Letters & Shout-outs

Letter: Costly financial impact of cap-and-trade fuel regulation
Editor,
The rural community has borne the brunt of California’s economic downturn, including high unemployment rates and a lingering recession.
Now is not the time for the California Air Resources Board to increase the cost of gas and diesel by 16 to 76 cents per gallon as a part of cap-and-trade regulations.
While the goal of improving California’s environment is important, targeting consumers by increasing fuel prices is the harshest, most vindictive way to do so.
What’s even more troubling about the hidden gas tax is the length at which Sacramento decision-makers have gone to avoid discussing it.
Residents of Central California, this tax increase will happen automatically if politicians say or do nothing.
Ignoring or hiding the real and immediate impacts to consumers should concern business owners, employees, farmers and every single Californian who will pay more at the pump starting Jan. 1, 2015.
If you share the same concerns about the impending rise in fuel taxes, please contact your local assembly member, state senator, and Gov. Jerry Brown.
Graham Mackie,
Vice President, Dassel’s Petroleum
Letter: Democracy is alive and well in Lompico
Editor,
I would like to take this opportunity to address the Lompico Water situation from a layman’s view.
I and my colleagues have been watching for years as this situation has unfolded and after years of doom and gloom from the majority of the current board, a cloud is lifting in Lompico. The sun is finally shining through.
The people of Lompico are awake, aware and empowered. There has been a huge groundswell interest in deciding their own fate.
This ability to decide through a vote (for or against the merge) should have always been in the hands of the people of Lompico.
Now that we are gaining the momentum to create our destiny, the population has been rejuvenated and is rejoicing.
Power to the people, democracy is alive and well in Lompico.
Brant Haddon,
Felton
Shout-out: Kudos to Scotts Valley community for creation of pump track
Editor,
This town has once again benefited from a great combination of residents, supportive businesses, and city staff.
A very big “thank you” is in order for Nick Thelen, our parks and recreation staff, city leaders, and numerous businesses and individuals for bringing the newly constructed pump track to Skypark.
I absolutely love to see the constant use of this new addition, from 2- to 3 year-olds to grown-ups alike.
Well done all.
Keith Tyndall,
Scotts Valley
Letter: Lompico water merger will save residents money, headaches in the long run
Editor,
This is to all the people who think the Lompico merger is a bad deal.
In 1979, Lompico had a huge upgrade — installing all new piping, tanks, etc.
What if someone very smart would have foreseen then that having only 500 customers is not enough to support LCWD, approached SLVWD, and successfully merged then?
A homeowner would have had his water bills cut in half for 35 years. That’s probably around $30,000 or more.
Most importantly, the system would have been maintained — no $2.7 million in repairs would be necessary, and your water bill would continue to be half as much.
Now, some think they can run it better, have enough water, and negotiate a better deal and/or not have to fix the dilapidated infrastructure for less cost.
Sorry, the negotiating door has been shut, and a lot of time and effort, board meetings, et cetera have been spent on creating the deal we have.
All of the bonds strictly require that they be spent specifically on Lompico’s infrastructure.
The ceiling amount is 2.7 million, and should be substantially less. This is because we were able to get the inter-tie done from emergency money from the state.
If SLVWD truly wants to be fully transparent, they must track and report the exact cost of running Lompico. They also should rebate Lompicans if the cost is less than the surcharge.
The surcharge goes away automatically in 5 years. Board members are not supposed to be active in managing the District, but we have no money to hire a General Manager to do so.
But, you’re lucky to have voted for the current Board who were willing work this out and get us out of this mess!
It would be very difficult to have directors, in the future, election after election, with the time manage LCWD and $2.7 million in repairs.
Without merging, you still have pay for these repairs, secure water sources, pay increased rates, and hire a manager.
Clearly, Merrie Schaller and John Schneider are the best candidates and they “get” all of this, and I fully endorse them both.
Bill Smallman,
Felton
Letter: ‘Deer incident’ rebuttal was necessary and appreciated
Editor,
A special “thank you” to J.L. Melter of Boulder Creek for the “Deer incident” rebuttal letter (“Deer incident on Highway 9 was handled properly by CHP” — Sept. 5 issue of the Press-Banner).
I, too, read the CHP/deer letter (“Roadside animal euthanasia unnecessarily inhumane” — Aug. 29 issue of the Press-Banner) and found that it was totally without merit.
California peace officers are professionals and do not conduct themselves in that manner.
I hold an associate of science degree in criminal justice and attended police academy for one semester, and there are two law enforcement officers in my family.
I rest my case.
Connie Jones,
Felton
Letter: Affordable, clean drinking water is perk of living in SLV
Editor,
Check out my latest water bill!
Surprisingly, our three-person family cut down water use by 52 percent, for a total of 10,472 gallons last bill period. (My half-acre garden isn’t happy, though.)
I was shocked to find that I paid $0.007 per gallon.
For less than a penny a gallon, I get clean, potable water pumped up the hill and right to my faucets. Amazing!
Now SLV Water District needs a 36 percent raise over three years. The cost of a gallon would become $0.010. Still only a penny!
Meanwhile, the District’s costs for gasoline, electricity, staffing, overdue repairs on outdated equipment and infrastructure, water treatment, et cetera, have increased.
There are options!
Unhappy with your water bill? Drill a well for many thousands of dollars! Or set out clean garbage cans in the winter and catch the free rain. Or you can go to the store and buy gallon jugs at $1 each.
I’ve lived and traveled all over the world. Here in California, the fact that it costs me so little to get regulated, safe drinking water delivered to my house just amazes me!
What a great place to live!
Julie Hendriks,
Boulder Creek