Letters: January 9, 2009

Plan for Carlsbad’s new high school ‘Needs Much Improvement’

Jan. 14 is a critical day for the new Carlsbad High School. A number of design elements promise to make this campus different — and better — than most. But limited vision in too many areas and the design’s overall failure to capitalize on the enviable natural setting compromises both the quality of the education provided and the quality of life of the community as a whole.
Will there be an exciting entrance welcoming both students and the community? The view from the Cannon/College intersection consists of an 8-foot masonry wall towered over by stadium bleachers. Will it embrace the natural environment that surrounds it on three sides? On the contrary, the plan provides less than the minimum buffers required to maintain a healthy Calavera Creek. Will it be a good neighbor ? Not unless excess noise and night lighting, traffic, building in a floodplain, and air pollution are neighborly. Will it make cost-effective use of taxpayer dollars? Only if paving much of the campus’ open space to create a 1,000-car parking lot that is rarely needed makes sense. Will it contribute to a healthy community? Not according to its planners, who are pleading for “overriding considerations” in order to violate air quality standards and have entered into a “voluntary agreement” to assess the arsonic and petroleum found on the site.
Attend the school board hearing at 6 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Carlsbad City Council Chambers at 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive. Tell Superintendent Roach and the school board the changes that you believe must be made.
The new high school is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get it right for our students and for our entire community. Let’s make the effort to do just that.

Diane Nygaard
Preserve Calavera
Oceanside

‘Small Talk’ strikes a chord
I am writing in regard to Jean Gillette’s “Small Talk” column. I loved the one titled “Time of year brings memories of mom,” which appeared in the Jan. 2 edition of The Coast News. I’m sure others did, too. It reminded me of my dad, who I miss immensely, even though he’s been gone since ‘89.
I hardly ever write to newspapers or columnists. Never really feel motivated to. But this time was different.
Well done. Happy New Year and God bless — you and your late, great mom.

Art Amor
Murrieta

More sweet talk on ‘Small Talk’
Re: Jean Gillette’s “Small Talk” Jan. 2. I worked at Vons on El Camino and La Costa Ave as dairy manager for years and used to chat when she came in. I wanted to say that I read her writings almost every issue. It is the first thing I look for. I really enjoyed the one about her mom watching over her baking. My dad was an old German baker and is there in spirit when I am making a mess of stuff in the kitchen.
Jean, it is always good to read your column and hope all is well with you and your family. I actually remember meeting your kids and I retired three years ago. To me the job was more about people than selling groceries.
Gary Rosenberg
Oceanside

Jesus did ‘do’ Christmas
“Jesus didn’t ‘do’ Christmas,” sayeth Bob Nanninga in his column (Dec. 12, 2008).
First, one should always be wary of people who profess not to be Christian but feel compelled to quote the Bible to Christians. Most often, they find one or two quotes out of the entire volume that support an anti-religion sentiment.
Secondly, Bob might be surprised that a lot of real Christians may feel quite similar to him regarding the secular version of the “holiday.” There are two Christmases and two “Christians.” We do have cultural Christians and cultural celebrants of the season. But we also have religious Christians and truly joyful celebrants of Christmas.
Bob cites what he sees as creed and gluttony of the secular season. Yes, Americans have gone ove board in many aspects of this Holy Day. He also decries the commercial aspect of the season while the newspaper he uses as a vehicle for his promoting opinion is filled with “holiday” advertising.
So, Bob, is it the Christians who will be at their places of worship on Christmas who have lost the virtue of the season? Or have those churches and other private organizations like “Toys for Tots” forgotten the true meaning?
Yes Bob, there is a Santa Claus. And Santa Claus is about giving and sharing. Sometimes, we get a little carried away, suffer some stress and step over a line in our zeal.
However, the “Holiday Season” that Christians practice is a reminder that we need to share our talents, our time and our treasures with those that we love and those that need some love. Jesus, our God, gave us these gifts.
We use the Christmas season to remind ourselves that we should be doing this every day and all year. Think of Christmas as an attempt to initiate good habits.
So, I will correct you. Jesus does “do” Christmas, Bob. And, He is our Christmas.

Thomas R. Tomkins
Temecula