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closeA clarion for change
F unny how history repeats itself. The early Los Osos Community Services District board got elected on STEP collection and ponds. Then they succumbed to razzle-dazzle corporate sewer propaganda and wasted millions and six years on a rejected project.
The recent STEP survey was simply a side show in the county/Carrollo Engineering “evaluation” process. Motivated dreamers/Taxpayers Watch groupies were out info-tabling over the recent mailer to property owners in the sewer prohibition zone, urging people to reject septic/ STEP technology.
Because the county’s “survey” was so negative about septic tanks, the mailer may have made homeowners respond unknowingly.
Shame on the county team for wasting taxpayer money on this politically motivated mailer. If they don’t want green, energy-efficient technology, this bureaucracy doesn’t belong in charge of the process and should be removed immediately.
And shame on the small group of community members who think that old collection technology that our community cannot afford, is appropriate in these times of progressive change. A STEP collection system will best help our entire community resolve wastewater and water shortage issues at the best price.
Linde Owen
Los Osos
Farming for a living
David Maislen in his letter (July 26) accuses local farmers at SLO County farmers markets of “cheating us” by overcharging for fruits and vegetables. I’m afraid David, like so many of his fellow Americans, is afflicted with the cheap food disease brought about by the industrial food revolution.
Farmers market laws were enacted in the 1970s when it was recognized that small farmers in America had become an endangered species. Many small farmers today can continue farming only because of the ability to sell direct to the public. Even so, a number of the vendors at local farmers markets are employees who sell for large farms; big farmers eager to eliminate middlemen margins. You might recognize these folks when they can’t answer your questions.
My wife and I are typical of the majority of farmers who make a living selling at SLO County farmers markets in that most of the produce we grow on roughly 20 acres is sold at these markets. When we are not selling our produce to make a living, we are farming; 60 to 70 hour work weeks are common.
You will find farmers market prices are competitive with and sometimes a bargain when compared to supermarkets. Nonetheless, farmers market prices usually correlate with quality. Thanks to all of you who help us make a living.
Mike Broadhurst
Cambria
On living well
The letter about minimum wage in Norway (Aug. 3) is neglectful about how well Norwegians live. The writer neglected to also mention that Norwegians pay high taxes.
However, if my relatives are any example, they live very, very well. They are doctors, teachers, artists, farmers and business people. Several are comfortably retired. Their education through graduate school was paid for. Their health care is completely paid for. Seniors can choose housing and care without having to pay for it. All my relatives live in beautiful homes and apartments with beautiful views — it’s difficult to find a bad view in Norway!
Whether or not you can afford something depends on how much you earn.
Joy Gault
Los Osos
Disappointing sexism
R egarding “Get an apron, Nancy” (July 27): I do not understand why it is that when women take action to protect our environment — namely our coast from oil drilling—to some men, they are seen as being out of their sphere, namely the kitchen. Caring for the Earth, its children and being intimately involved with keeping the home clean, food cooking, etc., is noble and underlies all that men have been able to do, not being straddled with such “mundane” chores.
For whatever reason, people see offshore drilling as some solution to their pain at the pumps. It’s not, study the issue. As Californians, we make more money from beautiful coastlines than any potential savings we might realize more than 10 years out from ugly platforms off the coast. Not to mention life endangered by potential oil spills, etc. Even Arnold Schwarzeneggar agrees, and he is a Republican.
I don’t think women criticize George Bush and say, “Go home and take out the trash or mow the lawn.” The Tribune should not allow men to be demeaned by printing such silliness. It makes men seem stupid. And sexist.
Maryanne deGoede
Morro Bay
Challenge is damaging
Regarding the article about Cal Poly’s Dean Mohammad Noori and the faculty who challenge his leadership (July 14): I have been full-time faculty at Cal Poly for several years, and it is too dear to my heart to keep quiet. I love the students, the professors, the leadership, the facilities, the landscape. I want all of us to continue succeeding, not be trashed by a few frustrated folks.
These people have been distracting us from productive work for too long. Most of them are well-paid senior professors, who earned their pay by doing good for many years. Now, however, instead of being hardworking and productive they devastate and destruct. I am sure that personal grudges are causing them to take this cruel path.
Cal Poly has a fantastic leadership team. They represent us well, they speak their heart, they work hard, they lead well. Noori is a man of high standards and integrity, an optimistic, encouraging leader. He is an innovative visionary and a pragmatic manager. I thoroughly enjoy working with him, and I trust him. I know that most of the faculty and students have similar views to mine. Let us all get back to the work we do best —teach and learn—and turn our backs to destructive folks.
Tali Freed
San Luis Obispo
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