Think global, shop local How would you feel one day if you walked down the street and your favorite restaurant had closed up? Or your favorite bookstore, or your favorite gift shop? In this economic crunch that we find ourselves in, the possibility is very real for any of the above. As we find ourselves in the midst of big corporate chain stores and franchises, the small, family-owned businesses are struggling to stay alive. The time is now to pay attention to whom you appreciate, who you would like to have be around next year. If you only go out to dinner once a week instead of two or three times, make it be to the restaurant you want to see in business in the future. If you need a card, or a book, or a unique, special present, frequent the small shop owner, the one who goes out of their way to make your purchase special. Shop La Jolla; put thought and meaning into your purchase. Choose carefully. La Jolla is very special. There are plenty of places to park — you just have to look. There are wonderful stores and restaurants. Enjoy being part of a community, a family, see a familiar face. The cultural district is phenomenal, distinct, a unique and peaceful place to visit. Enjoy the village you visit and live in!   Karen Fast, manager St. James Gift Shop St. James By-the-Sea Episcopal Church Faulconer has fans More funding to take care of Mission Bay Park (Prop C) and no more out-of-control alcohol use on our beaches (Prop D) — finally, common sense has prevailed. Councilmember Kevin Faulconer took a lot of heat for his leadership on both of these fronts, but in the end, the majority of San Diegans agreed with him. I appreciate the way he worked with the neighborhoods and business communities to get input and support. I know not everyone is pleased with the results, but how refreshing to see an elected official who doesn’t back down when things get tough. I am an avid ocean swimmer; it’s a great way to relax from the pressures of my private law practice, but I haven’t even wanted to touch the fouled water in Mission Bay for 30 years. This new infusion of funding, which comes from the park itself rather than from my taxes, will be a great help in preserving wildlife habitats and improving the enjoyment for everyone. For me, one of the worst parts about going to the beach is that unsettled feeling of not knowing whether the people who are drinking are going to control themselves. I am relieved that now I can go and relax in the beauty of nature without that gnawing concern. Thank you, San Diego voters, and thank you, Councilmember Faulconer.   Melody K. Anderson, Esq., San Diego An ‘A’ for C and D As a wife and mother of two, and as a businesswoman, I am writing to thank Councilmember Kevin Faulconer for leading the effort to pass Propositions C and D. The whole point of allowing commercial leases on public parkland was to take the financial burden of maintaining and improving Mission Bay Park off of taxpayers like me. Now that the park will be receiving more of the income generated there, I look forward to enjoying it with our girls, and eventually, with their children. As for keeping alcohol off the beach, I know that we frankly will feel safer and more comfortable going to the beach to enjoy nature, without the dangers and distractions of intoxicated visitors, more and more of whom were coming from beach areas where alcohol is already banned. Councilmember Faulconer stood firm in the midst of heated opposition on both of these propositions. We appreciate his boldness, leadership, and courage.   Mrs. Sara Clarke, San Diego