Letters to the Editor

Editor:

I noticed workers tearing out the curb on one of the streets, and I asked him why. He said he didn’t know. I thought the curbs were pristine and said “it’s a waste of money.” He replied yes, with a careless gesture, so I took photos of the curbs and left.

In the LW Weekly last week, there was a blurb about repaving four sections of streets for $2.6 million. The story did not mention curb work. I believe that concrete is more expensive then asphalt. I went to the GRF Physical Property Committee meeting on Aug. 3 and asked members why they were redoing the curbs, and a board member said it’s because the gutters are not wide enough and water was undermining the asphalt, according to a study done in 2013.

I asked for a copy of the study, and they did not produce one. I believe that 99% of the streets in LW are perfect right next to the curbs and that the degradation of the asphalt was in the middle of the streets, higher then the gutters (due to truck and other traffic, in my opinion.)

The GRF has done several other sections that were not necessary already. This poor judgment (or worse) is costing millions of dollars in dues! Ron Hanna Mutual 5 Editor’s Note: In a consultant’s report in 2013, supplemented by recent inspections of GRF streets, professionals recommended increasing the pan size of curbs to alleviate standing water, which can erode pavement and exacerbates mosquito breeding activity. Editor:

Many think water is a Godgiven right. Mother Nature has other plans. She’s proven it. We’ve been dealt a double whammy with two years of La Nina, and the threat of a rare third. Because of this occurrence, we have less snow pack, diminished rainfall, drying reservoirs and depleted aquifers. Let’s face it—drought is here to stay, and we need to look it straight in the eye and manage it in our community.

Recently, Don Hodel, an emeritus environmental and landscape horticulture advisor, wrote a column (July 28) about the urgency to save our trees and effectively manage our water while still maintaining a livable green space. His column is a road map for how we can begin.

I understand that GRF is forming a drought management committee with representatives from each Mutual. I hope they will include a representative from the City of Seal Beach and a professional grant-writer. To avoid confusion, federal and state grant applications should be for all of Leisure World, not Mutual by Mutual. Our efforts need the umbrella of the Golden Rain Foundation. We must work together to become a droughttolerant community.

We can begin by installing systems for capturing rain water, and recycling water to our laundry rooms, irrigation systems and golf course. Install more drip irrigation and drought-resistant plants. Conserving water and having livable green space are not mutually exclusive.

Also, GRF should conduct a water audit to review our water usage to identify ways to save money. It is an invaluable tool to help find and eliminate areas of water waste. A third-party water audit company can provide an unbiased point of view to help the GRF Drought Management Committee take action to minimize water consumption.

I hope my suggestions don’t fall on deaf ears. I look forward to hearing more about a drought management plan for our community. Remember, you can’t fool with Mother Nature!

Suzanne Dunwell Mutual 6 Editor:

On June 24, the Sunshine Club had a dinner dance event in Clubhouse 2. On the recent Recreation Committee agenda, it showed that GRF subsidized the event by paying for the band, $1,600, plus $250 in meals for the band. That means shareholders paid for this. I cannot recall GRF ever subsidizing a club event. Tickets for the event were $25 each. The excuse for GRF subsidizing the event was a 60th anniversary of Leisure World. Why didn’t GRF just have a GRF dance with free admission?

I have repeatedly asked how many paid and comped dinners there were. This information should be easy to find out. The Sunshine Club had to pay the caterer. What was the profit or loss to the Sunshine Club? GRF will not respond to my inquiries. Where is the transparency? There are a lot of clubs who would like to be subsidized by GRF. This is very wrong. Linda Herman Mutual 12 Editor’s Note: The GRF Recreation Committee did not subsidize a club event. It approved funding for the band to mark the 60th anniversary of LW; this was the only entertainment expenditure for the 60th, and any resident could attend the event. The expenditure was reported and discussed at the meeting, and after the meeting, information about it was provided to Ms. Herman in response to her written request. Editor: A few people claim they are offended by flags that an unnamed person flies. In letters obviously intent on creating animosity against him, they provide a glaring example of efforts to silence or subdue people to their views. The so-called “offender” spent 29 years serving in the U.S. Air Force, under oath, to protect all Americans’ right to free speech. His Republican Club activities never demeaned anyone. He helps neighbors. He doesn’t respond to letters demanding he be denied his right to fly flags. The offended peoples’ latest complaint is against a flag meant as a reminder that abortion means death to a child. I have a very real awareness of the difference between abortion and life, and so did my mother. Nearly 89 years ago, my mother refused to listen to a doctor trying to convince her to abort me. He claimed she would die if she delivered me. She lived over 90 years and delighted in her only child. She chose life for me, instead of death. And I am ever grateful that she did. Doing so let me—among so many great things—meet people like my LW neighbor who kindly says what he means and gives proof of what he says. I salute David Harlow for his devotion to God, country, family and community.

D. Schilpp Mutual 12