Over-reaction at Kate Sessions Kate Sessions Park — a 20 acre public park paid for by taxpayer dollars — is lightly used most days but becomes very popular on sunny weekends, especially Saturdays. Before the beach alcohol ban there were rarely more than 75 people in the park any weekend day (other than on July 4 or for weddings, corporate parties or special events). Now there can be a couple hundred people there some sunny Saturdays and most of them are in their 20s and 30s. While this certainly is not over-crowding for a 20 acre park, it’s more use than there historically has been. I live less than 1/2 block away from the park and recognize that the intensified usage has upset some activist residents who prefer to see “their” park remain quiet and lightly used. And as with any large outdoor congregation where alcohol is served, a few may drink to excess. While the vast majority behave responsibly, there can be a few that break the law. It is this rude [and unlawful] behavior that has spurred on the park pressure group to seek to ban alcohol 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The bad acts of a few are once again being used to justify a 24-hour ban prohibiting law-abiding residents from ever enjoying a beer or some wine while watching the sunset. On May 20, the San Diego Park and Recreation board voted for the community to work out a mediated solution whereby both sides could come to a compromise such as banning kegs, Slip ’n’ Slides or possible holiday alcohol bans in order to take into account park users’ and neighbor’s concerns. To date, no mediation meetings have occurred. – Christian F. Winkle, Pacific Beach Free online political ads? I was very surprised to learn that the San Diego Community Newspaper Group (SDCNG), who publishes the La Jolla Village News, Beach & Bay Press, The Peninsula Beacon and Downtown News, among others, was providing a free online advertisement to the supporters of Prop D. This is according to the most recent campaign disclosure documents for the period from 3/18/2010 through 5/22/2010. I also noticed that the online ad did not state that is was a political advertisement paid for by the SDCNG. It seems that your readers have a right to know. Since SDCNG seems to be offering free online advertising space for political campaigns, please advise the public and me as to how this works and how others, with differing points of view, may obtain their free online advertisement. – Donna Frye, District 6 City Councilwoman