Dear Editor,
I had the pleasure of participating in the most recent beach cleanup with many of our fellow citizens on 11/13/2021. The turn-out and level of enthusiasm was great, and, while the low tide exposed a disgusting amount of trash along San Gabriel River jetty, by the end of morning, even that part of the beach looked nice. We were all treated to a wonderful display of birds and dolphins fishing about 50 yards offshore at the northern edge of the beach, a spectacular site for the clean-up crowd to enjoy as the reward for community participation.
We have been privileged living in our town and enjoy the proximity to the ocean, with better air quality and even more spectacular views coming once the new rules disallowing ships from drifting and anchoring within 50 miles of shore get enforced next week.
However, while enjoying the amenities of Old Town and the shore (District 1), as a resident of Seal Beach for 35 years, first having lived in College Part East, and during the last 15 years as an inhabitant of the “Hill”, let me propose that we start paying more attention and designate greater resources to all treasurable sections of our town. I have three important issues in mind relevant to the Hill and adjacent areas constituting the largest geographic District 3 (which also includes the Navy Base) and embracing Gum Grove Park and the path leading to the Gabrielino/Tongva Memorial.
1. Safety of the Hill: in recent weeks, the City placed multiple video cameras in District 1, and at a few heavily trafficked areas in Seal Beach. However, there have been several car-entries and garage break-ins, thefts of goods delivered to residences, and what I would characterize as suspiciously behaving characters wandering the streets of the Hill (this is particularly concerning, since the area is adjacent to an elementary school, and there are many vulnerable citizens living here). The city should provide and monitor cameras at a few designated areas on the Hill, in light of the proximity to PCH and Gum Grove Park.
2. Gum Grove Park: This nearly 10 acre area provides a haven for all age-groups of runners, dog-walkers, and nature-lovers. The Park, however, deteriorated significantly over the past few years: natural disintegration of Eucalyptus trees, the selfish removal of foliage and trees a few years back resulting in a prolonged lawsuit, and more recently the irrational haggling over how many trees and of what size can be planted in the almost bare section at the entrance of the park seriously undermined the recreational value of this important refuge within city limits. How planting trees would disturb the memory of any predecessors who lived here, rather than honoring them, with the proposal to plant 5 trees being woefully inadequate, at the least, the city should provide video surveillance at a couple of critical locations, including the areas close to the entrance, since warning signs to avoid destructive activities this past year failed to work. Signs similar to the ones placed at the “Dunes” would be most welcome.
3. Path to the Gabrielino/Tonga Memorial Site: The site has been selected and had been dedicated to the early tribal inhabitants of the area. The trail leading to the memorial, however, is frequently littered with dog feces and abandoned doggy bags. There are no trash cans. When one makes it to the circular memorial at the end of the path from either Gum Grove or from the opposite direction to the signs educating the visitor, the informational texts are mostly illegible. It would take minimal effort to provide a few permanent trash cans, maintain them, and clean the path. As for the signs, fixing them should be a trivial task. The condition of this path and signs are much more insulting to the memory of indigenous people than planting trees in the park.
Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts.
George Somlo MD
The Hill, Seal Beach
Apology is not enough
Dear Editor,
On October 26, a concerned parent shared her frustrations with the Los Alamitos Unified School District about the being forced to vaccinate and mask her children and all the other innocent children who attend Los Alamitos Unified School District schools. After her passionate comment, the response from Los Alamitos Unified School District President Marlys Davidson was, “F—k you!”
Even in today’s anything goes environment, Davidson’s shocking rudeness made headline news locally, statewide, nationally, and even internationally. No matter how old she will be, when someone googles her name, there will be the story of how the liberal-leaning Davidson insulted a caring parent by telling her “F—k you!” Her moniker will be Marlys “F—k you” Davidson. So sad.
Of course, Davidson apologized although many believe it’s more likely she’s sorry she got caught and not sorry she was so petulant to the concerned parent. An apology is very important, but it’s just words. As a teacher, Davidson could use the incident as an excellent example to the students she supposedly cares about by showing accountability for her actions. RESIGN! There have been numerous rallies calling for Davidson to resign as well as an ongoing petition drive.
There absolutely must be accountability for what Davidson did! If she doesn’t resign, Davidson should be removed as president of the school board. Otherwise, the lesson Davidson and the entire liberal-leaning Los Alamitos Unified School Board teaches students is that no matter what you do sprinkle the word “sorry,” and you won’t be held accountable for your actions (unless you are a Republican).
Ms. Davidson, on behalf of the community I am calling on you to resign! At the very least, I am seeking that you are no longer sitting in that prestigious school board president chair.
Eleanor Howard
Los Alamitos
