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Beach neighborhood opposition
We have a home in the immediate vicinity of the proposed development for a large hotel to be built on the existing train station parking lot. This “railroad hotel” plan is intrusive. It will affect our quality of life. And it will affect our very safety. We already live in a no-way-out neighborhood. We live in a tsunami zone—the city has posted signs all around us. We face sea level rise. And yet three City Councilmen would consider exacerbating traffic and parking issues all around us—and for what? Or should I ask—for whom? Just shy of 1,000 people have already personally mailed the City Council, signed a petition, and posted on social media their abhorrence for this plan. Less than 50 people have spoken out in favor of this project. This project should either be rejected outright at the earliest possible opportunity, or be put on hold until the citizens can vote on a city initiative. In the meantime, hundreds of Carpinterians are feeling anxious, upset, unsettled and even angry as this proposal persists. The entire Downtown Beach Neighborhood is up in arms. It is the responsibility of each member of the City Council to act in the best interests of the citizens of Carpinteria—to listen and to protect us. Al Clark and Fred Shaw get it.
Kevin Kruizenga Carpinteria
Nomura and Alarcon for City Council
I am a local deeply invested in the success of our town and that is why I endorse Wade Nomura and Natalia Alarcon for City Council. Wade has been an integral part of the community for as long as I can remember, as a local business owner and volunteer, he understands what Carpinteria needs. Leading during Covid-19 is no easy feat. He ensured the community had access to the information to safely reopen as restrictions began to lift. You will see Wade walking into downtown almost daily, grabbing a bite at many local establishments and donating his time and talent to so many deserving organizations including the Boys & Girls Club, Girls Inc. and Rotary. I had the pleasure of going through school with Natalia. She is kind, caring and will provide a voice that the council has lacked from in previous years. As the first Latina woman to run for City Council, she can provide a perspective to amplify voices in our community. She understands what makes up the fabric of our community. They both share a passion for service and a drive to help Carpinteria recover and thrive post Covid. Please cast your vote for Wade and Natalia.
Jamie Collins Carpinteria
A voice for Nomura
Having lived in Carpinteria for almost 20 years, I have mostly been an avid observer of local politics but have never written a letter in support of any candidate. But with the candidacy of Wade Nomura in front of us, I whole-heartedly support his re-election. As a local business owner, I have had the opportunity to talk with Wade on several occasions and have always found him to be thoughtful, with an even, steady perspective. I have witnessed his handling of challenging situations as mayor and on the City Council, and without exception, I was left with the feeling that this is a man who can be trusted to do the right thing on behalf of our city. Please join me in seeing that Wade remains on City Council. And... as
Thursday, October 8, 2020 7
CVN
LETTERS
“It is the responsibility of each member of the City Council to act in the best interests of the citizens of Carpinteria— to listen and to protect us.”
–– Kevin Kruizenga
an aside, the fact that Wade is supportive of the local dog park initiative is a plus.
Kevin Twohy Carpinteria
CVA for Alarcon
Carpinteria is a special place. Our City Council has worked tirelessly over many decades to keep it that way. It is critical that the City Council continue to succeed in this difficult work, even under the unprecedented confluence of circumstances that include a pandemic, protests related to social inequality, and deep political division nationwide, all on top of fires, droughts and sea level rise resulting from climate change. Natalia Alarcon is a candidate for City Council whose qualifications and skills are a perfect match for the position. In our conversations with Natalia, Carpinteria Valley Association has become excited about what she will bring to our City Council. She was raised in Carpinteria and understands what makes Carpinteria, well, Carpinteria. Her education (master ’s degree in clinical psychology) and her professional experience as a nonprofit program manager and psychotherapist give her insight and empathy that will allow her to consider the very real effects of City Council actions. Carpinteria Valley Association is proud to add our name to Natalia’s impressive list of endorsements that includes a long list of past and present local officials, as well as other local residents who recognize the value she will bring to the City Council.
Mike Wondolowski President, Carpinteria Valley Association
Smith for school board
We support Aaron Smith for CUSD School Board. We have known Aaron his entire life, as well as the three generations of Smith and Aresco families who live in Carpinteria. Aaron and his wife Sarah aren’t just involved with our schools and our community—they are committed. We trust Aaron to be smart, to be fair, to be open and collaborative, to be dedicated, and to do what’s right for the children and families of Carpinteria. We encourage you to vote for Aaron Smith for CUSD School Board.
Lou and Susie Panizzon Retired Carpinteria Educators
An experienced endorsement
I’m supporting Natalia Alarcon for City Council. I hope you’ll join me. I was privileged to have served 16 years on the council and am convinced by her background and credentials that Natalia would make an excellent addition to this important group of decision makers. The City Council is a non-partisan
body, working closely together on issues unique to Carpinteria. The most successful councils are made up of members who come with an open mind, an ability to compromise and deep knowledge of the community they serve. Natalia is such a person. She was raised here and is raising her family here. Her experience working with local nonprofits and in collaboration with local governmental agencies has prepared her well to take a place on our City Council and help guide our city into the future. Please join me in electing Natalia Alarcon to the Carpinteria City Council on Nov. 3.
Donna Jordan Carpinteria
Cook for school board
I am writing this as a letter of recommendation on behalf of Craig Cook for CUSD school board. I have had the fortune of working with Craig in both professional and personal affairs. I know Craig’s heart and his passion is applied to everything he involves himself in. Craig not only desires excellence in the classroom as an educator and school board member, but will strive for a safe learning environment that is equitable to all students. He will promote education for all students to equip them to either enter higher education or be trained to perform capably in our local economy. An inspiring and demanding teacher that makes a lasting change in the life of a student is a priceless asset. Craig will support and encourage our amazing teachers and promote conditions that allow them to do what they love best—teach and change the lives of their students. I am grateful that Craig has stepped forward as a candidate. If elected, I believe he will be a true asset to the board and he will exemplify strong leadership for our community. I hope you will join me in voting for Craig Cook for CUSD School Board!
Hamilton Kiah Carpinteria
For the record... In the Oct.1 edition (CVN, Vol. 27, No. 2), the letter titled “Be kinder with words,” was incorrectly attributed to Tristan Friedman of Ventura. David Rosso of Carpinteria wrote the letter.
POTUS lacks empathy
Responding to David Rosso’s letter from last week, the greatest divider this country has ever seen is the current president. Let’s keep that in mind. He has no shame and empathizes with not one human soul. A president’s words influence the world, so if we’re going to point out uncivil speech, let’s begin with the real instigator. You know we’re in trouble when white supremacists are no longer afraid to speak their minds, emboldened by the current commander-in-chief.
Mary Gassee Santa Barbara
Four more years
This is for those who may not know what our “outsider” president has accomplished, against total resistance. He has brought back home American manufacturing companies that had been given tax incentives to leave the U.S. He’s created opportunity zones, encouraging companies to open in underserved communities, employ and train. Criminal justice reform and the First Step Act freed Alice Johnson, who had unjustly been given life in prison for a nonviolent first drug offense. She has been given a second chance, so have many others. Nineteen years ago, the Veterans administration was a scandal. Three administrations talked about fixing it. Now our veterans give the VA a 91 percent approval rating. If that is uncaring give me more. He just finished negotiating with Big Pharma. The U.S. now has “Favored Nation Status.” Your name-brand drug prices will come down. He just signed an executive order protecting those with pre-existing conditions. If that is heartless, give me more of it. Historical Black Colleges—President Trump has funded them at the highest level ever for the next 10 years. If that is racist, give me more. In 1995, congress passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act that “requires” our embassy to be located in Jerusalem. After 35 years, we kept our word. All experts still say it cannot be done. This year with the peace agreements signed between Israel and United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel and Bahrain, I see peace coming. President Trump has been nominated for two Nobel Peace prizes. Why don’t you find out what they are for? And he does all of this for free. He gives his salary to charity or back to government. If this is a grifter, oh please send me more like him. I could go on, but I’m limited to 300 words.
Carolyn Edwards Carpinteria
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