truth recently, when I witnessed the USFS lose 7.5 million taxpayer dollars in a failed wilderness plan to increase commercial pack stock use in the Eastern Sierra. They broke the cardinal rule of not remaining neutral in their dealings with the public, and we lost valuable funds that could have been better used for sorely needed trail maintenance. How can we as Americans remain faithful to a government agency that does not remain neutral? It is not the USFS that failed us, because the mission to care for the land and serve the people is a worthy one. It was people within the agency who acted in an unprofessional manner that caused the downfall. If they cannot properly manage the existing wilderness, then how can we rely upon them to protect any new wilderness. That is my point and I am sticking to it!
David McNeill
Bishop, CA
Unwelcome in Inyo
I recently attended a public hearing on Wilderness with the Inyo County Supervisors. I am a wilderness supporter, and I’ve spent a great deal of time in both Inyo and Mono counties in wilderness designated areas. I prefer wilderness to other lands that have not been designated because of the solitude, along with the beauty that I seek.
I was really shocked and dismayed when some of the local folks screamed at me to “Go Home.” I have been coming to the Eastern Sierra for many years. I prefer to stay in hotels rather than camp. As a result, not only do I spend my money on hotels, but also in restaurants, local shops, delis, gas stations, equipment outfitters, sporting goods, and even crafts goods to take home! I spent $700+ on this trip alone in Bishop, and I was dumbfounded when these same people that welcomed me into their restaurants and shops screamed at me and others like me to go home.
On the way home, my friends and I began thinking that maybe we should spend more time in Mono County instead of Inyo. At least I would feel welcomed. Anyone who treats visitors the way I was treated doesn’t deserve my business. Unless the attitude changes, I won’t be back to spend my time in Inyo, even if it means paying more for gas farther north in Mono County.
Kathy Schlesselman
Valencia, CA
Officials, stand up for Wilderness Bill
This is an open letter to the Mono County Board of Supervisors and the Mammoth Lakes Town Council, our duly elected officials. Sometime soon the Eastern Sierra and Northern San Gabriel Wild Heritage Act H.R. 6156/S.3069 (McKeon/Boxer Bill) will come to the floor of the U.S. Senate for a hearing. This is an amazing opportunity for Mono County. Legislation that originated locally and represents significant and painful compromise between local stakeholders is poised to go to the President’s desk for signature.
At a Board of Supervisors hearing on the bill held in Lee Vining on June 10, Senate and House staffers listened as scores of citizens expressed their support for the Bill. They listened as several Town Council members and Supervisors detailed specific concerns with the Bill. The Board of Supervisors balked in their support of the bill because of these concerns. It is my understanding the Congressional staff are working to systematically modify the Bill to take care of the issues identified by our local representatives. I understand Councilman Eastman’s snowmobile play area is no longer in the Bill. Supervisor Hazard’s cell tower locations are no longer in the Bill. There is no longer any reason for our local officials to equivocate in their support for the Bill.
It is now time for our local leadership to step up. The compromises have all been made; the Bill is ready to go. There is overwhelming support for this Bill locally. Mono County is all about wilderness and we need to express that loud and clear. I urge the Town Council and Board of Supervisors to send unambiguous messages to Congress by adopting resolutions in support of the bill unanimously.
Citizens, this is really on us. Let your officials know where you stand. Urge them to pass resolutions supporting this Bill. In the words of Bill Moyer “……democracy only works when ordinary people claim it as their own.”
Dan Dawson
Mammoth Lakes, CA
In Support of the Wilderness Bill (1)
I support the bill regarding the addition of wilderness designation to about 400,000 acres in Mono County that is currently making its way through Congress. The proponents of this legislation have reached out for many years to many people and organizations. This has been a fair and open process with solicitous compromises and in the end a very modest Wilderness proposal. Remember that this started out with over 800,000 acres under consideration.
To me, our wilderness represents the part of our humanity that is crucial to our well being. Everyone at some time in his or her life needs a walk in the woods. Needs to sit beside a creek. Needs to sit up on a high rock and see only more rocks, trees, creeks. The beauty of the Wilderness Proposal is that it protects these places but still allows us to easily drive to them...park...get out of our car...and quietly enjoy our wild lands.
Also, I can only imagine the cries of outrage from some local people when the various National Parks were created...and now, as a nation, we all cherish them. We are the future generations of whom the early conservationists spoke when they faced down the opposition and now we must do the same for our future generations.
Mary Pipersky
Mammoth Lakes, CA
In Support of the Wilderness Bill (2)
At last, after decades of work by dedicated local citizens, “The Wild Heritage Wilderness Bill” will be introduced in the House of Representatives and the Senate. We applaud the efforts of Rep. McKeon and Sen. Boxer, sponsors of this compromise bill. Is it perfect? No. We would like more Wilderness included: the White Mountains in Inyo County should be added and the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area excluded. Others would prefer less wilderness designation.
Our Mono County Board of Supervisors held many meetings where citizens could voice their support or opposition to the proposed legislation. We thank them for their long hours of listening and their support to move the process forward.
So, on this 4th off July, we and our friends will celebrate an example of what empowered citizens can accomplish, legislation that protects OUR public lands.
Phyllis & Herb Benham
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Measure R
To all you wonderful folks who promoted and voted for Measure R, why weren’t you at last weeks Town Council Meeting? It seems that the Town thinks future Measure R money is for administration, cement and steering committees. Is this what you voted for?
Madeleine “Mickey” Brown
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Praise for MLPD response
(Addressed to Chief Schienle, MLPD)
My son and I were in Mammoth Lakes to watch my Granddaughter and Grandson race in the Mammoth Motocross Race this week. On the 28th (Sat.), in the evening, a lady pounded loudly on our camper door and was shouting: “Help me.” We went outside and she told us her brother-in-law was drunk and threatening to kill her and his wife with a chainsaw. She said she was dialing 911 right then. As she was telling dispatch the problem, we saw a male, wearing a cap and tank top, walking in the camp across the road. He had nothing in his hands then, but kept moving, sometimes coming in our direction. The wife was also in the camp and was very distraught. I then saw the man pick up a gallon can of Coleman Fuel gas and was pouring it on something. There was a large camper and many items in the camp and we were in the deep forest. A minute later, a large, loud explosion occurred and flames shot up to 50 or more feet. There were no trees right by the explosion, however it was quite an explosion and could have easily started a forest fire. Dispatch was advised of this. I saw the man throw his hands up and jump back, like he was surprised.
I can only imagine the conjecture, on a call like this, your officers experienced in the five minutes it took for them to arrive at the camp (yes, only five minutes, mostly gravel roads). I know you, as Chief, rarely or never get to see your officers in a dangerous, chaotic situation. Let me be your eyes and ears. I had a ringside view of the entire event. Two units arrived silently (rather than sliding right up to the camp with sirens blaring, like in the movies) parking 100 feet back, blocking the road. They immediately located the man and began screaming orders clearly, with no profanity or calling him any names. They did not yell over each other and the inebriated man did follow some of their instructions and he did get face down with his arms outstretched, however was certainly less than cooperative. He kept bringing his arms in and rising slightly and even took his cap off and turned the bill to the rear; however, nothing threatening. The officers showed good restraint in handling a very difficult person, who was definitely not cooperating and only followed a few orders. After more help arrived, the man was approached and held down, however no knee was placed on his head or neck (as I have seen) so his face was not shoved into the gravel. The man was handcuffed with not one injury. I can think of 1,000 ways this could have turned out much worse. The officers calmed the ladies and explained all options. They did not try to sway the ladies in any way. They explained to the still distraught and emotional wife why guns had to be pointed at her husband. The weapon we saw with a very dangerous, long blade. The fire was in a pit ring, but very dangerous. The officers were Ron Gladding and Dan Casabian, plus 3-4 more later.
There were less than a half dozen people who saw this happen. There were no news cameras there. Since your officers did such a good job, reporters did not have to come later and it probably did not even make the local news. I would also commend you, for I know the tone and character of the department is set by you. I would say that, if the rest of the men and women who work for you have the same training and professionalism that these officers showed, you have a mighty fine department.
I read a lot about the bad acts of police officers (I live in Orange County), but very little about when they do an extraordinary job. Maybe, if the local paper prints this, your citizens will sleep a little better knowing officers like Ron and Dan are out there.
Charles R. Miller
Westminster, CA
New Planning Commission appointment process not ideal
My objection to the new Planning Commission appointments at last Wednesday’s meeting was manifold.
First, is that two council members, Wendy and Skip, got together prior to the council meeting, and by themselves, determined a “new process” of selecting the planning commission appointments. As one council member, I was completely blind-sided by this new selection process. For the first time in my 18 years on council, the selection process went from grading each candidate with a point system, to just indicating our top five “Equal” choices. The “grading” was removed so that the planning commission candidates' feelings would not be hurt. I was under the impression that an obvious requirement of being considered for the planning commission in the first place, was to be an adult vs. being in middle school. But I was wrong. More Sensitivity training please.
Secondly, why did each council member indicate their top “Five” candidates, when there were only “four” appointments? It was because Wendy and Skip wanted to “manipulate” the “process.”
Thirdly, without “ranking” each of the council member’s top four candidates, and without each council member indicating the “ranking” of their choices, it became impossible to show who was the first, second, third and fourth in the voting/choice. Hence, so long as a candidate made the “top five” list of enough council members, even though they may have been a “fifth” choice of everyone, could still be selected as one of the “four” appointments. Sounds like “new Math” to me, i.e. maybe 2 plus 2 is not always equal to 4.
Finally, during the candidate interview process, Skip Harvey made it very clear that his main concern was that a candidate would be able to attend and participate at each planning commission meeting, and that there could be 2 to 4, even 5 or 6 meetings each month. One candidate, Mr. Jay Deinken, responded that he would be “apprehensive” about the “time commitment.” That he and his wife traveled a lot, and because of “Fall Vacations” he would have problems with attendance at meetings. Well, taking Skip’s concern about planning commission meeting attendance, this candidate dropped several notches on my ranking. Yet, he received a “top five” vote (still don’t understand why we chose five candidates, when there were only four appointments), from 4 of the 5 council members – How does that work?
Anyway the “process” is over now, but I will certainly be more skeptical in the future, when a council member uses the term “process,” and I now know it is just another term for getting one’s way.
John Eastman
Mammoth Lakes, CA
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 17 July 2008 )
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