From The Mailbox
Updated 05-28-00
Letter to the Editor
This letter is to announce publicly the tremendous support, not only financially from businesses, but the joint effort from community members with their assistance with the 125th Dixon May Fair Parade, organized through the Dixon Chamber of Commerce.
The financial support from sponsors is essential to ensure that Dixon continues this long running tradition. The financial contributors this year include: Gymboree, California Water Service, City of Dixon, Mary’s Pizza Shack, First Northern Bank, Thornton & Sons Jewelers, J. Eileen Erickson, Greiner Heating & Air Conditioning, Harold Weigand, Sacramento Valley Farm Credit, and Dixon Florist.
A special thank you goes to the following people, businesses and their employees who contributed their time, resources, and services to make this event happen: Ron Du Pratt Ford, Los Altos, Chevy’s, Bud’s Pub & Grill, A Street Deli, Dawson’s, Best Western Inn, Tecon Enterprises, PraxAir, Valley Truck & Tractor, Dixon Lumber, Altec Industries, John Grahl, First Northern Bank, The Embroidery Shop, Dixon Sanitary Service, Longs Drugs, Dixon Police Department, Dixon Fire Department, Dixon Corporation Yard, Dixon Unified School District, Tecon Interprises, Todd Bice, Kim Carrier, Mimi Sudbury & Company, Dustin Phillips, Dave Hennigan, Barry Schultz, Melissa & Courtney Sullivan, Sandy Sanders, Jack Batchelor, Sam Crawford, and to those Chamber board members & Ambassadors that lent their time.
It is my sincere hope that the Dixon May Fair Parade will continue to be an historical event in our community and something to be proud of!
Jill Disney,
President Dixon Chamber of Commerce
Student Backs Lower Vote to Pass School Bonds
Does anyone care about children’s education? Today’s children are our future! Their
education is extremely important! Our schools are in such bad shape that it is hard to get
a good education. We need school bond measures to pass in order to fix our schools, but
it is difficult because two-thirds of the vote is needed instead of a simple majority. Only
three other states do it this way. Because of this, a minority of voters decides what passes.
Proposition 26 would change it to a simple majority.
Looking at the facts help us understand the problem. California has more students in each
classroom than any other state except Utah. California has more students in public
schools than any other state. Over 50% of California schools are over 30 years old. One
third of all K-12 classrooms are portables, but this is not the answer. Portables are
temporary and are not made to last very long. Students are in classrooms with leaky roofs
in the winter and are much too hot in the summer without air conditioning. More than
half of California schools lack adequate electrical power for computers and
communications technology. Only 44% of classrooms have Internet access. California
has more students trying to use each classroom computers than any other state in this
country. This all makes it harder to learn in this age of technology.
Most California voters are willing to spend more on education if they know how the
money is going to be spent. If Proposition 26 passes, more school measures will pass,
more money will be there to fix our schools and everyone will know what is happening
with the money. I think Proposition 26 should pass so my friends and I can learn as much
as possible in the best schools.
Brandon Nelson
6th grade, Tremont School, Dixon
Freedom of Speech is Responsibility of All
Lately there has been some pros and cons about the seeming lack of controversial
coverage in our local and main stream newspapers in the past couple of years.
Specifically, citizens who write insightful letters to the editor in our local papers. It's the
lack of continuation of supporting a citizen's opinion that bothers me.
While I am in full support of a citizen's opinion, I don't think a toned down version in the
papers is the responsibility of the paper's staff alone. It falls upon the shoulders of the
citizens as a whole to back the brave and outspoken in our great country.
Freedom of speech cannot survive if it is just a Right, it cannot survive if it is just a Law,
It cannot survive even as a Tradition, Freedom of Speech can only survive in a populace
that continually reaffirms its godliness.
That reaffirmation Must come when those who dare to tread the waters of controversy
and attacked by fearful conformists.
Last year and even today when controversy visits our city or county there is little support
from the majority of citizens. As a result, is it any wonder that there is less controversy
today?
Would you as a staff member of XYZ company risk your career by creating controversy,
in a climate where a small group of outspoken individuals can begin a campaign to have
your job? Even worse, you can't even count on the support of your fellow worker or
neighbor in your testimony of Free Speech.
The fortifications of Free Thinking and radical ideas are gone. Such institutions can exist
only in generations that possess the courage to stand for what they believe in, and the
wisdom to cherish and protect the Freedom that allows them to make a stand.
As young people become less and less engaged in government and the voting process,
politicians have decided that young people are not worth targeting due to their lack of
voting and expressing their Freedom of Speech. I say it is crucial that the young people
reverse this trend on non-voting and prove to the politicians they are interested in what
happens in our Country and local governments.
Voting is the last place one may express their opinion without retaliation. American
citizens were assured this very special right to vote in a free country with the blood of
America's service men and women.
So take advantage of this special Freedom of Speech, and stop your mumbling,
grumbling, complaining, wallowing, hoping, despairing and worrying and VOTE.
As Ben Franklin once said, "if you don't Vote, you give up your right to complain."
Ron Wilson
Chief Deputy D.A. Backs Kealy for Judge
I am writing this letter on behalf of the candidacy of John Kealy who is running against
sitting Judge Luis M. Villarreal. I make this public endorsement in support of Mr.. Kealy
with the firm belief that what follows has to be put before the electorate.
The most important attribute of a judge who serves her or his community is exactly that,
service. I believe that service means providing litigants with fair and equal access to the
use of the judicial process. In plain terms; being available when the published calendar of
that judge says he is available and handling the matters assigned to his department in an
expeditious manner. I have practiced law as a member of the Solano County District
Attorney' s Office since 1984. With only one exception every judge who presently sits or
has sat on the bench in this county over the past 16 years has conducted himself or
herself with that same rule in mind.
However, that is not the rule by which Judge Villarreal has operated. Day after day,
month after month, Judge Villarreal has arrived at the courthouse late into the morning,
often beginning a calendar at 10 AM or later that was scheduled to begin at 8:30 AM.
This has created scheduling issues for both defense and prosecuting attorneys, police
officers on overtime, jurors and victims and witnesses. Civilians have lost a mornings or
a full day's salary because of the inability to start the day at a reasonable hour. Police
officers who often worked the swing or graveyard shift have been required to stay around
the courthouse waiting for him to take the bench.
On many of these mornings, even after he arrives, late as usual, the judge sequestered
himself in his chambers with the door closed. On more than one occasion he has sent
word from his chambers that the matters which had been scheduled to begin at 8:30 were
being shifted to the afternoon.
No other judge would think of doing such a disservice to the community. It is time to
remove Judge Villarreal from the bench and replace him with a judge who will handle
the publics business in a fashion that is befitting justice for all. John Kealy is that person.
He has a proven track record in the District Attorney' s Office of handling very difficult
cases that show he is committed to serving the public.
Sincerely,
Douglas N. Keener
Chief Deputy District Attorney
More Concerns About DFS Management
As past Board members of Dixon Family Services (DFS), we read with interest the letter
from Lupe Cerna regarding the treatment that she and Irma Torres received while
working and/or volunteering at DFS. Although not all of us were members of DFS's
Board or volunteers during the same period of time, we shared some of the same
experiences and had similar concerns.
It appeared to us that the Executive Director of DFS was very controlling of board
members. Usually, the duties of a Board are to set policy for the Executive Director to
implement. It was the experience of some of us that this was not always the case. Some
decisions were made without full Board approval. The entire Board should be involved in
decision making, that way everyone would feel as if they were part ofthe process and
there would be no surprises. Board members who also volunteered were told they could
no longer be allowed to volunteer their time as it was a conflict of interest. Many DFS
volunteers also felt that they were treated without regard or respect due them. Eventually
these volunteers got so frustrated with this type of treatment and eventually quit.
It was also percieved that the Executive Director was similarly controlling of DFS's
employees, telling them they were not supposed to talk to Board members. It was also
percieved that employees were not always treated equally.
DFS is a public agency receiving funds from various sources including private donations
and grants, and, as such, should be held accountable. Repeated requests for detailed
financial information and accountability were either not provided or provided in such a
way that it was difficult to understand what was presented.
Although we all still believe in the original concept of DFS and fully support its purpose,
we are saddened to see what has been happening in terms of the present administration's
performance, but are really not too supprised.
Jim Bettencourt
Barbara Bulkley
Bea Rott
Josephine Wentworth
Joan Giannoni
Shirley Scribner
A Big Thank You!
I wanted give a big THANK-YOU to Ms. Dannenberg's 5th grade class and their
parents for the great outpour of donations of food items in our class food
drive. In just 4 days these 32 kids brought in over 200 food items. I had
hoped for 50 items and had gave them a challenge for more. I had picked The
Dixon CAC to receive our donation for the folks of Dixon. I had stumbled on
this wonderful agency by chance and found them to be very gracious when you
bring something in and always hear a heartfelt Thank-You. Any donations made
are turned into food that is distributed regularly to about 75 families. So
you can imagine how far 200 food items can go. And that really gave me a
sense of community, usefulness and the spirit of giving. I made the
commitment to coordinate and have annual events in any class or organizations
that would like to have a food drive.
Again, many thanks to the wonderful kids in Ms,. Dannenbergs's class and the
wonderful parents of those children for caring so much.
Diana Forster
Dixon
Thanks for Life Saving Help
Late Monday morning, October 25, 1999, while I was removing the sunshade from our
pole barn in my backyard, two 2x6 rafters and a cross 1x4 gave way and I fell eleven feet
to the ground.
Two Express workers, Jeremy Turner and Omar Zunigan, saw my fall and gave alarm.
One of them went for David Ward, a City employee and volunteer firefighter, and Trey
Hickman, a City employee and emergency medical technician. David and Trey took
charge at the accident scene and I could sense their good training. I was very lucky they
got to me (climbed the fence) when they did.
I was aware of some things going on around me, but had not moved. Trey, David, and
Jeremy removed debris from under and around me. Jeremy ran to the house and had my
wife call 9-1-1. David and Trey asked the right questions and knew my lower back and
hips were hurt. Without their help and care I doubt I could have moved. I was aware of
firefighters and ambulance crew's presence. They strapped me down and I was then
transported to Sutter Davis Hospital for a 28 hour stay.
My wife, Eva Crow, and I just want to say thank you for making the proper moves.
Grover Crow, Dixon
Rebuttal to the Editorial of October 20, 1999
Being a lifetime Dixon resident, I too was once convinced that we could work
"TOGETHER, as neighbors, not antagonists." A lot has happened since then.
I have personally spoken to several managers of several businesses about changes that
would make life easier for the disabled members of the community, about things that are
required by law. Some of these people have even witnessed some of the difficulties faced
by Dixon's disabled citizens themselves. Still I saw no changes.
I am not speaking of efforts made in the last couple of months. I am speaking of efforts
that have taken place over a period of more than two years. Almost two years ago I was
blocked from re-entering my van by an illegally parked car.
I spoke with our mayor about this. He suggested that I write a letter to our city manager. I
did this. Our city manager forwarded this letter to our police chief. I had telephone
conversations with both of these city officials. I was told that my concerns were valid. I
was assured that things would change. Nothing changed until I got involved with this
group of "antagonists".
I must admit that I am disappointed. I was sure that Dixon was a community of caring
and helpful people. I was sure that they wouldn't let other disabled members of the
community and me down but they did. This truly saddened me.
Often I have heard stories from other people in other cities and I would think, "Dixon is
not like that." Now I know that I was wrong. Dixon is like that.
Now I am involved with a group of citizens that is trying to correct these problems. Still
the community is not working with us but calling us names and trying to discredit us.
These are experiences that I never thought I would encounter in my hometown, Dixon.
We are only the messengers but people have not been listening to us.
A disappointed citizen of Dixon,
Donna Marty
Response To Articles
I would like to respond to an article (Dixon Officials to Meet with Disabled Group) and
in general, to all of the recent articles over this issue.
This is 1999. The ADA was written in 1990. It became law in 1991. Why are the
disabled still trying to get the City and the area businesses to comply with this Civil
Rights legislation? One reason, because the City hasn't complied.
Who is the City's federally mandated ADA Coordinator? No one. As for the Police report
of not being able to respond to Ms. Marty's problem over parking. Except for threat to
life, there shouldn't be a more important issue to address immediately, than Civil Rights
Violations. But, if you don't have any knowledge of what the ADA says, I guess you
don't have to put a high priority on Civil Rights. It is a violation of those Civil Rights
laws to not modify their policies to provide equal access to programs and facilities.
As for the disabled community (and CARD) being a bit overzealous in their fight for
their rights, please! It has been almost 10 years. How long should they have to wait? The
city is continuing to build or allowing to be built, non-accessible programs and facilities.
How successful would any of us be in claiming ignorance of the law when it comes to the
IRS tax laws? There were hundreds of changes in the last year. There have been very
few changes in the ADA in the last almost 10 years. But someone wants to whine about
not knowing about the ADA requirements?
It is not the job of the disabled person to confront and educate business owners over
access violations. It is part of the business owners responsibility to stay current with
applicable laws. Why is it that a business owner or manager would even entertain the
idea of a responsibility on the part of the disabled to educate the business owner.
As for a chain store, it is the responsibility of the corporation to properly train their
personnel. It is ridiculous to expect the disabled community or CARD to educate them.
Anyone every been in a traffic jam? How do most of you feel when you are unable to go
anywhere? How about needing to use the bathroom facilities while your in that traffic
jam.
That is exactly the feeling of the disabled when they can't go where they want to go
because of something someone has done or failed to do.
Edward L. Kemper
Disabled Advocate and ADA Access Consultant
1020 12th Street, Suite 102
Sacramento, CA 95814-3996
916-444-2309
workndog@workndog.com
http://www.workndog.com
Letter to the Editor
Last Sunday I read an article in the Vacaville Reporter. This article titled Silent
Reminder was about how our city manager, one of our council members and couple of
other city officials had helped a young boy and his family. This was accomplished by
putting signs up cautioning drivers of deaf children nearby. My first thoughts were "how
nice."
I was glad that they were able to help this child and his family. As I read on those warm
fuzzy feelings faded. When I read that Councilman Hughes had gone to this child's home
and "spent time with the family observing traffic on Merrill Drive and noted the signs
should be up soon." Now I became angry.
Why was it that Councilman Hughes was able to spend time viewing the concerns of this
family but not those of the other disabled members of the community? Why was
helping this one family more important than helping us? I read on.
My feelings changed to a mixture of anger, disbelief and even hurt feelings, for now we
have a quote from our city manager. "But I think it's nice that City Hall could respond.
We all worked together to resolve what was considered to be a serious problem in the
neighborhood."
Weren't our concerns serious? Isn't it serious if other disabled people cannot travel
the sidewalks because of barriers like portable basketball hoops and trashcans? How
would the person using a white cane interpret these barriers? Isn't it serious if the curb
cuts are too steep or if, a wheelchair user gets stuck on one of them?
Three times, we have asked council members and city officials to take a walk with us to
see first hand what our concerns are. Four members of our group have gone out to
document some of these concerns with photographs and videotapes. Two of those four
people are wheelchair users. Still nobody from the city has come out with us.
What will it take for our city officials to realize how serious these concerns of the
physically challenged are? I still think that it was nice that the city was able to help this
family. I just don't understand why there was time to view their concerns and not time to
view the concerns of our group. Are we less important? If so, why are we less important?
I just don't understand.
Sincerely,
Donna Marty
Disabled citizen of Dixon
Member of C.A.R.D
Moving Forward
Now that the Dixon bank deal is behind us, we need to move forward to
bigger and better things. This seems like a good time for us to reevaluate
our local business situation, where we are, and where we want to go.
When I recently heard about some local prime land being in escrow for an
R&D park, I thought to myself—this is the big leagues and this could be
heaven or this could be hell. These research and development companies are
sprouting up all along I-80 from Frisco to Sacto. They come from within the
state, out of state, overseas, they just come.
They pay big bucks and contribute big to the community. But there’s a
catch—they’re choosy. They don’t just come that easy. They do their
homework. We need to be realists here. There’s no fooling anyone. Can
Dixon compete? Can we hook one of these big fish? Before we can answer, yes
and yes respectively, and share in these opportunities, we must be prepared.
Preparation for this kind or any other kind of high tech growth begins
with the assessment of our local business climate. A positive climate for
recruitment is one in which existing businesses survive and grow. Any
development effort must be designed not only to attract new industry, but
also to hold onto the business we already have.
I recommend we get an economic development committee in high gear. We
must be serious about the work, attend regular meetings, and share ideas. We
need local representatives from utilities, finance, real estate,
transportation, local government, construction, industry, retail trade, and
planning specialists for this committee.
I recommend this committee look at any barriers to progress such as
supply of trainable labor, supply of skilled labor, access to markets (the
cost of carrying large inventories, reliable supply of resources, and
transportation costs), availability of industrial buildings, lack of
financing, housing shortages, quality of local schools, and last but not
least, our real attitude toward development. A sound economic development
strategy will address these issues.
I recommend this committee develop a strategic business plan involving
all segments of the community. We need to set specific goals, identify
obstacles that could prevent the accomplishment of these goals, and map out a
workable plan for overcoming any obstacles. A well designed plan will set
businesslike goals and a businesslike approach for implementing the plan.
With such a plan, the people responsible for economic development can
complete the steps and be assured of maximum support from the community. At
the same time we are thinking of bringing in new business, we need to know
that it is extremely important that existing business remains in the
community. If a new business is brought into town and promptly forgotten
while additional new businesses are sought, problems may cause the new
business to leave or go bankrupt.
When an existing business succeeds, its expansion and resulting job
opportunities may far exceed whatever can be brought in from outside.
At the other end of town, the area is ripe for the visionaries and risk
takers to come out of the woodwork and get involved in the revitalization
efforts of downtown. My vision for the revitalization and success of a proud
downtown includes the following.
People getting off the train at the new train station in droves, or
people just driving in to spend a few hours to check out beautiful thriving
specialty shops (old lumberyard site). Dine in an elegant restaurant (old
firehouse) and pick up an antique or two. Maybe just decide to check out
another fine restaurant around the corner. Merrily stroll down the streets,
emptying ice creme cone napkins or open air burrito stand wrappers in nice
decorative trash cans.
Sitting down on comfortable benches on street corners smoking cigars,
sipping exotic coffee contraptions, or just socializing. Standing beside a
new pretty tree (wishing it was 10 years older). Making way down the street
to the historical Dixon museum (old Parde market and for a nominal fee) going
away saying, "I never knew Dixon had this kind of history." I’m visualizing
downtown’s like Walnut Creek, Benicia, Vacaville and Davis.
If something like this can’t happen in Dixon, then downtown will bust.
I’m calling on the business community to get serious, I’m calling on City
Hall to get serious, and I’m calling on the citizens to come together to make
something happen. If we can make something happen, we can all be proud to be
Dixonites, or is it Dixonians. Sorry, I’m one of the new guys here.
by Steve Alexander
Disabled Needs are Civil Rights Issue
Thanks to the inspiration provided by the civil rights struggle of the 1960's, disability
rights advocates began to press for full legal equality and access to mainstream society.
Through lobbying and litigation, public education and advocacy, they were used to
promote reason and inclusiveness rather than Fear and Pity.
Based on Congress' finding that people with disabilities have been subject to a history of
purposeful unequal treatment, and relegated to a position of political powerlessness," its
purpose is to extend to people with disabilities the same legal protections against
discrimination available to women and racial and religious minorities under the 1964
Civil Rights Act.
Then on July 26, 1990 the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law,
on the White House lawn. The event represented an historical benchmark and milestone
in America's commitment to full and equal opportunity for all of its citizens. President
Bush's emphatic directive on that day - "Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come
tumbling down" - neatly encapsulated the simple yet long overdue message of the ADA:
that 43 million Americans with disabilities are full-fledged citizens and as such are
entitled to legal protections that ensure them equal opportunity and access to mainstream
of American life.
People with disabilities are the poorest, least employed, and least educated minority in
America. At the end of 1995, it was estimated that one out of five people in the U.S. had
some kind of disability, one of ten, severe. Too often, people with disabilities have been
treated as second class citizens, shunned and segregated by Physical barriers and Social
stereotypes. They have been discriminated against in employment, schools and housing,
robbed of their personal autonomy, and too often, hidden away and forgotten by the
larger society. By and large, people with disabilities continue to be excluded from the
American dream.
This is Why I have made many attempts requesting the Mayor, Council and Staff to tour
our city using the disabled devices to navigate our city streets to discover first hand those
streets not accessible and barriers the disabled encounter everyday to live a "normal life".
Reading the article on the "Night Out" from a local paper, about the Mayor and a Council
member riding around town in a limousine, made me understand the statement a citizen
made at the January 26, 1999 Council meeting after I asked the Council and Staff
members for a city tour using the disabled devices. I quote "Mr. Wilson, I have never
heard anything more insulting or completely inappropriate, and the City, Council is not
insensitive."
Ron Wilson
Hughes Wrong - Citizens Are Attacked At Council
I find it frustrating and annoying that an intelligent and capable council member such as
Richard Hughes would misinterpret and obscure the meaning behind a constituent’s
article that was factually based.
Mr. Hughes states that he abhors personal attacks. My question is why was it
Councilman Manson who spoke up instead of Richard while these attacks were
occurring? The fact that some of his staunchest supporters were the ones doing the
attacking might explain this apparent anomaly.
Substituting words such as “routine” for “various” and alluding that “a cultural bias at
meetings” is the same as “no resident’s culture is any better than the next resident’s
culture” leads one to believe that Mr. Hughes is the one with an ax to grind. As Mr.
Hughes was not attacked individually, I can only conclude that his response was either
hasty and ill thought out, or that it was at the insistence of other parties.
Either way it was inappropriate and ill conceived. Anyone who saw this meeting or
others in the past when similar attacks have occurred, understand the personal political
style of your backers, Richard. It does not sit well with the majority of the community.
Defending this kind of behavior when you are an intelligent and caring person seems odd
to me. I believe the only destructive path we are heading down is the one you are putting
us on by acknowledging their right to ignore issues and make personal attacks. I had
expected more from you.
Michael Ceremello
City Councilman Richard Hughes' recent letter to the editor states that it is important not
to believe everything you read. After reading his letter, I agree with him wholeheartedly
on that point.
I find it very disheartening that in the very letter in which he tries to tell us that the city
treats its citizens well he would attack a citizen and characterize him as "reckless" and
"without factual foundation" just for stating his opinion. Every citizen has the right to
say how he/she feels about the job the council is doing. If that is his definition of being
respectful of a person he disagrees with I would say it is no wonder the city has a long
way to go towards building a good relationship and trust with its citizens.
After watching a great number of council meetings I must say that other citizens often
verbally attack citizens, whenever there is a controversial issue up for a vote, that they
do not agree with the status quo. Status quo seems to be very important in this town and
if, heaven forbid, you are in the minority opinion you are subject to heckling and all
manner of abuse. Turning a blind eye to such occurrences does not make them
disappear. It is a fact that this continues to happen in the Council chambers and it is
wrong.
If Mr. Hughes indeed "abhors personal attacks" why did he allow a citizen to be called
the "village idiot," the "grinch" and various other derogatory names? Councilman Chris
Manson was the only person on the council who called for a point of order to get the
Mayor to do his job and get the meeting back on track to discuss the issues, not to level
personal attacks.
Councilmembers Vega and Manson are working on revitalizing the City's Human
Relations Committee to ensure that people will feel comfortable in stating their opinions
to the council or in the newspapers without having to fear that they will be personally
attacked by anyone. I think this is an important step toward rebuilding a trust between the
city and its citizens that has been broken too many.
Marie Lewis
Dixon Not Disabled Friendly
What are the chances of you or a loved one coming home this evening in a wheelchair for
life? So with this thought, pause for a minute and count your blessings. There are many
citizens living in Dixon that have been dealt this hand by God, and these citizens have to
play it out. Now that I have put these thoughts in your head that God may deal your
family this same hand. Maybe now your thinking about the ADA (American
Disabilities Act) will change.
Bruce Barton once said, "By a change of thought, the yeoman of England became the
unconquerable army of Cromwell. By a change of thought a handful of fishermen of
Palestine transformed human history."
Over the last three months, with the support of citizens, some physically challenged and
some without disabilities, have assisted me in conducting a test, by collecting
information and photographing ADA issues and encroachments in our City. These
situations were found on City property, business locations, and what citizens are doing
unknowingly. The ADA became law in 1992 and too many issues have not been
corrected or addressed to this date.
A member of this support group was born and raised in Dixon and physically challenged,
enlightened the group with many ADA issues unknown to myself. This citizen over 18
months ago complained to three top officials in Dixon about ADA issues, but this all fell
on deaf ears.
I would like to paint you a picture how these issues and encroachments are seen by the
disabled. "Imagine yourself alone and starving. You're on a cement street surrounded by
cement buildings. The buildings have no doors and no windows. The street is endless.
There's no hope. That's what a lost, abandoned pet, a dog or a cat, faces when it's turned
loose in the city," author unknown.
With my documentation, I respectfully like to respond to letters to the editor, newspaper
articles, and a stage blind test, that were published during the past months refuting my
Crusade for this Noble Cause.
An outside agency, their personnel and myself, had numerous meetings with City
officials presenting the ADA issues and encroachments in Dixon. These meetings were
ineffective. In fact, every effort was made to discredit the agency, their personnel and
myself.
I was characterized by a citizen in a letter to the editor as being extremely aggressive,
provocative and controversial, on this Crusade. With lack of action from the City Council
and upper staff members on the ADA issues and encroachments in Dixon, I would say
this characterization is understated, by the Facts I have collected.
The Dixon City Manager made two statements in a newspaper article, about how the City
responds to citizen's complaints. I quote "Citizens calls are taken seriously." "We are only
as good as how we respond to the last call."
Citizens, City Council and City Staff in Dixon have said we are a city with a small town
atmosphere, full of compassion and ready to help citizens in need. Citizens with
disabilities need all the Help and Compassion humanly possible. So why have citizens
and city government turned their back and put their heads in the sand on the ADA
problem in Dixon?
I hope this quote from Bruce Barton will help all of US in our great City to understand
the needs of the disabled. "Many of us are afraid this expenditure of compassion will
drain away our energy, deplete us for our own tasks. But the dynamics of compassion
defy the ordinary laws of energy. We discover that, like Antaeus in the ancient myth, our
strength is doubled by compassionate contact with the blessed earth of
humanity...Compassion
belongs to the other great band of noble virtues -- tolerance, sympathy, understanding --
all marching under the banner of love."
Ron Wilson
Feel-good legislation’s deadly impact
By G.J. Sagi
After a restraining order against Benjamin Nathaniel Smith was discovered during the
Brady Law’s required background check, a firearm dealer told him he could not have the
handgun.
Though Smith had flagrantly broken the law by attempting to purchase the firearm, he
simply walked out of the store, located someone illegally selling firearms -- someone the
police already had under investigation -- and procured the .380-semi automatic and
.22-caliber pistols he later used in his racially motivated midwestern killing spree.
By the time the white supremacist was done, two would be dead, and nine wounded. As
authorities closed in he took his own life.
It’s just a shame the Clinton Administration has decided the Brady Law is an anti-gun
public relations ploy, rather than the life saving device it was purported to be during
Congressional debate. During the first five years of Brady’s enforcement, according to
the government’s own statistics, 1/4 million people were denied handgun purchases.
Mysteriously, less than 100 of these allegedly dangerous criminals were prosecuted,
leaving the rest to walk, talk and stalk the American public, like Smith.
Why not grab people, like Smith, before they secure firearms, not after? Why not stop the
bloodshed before it starts, as they walk out of the sporting goods store? Police respond
within seconds to armed robbery calls, more than enough time for them to set up in a
sporting goods parking lot, as an unknowing and unarmed criminal waits for his denial to
become official .... a denial artificially stalled to ensure law enforcement’s arrival?
Surely it would save dozens of lives, not to mention defuse the potentially disastrous and
unavoidable confrontation that will occur when law enforcement finally catches up to the
criminal.
It just makes plain good common sense.
But then, the Brady Law has nothing to do with common sense.
It’s little more than feel-good legislation whose dire consequences are only beginning to
show in the Smith case. Don’t take my word for it, ask the families of those 11 who fell
victim to a man who not only broke the law before the murders, but whose whereabouts
were known by authorities for at least the time it took to run the background checks.
The Brady Law has done little more than produce inflated statistics designed to generate
widespread anti-gun hysteria. Until Smith walked out of that sporting goods store free to
massacre minorities, it was the Clinton Administration’s most prolific public relations
machine.
As if flagrant arrogance toward the law’s intent isn’t bad enough, there are some
municipalities misusing the Brady Law for fine collection.
A few days after it went into effect a single mother in Tucson, who was trying to
purchase a handgun for personal safety as she drove cross-country with her child, was
denied her purchase. Later she discovered the denial was due to an unpaid fine for failure
to "wear a life preserver." The citation was issued nearly a decade prior to her attempted
handgun purchase by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, while she was in college.
I feel safer already.
A retiree, who had grown concerned about his aging neighborhood’s increasing violence
and urban decay, was also later denied in Tucson. When the man appealed he was told
he had failed to pay for his dog’s license, and he would be unable to protect his home and
wife until the license and fine were paid. The dog was dead long before the licensing
paperwork arrived.
As if there was little doubt in the minds of law-abiding gun owners, like myself, who
would gladly suffer a little inconvenience if it truly made a difference in criminal
activity, consider how fast law enforcement determined Smith had been denied his
purchase thanks to Brady -- information the Brady Law guarantees will not be stored by
the government, or stockpiled in some sort of Nazi-like gun registration scheme?
Who’s breaking the law now?
By now it should be blatantly obvious to even the most casual observer that the law is
nothing more than a public relations ploy designed to garner votes and polarize
voters -- a combination deadly enough to have claimed the lives of two innocent victims,
and permanently scar the families of 11.
G.J. Sagi is an active member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America and
spokesman for the Center for A Safe America.
Thoughts On Littleton
In high school I wore a black leather jacket, played pinball machines, hung out in the pool hall,
listened to rock and roll music, and wanted to be a Naval pilot. In short, I was one of the many
outcasts in high school, and I got a combination of reactions coming back to me from everyone else,
jokes and an occasional fist.
What I am going to say may disturb you, but I must get it off my chest. Old ghosts and feelings in
me have been stirred by ingesting more than three weeks of news about the shooting in Littleton and
descriptions of Klebold and Harris.
We cannot label these attackers at Littleton as "monsters", a title given to them by the media and
by the Littleton community. Don't get me wrong, they are blanky-blank, but to rank them as "evil"
hurts the innocent who have the same surface features: trenchcoat wearers, goths, net surfers, and
others who are considered "geeks".
Denouncing the two attackers also makes them inspirational martyrs to those who have reached
the depths of High School Damnation. For any of those "forgotten", who are on the verge of suicide
or breakdown, it's all to easy to think, "nobody likes me, nobody cares and nobody listens. I've got
nothing to lose and no future. They hate me anyway, so why not get even? Better to be defaming
than continue to be stepped on on a day to day basis."
Why can I write such a statement? Because I have been there. In high school I associated with
such comrades. We were known as the HOODS (our car club name). But unlike these kids, my
attitude was diverse, and I had people who care about me and the stuff I cared about.
As I look back what was really important was their free time they sacrificed, being good listeners,
and always answering my "WHY" questions. My mother who always kept track of my matters, and
my father, they taught me what he called R.I.R., which was Respect, Integrity, and Responsibility.
Associated with my parents who also sacrificed their valuable free time were teachers, coaches,
scoutmasters, and business leaders. If they were here today in one room all I could say is thank God
for all of YOU.
As I see the problem in our schools is the lack of caring, understanding, and respect - not some
stars pathetic career, the video games, the internet, guns, Adolf Hitler, the movies - all of these
played a role, but they are not the main cause of this incident, which was caused by the lack of
teaching the R.I.R.'s.
For those pushing for lawsuits and legislations - an act of greed and ballyhoo, which sickens me -
a court of law can do nothing for or against, the dead. Legal acts only hurt the living and at the
present the only living are the innocent. It's those living in the same style of "the geeks" who are
getting looked at or prosecuted. They are students similar to what I was, who are now into
computers, goth or just wearing characteristic clothing.
Schools and groups, such as the National School Safety Center and Federal COP grants, are now
looking for "dangerous signs", such as mood swings, depression, violent t.v., violent video games,
anti-social behavior and attitudes. But it is not a call to help those KIDS. It is an attempt to satisfy
worried parents and polish the public relation image of the school system.
In the wake of the Columbine shooting, a number of students have faced expulsion, just for having
these traits or for "being different". This will further fuel the dissent into hate and humiliation for
these KIDS - usually the brightest in their classes - who are already being stomped on by their peers
and given a blind eye by their teachers and administrators.
I have been told that there is nobody who gives a damn on that end, and that's what needs to be
changed. Now our City Council and School District wants a sworn police officer (School Resource
Officer) on campuses not just for protection, but also as a mentor and a counselor.
One must remember what is said to a sworn officer is not in confidence but if the officer believes
a crime has been committed he must report it, like to Child Protective Services (CPS). All this can
bring is trouble and mistrust to a family, as well as costly legal fees trying to rectify a possibly false
allegation. Last year there were 3 million CPS inquires and 2 million were false. What is needed is
a change in attitude toward outsiders and outcasts in the halls of schools. It's respect and
understanding of who they are, not what they are. Mark Twain once said, "when you try to make
everything foolproof you end up with a world of fools".
The Bible says the meek will inherit the earth. In today's high schools - perhaps society - that will
be a miracle. I know one is not to associate God, Bible and Schools together, but maybe, just
maybe, this would be better than a police officer.
Ron Wilson
Congratulations For Parade
Congratulation to everyone who worked so hard to make this year’s Dixon May Fair Parade such
a success.
Jill Disney, Korie Robinson, the Chamber of Commerce, California Water Service, the Dixon Fire
and Police departments, the Parade entrants, and everyone involved deserve a big round of applause
for a job well done.
Chris Manson,
Dixon City Council
Salvation Is Not From Government
I have followed the press recently with great interest. The Columbine shootings, the bombing of
Kosovo, and the other day to day happenings of our Great Society require no individual
commentary.
It is curious to see how far our culture has come. I call our culture a western and an ancient
one-for that is surely what it is. It is interesting to see how long those on the extreme left have
labored with those on the extreme right. While espousing "cultural diversity" and attacking the
haughtiness of western society and its institutions, the Marxist left has helped the religious right
shape our common way of looking at the world.
We have taken it upon ourselves at the beginning of the third millennium to create a wholly
westernized and thoroughly Christian paradise on earth. One group proselytizes for the end to the
sins of homosexuality, drug abuse, gambling, prostitution and abortion. The other attacks from its
pulpit the sins of greed, homelessness, capital punishment, intolerance, and poverty. The strident
environmentalist keeps his eyes fixed on heaven as he dreams of bulldozing the local Megalo-Mart
to make way for Eden, while his cohorts merrily debate the proper spot to plant the Tree of Life. In
such a fanatical environment, many relatively modern ideas must be subverted, such as:
1. The consent of sovereign individuals is the source of all governmental power.
2. The individual, not the state or society, is the unit of all thought and moral action.
3. Our ideas and actions, as opposed to our status as members of a group, determine our identity.
4. The amount of reasoned persuasion and not the amount of institutionalized coercion marks the
level of advancement a civilized society has reached.
5. A human being deserving of respect guides his or her actions ultimately from free will and
choice- not class, race, county of origin, level of income, cultural or biological influences.
These concepts, which are the linchpins of any free society, have been reduced to a policy of
merely ignoring the actions and opinions of members of the general public as long as they do not
conflict with each side's particular flavor of puritanical utopian idealism.
Of the hotly debated issues of the day, there is really only one. - How much force will be necessary
to make a Christian-Western paradise on earth a reality? How many countries must be bombed?
How many citizens imprisoned? How much free speech censored? How many guns seized? How
many taxes imposed? What kind of lawsuits filed? How many searches conducted? Which
individual lives sacrificed? How much ground hallowed? How many government programs
implemented?
How much coercion will be necessary so that we might all reach heaven in a season?
Legislation does not lead to salvation. We must temper our idealism with common sense and a
respect for the lives of our fellow man.
R. Allan Eddy, Dixon
Thanks for May Fair Help for Special Needs Kids
Every year the Vacaville Rotary and Dixon Rotary have organized Special Kids Day at the Dixon
Mayfair for the special need kids of Solano County. This year, Mrs. Pat Garrett and her students
from Maine Prairie High School also assisted our Special Kids. To the men, women and high school
students who helped this year, I offer my sincere thanks and recognition.
A day before it officially opens each year, school buses filled with excited Special Kids arrive at
the Mayfair. Each special child is assigned a "buddy-friend." With their buddy, Special Kids are
able to go through the exhibits, petting zoo, and see all the livestock first hand. They enjoy a lunch
and receive a goodie bag filled with gifts. After lunch, they are treated to carnival rides.
As the mom of a special needs kid, I know many of these children would never be able to enjoy a
day at the May Fair. By providing a day devoted just for them gives each the opportunity to set,
touch, smell, and hear all the fun and excitement of the May Fair. Many of our special needs kids
cannot express their thanks, but I heard it in their laughter, saw it in their smiles and the twinkle in
their eyes.
For your loving devotion, your gentle patience, and great kindness, thank you on behalf of our
Special Kids' for their Special Day at the May Fair.
Mary Ann Courville
Andrew's mom
Oppose Mandatory Service
Fellow Citizens:
Gray Davis, the Governor of California, said that he would offer a plan this year to make
mandatory public service a graduation requirement for all three of the state's higher education
systems -- the University of California, the California State University and all community colleges.
Please take the time to view our petition -- OPPOSE MANDATORY PUBLIC SERVICE
Petition ID: 123536 -- as listed on www.ethepeople.com under the heading "Education" and also
"Civil Rights and Minority Issues".
If you agree with our petition as written, please forward this email to members of your local
organizations for review.
Our petition will be sent automatically to the office of Gray Davis, Governor of the State of
California in thirty days.
Time is of the essence.
Respectfully,
R. Allan Eddy
Director
The Solano County Libertarian Movement
1285 Stratford Ave. G-120
Dixon CA 95620
707-548-1939
TSCLM@AOL.COM
Hello! Is Anybody Out There?
Whether chatting during walks in the park, procrastinating in my garage, or even making small
talk on the phone, I have been struck by two observations. One, painfully few people know the
importance of their local government, and what is taking place; and two, which is even worse, the
horrifying apathy pervasive in the vast majority of citizens’ minds.
Not only do few know about city government, but those who do not know have no interest in
informing themselves. How many times have I heard “I’m not interested,”; “I don’t care about local
politics;” or “Is this another, they (City Council) do what they want?”
I almost felt better when a citizen quipped, “The more you say the more you pay,” and walked
way. At least HE had an opinion.
I have become deeply suspicious of those who have no opinions. Aren’t beliefs one of the
hallmarks of human life, one of the foundations of consciousness? and all of you out there have been
letting Mikie just do it. Now with Mike’s taciturnity at City Council meetings, who is going to ask
the council questions? “It’s going to cost us (taxpayers) HOW MUCH?”; and “The fair and right
thing to do.”
Well everyone of us has had the experience of listening to a politician and saying to ourselves, “I
can’t believe he said that. Mike is shifting gears and directing his energy into transcribing his
column, maybe, just maybe, the pen is mightier than the sword or the spoken word.
Mike Ceremello, for your outstanding effort and energy on presentations at City Council meetings,
I SALUTE YOU, and hope your sabbatical is short lived. Thank you Mike.
Ron Wilson, Dixon
Dear Editor,
In light of the recent violent tragedies within our nations schools, I would like to remind
the people of Dixon what Paul the Apostle had to say in his second epistle to Timothy;
"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of
themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents,
ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not
lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of
God - having a form of godliness but denying its power". (New Testament 2 Timothy
3:1-5).
These characteristics or traits are all but common place in our society today, but within
our youth is where you see them glorified more than ever. To save you all from a very
long winded sermon, I will cut through "the chaff" and get to the heart of the matter. The
above behaviors come from an evil heart. The Bible says, all of our hearts are
desperately
wicked. You and I, when the circumstances are just right, have the potential of
committing every one of those acts. God's remedy to this problem is found in the Old
Testament in the book of 2 Chronicles 7:14 which states; "If my people, who are called
by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their
wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land".
This coming Thursday, May 6, is The National Day of Prayer. Would you please join me
and thousands of others across this great nation in a day of seeking The Lord God
Almighty in prayer. The truths within the Bible have remained for years. God loves us,
has created each of us, and knows us all very well. If you are looking for truth or clarity
in life read the Bible, God's instruction manual for life.
Mark Snyder, Dixon
Dear Editor:
The Dixon City Council recently gave its approval to jointly apply for a
federal COPS grant with the Dixon Unified School District. If the grant is
received, Dixon will receive $100,000 to fund a full-time school resources
officer and related equipment and material. This officer will make our
campuses safer and provide an educational resource for our kids. Of
particular interest to me is the possibility that the officer could take
part in a police cadet program and drug education. This is also a wonderful
example of how the city and school district continue to work together to
make our city better.
There is still a long ways to go before this program becomes a reality.
However, it appears our chances of receiving the grant are fairly good.
Although I have received most of the attention regarding this issue, credit
should really go to those whose involvement has been much more important
than mine:
Warren Salmons and Bill Huyett for their vision and leadership; Chief
Fuller, Lt. Kalish, and Shelton Yip for their unmatched expertise; Ana
Sotuela, a lifelong Dixon resident who donated much of her own time. Mayor
Erickson and P.J. Davis also deserve credit as leaders in our community who
are confident enough in their respective positions to foster an atmosphere
that allows for wide participation in the governing process.
While it is always nice to receive recognition as a public official, it is
more important to remember that it is those behind the scenes who often
deserve the credit.
Sincerely,
Richard Hughes
Dixon City Councilman
Contrary Opinion
by Ray Streib
The Growing Body Count and Financial Cost of America's Futile 30-Year War
Some of you may remember March 16, 1968. That was the day American troops killed more than
500 unarmed Vietnamese men, women and children in a far off place called My Lai. The action was
rationalized as "It became necessary to destroy the village to save it."
That rationale was foreign to many Americans then and it remains so today.
Now we are involved in another type of war, one that has been around since the Nixon
administration in 1968, the war on drugs. One of the results of that war is the incarceration of a
larger percentage of our citizens than that of any other nation in the world. More than sixty percent
of the 1.7 million in our prisons are there for non-violent drug convictions.
A first time, non-violent drug offender faces an average sentence longer than average sentencing
for manslaughter, rape, child molestation or bank robbery.
If this rate of incarceration continues, half of the population of our nation will be behind bars
within the next 50 years. Somewhere I read that
slightly more than half of our population works for some branch of government, either local, state
or federal. Could it be that at some point
in the future, half of us will be in prison and the other half will be working for the government?
Let me say up front, I have never used illegal drugs in any form and don't intend to begin now.
Let me add that some of the knowledge contained in this article was gathered as a result of research,
some as a result of talking to public officials, and some as a result of talking to someone who DOES
use illegal drugs and is now serving a prison sentence.
Something like 500,000 Americans die each year from alcohol, tobacco and prescription drugs -
but those are deaths from legal drugs.
Conversely, as many as 14,000 people die each year from illegal drugs.
Is something wrong with this picture? Is something wrong with the so-called "war on drugs?"
For one thing, our Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures are
compromised. That puts pressure on already overloaded police, legal and penal systems.
Law enforcement officials support the war on drugs and its "zero tolerance" parameters in part
because it is easier to process non-violent drug offenders than hardened criminals. Those hardened
criminals are the ones who may rape, rob or murder you or a loved one.
Asset seizures are lucrative for the seizing agency in non-violent drug offender cases. The courts
allow disregard of burden of proof by the state that guilt exists in these cases.
How far it will go in the next decade, one can only guess, but even now a search of schools by
dogs is being implemented in some school systems. The next step could conceivably be strip
searches, body cavity searches, searches of cars in the school parking lot and, carried even beyond
the school property, a search of homes. If I was a student in one of the high schools slated to be
centers for searches, I believe I'd tape a message inside my locker. The message, taken from the
Fourth Amendment, would read:
"The rights of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against
unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated..."
My First Amendment rights would allow me to post that note on my locker.
Trying to stop illegal drug use is like trying to prevent graffiti.
Why all this war? Why keep it going? One good reason is that the war has made the sale of illegal
drugs profitable; so profitable that there will always be a supplier and a buyer no matter how
effective the warriors become. Putting people behind bars doesn't solve anything either. Illegal drugs
are as readily available behind bars as they are in the schools or on the streets.
When the focus of the "war" changes from taking a medical problem (addictions) and exchanging
it for a criminal one, to treating the medical problem, this nation will save millions of dollars a year.
This "war" has already cost the country nearly a trillion dollars and the cost is escalating.
While the "patient" is being treated for the medical problem the care provider should be
responsible for telling the patient WHY illegal drugs are dangerous. Contaminants and
concentrations unknown and unmeasured make purity a major unknown thus causing an alteration
of results the patient may expect from the substance. In other words, what the patient perceives as a
pleasant experience could easily become a death trap.
Dogs involved in sniff testing student lockers, bodies and belongings is a finger in a leak in the
dike. It won't stop the eventual erosion of the dike because the pressure behind the structure is too
great. DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) a program to reduce drug use in many American
communities has been woefully inadequate and inefficient. The U.S. Department of Justice
admitted in a report by USA Today that the program has had little effect. And it eats up
$750,000,000 per year in its administration. The Department of Justice has estimated that there will
be more arrests for drug law violations this year than in 1996 when the figure reached 1.47 million
arrests.
The nationwide cost of the war on drugs is skyrocketing. As research for this article was nearing
completion this month, a total of $8,079,471 had already been spent and it is estimated that the
total cost for 1999 will top $17.1 billion at a rate of $634 per second according to the Office of
National Drug Control Policy. Another $20 billion will be spent by state and local governments.
That $37 billion figure would certainly go a long way toward treating the medical problem that is
now being addressed as a criminal problem.
The wag who suggested making illegal drugs legal just may have had a valid point. If that stuff
becomes legal, the price drops and the excitement of doing something that Mom and Dad and the
preacher and the teacher and the cops and the courts disapprove of may lose some of its luster.
Is the "War on drugs" our My Lai? This war is already a 30-year-old war that has cost our nation
more than a trillion dollars, a costly combat that has solved nothing.
Remember when you were a little kid and your parents warned you, "Don't touch that iron, it will
burn you?" Remember how you just couldn't wait to get at least a teeny little tap on the iron and
quickly jump away? Same thing; different content and consequences.
Stop Watered Down Milk
April 21, 1999
State Senator Bowen has authored bill SB 1284 which would require the state of California to adopt federal milk standards.
Federal standards for milk fat is 3.25% and solids (protein and milk sugar) is 8.25%. On dairies that I am familiar with, these
components run typically 3.70% fat and 8.80% solids exceeding the California standard which is 3.5% fat and 8.7 solids. What
this bill would do is allow the milk to be "watered" down by removing fat and/or solids which is the nutritional part of the
milk.
Whenever
components are removed, the flavor of milk is damaged. Have you ever tasted out of state milk for instance? Then you know
what I mean. You will find that California milk is closest to the real thing. For California to adopt the Federal standard is
nothing more than cheapening a natural and wholesome product. According to Californians for Nutritious Milk, Delaine
Eastin State Superintendent of Public Instruction is opposed to efforts by out of state interests who want to lower them (state
standard). Think of the children.
Do we want "watered" down milk at home and at school? Call your state Senator and tell them to oppose SB 1284.
Jack Beukelman, Dixon
Show Your Support For The Ronald Reagan License Plate
Assemblyman Tony Strickland (R-Thousand Oaks) has recently introduced assembly Bill 1041, sponsored by the Ronald
Reagan Presidential Foundation, which would establish the Ronald Reagan License Plate in California. If enacted, this bill
would allow the Reagan Foundation to design and market the Reagan License Plate, with all net proceeds from the sale of
these license plates going to support the Reagan Foundation.
AB 1041 will be heard in the Assembly Transportation Committee on Monday, April 19. Under current law, at least 5,000
license plates must be sold before they can be issued by the DMV. We are hoping to present at least 10,000 names to the
committee of individuals who would be interested in purchasing a Reagan License Plate when it becomes law. In order to
demonstrate to the committee that enough Californians would purchase the
license plate to warrant passage of the bill, your support for the bill is necessary.
Assemblyman Strickland's office is currently compiling a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of individuals who
support AB 1041, and who would be willing to purchase a license plate when they become available.
Here's what we are asking you to do to show your support for AB 1041, the Reagan License Plate Bill:
1) Fill in and return the enclosed support form to Assemblyman Strickland's Capitol Office ASAP
2) Make copies of the support form and distribute at your next meetings, and to all of your friends and associates who
support the Reagan License Plate
3) Write an article in the next issue of your group publication, or send an e-mail to your club members about the Reagan
License Plate.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me in Assemblyman
Strickland's Capitol Office at 916-319-2516, or via e-mail at
Tim.Anaya@asm.ca.gov
Thank you for your help on this matter.
Sincerely,
Tim Anaya
Assemblyman Tony Strickland's Office
Assembly Bill 1041: The Ronald Reagan License Plate (Strickland)
___ Yes, I support the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation license plate
and Assembly Bill 1041. I am interested in purchasing a Reagan License
Plate when AB 1041 becomes law.
Name:
Street Address:
City, State, Zip:
Phone:
Please e-mail this form to Assemblymember.Strickland@assembly.ca.gov or
print and fax to 916-319-2137.
Al Gore vs. Forrest Gump
Al Gore, the man who invented the Internet. The model for 'Love Story.' Tobacco farmer. Journalist. You'd think a guy like
that could give more than 300 bucks a year to charity! Now he's going around telling folks in
Iowa that he plowed hillsides with a team of mules; cleared the land with an ax, built homesteads, and shoveled out hog waste.
I grew up on a tenant farm in Struble, Iowa. I was an Iowa farmboy. Iowa farmboys were friends of
mine. Al, you're no Iowa farmboy! You're the barefoot boy from Embassy Row!
I don't doubt that young Albert shoveled out a few hog pens. But Al, with all due respect, you're shoveling a heck of a lot
more now than you ever did back then! If Al Gore did half the stuff he brags about, there'd be only one
man in America who could hold a candle to him in terms of life experiences: Forrest Gump!"
RNC Chairman Jim Nicholson at the recent State Chairman's annual meeting in
Williamsburg, VA
Council Throws Bone to Watchdogs
Reading commentary last week from two writers, one in a local paper, the other writer in an out of town paper, has inspired
this exposition. The local writer wrote about the climate, the out of town writer wrote about the City Council's decision on
copy fees from the City of Dixon. Complaining about the heat wave last week was our local writer’s commentary. If
Shakespeare hat been present at April 12th's City Council meeting, and listened to the citizens, council, and staff debate the
fees for copying public records, he would have said, ”Free or not to be free, that is the question.” City Council’s decision
would have made this writer believe it was late December. I believe the writer's commentary would have been something like
this. SCROOGE (City Council) is alive and well and resides in Dixon. They (Council) saw three ghosts that night. First ghost,
past decision, former City Manager’s contract. Second ghost, present decision, La Esparanza. Third ghost, future decision,
copy fees: first twenty per day free, ten cents per copy thereafter. Our City Council seems to be thousands of dollars foolish,
but nickel and dime wise. They (Council) just know how to spend the taxpayers’ money for those who cry for it and just keep
taxing the taxpayers to pay for it.
Since the weather is warming up, may I be the first one to wish you a happy Fourth of July. By the way, we have another
individual who will be asking the City Council for $5000 or more to put on a fireworks show. Even though I have been called
a patriot, I believe that this money should come out of Parks and Recreation funds, you know just like the money for all of the
parties.
Our second writer reported on the council's decision on fees for copying public records. Attending the meetings month after
month should have brought to mind to this writer the story about W.C. Fields, actor and comedian, when he was in hospital
once and friends came to visit finding him reading the Bible. His friends said to him, "We thought you were an Atheist?” "I
am," he said, “but I am just looking for loopholes." These loopholes are what our staff and department heads provide the City
Council so they (the Council) do not have to spend time researching and doing their homework before making a proper
decision.
This halfway decision on free copies and charging for over twenty is what I would call throwing the watchdogs a bone, saying
go away, your masters have spoken. I do have some memory, they say the older you get it is the first thing to go, of a
watchdog who used to stand up at Council meetings, Planning Commission meetings, and School Board meetings and this
watchdog would bark and bark and bark. My recollection was that this watchdog was having trouble getting information on
North First Street and getting documents from local agencies. Right, Vice Mayor? Well, we all know that due to our City
Ordinance on the number of animals one can possess, that there can only be four watchdogs.
Ron Wilson, Watchdog
Dixon Residents are Safer
I commend the Dixon Police Department for researching, establishing and implementing the Child
Safety Seat Program for our young residents. Kudos for another fine community safety program for
kids.
Misuse of child safety seats is illegal, as is non-usage. Survey conducted by the department show
that 4 out of 5 child safety seats are installed incorrectly, and there is only a 55% seat belt and
safety seat usage in our city. These facts are alarming.
Encouraging, however, is the planned education on how to install the safety seats, along with
enforcement of their use. This will decrease overall safety hazards and increase compliance by 35%.
Of equal importance, concerning local youth, is the safety hazard of not wearing helmets while
riding bicycles to and from school, and while riding on busy city streets with cars whooshing by doing
40 mph.
Non-use of safety helmets is also illegal. Quite a few kids do not wear helmets, and this fact is also
alarming.
With proper education from our local schools and with rigid enforcement, the percentage of safety
hazards will decrease, and the usage will be on par with other progressive communities.
Steve Alexander, Dixon
Independent Voice Editor:
Something is not right with the nameless person who submitted the letter (3/31/99) “CA
Jacobs Girls’ Sports Problem”. This letter was so amazingly mean spirited and spiteful
that the writer is apparently ashamed to own up to it! If you have a complaint about the
way that your school or your sports program is run, talk to the adults in charge. It’s not
necessary or appropriate to belittle 13 and 14 year olds in a public newspaper. All kids
who give their time and effort after school to be on a team deserve our praise. Adults
make the decisions on who can participate. Adults who do not agree with these decisions
should bring their concerns to the school administrators. They should not attempt to
ridicule girls whose only objective is to participate in their school’s softball team.
Jan Babb, Dixon
The "Sludge Report"
The following was sent to mes by a Maryland man (OK, it was my Dad) who founded
"Cynics for a Better America" (though he's still the only member):
* Reports out of Atlanta say that Jane Fonda has put off her trip to Kosovo to show
support for the Serbs against America because she has to stay home to make sure Ted
Turner takes his medicine.
* No longer having draft cards, old time Viet Nam protesters are planning to oppose U.S.
involvement in Yugoslavia by burning their credit cards on Wall Street outside the Stock
Exchange.
* When asked for her comments, Hillary Clinton said the Serb situation is "another right
wing conspiracy to discredit her husband."
* James Carville says "this whole Yugoslav situation happened because of a leak from
Ken Starr."
* In an act of patriotism Monica Lewinsky has offered to put on her knee pads and fill in
for Bob Hope entertaining the troops.
* Al Gore took time off from trying to find New Hampshire and Iowa on the map to say
that he knows all about war because he invented it.
Chuck Muth, Las Vegas, Nevada
Is This What You Want Taught to Your Kids
First it was AB 222 "The Dignity for All Students Act" co-authored by Helen Thomson adding
"sexual orientation" as a basis for nondiscrimination in instructional services and programs. Now
comes SB 1260 putting this into the curriculum.
According to the summary of SB1260:
"This bill would require the State Department of Education to make available to school districts a
human relations curriculum that addresses the issues of racial, ethnic, cultural, religious, and gender
diversity in an effort to foster understanding, tolerance, and modes of conflict resolution based on
respect and that also relates to the sources and patterns of racism, sexism, religious intolerance,
homophobia, bias against persons who have disabilities, and other forms of bigotry. The bill would
require the State Department of Education to develop ways to incorporate that curriculum into
existing history and social studies courses. The bill would require each school district to include that
curriculum in the required course of study for pupils in kindergarten, and grades 1 to 12, inclusive,
thereby imposing a state-mandated local program."
Does your belief system prohibit the acceptance of homosexuality for instance? Then you are
religiously intolerant and homophobic and your children will be taught contrary to your moral view.
The language is quite clear. Think about it.
Jack Beukelman, Dixon
A Local Treasure
We have a treasure in our own backyard and most of us have never noticed. Jepson Prairie is just
outside Dixon, and yet, while it is an area visited by people from all over the world it is rarely
visited by its closest neighbors. As docents, we’ve learned to appreciate this small jewel and would
love to share it with more of you.
Jepson Prairie’s vernal pool habitat is rare and beautiful. A world of tiny flowers and water
creatures has adapted to a harsh environment that brings them to our attention only a few
spectacular weeks each year.
Jepson Prairie’s big show for 1999 has begun. Between now and mid-May you can take part by
driving 12 miles south of Dixon on State Route 113 and instead of making the left to Rio Vista,
continue straight about 1/4 mile on graveled Cook Lane. You’ll find yourself in a world you may
not know exists.
You can take a self-guided tour any time or come out on Saturday or Sunday mornings at 11 for
docent-led tours at a donation of $1 for each adult. The tours include “dipping” from the pools by a
docent who shows and describes all the tiny animals in residence. Kids love this place. It’s the
perfect family field trip. Bring magnifying glasses and binoculars if you have them, and if you come
within the next couple of weeks, rubber boots are a good idea.
An Open House on April 11 includes nature displays, food, music and tours throughout the day.
It’s a peak time for wildflowers and a festive family event.
Come out to your back yard this spring. Discover a treasure!
Marime and Tom Burton, Dixon
Manson Responds to Inaccurate Letter
Unfortunately, once again I find myself having to respond to a letter that appeared in a local paper
accusing me of something that makes absolutely no sense and is completely inconsistent with my
voting record. This time the letter refers to my efforts to collect the names of pet owners in Dixon
for the purposes of enforcing Dixon's new pet ordinance which limits the number of pets a person
can have. This is false. I have never requested such a list and I don't even know if one exists.
Regarding the pet ordinance let me remind the writer that I was the only member on the Council
that voted against such a ridiculous ordinance. Unfortunately, my arguments and the arguments of
a number of citizens that voiced opposition to the ordinance were ignored by the council at that time.
I believed then, as I do now, that the city should stress responsible pet ownership rather than simply
imposing arbitrary limits on the number of pets a person can own.
I hope this letter has clarified any misunderstandings or confusion that was generated by the letter
of K. Turner. However, if you have any questions about the pet ordinance or any other issue, please
do not hesitate to give me a call at 678-2836.
Chris Manson
... And So Does Ron Wilson
I am sorry that K. Turner (he or she) does not have all his or her's before giving an opinion.
Having the correct ducks in a row, information and facts would help.
First, Mr. Manson did not request any list of registered pet owners. I did. You can call
Commissioner Susan Cohen at 707-421-7465 for verification.
Second, Mr. Manson was never approached by me to request a list of registered pet owners.
Third, the list I am requesting is public information, under the provisions of the Public Records
Act, Government Code 6253 "public Records are open to inspection at all times during the office
hours of the state or local agency and every citizen has a right to inspect any public record." By the
way K. Turner, it was before I decided to run far the City Council, and having trouble retrieving
information, that our vice Mayor Courville provided me with this Government Code.
Fourth, what uses I have for this information is private. K. Turner, if you attend City Council
meetings you would know that I address the City Council standing up for the rights of people and
animals.
Fifth, K. Turner you said that you are a pet owner. My recollection is hazy of you speaking in
defense of animals, against the new animal ordinance or the license fees, I have defended our
animals and people's rights, and said that licenses were nothing but another tax on people's personal
property.
Sixth, you said that remember some may take in strays. Here again I fought for those kind souls
who provided for large number of animals, but it was our City Manager, Director of Animal
Control, and all the Council except one who wanted the limit of four animals and to take away our
rights. Chris Manson was the only one on the City Council who did not want to limit the number of
animals. If you were at these meetings or watching on t.v. then you must remember the prayer I read
for these animals. It was by Albert Schweitzer, a plea for the animals.
"A prayer for Animals"
Here our humble prayer, O God, for our friends: the animals. Especially for animals who are
suffering; for any that are hunted or lost os deserted or frightened or hungry: for all that must be put
to death. We entreat for them all thy mercy and pity, and for those who deal with them, we ask a
heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly wards. Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to
animals and so to share the blessings of the merciful.
Seventh, your name seems to be missing from the petition I circulated to stop the new animal
ordinance.
Eighth, K. Turner, you have not read or are well versed on the new animal ordinance. Our City
Government of Dixon, is a town that has pitted neighbor against neighbor. If your dog or dogs are
barking too much or too loud for your neighbor, this neighbor must solicit two other neighbors to
sign a petition far you to be brought before a nearing officer. So I ask you, is this neighbor against
neighbor?
Ninth, as for the "hoops" on the walkways, they are in vibration of city, state, and federal law.
Public access must be free of barriers. This is the city's responsibility. whatever means it takes to
remind the city of their responsibility to the citizens. Wouldn't you agree, K. Turner that those
receiving the "big bucks" should do their job?
Tenth, any time in the future that you have any questions or are interested in a project I am
working on, please meet me at the City Council meetings and aks me. I will be happy to enlighten
you. Having the correct information first hand, you will be able to get your ducks in a row for your
opinion.
Ron Wilson, Dixon
C.A. Jacobs Girls’ Sports Problem
Something is not right with the girls' sports program at CA Jacobs Junior High in Dixon. The girls
are being taught that it does not matter if you work hard to get on a team, that it does not matter
if you show up for tryouts, and that it does not matter if you are not picked for the team.
All you have to do is complain to your parents and you'll be on the team the very next day! And
don't worry about the girls who did earn their positions, they don't count.
So girls, remember hard work or talent is not necessary to earn a position on the team, just run
right over to mommy or daddy and they'll run right over to the principal, and the principal will run
right over to the coach, and voila! you're in. (because the coach has no choice, other than quitting. t
There is no necessity for you to respect coaches or their decisions, new coaches can always be
found, or can they?
Name Withheld on Request
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