Letters to the Editor

Editor:

I am an older man driving to work, still fulfilling my duties and obligations as I get closer to retirement. Today, while traveling the city streets of Long Beach, California, I reached a road partially blocked in two lanes by orange cones.

I reduced my speed and came to a stop. While waiting, I began daydreaming. Looking at the long line of cars, I wondered whether blocking two lanes was truly needed when only one section appeared to be under repair. The workers may have a reason, but the slowdown can affect jobs, income, appointments, and emergencies.

I wondered whether the city might someday require planned street repairs to be done at night, perhaps from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. This could improve daytime travel, reduce traffic, and lower the chances of fender benders, injuries, and fatal accidents.

I also wondered why city streets are not built with the same strong materials used on highways. Highway roads seem to last 25 to 30 years, while city roads may last 18 years or less. I believe many Americans would pay for better materials if they meant fewer repairs, safer roads, and faster commutes.

City workers do an excellent job, but highway-grade materials and better planning of machine cuts might prevent repaired lanes from breaking apart again. Stronger streets could reduce future taxes and constant repairs.

Then, suddenly, someone behind me honked.

The road had cleared a little, and I woke from my daydream.

Still, one day, one day, we can all wish for roads free of those orange cones!

Roger Montero Mutual 3 Editor:

I want to commend the GRF Recreation Department and sponsors Gasper Monteer Realty Group, Financial Partners Credit Union and Katella Senior Living and Alamitos West Health and Rehab for the Twisted Gypsy concert Aug. 20.

It may become the height of this summer’s concerts. The band featured “Everywhere,” one of my favorites. And they also did an unexpected song, surprising and highlighting my evening with the early tune, “Oh Well.”

A very satisfying evening it was.

Henry Broadbent Mutual 17 Editor:

The lease with the Optum Health Care Center states we must have a pharmacy on campus. We’re told in the LW Weekly the changeover to a new one will be easy. No details on how it will work or if we need to do anything. It’s covered.

Last week, I called to get two refills. They told me I had refills but that they would be filled by a pharmacy in Huntington Beach. But not to worry, they will be delivered that day. It didn’t happen. The next day, I get a call from Huntington Beach saying that it had refills for me but could I wait until the Aug. 28 to have them delivered?

They had three for me. Three? I ordered two. It turns out only one was what I asked for. Now I’m told they need to get a refill from the doctor for the other one and that will take 48 hours, tops. The pharmacy here says I have the refills.

What happened to the shadowing pharmacy the paper told us about? Why are our prescriptions in Huntington Beach? Why weren’t we given a choice as to where we wanted them to go? CVS is, at least, close to home. The last time we got a new pharmacy here it took 18 months.

The north and south gates look nice but if GRF wants to do something for the shareholders, it needs to hold the HCC’s feet to the fire and get us our pharmacy. Carole Damoci Mutual 12 Editor’s Note: From Optum HCC: “We apologize for any inconvenience and confusion that the residents may have experienced with the recent announcements around the pharmacy change at Leisure World. Residents within Leisure World have the freedom of choice to use any pharmacy that they prefer, so let your provider know where you would like your prescription filled. For your convenience, we are working to welcome a new pharmacy presence on-site at the Optum facility after Oct. 7. We will continue to update the Golden Rain Foundation to ensure that the residents are made aware of the latest information available. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this transition.”