COMMUNITY UNITY Effective immediately, the LW Weekly will cease printing political letters about national politics. In this season of heightened tumult and division, political letters become polarizing, repetitive and difficult to fact check. Citizen advocacy is important, and the Perspectives section will remain a forum for all Leisure World voices. Our valued readers are welcome to

MEMBER COLUMN by Nick Massetti LW contributor In retirement planning, there’s constant debate over the topic of what percentage of your portfolio you can safely spend each year. Unfortunately, no one can tell you because one household’s circumstances can be very different from another household’s, in ways that meaningfully change the answer. This much can be said however. Prudent

Editor: Speak out and contact the Seal Beach City Council about the fast-tracked 104% rate hike starting this August, with annual hikes through 2029. The issue isn’t whether repairs are needed, but how we fund them. This increase is being pushed through to meet a 20% debt coverage ratio, allowing the city to qualify for loans, fund capital projects and build reserves. But after years of mismanagement

Editor: In hindsight, I regret submitting a letter to editor (June 19) indicating that the SCAN office was not staffed, when in reality it was and is. I regret my haste in submitting the letter. My apology is late but sincere. SCAN is alive and well in Leisure World. In the future, I will research circumstances prior to drawing incorrect conclusions. Thank you for understanding and

fortunate in many ways, some members do struggle with monthly expenses. That’s why I believe we must work to keep the monthly GRF assessment as low as possible, while still protecting our reserves, repairing aging infrastructure, and preserving the amenities we all enjoy. If you or someone you know is having financial difficulty, please contact Robann Arshat, Member Resources Liaison, at 562-431-6586,

MEMBER COLUMN by Nick Massetti LW contributor In human terms, the issue of housing for seniors is far more than simply having a roof over their heads. To the elderly it is really about the concept of “home.” The place where one lives is often profoundly connected with who one is and how one expresses this sense of self. Home is where all individuals feel comfortable to be themselves,