 |
|||||
|
LETTERS
A paddle to the rear
Dear ER:
In response to your article "Close but No Cigar" (July 6, 2000) I would like to address some matters which were overlooked. In regards, to Derek Levy’s "f-stop rule", he seemed to omit the rather important element of the f-stop rule, which was a commitment by the film/journalism crew which permitted his completion of the paddle from Cuba to Key West. In the eleventh hour, when Michael O’Shaughnessy approach myself, my film crew and the journalist from National Geographic to volunteer as the "support caddies" to provide the four remaining paddlers with water, food, morale and shark spotting we did not hesitate. In fact, we put down our cameras, gave up our sleep, and delivered for nineteen hours. There were no other options; the remaining members of team Hennessey were not available to provide this support to their fellow teammates. (With the exception of JP Cruz who took to his bunk until mid-morning of the next day.) And yes, Mr. Cruz was asked to leave the water as we shot the arrival into Key West. Having offered no support, nor paddle during the darkest hours of the night and during the day, he seemed to want only to paddle when we could actually see Key West. He was not part of the team who paddled from Cuba to Key West, therefore, we did not want to portray him as such.
So it seems the f-stop rule" really stands for "fair weather rule" for "Boo-Hoo" Levy and Team Hennessey.
Leslie Windram
Santa Monica
Paddle record
Dear ER:
For the record, in response to a mention in your cover story "Close but no cigars", I, Michael O’Shaughnessy, did not designate the boat captain for Team Hennessey. As organizer of the Paddle for Cuba event, I provided Tim Ritter, Hennessey team captain, with the names of available boat captains. Since, the Hennessey team boat was financed on their own; they had the ultimate selection and approval. Prior to the race, Ritter confirmed their happiness with their choice. The turn of events in the paddle from Key West to Cuba was unfortunate; however, the exhibition began with the clear understanding that boat captains have ultimate control concerning weather and satefy and could make the call. Most unfortunate, I feel was the decision by Team Hennessey to boycott the good will exhibition out of protest of the failed first crossing. After all, it was the country of Cuba who hosted their invitation in the name of goodwill and sportsmanship. It is shame they could find none to share.
Micheal O’Shaughnessy
Key West, Florida
All jazzed
Dear ER:
Thanks to many of you, we have been able to bring many a smile to a whole lot of faces on Wednesday, and now on Thursdays from 5:00 to 9:00 P.M.
The early evening is ideal for young families, grandparents, and especially ears that have not had the opportunity to sit and listen to this great music.
This really only the beginning of what its proving to be a great success for the Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza, however, we do need your constant support until we are able to interest a big name sponsor that will allow us to present great entertainment on more than just one evening a week. Pier Plaza should not only be for teens and bay watchers, our presentation is helping to bring out mature adults and young families to enjoy the sunsets, the food and the music. The entertainment helps to attract and keep people on the Pier Plaza and in the shops, stores and patios.
We have been fortunate enough to attract the El Camino College Pops Concert and Jazz Bands and the University of Southern California Jazz Band has been presented twice. We’ve learned that the best coverage of the Pier Plaza is to have two groups at different sections of the Pier Plaza.
Our dream is to have entertainment every early evening all year around, and also to acquire a stage or two for our groups. Could it be possible someday to have our restaurants set out some tables and chairs so as to be able to serve dinners to the audience as they listen to the concert?
If everyone gave a helping hand we would have much of the above happen. At this time you could help by donating what ever you feel you can afford weekly or monthly by cash or check, checks are to be made out to the entertainers (call Ozzie Cadena). All monies collected are for the music, printing, mailings etc. We are a group of volunteers that also contribute to the support of our music.
Ozzie Cadena
Hermosa Beach
Conflicting interpretations
Dear ER:
I demand a public apology from MB City Councilman Steven Napolitiano!
In a recent communication to me he wrote. "You…..purposely went door to door telling people that 13th street was going to be run through to Ardmore Avenue when you knew nothing of the sort was being considered." Then in another correspondence, he continued on to say,"….there are some irrefutable ones like your fabrication about 13th strret being run through to Ardmore (the added implication here is that I told even more lies)." His statements are lies or should I say, fabrications? And a dafamation to my character!
Subsequently by studying a copy of the ‘Notice of Preparation of an EIR’ (RE the Metlox property), April 6, 2000. I found this on page 3: "The extension of 13th street will provide vehicular access from Highland Avenue through Valley Drive." Notice it does not say,"…..through to Valley Drive only.", as the good Councilman claims.
In my dictionary (not the Napolitano-Webster Standard Collegiate Dictionary), the word ‘through’ is defined as ‘….continous passage……’ or ‘…..without stopping for…’. It is evident this can be interpreted as going through to Ardmore and consequently 13th street could be open all the way.
In addition, to mitigate the increase in the flow of traffic that is certain to occur at Morningside Drive with the present plans, the EIR may well use this interpretation to recommend such an action. In fact, it could recommend this action wihtout any such interpretation.
Robert Lay
Manhattan Beach
Junior guards, big hearts
Dear ER:
I’d like to extend a special thank you to Paul Hennessey, Tim Ritter, Scott Davie, and all involved for including the junior lifeguards in last Saturdays paddleboard championships. Their money, time, effort and enthusiasm went far in making all of the participants feel like winners.
Rick Ciampa
Hermosa Beach
Easy Reader Makes Me Smile
Dear ER:
I left the South Bay in 1978 for Michigan. After several more move with my company, I now find myself retired and living in Hurst, Texas, a suburb of Fort Worth. The locals here swear this is where the east ends and the west begins. I keep trying to tell them there is no life east of PCH. Whenever I need a lift I click on your website to check out the webcam and catch-up with life at the beach. I really like the addition of the streaming webcam.
I was sadden to note the passing of Helen Sinsabaugh. My journalism teacher in my senior year at RUHS (1961). She not only taught many of us but outlasted many of us as well. She will be missed. I also noted that Bob Benz is no longer the lighting rod for Hermosa Beach politics. He seems to enjoy his retirement. And I note that a former RUHS classmate of mine, Jerry Goddard, is the City Attorney for Redondo Beach. Way to go Jerry.
The Easy Reader a perfect place for a touch of reality.
Thanks,
Gary Leach
Hurst, Texas
Line-up protocol
Dear ER:
I’d like to thank the City of Hermosa Beach for the Dick Dale Concert this past Sunday evening. Dick Dale and his band entertained a thousand or more people on the beach, plus who knows how many on the Strand and surrounding area. As a 51 year-old So Cal native and Hermosa resident for 31 years, it was great to get the opportunity again to listen and watch the King of the Surf Guitar do his thing while sitting on sand next to the surf at Hermosa, where it all started.
Like many others who attended the concert, my friends and I arrived early to claim our place in the sand with our beach chairs and blankets. Our timing was good because we were able to flop down in what was the second row from the stage off the center to the right, and waited with anticipation for Dick to play his BEAST, as he calls it.
Shortly after Dick started playing, a bunch of inconsiderate jerks began to crowd in front of the stage. Not only did they obstruct the view of Dick Dale and the band from those sitting, but some of them made us endure watching them act like the jerks they are. I really enjoyed watching the small 30-something, skinny blond with the short hair trying to teach her daughter how to do the Swim! Or the old Hermosa Hippie, with the tie-dyed shirt, running through the crowd with hands in the air, beckoning Allah or some damn thing.
I was amazed at how many of these inconsiderate scumbags were people who appeared to be people of class in their upper ‘30’s. ‘40’s, and ‘60’s. Many were on dates (probably internet dates) or out with their wives and kids.
You can’t expect to ask people like this to please move, or please sit down, or even to use their heads without some sort of self-serving response or confrontation.
I hope that we don’t have to put up a barrier to have some staff members try to keep the front of the stage clear at future concerts. Hey, I like to have a good time, too. But there are rules and consequences that society lives by, and all of them are very basic. Sadly, during the Dick Dale Concert, Sunday in Hermosa Beach, and in the rest of America, it seems we are losing them.
Name withheld by request
Hermosa Beach