Deserved ticket. Got grace instead
The other day I was leaving my house in College Park West after a particularly bad morning of a pretty rough week. Lost in my thoughts, I exited the neighborhood over our bridge going 40, well over the 25 speed limit. Several minutes later I saw those tell-tale lights in my rearview mirror and my stomach sank.
This day just keeps getting better, I thought.
The officer approached, asked the requisite question on whether I knew why I was being pulled over. After showing me the radar gun, he went on to tell me that they are really trying to work with the neighborhood to bring speeds down and make people think about driving more cautiously. I apologized, said I tell my daughters the same thing, and promised to pay closer attention to my speed.
He thanked me, asked me my name, he told me his (which I forgot as my mind was mentally preparing for how big a ticket this was going to be), shook my hand and told me to have a great day.
He couldn’t have known the day I was having, nor could have known how appreciative I was for how he handled that situation. I deserved the ticket, but got grace instead.
In the end, I think we both won. He got me to pay closer attention to my speed in a way that even a ticket probably wouldn’t have achieved, and I had a much better day from that point forward. Thanks, Corporal.
Kevin Kropf
Seal Beach
Protecting Gum Grove Park imperative
What is not to love about Gum Grove Park? People before me had the foresight to put this asset into the hands of the citizens. The reason we moved here is we love nature and wanted to be close to open spaces in this massive SoCal sprawl. All kinds of people enjoy this space and all kinds of activity takes place here. Nature observers, runners, dog enthusiasts, kids who like to play, enjoy the park. Some of you may be surprised by this, but kids do still climb trees.
Over the last several years the number of people that use the park has increased. The weather has also been very dry for a very long time. We are concerned that a variety of risks could ruin this asset for all of us.
Others here probably know the history of this space better than I do. These trees were planted long ago, probably for a windbreak or some have said for “firewood” or more likely for some shade. They are not indigenous to this area. I am familiar, being from NorCal, these trees typically are found in areas that get more water than this.
Yet these trees have thrived here. Whether that continues in this weather cycle is uncertain.
Besides issues surrounding the trees, there are other problems that put this space at risk. Recently there was a fire behind the houses at Herron Point. A dog walker called it into the fire department who responded quickly.
Residents noticed that the firefighters were frustrated by not getting easier access to the area. Earlier this year another incident took place that was reported to police. Somebody had a campfire at the lower trail below the Crestview homes of the park using store bought wood.
What is it going to take for us to address the needs to maintain this space and protect the park and the community from a tragic loss? There are multiple issues at hand. These include tree maintenance, security, storm drain water management, mosquito abatement etc.
Most people are not aware that since we abut L.A. County, that that county’s mosquito abatement policy and budget are not the same as O.C.’s. I was told by our abatement staff that mosquitos may be blowing in from the other side of the wetlands in L.A. County. West Nile virus has recently been confirmed in this year’s hatch.
Last week I read some good ideas addressing the fire concerns. We need to continue the dialogue. Fire is a primary concern, but there are others. Some of my neighbors have expressed concerns about the broadsword of “Govt.” taking more action. I would like to think that we can do better than that. This particular and important issue needs to be addressed by the community as a whole with the adjacent residents who interact daily with the park and the city management. A few days a year with volunteers and city resources, like the beach clean up, could resolve the critical problem’s awareness.
Matt Murphree
Seal Beach
Dogs versus people in Leisure World
Since experiencing the death of a little lovable dog in the SB 55+ Community, I am wondering who does the monitoring regarding dogs. I know that if you want to become a shareholder/member there is much information that you have to give to the “55+ Community’s Stock Transfer Office/Escrow.”
Here are just some of the eligibility criteria: apply and be accepted as a member of the Golden Rain Foundation, age – 55+ confirmed with birth certificate or passport, financial ability – verified with past two years of tax returns or 1099 or brokerage statements six to 12 months of checking/savings account statements or SSA-1099 Social Security Statement and on and on.
Then health – verified by a letter from the physician. Then character – have a reputation for good character in the present community.
Last but least – assume, in writing, the obligation of the “Occupancy Agreement.” All of this information is printed on a three (3) page document. Of course there is another document titled: “Approval of Escrow” which reads very legal with “Whereas” before each paragraph.
Now there is only a two-page document regarding Pet Ownership Rules. One of these pages begins stating much information needed for a “Service Animal.”
However, most of the other information not very compelling or restrictive such as, but not limited to: certificate signed by licensed veterinarian, information to identify the pet, name and address of the owner, insurance carrier—amounts of coverage and a sign on the doorway: stating there is a pet inside.
However, nothing is stated that instructs the pet owner regarding having a registration that states that the pet has been trained by a licensed trainer, much like the “Dog Whisperer” on TV shows.
What a difference that would make for those residents in the 55+ Community who are on a walker, cane or on a scooter. This could ensure that NO ONE could be bitten – human or animal. This would be an excellent rule/policy for those living in the 55+ Community which would make them feel safe again.
Carol Franz
Seal Beach
Kids shouldn’t be playing in street on Taper Drive
Being a previous teacher of the youth of America I am asking what your suggestion is to alert the parents of children who play in the street of the dangers of possible death?
No matter how closely the parent is watching or the speed of the automobile that is traveling in the designated place for cars there is a high risk to the child. Even at speed of 15 miles per hour the damage to a child would be devastating, to not only the child but also to both the parent who is so carefully watching and the driver of the car.
The children have a false since of safety because their parent is “watching” and lose the ability to use the rules that I am sure any responsible parent has taught them. They must look to the right and to the left before they step out on to the road. The street is not a safe place for children or animals.
I am at a loss to understand the rational that is given. I am told by the parents that they played in the street as children so it should be acceptable for their children to do the same. It is a different time and I would assume a different area that we are discussing. Taper Drive is a pass through street to the top of the hill, not a dead end, with a high volume of traffic.
With the school so close and back yards available this would be the logical answer and alternative, but there seems to be a high level of resistance to this suggestion. Please enlighten me to any solutions. A child’s life is the most precious gift and too fragile to take lightly.
Barbara Bannerman
Seal Beach
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