Only nightclubs should pay for the Garnet MAD
Well, I am happy to see that the lords of Discover PB have come to their senses concerning creating a Maintenance Assessment District by not including residents who just happen to live in the war zone (“Polishing Garnet,” Beach & Bay Press, Aug. 7).
Any business that closes operation before 9 p.m. also needs to be exempt from this tax. For crying out loud, how can anyone support a fee on Aztec Graphics, Gormsen Appliances, Buffalo Breath or any of the others in the category of providing a service and goods without alcohol?
This make me ponder the question: how many board members of Discover PB are attached to businesses that serve alcohol?
Somehow I am reminded of a childhood saying, “He who smelt it dealt it.” It is time to clear the air on this subject. If the goal is to truly clean up the mess that patrons of the “Mile of Bars” create, then the providers need to pay for it and not the innocent bystanders.
Richard Kiser
Pacific Beach
Water conservation starts by stopping builders
Whether you call it “monkey see, monkey do” or “lead by example” or something else, Mayor Jerry Sanders fails all leadership tests when he asks citizens to conserve water while his administration keeps approving permits for additional hotels, condos, apartment buildings and single-family housing.
If we have an emergency, shouldn’t everyone be involved in the solution?
Seems like the first step in an emergency water plan should be a moratorium on new needs ” that is, new construction ” until adequate water is available for existing needs “” that is, current customers.
The assumption also seems to be that we started wasting water after the last water shortage and now need to [save] it over again. I think many, and maybe most, continued to use the water-saving devices we installed to save water and follow our water-saving habits from the last water emergency.
Margarita Solis
Point Loma
Why are RVs allowed to ruin Shelter Island?
I am a native San Diegan and I’ve lived in Point Loma since 1942. I remember when Shelter Island was a sand bar and I’ve witnessed its growth and development since the early 1950s. My family and I have enjoyed the Island numerous ways: launching my boat, picnicking, enjoying the peace and tranquility and, since my retirement, walking there most every morning.
However, I am appalled at the motorhomes that are allowed to park and camp there overnight. Some owners are using the island as a place to store their motorhomes, because they cannot, or will not, pay to park at their residence or a storage lot. I am aware of at least four units that have been parked on the street for four years.
Today, on a Tuesday from 7:30 to 9 a.m., when my wife and I went for our walk, there were 22 RVs parked in the parking lots and 19 others on the streets in front of the hotels and restaurants. Many of these RVs have been here for months. It’s also much worse on the weekends when people come and camp for the whole weekend, taking up much of the available parking areas and picnic tables.
I’ve talked with out-of-town hotel guests, who are not happy about paying a premium price to vacation on the island then having their views of the bay and the city blocked by the RVs parked on the street and parking lots. Why aren’t the hotels questioning the lack of enforcement regarding these violations?
These parking violations are not allowed on Harbor Island, Fiesta Island, Sunset Cliffs, La Jolla beaches and parts of Mission Bay. The San Diego Police Department and the Harbor Police have dual jurisdiction of Shelter Island, but neither department is enforcing the laws. All it would take to correct this situation would be signs posted stating “No overnight parking of RVs of any type” and then have this rule enforced.
Shelter Island is a wonderful place for the residents of this city as well as for the many tourists who come to San Diego and contribute to our economy, and we deserve to be able to enjoy it without countless RVs detracting from the beauty of the island.
Bob Evans
Point Loma